Bucs Cut Returner Marcus Thigpen
November 25th, 2014
Replacing Eric Page hasn’t been easy
The revolving door of returners trying to replace Eric Page keeps turning.
Jelly hands Marcus Thigpen was released today, after Trindon Holliday went to injured reserve and Chris Owusu was cut, after rookie Solomon Patton didn’t last long.
Now what?
Joe sure hopes Bobby Rainey gets a shot. It’s not like the Bucs are using him much in the offense. And he looked like he could handle the gig in preseason.
In other roster moves today, the Bucs promoted tight end Cameron Brate from the practice squad and signed tight end D.J. Williams.
Luke Stocker, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Brandon Myers were all banged up in Chicago.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:36 pm
I thought he would get cut at half time. I’m wrong again.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
The KR position has been brutalized this year by Lovie, or the ST coordinator Darren O’Dea. Either one of those guys just isn’t cutting it.
Paige is better than any returner we put out there this year. Also, Devin Hester roasted us, wasn’t he available and wanted to play for Lovie again? We suck because we make poor player additions, and it is about time for Lovie to step up and admit he made mistakes, specifically with our KR and Punter.
2-9 speaks for itself.
Schiano would’ve had a better record this year, fact.
This year, No MRSA, no hobbled Carl Nicks, no Franchise QB going awol, etc…. Schiano had a lot more BS to deal with than has Lovie, and to this point Lovie has stunk it up.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
I hope Rainey can get a shot, but I don’t think his hands can be trusted. He’s already coughed the ball up at crucial times, special teams more than likely not the answer for him.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
More moves to instill confidence in the decision-making around here. Good god this stinkhole widens by the minute
November 25th, 2014 at 1:46 pm
…just get someone that can catch the ball and not make mistakes…nothing worse than a fumbly return guy..we’ve had two come off the street and sh*t their pants….firing Paige was a mistake and he was a young guy too…one of Lovie’s glaring coaching mistakes this year – a fascination with speed guys like Hester…Hester won many games for Lovie, spoiled him, it wont happen again…one in a million player
November 25th, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Not sure what was wrong with Patton. I thought he did well. Other than fielding the ball inside the 20.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Lovie hasn’t even gotten through a season, and he’s already cutting the guys he hand picked to replace the other guys he cut. Christ he is no good at talent. Stick to defense only Lovie, and please rework his contract to ban him from the offense or personnel decisions. Hire a real OC and make them co-head coaches or whatever.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
uh the state of the return game is weaker than last year. Last years guy is sitting at home. what should we do? bring in another hack that has been cut more times than a loaf of bread with stats worse than EPs. EP gained more than 20 yards on more than 20% of his returns with 1 fumble lost. Averaged 11 yards and I suspect would be the #4 receiver on the team.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
I hear that McCown has a good set of wheels.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:54 pm
rainey on punts, james on k.offs…people that have been in camp and practicing!!!
November 25th, 2014 at 2:02 pm
My guest is his release is due to repeated bonehead plays that favored opponents? Then what about Bob…I mean Mccown, ACollins, n Koenen? How many bonehead plays they made that favored opponents?
Wow…we had a chance to get Hester n Sproles but pass on both, then Peppers, Dumervil, Avril, or Jared Allen, again pass on all consistent proven playmakers but go with inconsistent unproven players who know how to at best play dead n roll over.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:06 pm
I did’nt like the loss of Page either. He seemed better than everyone they have put in that position since. I wonder how McCown will fare against the Bengals defense. I don’t expect Lovie to sit him down against Cincy. Is’nt Cincinnati the U.S. sister city of Tampa? Past connections and all. I really think the game will be closer than expected. Of course, they are trying to hold off all three teams in their division.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Too bad the Head Coach is not held to the same Standards as Punt Returners
November 25th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Who the F could catch a punt game day for the Bucs with “that” pressure…….
November 25th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
Did not “Lovie is as Lovie does”….have the chance to sign his other “son” as punt returner
November 25th, 2014 at 2:15 pm
hard to imagine, but a couple of lucky bounces or plays and we would be in first place!…chance to take over this division in coming years with all the problems with the other teams…we can play defense now anyway…other NFC South teams – not so much…
November 25th, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Another bad personnel decision by Lovie and crew. I’m not sure why he cut Page this season.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
hawk
“I hear that McCown has a good set of wheels.”
lol.
hell yeah, screw the push ups, put him on kick and punt returns when he chokes!
November 25th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Thank you
November 25th, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Sign Paige and be done with it.
If pride gets in the way, ahem, James and Rainey then.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:31 pm
Goodbye Marcus… You sucked… Learn to catch the ball without those giant fu#king gloves on…
November 25th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
My military family did not raise me to expect instant gratification anywhere in life. Lovie was 5-11 his first season with Chicago. The next season they ended 11-5 and the following one was a Super Bowl birth… With Rex grossmsn at QB. Ill stay quiet and watch L&L build a winning team.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:46 pm
I think lovie is a good coach, I also think he came in with a big head thinking he had to tear down the whole team because the previous regime was so bad every decision they made must have been bad. Eric page got more than 20 yards in close to 25% of his punt returns.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:48 pm
That is a mighty positive way of looking at it Bucco Bruce.
I hope you’re right.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Mitch
Will Rivera or marinelli be coming to Tampa next year? If not I would not count on Lovie matching the success he had in Chitown.
November 25th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Next cut should be Koenen. Dead last in punting in the NFL. I’m sure they could sign somebody off the street that can punt better than that. Just freaking pathetic!
November 25th, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Meanwhile Josh Cribbs gets signed by the Colts last week and takes a return to the house in his first game!
November 25th, 2014 at 4:12 pm
The arrogance of Lovie is what upsets me the most.
Cutting alot of our proven players because we were 4-12.
Now look at you, you grubby little man. You are gross
November 25th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
I agree. Cut Koenen. At the end of the season. Gotta pay him anyway.
As to all the Lovie-bashing, get over it people.
At least Lovie is willing the cut under performers and keep looking for solutions.
November 25th, 2014 at 5:28 pm
DB55- if im not mistaken Marinelli’a contract is up at the end of the year. Tampa could make a move! It remains to be seen.
November 25th, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Should have paid Hester
November 25th, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
November 25th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
As to all the Lovie-bashing, get over it people.
At least Lovie is willing to cut under performers and keep looking for solutions.
——————————————————————————–
Finally the voice of reason steps in. Thigpen proved quickly that he is a “fumbler” – the worst thing a return guy can be. Sooner or later Lovie will find his returner.
I believe he won’t accept anything less than “special” when it comes to that position long term. Lovie’s willing to run through many different prospects for the job until he finds that certain extra something he’s used to having from working with Hester all those years.
If you consider what I just said – you will then comprehend the “great mystery” of why he moved on from Eric Page. Page was fairly “reliable” – but he was not and never would be “special” at returner due mainly to lack of speed. Simple as that….
November 25th, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Over 20% of eps punt returns went for over 20 yards that my friend is pretty good.
November 25th, 2014 at 7:27 pm
willie.D Says:
November 25th, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Over 20% of eps punt returns went for over 20 yards that my friend is pretty good.
——————————
Not quite – but almost. It sounds pretty good when you say it that way – but you are talking about 4 returns out of 23 EP made in 2013 with a long of 54 and no TDs.
Page averaged 10.9 yards per punt return last year.
Patton, Holliday and Thigpen have averaged 12.1 yards per return on 16 attempts so far this year.
All are unemployed. Next man up. Someone will earn the right to keep the return job sooner or later.
November 25th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
If Lovie doesn’t make any changes to Schiano’s O line, this is a 500 ball club. Just like a doctor—first rule is do no harm.
November 25th, 2014 at 9:55 pm
I thought patton was good and did not complain except he also came up short of 20 on KR. Fumbles are the main issue. this team has fumbled three times as much as Eric page did last year the whole year.that being said if Lovie you really wanted win and really cared about turnovers he’d go back to the guy that’s better than what they’ve had this year
November 26th, 2014 at 10:33 am
Mando PLayr Says:
November 25th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
If Lovie doesn’t make any changes to Schiano’s O line, this is a 500 ball club. Just ‘”like a doctor—first rule is do no harm.”
Nothing personal, but that is a dumb comment. 500 is good enough for you?
Lovie will keep trying to fix all positions until they are fixed. He’ll get us a solid nucleus.
November 26th, 2014 at 11:36 am
The trouble I believe is EPwasn’t hand picked by Dovie. Lovie wants to get rid of as many of Schiano’s players as he can. Why? because he can since he has complete control. He needs to go back to his cage in his basement. He is one arrogant SOB. IMO Schiano was not given a fair chance after what all happened last year, but they will keep this clown around another year at least. Give all the credit to the great football minds of the Glazers.
November 26th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
I remember the “Truth” Williams returning punts and he was no speed demon. Just good hands. Good moves and good vision.