Spreadsheeters Lukewarm On Carter
March 14th, 2015
Just on paper, the big free agent signing for the Bucs is linebacker Bruce Carter (thus far, remember, Greg Hardy is still a fish unhooked).
Solid and fast in pass coverage, versatile, Joe is of the mind Carter will replace Mason Foster at middle linebacker.
Wherever he plays, however, the spreadsheeters are not doing handstands over the signing, as Nate Hodges of Pro Football Focus details.
It’s fair to call Carter a disappointment at this point in his career. Teams don’t let 27-year-old former second round picks go if they’re performing well. Carter has always displayed the athleticism and physical tools to play the position but injuries and inconsistent play plagued him during his four-year stint in Dallas.
He did post 96 total tackles in 2013 and added 68 last season. However, he missed three games due to injury and laid a goose egg in the stat column in a fourth. And we all know that tackles, while perfect for fantasy football, aren’t the best metric for grading linebackers in the NFL. Carter graded out -11.2 overall last season, including -3.4 against the run and -10.2 in pass coverage. Not exactly what you want to see if you’re the Cowboys front office. So now he’s off to Tampa and a chance at greener pastures.
Time will tell, but Carter, Joe believes for a variety of reasons, will be a mike linebacker in Tampa. And in Lovie’s defense, pass defense is greatest trait a player can have at that position. Carter can do this well.
Danny Lansanah had a test drive at middle linebacker when Mason Foster went down with injuries. Neither Lovie nor defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier thought much of the result. Lovie grimaced and went on to say Lansanah was “just OK” at middle linebacker and Frazier said Lansanah was best-suited to play outside.
March 14th, 2015 at 7:49 am
I think he will be ok. He knows the system now and probably took a while to flourish. Plus we have an awesome LB coach. Hopefully our LB core will sync up im loving the idea of david/carter/lansanah.
March 14th, 2015 at 7:57 am
Anyone that knows Lovies D is a big upgrade. I personally prefer big corners playing press all day but if this is the way the team is going, better to have above average guys that know the system than studs than great athletes that don not.
March 14th, 2015 at 7:58 am
Did the WIZ ever sign with Seattle???
March 14th, 2015 at 8:17 am
Teams need guys like this, average players that have some experience and know what’s expected. He’s probably not going to threaten a Pro Bowl roster, but that’s not why he was signed.
We still need to sign a couple of offensive linemen.
March 14th, 2015 at 8:18 am
Since when did baseball saber-metrics invade football???? Carter can play! We’ll be glad we have him come September.
March 14th, 2015 at 8:19 am
This guy is is a backup, what did Mason Foster grade out to? I bet it was better. Lovie is grasping at straws, he is trying to find player coaches for the Tampa 2
March 14th, 2015 at 8:22 am
At this point let’s be real, anything average is quite the upgrade, that can be said everywhere except DT and WLB, FA for the most part is done, you tell me, can 7 draft picks make us competitive?? 5-11 is the ceiling IMO
March 14th, 2015 at 8:27 am
So what if 5-11 is the ceiling? The Bucs were 2-14, how big of an improvement did you expect?
This is going to be a process.
If Winston hits like Andrew Luck did, they’ll have a punchers chance. But the reality is that this team has a lot of holes and they’re not going to be resolved in one off-season.
March 14th, 2015 at 8:29 am
Pencil in 5 wins and a top 5 draft pick again.
This team has not gotten better. Conte sucks.
No O-line at all
This sucks
March 14th, 2015 at 8:36 am
The Kevin
Welcome to reality.
Until Lovie is back in the basement and his passive defense is in a.
Museum where it belongs 5 to 6 wins is max.
Hopefully Jameis will be able to help Lovie with his fear of scoring points.
March 14th, 2015 at 8:38 am
If we can just avoid the annual 6 game losing streak, I’ll call that a win. Hey what can I say? I’m an optomist.
March 14th, 2015 at 8:56 am
Not “The Kevin” THE ORIGINAL “KEVIN” Says:
March 14th, 2015 at 7:58 am
Did the WIZ ever sign with Seattle???
Not Yet……
March 14th, 2015 at 8:59 am
He should be in Hardy’s and Shelton’s office now learning how the Mike is played, then throw in tapes of Urlacher, practice, practice, practice.
March 14th, 2015 at 9:07 am
It is still a team and it is how they work together and we don’t know who they is yet. Hardy should be able to help him along with LVD
March 14th, 2015 at 9:17 am
Looking forward to the draft. All other Kevin’s are posers!!!!
March 14th, 2015 at 9:21 am
I’m glad my mother never named me Kevin.
March 14th, 2015 at 9:26 am
Joe…
As far as I know, Carter has never played MLB…. shat makes you think that a guy wh had the most tackles in his college career (UNC) as a sophmore (just over 60) can be a good MLB ? Yes, he posted a great 40 time, but I can’t figure out why you so readily recognize the importance of QB on offense but are so clueless about the importance of MLB on defense (hint: the QB of the D) ? Erick Kendricks is the best MLB prospect to come along (except Kuechly and Willis) in the last 15 years…. he, with David and now Carter could bring our linebacking corps to almost elite level for the next few years… After QB, draft Kendrick and OL !! C’mon Joe… MLB is more important than you think !!
March 14th, 2015 at 9:38 am
When I talked about stuff from PFF last season, a Joe told me those stats were BS lol.
March 14th, 2015 at 9:40 am
Now we need to sign Wiz and Hardy
March 14th, 2015 at 9:43 am
@largosam
I enjoyed your post, but I’m wondering if you are either Kendricks agent, his dad, his money hungry relative lookin’ for a pay day through him, or perhaps even Erick himself. 🙂
March 14th, 2015 at 9:48 am
Wonder if it´s me, because to me, Mason was our best LB besides Lavonte and was it for quite some years..
while not great, he was absulutely solid
Not compeltely sold on Lansanah or Carter or Fletcher (while all of them are good depth; but real solid starters?)
March 14th, 2015 at 9:53 am
@Bawlmerbucfan…
Ha..ha…ha…lol ! No, I am just a big MLB fan wh is still P.O.ed that we pssed on Kuechly in 2012 and took Mark Barron ! I tried and tried and tried to beat the drum for Kuechly… but… just like now… I guess MLB is an undervalued unglamorous position undeserving of any credit by the “Joes” of the world ! (By the way.. did you know that Kuechly won Def Player of the year) ??
How can the Def POY be awarded to such an inconsequential, “plug and Play” (right Joe ?) position ??
March 14th, 2015 at 10:03 am
Kendricks INT´s were more poor thrown balls than actual coverage ability (same like Keith Tandy in that one Shiano year)
Perryman is overall better IMO, because better blitzer, better shedding blocks, big hitter.
Kendricks is around the play (which is good) but he isn´t making the play.
Think of the Lovie LB to be more in the Urlacher shape – will hit you, is a beast.
Perryman fits the mold more than Kendricks
(although both arent very good agaist coverage)
BUT: we got lavonte for passing downs, so a LB (just as Mason was) would be fine..
what we realy need though is better sheme and Safety play (or DB; i like the DB/Safety/LB tweeners)
March 14th, 2015 at 10:05 am
We have some real Debbie Downers here. I think some of us must have heard the old nursery rhyme of the little train chugging to the top of the hill…”I think I can’t….I think I can’t.
Is that how it’s supposed to work? Kinda like Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s classic book, “The Power of Negative Thinking”? Except that’s not what he wrote is it!
A famous saying goes…argue for you limitations and they are indeed your limitations.
Or as Henry Ford famously said, “If you think you can or you think you can’t…you’re right.
We had a long time of thinking we can’t. I’m not against assessing life realistically but I’ve NEVER achieved anything in life believing the worst about myself.
I see great improvement in the Bucs next year no matter which choices OBP make. I see great hope in Lovie’s lack of massive ego. He has either been told by the Glazers that Licht has more power, or Lovie simply is trusting Licht more.
Lovie is comfortable in his own skin. That’s a great thing. Insecure people make bad decisions and bad posters I might add. Lovie’s hire of Koetter was excellent. One simply has to believe somebody with Koetter’s credentials didn’t come here if Lovie wasn’t ready to give him the keys to the offense.
March 14th, 2015 at 10:05 am
trade for Tyran Mathieu!
March 14th, 2015 at 10:08 am
@Stpetebucsfan:
Great post and even better attitude ! The world needs more people that think like that !
March 14th, 2015 at 10:20 am
@Stpetebucsfan:
Great post …. I too get tired of the negativity so I rarely read the posts.
and … All other Kevin’s are posers!!!
March 14th, 2015 at 10:22 am
@StPetebucsfan:
You’d be damn comfortable in your own skin if you were getting overpaid like Lovie…..
Lovie is like a fading player who knows this is his last big contract.
March 14th, 2015 at 10:22 am
wow, got to call my own post BS..
I only had a samll sample sice seen of Kendrick and wasn´t impressed first.
But this kid can realy play!
Better prospect Perryman or Kendricks doesn´t matter..
as there is too much to consider: what are you looking for sheme wise, and what do you expect them to do..
Both are good
March 14th, 2015 at 10:52 am
The man only won a superbowl as defensive quarternator with the Rams,went to another superbowl with rex grossman as his qb,won double digit games,8 out of his 9 season’s in the chi. But he needs to go back to the basement. “Wow”. You people.
March 14th, 2015 at 11:21 am
Nole
You are dead wrong. Lovie never had 8 double digit wins. All his accomplishments were nearly a decade ago. Next up
March 14th, 2015 at 11:24 am
Lovie aims to erase a lot of the fan negativity going forward the old school way, by winning some games in bunches. The Bucs will win about half their games this year. Irrationally exuberant, or feeling it strongly.
March 14th, 2015 at 11:55 am
We can hope that Carter plays well at MLB – but until we see it consistently – its nothing but hope and an unknown. My take at this point is that his signing was basically just filling a hole with a player who already knows the system so it makes sense – but I think Lovie knows he’s gonna have to spend a high draft pick at some point to fill that important need properly.
Unfortunately, aside from Kendricks who probably won’t be on the board when we pick at #34 and possibly Perryman who does not seem to have the necessary coverage skills to excel in the T2 – there are not many other viable options for a good 4-3 MLB in this year’s draft. Might have to wait till next year to fill that spot properly. We’ll see.
Here’s hoping coach Nickerson can get Carter coached up and that he takes to his new position like a dolphin to water. I’m not counting on that outcome but hopefully this move turns out at least reasonably well until we can find a big talent upgrade at MLB.
If Dom wasn’t such an idiot – we would be set at MLB for the next decade. Yea, I know it’s water under the bridge, but its hard to let go of when you see Kuechly being such a dominant force – meanwhile we have absolutely nothing to show for the #7 overall pick just 3 years ago. Sigh. Thanks Dom!!!
March 14th, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Now, for the rest of the story.
I believe Pro Football Focus was the same rag that graded out Michael Johnson anis Anthony Collins so high last year. I could be wrong so I am sure someone will correct me if I am.
March 14th, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Good post Pickgrin ! I see you know the value and role of a good MLB !
Yea, I know I come on strong about Kendricks – but I am big on the value of MLB and STILL just sick that we passed on Kuechly ! Again, good, intelligent post Pickgrin !
March 14th, 2015 at 3:49 pm
Yes Sam. It is a VERY important position in this Defense – and nobody knows that more than former LB coach Lovie Smith. 3 Tech DT, Weakside LB, and DE are all very important positions in T2 as well – and we have 2 of those 3 covered as well as any team could hope for. But without a good MLB – this defense is very soft in the middle of the field and susceptible to Tight Ends having a field day catching the ball as we saw all last year. If we could somehow land a stud MLB – either via FA like Hardy Nickerson or via draft like with Kuechly who SHOULD have been our 1st round pick 3 years ago – then this Defense would take a huge leap in its effectiveness and ability to stop the opposing team’s offense. Those type players are hard to find though – and the resurgence of the 3-4 defense is not making it any easier to find qualified prospects. I know you feel that Kendricks fits in that mold. If Lovie agrees with you unreservedly – we are likely to see the Bucs move back up into the 1st round to go get him. So yea – its an important position. You can trust Lovie to give his best effort at finding talent for that spot I believe. If he was willing to accept mediocrity at MLB – then Foster would still be a Buccaneer.
March 14th, 2015 at 4:09 pm
Joe(s)….
For God’s sake pay attention to Pickgrin (above)… and quit thinking that in Lovie’s D… the MLB is any, fairly fast “play and plug” LB ! A weak MLB hurts THIS defense more than most. I have nothing against Bruce Carter (other than he has never been a MLB in a 4-3 (especially a Tampa 2) and seems to get hurt alot. I think he’ll be a good addition (at Sam, not Mike). But I don’t think he has either the experience or the instincts (or the tackling ability) of Kendricks….. of course, just my opinion… and I daresay… Pickgrin’s also…. I am just passionate about MLB play and how much exploiting the middle of the field weakens this WHOLE defensive scheme (more than most).
March 14th, 2015 at 4:43 pm
“or via draft like with Kuechly who SHOULD have been our 1st round pick 3 years ago”
I don’t know if I’ll ever get over that one. My jaw dropped and broke my foot.
March 14th, 2015 at 5:21 pm
No kidding Bill. That 1st pick in 2012 was such a horror show. I and a # of people I knew felt the Bucs should just take Kuechly at #5. Very few wanted Morris Claiborne which is who most experts were projecting the Bucs to take – and who Joe wanted as well if I remember correctly.
When they traded down to #7 and picked up the extra 4th round pick – we all sitting there thought it was a good move and that for sure the pick would now be Kuechly. There was no other logical choice.
When King Goodell said the name Mark Barron – it was like a shocked silence hit the room – and hung there for about 5 seconds before the cursing and WTFs began.
I was satisfied with moving back up to get Doug Martin because of the RB need – and was VERY happy they moved up again in the 2nd to get Lavonte David who I wanted them to take with the 2nd pick the whole time. But that 1st pick just sucks and will haunt this team until Lovie is able to fill the gigantic hole in this defense that Dominik left. Apparently Dom and Schiano were satisfied with Foster as the MLB answer even though he was playing out of position the entire time he was here. Lovie knew better so that’s encouraging.
March 14th, 2015 at 11:48 pm
Bawlmerbucfan Says:
@largosam
I enjoyed your post, but I’m wondering if you are either Kendricks agent, his dad, his money hungry relative lookin’ for a pay day through him, or perhaps even Erick himself. 🙂
_____________________________________________
And Kuechly’s butt buddy.
March 15th, 2015 at 9:10 am
The hope here is that Carter will finally “get it”. He was lost at times the past 2 seasons in Kiffin/Marinelli’s D in Dallas. He went from looking like he would be a star at the WLB to being a part-time player at SLB. When he was at ILB in Dallas’s 3-4, he was turning into an absolute monster…and I was thinking about what a waste it was to have a guy that could fly around like him and make plays, stuck in the 3-4.. then a scheme came in that seemed perfectly suited to his strengths…and he has struggled.
The deal he signed is a multi-year deal, but the truth is that if the Bucs don’t like what they see then they pay $4.25 mil for one year and can cut him without any further commitment or cost…so the Bucs gambled a little bit on Carter, but more than anything, Carter has gambled on himself… and he’ll be playing to keep that contract.
Physically, Carter MIGHT be the most athletic LB in the NFL…. truthfully, the T-2 scheme is not all that complicated when compared to many others…but that isn’t to say there aren’t tons of players that struggle to grasp the mental side of the position. Hopefully, going into his 3rd season in pretty much the same system, Carter “gets it” and can produce from day one.
As for teams not letting good players walk… true most of the time… but in the Dallas situation, they have a MLB in Lee, and their starter from last season, McClain, is also a free agent, along with a high percentage of the team, Dallas isn’t exactly rolling in cap room.
March 15th, 2015 at 9:16 am
LargoSamIM Says:
March 14th, 2015 at 4:09 pm
Joe(s)….
For God’s sake pay attention to Pickgrin (above)… and quit thinking that in Lovie’s D… the MLB is any, fairly fast “play and plug” LB ! A weak MLB hurts THIS defense more than most. I have nothing against Bruce Carter (other than he has never been a MLB in a 4-3 (especially a Tampa 2) and seems to get hurt alot. I think he’ll be a good addition (at Sam, not Mike). But I don’t think he has either the experience or the instincts (or the tackling ability) of Kendricks….. of course, just my opinion… and I daresay… Pickgrin’s also…. I am just passionate about MLB play and how much exploiting the middle of the field weakens this WHOLE defensive scheme (more than most).
—————-
I too, also love Kendricks. The guy can play. He is a magnet to the ball, he can get down the field and cover, and he’s a bit undersized, just small enough for him to still be on the board when we draft in round 2. With the signing of Carter, however, I think MLB need has been filled temporarily.