Returning To Sullivan Success
June 10th, 2015
Change isn’t really change
Once upon a time, the Buccaneers had the NFL’s ninth-ranked offense under first-year (and first-time) offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan.
A big part of that success was the New Schiano Order watching Vincent Jackson film with the Chargers and realizing V-Jax was underutilized.
In 2012, Sullivan came in talking about how V-Jax wouldn’t just be ripping the top off defenses, like he did with Phillip Rivers in San Diego. V-Jax would run crossing routes, line up in the slot and terrorize the NFL in various ways. The result was the best season of V-Jax’s career.
Fast forward to last week, and loads of media made a big stink about how V-Jax was eager to adjust to a more diverse role this year. Well, of course he’s eager. For some reason, Marcus Arroyo and Lovie Smith changed how V-Jax was operating last season. Per ProFootballFocus.com V-Jax lined up in the slot on 36.5 percent of snaps in 2012, versus 23 percent last year.
New Bucs OC Dirk Koetter saw first-hand what V-Jax can accomplish in 2012 and 2013.
Absolutely Koetter is going to use him in the slot. Until proven otherwise, V-Jax is the Bucs’ best slot receiver and more effective inside than any tight end on the roster.
June 10th, 2015 at 10:27 am
Asj will be in the mix this seasin for sure
June 10th, 2015 at 10:33 am
It seems that new offensive coordinators like Sullivan do real good in the NFL, at first. This may be because there is no film on them ?
It seemed that once the NFL got Film on Sullivan, we did not do as good as we once did.
We got too predictable under Sullivan and Schiano, is what I am trying to say.
Let’s all hope that Koetter stays unpredictable, and Jameis has the time to see and utilize all his many weapons.
June 10th, 2015 at 10:47 am
only reason vjack has to line up all over the field is because they cant find a slot guy who knows how to hold on to the ball. if you have a legit slot guy no one is lining up in his spot. we really need a break out guy from one of the later rounds and ASJ to wake up.
June 10th, 2015 at 10:48 am
Miss those uniforms. 🙁
June 10th, 2015 at 10:51 am
Koeter has been around a while and produced on multiple teams. VJax and Evans are a better pair than White and Jones over in Atlanta so I think the Bucs passing game will do just fine.
June 10th, 2015 at 10:58 am
It might just mean that Vjax no longer has the speed to stretch the outside!!! Its good to hear that they might try and work to the strength of someone’s limitations!!!
June 10th, 2015 at 11:09 am
Koetter is a competent enough OC to position his weapons in spots to create mismatches against opposing defenses. Also, a more formidable passing game should make things a little easier for some success rushing this season.
June 10th, 2015 at 5:11 pm
I like Kenny Bell’s skillset in comparison to Atlanta’s slot WR, Harry Douglas. Douglas is a little shorter and a little slower but very quick, even after his ACL tear early in his career. I think Douglas may have been a 5th rounder as well… or maybe a 3rd rounder… either way, Bell compares nicely.
June 10th, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Very glad the Bucs were smart enough to hang onto VJax this year even though he is overpaid at this point. So what – if anyone on this team deserves to be overpaid – its Vincent Jackson considering his excellent productivity and positive leadership over the last 3 years on a bunch of very bad offenses.
Jackson may drop a few more passes than we like to see of late – but the dude is still a stud receiver and will really help to make Winston’s transition to the NFL easier. He will also take pressure off Evans as safety’s cant just shade towards ME13 all game and leave VJax in single coverage.
Plus – who better to keep teaching Evans what it takes to be an elite and successful big receiver in the NFL? Kenny Bell and all the young receivers will benefit from being around VJax as well. I’m excited to see some big plays this year with Winston winging the ball to these guys.
June 10th, 2015 at 8:18 pm
it’ll take bell a while to be effective in the slot. it’s a really heady position in the NFL. VJax will thrive with those opportunities, and i will have to see ASJ healthy in the regular season before i can buy that he will actually be dangerous in the middle of the field
June 10th, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Top receivers in the NFL are expected to make $!6 million a year this year. I think Vjax is coming in at around 10 to 12 million. Perhaps he is paid a tad to much, but it’s not your money so why worry about it. if Vjax hangs on for another year or two his contract will be ending when Evans is about ready to be renewed. Good timing.
Besides, Vjax is the best receiver this team has had other than Keenan McCardell who we let slip always for a paltry mill or two. Now that was stupid.
June 11th, 2015 at 8:00 am
Kenny Bell isn’t a slot reciever. He’ll play on the outside when Jackson moves inside.
June 11th, 2015 at 9:40 pm
@drdneast…….Joey Galloway was great too