Bucs “Excited” For ASJ Skills
August 6th, 2015
Bucs TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins looks to be a big-time target given how often he is thrown to in practices.
Joe isn’t sure how many folks have come out to Bucs practices this month; there have been thousands thus far. But one thing Joe is confident fans there have seen is how often “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, has targeted his off-field pal, Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Now we all know that Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter likes to throw to tight ends, evidenced by his days in Atlanta. And today when asked about ASJ, Bucs coach Lovie Smith did nothing to dampen the idea that ASJ will be a major cog in the offensive gameplans.
“Last year when he came in he was injured, but we saw flashes,” Lovie said. “Whenever he’s been healthy, we’ve loved his play. That’s where we are at right now. He’s a big target. When we look for, nowadays tight ends, it’s, ‘OK, can he catch?’ and it’s about how many passes.
“Austin can catch the ball, we split him out whether he is inline or out, but when he’s in, he can block. He’s a big man and he’s a big target. We’re excited. I know (offensive coordinator) Dirk (Koetter) is really excited and (tight ends coach) Jon Embree. We’re excited about what we are going to be able to do with him.”
As Joe has stated, ASJ needs to stay out of the hot tub. And to be frank, he may need to polish his pass-catching skills. Let’s just say he’s dropped more than a couple of very well-thrown passes from Jameis.
It’s OK to do that in practice in early August, but those drops in key stages in games are a killer. Joe would sure like to see ASJ more consistent catching the ball on the practice fields of One Buc Palace. Plays in practice often carry over to games.
August 6th, 2015 at 7:38 pm
TE is a rookie QBs best friend. Now let’s hope he can stay healthy and hold on to the ball!
August 6th, 2015 at 9:04 pm
When it counts he’ll catch it.
August 6th, 2015 at 9:23 pm
When it counts….he will fumble the ball in overtime and lose the game. (Vikinkgs game) I was right there to watch it and the only thing that calmed myself was the Chase for jameis
August 6th, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Buchead how many favorite players have we seen drop balls at inopportune times? Used to be we were afraid of Mike Alstott fumbling but he’s still a fan favorite.
August 6th, 2015 at 10:06 pm
Love hearing positive plays coming from ASJ. Why haven’t we heard anything about Tim Wright?
August 6th, 2015 at 10:59 pm
Don’t worry, I suspect Koetter will spell his 4 verticals offense trotting out ASJ on one side and splitting out Wright on the other side the way the Patriots used to do with their TEs very successively. Koetter can also do that when Winston doesn’t have enough time with the 4 vertical’s offense. Wright was a WR and already knows how to run good short routes and has great hands and ASJ is fast and can get to the middle seam fast, catch the ball and run over the DBs for big gains. Both will be great in the red zone too. Score!!! Then bring back the four verticals with speedy Bell as our new slot receiver and he can catch passes on slants, then fake a slant and all four receivers can go deep and Bell can quickly get behind the defense and Winston can put it right over Bell’s shoulder for a touchdown. This is going to be lots of fun to watch.
August 6th, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Owlykat, you just made me have beyond believable visions of this season. Thank you for that lovely visual. Cant wait for this season!
August 7th, 2015 at 12:47 am
If he can keep himself out of the trainers room…he will have a chance to be a good one.
August 7th, 2015 at 8:20 am
It would be nice to hear reports of ASJ putting in extra time on the JUGS machine!