Did Lovie Send A Message To Verner And Banks?
September 3rd, 2015
Strange happening on the field tonight in Miami.
Lovie Smith gave starting cornerbacks Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks extended playing time, in a meaningless fourth preseason game in which most starters rode the bench.
These could be reasons why:
1) Lovie tried to send a message: that he needs better cornerback play and guys better go out and show it, or risk losing their starting jobs. Between courting free agent cornerback Tim Jennings and playing starters, it feels like something’s going on.
2) Lovie is down on Mike Jenkins. Ronde Barber said during the broadcast that Jenkins needs to show coaches he can cover deep. Remember, Barber often seems to echo what he hears from the regime.
3) The Bucs have legitimate depth issues at corner. Leslie Frazier referenced this early in training camp.
4) The Bucs didn’t want to showcase corners down on their depth chart, in hopes of hiding a guy a bit and sneaking him on the practice squad on Sunday.
September 3rd, 2015 at 7:55 pm
All good points, Joe
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:05 pm
I hope he gave Charles Sims the same message. 5 carries for 0 yards and he’s 2nd string?!? COME ON MAN!!!!
Rainey
Martin
James
Winston
Sims
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:22 pm
The entire defense looked terrible including carter the big FA signee
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:26 pm
And so I’m stuck watching the “local” game up here..Green Bay – N.O.
I would not want to be a Saints fan right now.
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:27 pm
How about we trade RB Sims for anybody. Wow does he suck! What the heck were L&L thinking when they wasted a 3d round pick on this stiff?!
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:28 pm
stpete, sign up for the free trial of gamepass.
i am watching the game live, and can even listen to deckerhoff’s audio if i want.
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:29 pm
I like Mike James, how come he doesn’t get more playing time?
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:36 pm
@Danr
Sadly I should have done that last week. I could have watched both Cleveland and Miami.
September 3rd, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Tim Jennings is a Buc! Welcome aboard Tim!
September 3rd, 2015 at 11:10 pm
Depth issue at corner? I’d actually say we have one of the more solid CB lineups in the NFL. Verner, Banks, Jennings, plus Moore and Jenkins
September 4th, 2015 at 2:22 am
Waiver wire
September 4th, 2015 at 5:56 am
Yeah, one of them will be moving to slot on obvious passing downs, welcome aboard Mr. Jennings.
September 4th, 2015 at 8:18 am
Another thought is that the “regime” may not want to expose a couple of players they plan on releasing to injuries. That way they don’t have to pay injury settlements. Especially the case for veteran players.