Embracing The “Hump”
November 23rd, 2015
Dirk Koetter has found a trustworthy target
An under-the-radar stat of the Bucs’ offense is wide receiver Adam Humphries inhaling a big percentage of what’s been thrown his way.
The undrafted rookie has caught two thirds of his targets, aka passes thrown in his direction. That’s a very high percentage.
Of Humphries’ 16 catches, eleven have been for first downs. That’s another whopping ratio when you look around the NFL.
So who was the last sure-handed, slot-type receiver wearing Bucs colors? Well, then second-year man Sammie Stroughter had an solid year back in 2010, for an excellent 10-6 Bucs team, but Humphries is off to a better pace.
The gold standard of Bucs slot receivers was the magical Ike Hilliard, aka “3rd-And-Ike.” During the Bucs’ last playoff season, 2007, Hilliard caught 71 percent of the balls thrown his way. Of his 62 total catches, 37 were for first downs.
Humphries, called “Hump” by Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, is no Hilliard. But his rise shouldn’t go unnoticed. During the Bucs’ current November run, Humphries has caught 14 balls for 144 yards.
Joe talked to Humphries about his high catch-to-target ratio yesterday, and Humphries attributed it in part to playing college ball at Clemson with Sammie Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. He said being on the field with those guys, just like with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, drove him to stay focused and make the most of limited opportunities that will come his way.
Clearly, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has a growing trust in Humphries. And Jameis certainly does. No Bucs receiver catches more balls thrown his way.
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Next year will be very interesting when it comes to WR.
We have
Evans, Jackson, Murphy, Humphries, Shepard & Bell who are the front runners.
IMO Bell is on the bubble if we only keep 5 because he hasn’t proven himself.
Perhaps we will keep six. If we pick one up in FA or the draft things could change. I believe we will either simply pay Vjax or try to restructure him to a 2 year deal.
This stable of WRs could get the job done….if that is the case, we can concentrate on the Defense…..using Glennon’s pick & later rounds to move up.
My personal opinion is that we need a top WR prospect but not necessarily next year.
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Nice job Hump! Making catches look easy.
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:28 pm
“3rd & Ike” might be my favorite nickname of all time
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:29 pm
Jets waived Coples because he’s not suited as a 3-4 linebacker. He’s a DE in a 4-3 hopefully they put a claim in.
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:40 pm
And don’t forget that there was a holding penalty against the Bucs on the TD pass that Humphries dropped.
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:40 pm
We’re slowly building up some nice dept at wide receiver , That will be a great problem to have next year!
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Rojas.
The problem with taking a chance on Coples is his 7.75 million dollar salary/ cap hit.
November 23rd, 2015 at 1:58 pm
im happy for hump…kid gets an opportunity and takes full advantage of it…I hope he continues to have success…GO BUCS!!!
November 23rd, 2015 at 2:04 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
I don’t think we’ll ever keep just 5 WRs. They are among the most injured positions on the team.
November 23rd, 2015 at 2:11 pm
Quinton Cople contract was for 2.2 Million a year. I’m pretty sure we can afford that! Very low risk signing!
November 23rd, 2015 at 2:21 pm
@ Bonzai
Not true We did it this year..& Did it yesterday
Evans, Jackson, Humphries, Shepard with Dye inactive
Evans, Jackson, Murphy, Shepard
Humphries/Dye/Hall various stints on the practice squad with Bell on IR….
Since Rainey is the returner then none needed there…
And we have Sims who can line up in the slot if necessary.
November 23rd, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Dirk Koetter is this teams savior.
November 23rd, 2015 at 7:29 pm
Smoke another J ?
Good depth at WR please we have no WR depth at all.
Evans > A solid Number 1 receiver but hamstring problems and Dropseys.
VJ> A solid # 1 or 2 but way past his prime.
Nobody else would ever make a good team.
November 24th, 2015 at 6:44 am
Capt blighe…
You need to open your eyes pal. I agree with Evans and the drops, that is inexceptable by all means. Jackson is still a stud. Humphris ks our little Wayne cgrebef. And when ASJ and our Nebraska product return we will be just fine. And don’t forget about the new kid on the block brate!