Bracing For A Patience Party?
March 4th, 2016
(Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)
Once upon a time, general manager Jason Licht and former Bucs overlord Lovie Smith told fans repeatedly that it was unfair to ask fans to be patient any longer.
No, no, no, they said, no more patience needed after three years of losing.
Enter 2014 and the total collapse of the Bucs en route to a 2-14 record and victory in the Chase for Jameis.
Then came 2015, the Bucs were 6-6 in December and Licht starting talking publicly about playoff expectations for 2016.
Lovie got a fired after collapsing to 6-10. It was the ultimate no-patience move by Team Glazer. A majority of fans cheered. Joe saluted Team Glazer.
So now what? Will the Bucs behave like a patient team when the free agency dinner bell rings in five short days?
It’s going to be pretty darn confusing if they are patient. As Joe has written already, if the Bucs don’t re-sign Doug Martin, bag a significant defensive end in free agency and/or shore up their depth at receiver, then Joe will start thinking of the Bucs as a true rebuilding project targeting 2017.
March 4th, 2016 at 4:26 pm
Well Joe, if you haven’t figured it out by now, keep re-reading your last sentence.
March 4th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
It will be 1-2 more years before the bucs can even dream of run through the playoffs.
March 4th, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Joe, how come no talk about Bruce Irvin? Seems to me he’s one of the better DE’s on the market
March 4th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
It’ll take a top-shelf running back, two solid pass rushers, two solid receivers, and two safeties for the Bucs to be competitive for a playoff spot in 2016.
Doug Martin qualifies as a top-shelf running back, so get him signed right away. When the free agency dinner bell rings, don’t shop at the scratch and dent store to try to prove how smart the scouting department is anymore, go get some proven talent with tread left on the tires.
March 4th, 2016 at 5:14 pm
You people are insane. Our offense will be top 10 this season (agian). We’re drafting all defense and we don’t have a numbskull trying to put square pegs in round holes. Give me last years offense with an improved defense and we”re 8-8, 9-7….then just imagine if the offense this season is actually better than last year?
We have the right coach, we have the right coaching staff, and we have a franchise qb, that people want to play with (free agency). We can definitely make a playoff run this coming season…
March 4th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
The Real Malloy … “We have the right coach, we have the right coaching staff, and we have a franchise qb, that people want to play with (free agency). We can definitely make a playoff run this coming season.”
Your first sentence there I’m on-board with 100%. Things are definitely looking up in Bucsville. Also agree with your 8-8 projection (9-7 will be a real stretch I think given our schedule this year) but … doubtful that either would get us into the playoffs. Panthers will be really hard to unseat for at least the next year or two, which would leave us scrambling for a wildcard berth, along with a LOT of good NFC teams. Stranger things have happened though.
March 4th, 2016 at 5:33 pm
It seems to me that we need two more drafts to have a real winning team going forward….I simply don’t trust FA for anything other than depth.
I would like to see us use the Glennon pick (if there is one)….rounds 5, 6 & 6 to move up some to pick 4 starters on defense…..DE, CB, S & LB.
FA can be used to add a player to the Oline, DE & WR….perhaps a FB.
I do think we need to & will sign Martin.
It is possible the above scenario will produce a winner next year….but definitely in 2017.
March 4th, 2016 at 5:57 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
“pick 4 starters on defense”
You do realize that getting 4 starters out of 1 draft almost never happens – right?
Just because Licht and his team did it last year doesn’t mean that you can expect it. Most teams are doing good to get 2 starters out of a draft.
Even 1st round picks have a 46% statistical likelihood of not panning out.
If we can get 4 upgraded starters out of free agency AND the draft – it will be doing really well and the team will be much improved.
March 4th, 2016 at 6:02 pm
I am willing to be patient because I have no flippin’ choice. I am a fan not a Coach or Executive on the Bucs. Look people we have a franchise QB, a future star WR, the foundation of a Solid OL on the offensive side. On the D side we have two ferocious young LBs and one of the best DTs in the game (sorry haters, but you are the only ones that thinks he is not.) IF we get another pass rusher to go on the DL and shore up the safety position we are in good position. YES I would like to be in the playoffs next year. I would however, forego that for being in the playoffs for YEARS to come in two years buy Building a team through the draft.
March 4th, 2016 at 6:04 pm
This is dumb. Free agency can help, but as we’ve seen, it often doesn’t. Best to be smart. If there’s a first wave guy who can make a big difference and you can get him and afford him, then do it, but choose wisely. Don’t throw money around just to say you spent money, as Joe seems to want them to do. I’ll take a million mock drafts over all this free-agency kvetching from desperate media and fans. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see a pass-rusher come from free agency, and a safety, and a CB, and a WR. I am skeptical they’ll be able to meet that need for a pass-rusher in free agency. And I don’t advocate dropping 12 million on a 7.5 sack player.
March 4th, 2016 at 6:04 pm
‘Evening Pick
March 4th, 2016 at 6:08 pm
Playoffs were in our hands last year then Kwon got suspended but lovie messed up bad lost 2 games on kickers alone !!! As long as you have a QB you have a chance.
March 4th, 2016 at 6:27 pm
So I guess with the word rebuilding Koetter gets years 3 instead of 2
March 4th, 2016 at 6:48 pm
Koetter gets the same time as lovie.If the team goes under 8 wins in 2 years Koetter will get the boot just like Lovie..I doybt that though
March 4th, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Newsflash…………to even entertain the idea that Koetter is gone in two yrs just perpetuates the loser mentality associated with the Bucs.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:10 pm
Might not be able to handle a good team.
Like getting too much water after two days in the desert.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:19 pm
Don’t ask me Why. Well I know and you know why..Just check out the Tampa Bay confederate history!!! Golden boy Koetter will be given at least 3 or 4 yrs to turn this team around. While others got..far far less. The proof is in the pudding. check out the his-story. Of course you won’t check out the real story. YOU..prefer..His..story!!
March 4th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Mike Johnson………if you are indeed pulling the race card then you need to find another place to post. I know, I know, I can’t stop you. However you will just be spinning your wheels here and be a subject for all of our Gut Laughter.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:28 pm
I hope we can make the Super Bowl before Winston gets his second contract… By then franchise QBs will be fetching @ $30 mil per season… Goodbye salary cap…
March 4th, 2016 at 7:31 pm
I’m willing to bet that doug martin goes to Oakland, and we sign Matt Forte…a PROVEN running backs who still has tread on the tires and is the perfect teacher for Simms. Not to mention he would probably come cheaper than Doug Martin and UNLIKE Martin, he doesn’t need to begin his contract year or have a good O-line to move the chains and catch passes.
Matt Forte
Mario Williams
Alex Mac
Mohamad Sanu.
Thats my FA wishlist
March 4th, 2016 at 7:32 pm
@OneLove errrr I mean Mike Johnson
I give my 3-4 year pass out for the current regime!!!
Its time to build and see the lasting contender!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!
March 4th, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Doug Martin will be back. If not I will go change my name to a name that doesn’t allow me to be here
March 4th, 2016 at 7:45 pm
I don’t know if the person throwing the race thing out there was just trolling or what… but the facts are this: the Bucs have hired 3 african american head coaches in the last 20 years, and they’ve served 11 years. Name another team that can match that. The Glazers have a lot of shortcomings as owners, but racist hiring/firing policy isn’t one of them,
March 4th, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Onelove ha that makes total sense. That dude was a douche. Lovie ain’t going nowhere. Haha what a clown.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:48 pm
It was Mike Johnson salish. He has been the “Bucs’ Pessimist” as of lately
March 4th, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Dungy got 6 years
Gruden got 7 years
Raheem got 3 years
Schiano got 2 years
Lovie got 2 years
Looks pretty fair to me. Maybe you should learn what ‘history’ means…
March 4th, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Hater present and accounted for. What we talkin bout SB?
March 4th, 2016 at 7:52 pm
My buddy DB………I am not understanding your question to me my friend.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:52 pm
Unless you are saying that you are a GMC hater.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Lol. I’m a hater and I’m present and accounted for. What are you fine gentlemen discussing on this lovely evening? If you are discussing FA I’d like to share a thought. I keep wondering why A-list FAs like Mario Williams would come to Tampa when teams like Carolina need DEs? What would draw a top FA to the Bucs over SB contenders?
March 4th, 2016 at 7:58 pm
I am THE GMC Hater!
March 4th, 2016 at 7:59 pm
SB
and one of the best DTs in the game (sorry haters, but you are the only ones that thinks he is not.)
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Just between me and you I don’t think I’ve ever said he’s not one of the best I’ve said he’s not the best. If you recall the first thing that came out of baldies mouth went he got here was the we have the best 3tech in the game. I said second at best if not third. As of today he’s fifth best but that’s neither here nor there. I just think he’s soft. Why? Bc I’ve never in my life seen a interior DL sit out with a broken hand. And we don’t really even know if it was broken only local media reported it as broken. But when you getting paid as a interior dl or lb you can’t sit games out cuz of your hand. Come on man! What is that? Who does that? I bet not even a gator would do that.
I call him mr. Ice cream bc he bought ice cream for the team on the final day of camp and it kinda stuck. I could always go back to PFUDR. Lol lmao Bahhhhhahaha.
March 4th, 2016 at 8:01 pm
The truth..always hurts. Especially when you try to..spin it! You guys don’t want to hear the truth. You can’t handle the truth. You don’t want to..review history as it is. You want to tell Your..story..His..story and spray glade air scents on it. Not me. I’m the guy who passes gas in the room and makes you reach for that..gas mask! Not me. The truth..will set you free. Or..make you Cheapo’s. Like this organization..the Bucs!
March 4th, 2016 at 8:02 pm
@DB55, fair point. The only 2 things that can do that:
1. Money (more)
2. Playing with people you really want to play with (whether it’s players or coaches. And the money still would have to be there).
As to what’s being discussed… A talk about whether we’re rebuilding turned into how many years Koetter will get, and some dipsh!t started playing the race card cuz he can’t get over his boy being fired.
March 4th, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Right on cue..
March 4th, 2016 at 8:06 pm
Don’t worry Guys. Your..Golden Boy will get more than ample time to succeed.Perhaps 3 or 4 yrs. That’s what..Golden Boyz get right? Twice more credibility than their predecessors huh?
But if he does not win? Look for more like me..to scream for his dumpin..in the bay. Why my keyboards gonna be..burnin up!
March 4th, 2016 at 8:17 pm
Does anyone understand what Mike Johnson is talking about?
March 4th, 2016 at 8:23 pm
No, and I’m done trying.
March 4th, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Can you be more explicit Mike? I know race was suggested but that is clearly nonsensical since Lovie replaced a white guy who got the same two years he had, and that white guy replaced a black guy who had three years. I know everyone’s quick to assume race baiting, but that’s obviously not what you mean. I seriously want know, man. Can you help me out?
March 4th, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Unbelievable
Thanks. I just spent a minute wrighting (lol) a few paragraphs but deleted them. It’s Friday and no one cares about my negativity.
March 4th, 2016 at 8:40 pm
One love errr I mean mike johnson said many embarrassing things last year, it is just easier for him to blame racism on everything then to admit he was wrong!!!!!!
March 4th, 2016 at 8:48 pm
Bucs SB with Jameis Says:
March 4th, 2016 at 6:04 pm
‘Evening Pick
WHAAAAASUUUUUUUP Gat(o)r
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DB55 Says:
March 4th, 2016 at 8:32 pm
“no one cares about my negativity.” –
True Dat – especially when it comes to one of our best players.
“What would draw a top FA to the Bucs over SB contenders?”
Availability of $ – and Jameis Winston
Lovie was right about 1 thing – The Bucs are “on the verge”. But unfortunately for him it took a coaching change for that statement to be true…
March 4th, 2016 at 8:51 pm
Yeah that’s it commentator(bad name worse comment) like we need 2 d ends and an entire secondary. ORRRR WE PLAYED IN THE WORST SCHEME IN SPORTS IN 2015
March 4th, 2016 at 9:09 pm
So are we interested in Charles Johnson?
If we bring him in will he just become another impotent Johnson that the Bucs overpayed?
12 tackles and 1 sack in 9 games last year would suggest its a good possibility. Although Johnson had pretty good good #s prior to last year. Anyone know the story on this guy last year and why his production dropped off so bad? I’m guessing there was an injury involved if he only played 9 games. He was due $15M this year so its obvious why the cash strapped Panthers released him.
March 4th, 2016 at 9:10 pm
Pick
Tune in later I have a comment stuck in moderation. Lol
March 4th, 2016 at 9:21 pm
Kaufusi, Oakman n Spence get 2 out of the 3 n we good. I doubt we’ll land any big-time FAs.
March 4th, 2016 at 9:53 pm
Bucs have been rebuilding since Gruden was fired
This team won’t sign any good free agents as they’d have to over pay to get them here
March 4th, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Mike Johnson I was one of the biggest lovie supporters on this site. Use to go to war wit some of compadres over him. I was stressing the black and white thing some too bro. I finally had to let it go why because he sucked as HC man. Passive did suite describing him I hated reading the word incompetent associated with the man but d@$! the moves he was making did justify people referring to him in that manner. Dude in the past in my mind now so I don’t think about him. All for supporting Koetter now. And hope to see him on that sideline for ten years the same way I once hoped to see lovable.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:02 pm
The Bucs have been rebuilding for a decade. I love using the word decade because that was the last time we had hope. BucRealist isn’t the only realist. All of us have some realist within. We all go into the new season with all kinds of hope and we squeeze that hope into playoff talk until December hits and that reality within manifests. We would end up grateful fans if we could just see Bucs playoff football again. Even if we got smoked in the 1st round, we could gather ourselves after and say “well, at least we made the playoffs”. I got spoiled in the late 90’s when we were perennial playoff contenders. Packer, Patriot and Bronco fans already go in knowing they will be playoff bound. Bengal and Panther fans have hope but the realist within knows they will find a way to blow it in the playoffs. Long story, shorter. I’m done with patience. All I have is hope and reality. I hope Dirk is the real deal and gets our offense clicking on all cylinders with our stud franchise QB. I hope the defense takes monumental steps to catch up. I hope we draft well. I hope we land free agents to impact this team. The reality is we would be hard-pressed to sniff the playoffs in 2 years. The reason the patience is gone? That’s easy. Because I said the exact same things 5 years ago. There’s no such thing as rebuilding. You either build or you reload or you sink. Our ship has sunk and so has my patience.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:03 pm
And if you didn’t know prior to this statement I’ma black man bro. I careless about that,I like most people that visit this site just ready to see these boys win man. Nothing more nothing less.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:04 pm
The name of the game of being a Buccaneer fan is to be patient and frustrated at the same time. I think most of us would like a simple explanation from Jason Licht as to the right business decision to not re-sign Doug Martin? If he is asking to much money, just let us know? My question would be that we have plenty of money and if not, just release some of the dead weight to free some up? The frustrating part is that we all know the positions we need players yet it has been made clear that we will not pursue any high priced FA. We are so close to being contenders yet we won’t take that next step to bring some help in. One decent DE, CB, WR, Safety and now RB and we are on our way. I am sick of the good boy image, give me Hardy or Vernon, give me Packman, give me Mathews, give me Thurmond. Give me one or just two just don’t take Martin away and give me none.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:11 pm
With our Bucs…patience is the norm. Keep drafting well and we will climb put of this stinky dumpster. Its going to be very interesting to see how this teams decisions with personnel pan out without Lovie. We will get better, and if we don’t, we have joebucs fan to post our frustrating comments…and hope for next year. Once we figure out free agency, we will be a force again. But for now, get that draft board ready and continue plucking studs for the future.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Mike Johnson is just mad because nobody paid the toll to go across his bridge. Carry on as if he isn’t here. Trolls die when they don’t get the reactions they crave.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:43 pm
Sorry guys. I live right on a major Spawning tributary for Rainbows that are spawning next month. I had to go down there with my son and catch some til it got dark. Sorry to hear how much you hate GMC my brother DB. Everyone who gets cheddar to evaluate tape says GMC is top 3 at his position minimum. However I don’t want to argue with you. I want to thank you and 87 and Nole for telling me how good Jameis was for us.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:45 pm
I thought you liked me Pickgrin. I am seeing the opposite.
March 4th, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Looks like they are going to let Lansanah hit the market too. Shall we add that into this pitty party panic mode?
March 4th, 2016 at 11:19 pm
Actually BucFan I think that is more of a tell than the smokescreens we have been reading. Lansannah is not a starter but he represents great depth. We have some LB moves up our sleeves I suspect.
March 4th, 2016 at 11:27 pm
Wow, Joe…you got quite the reaction from this one!
On topic…last year I had patience (although it WAS painful). I knew with a new oline and injury prone, aging vets on defense, it would take time.
This year? I’ll still have some patience, but not nearly as much, I think.
My expectations are these:
– NFL Teams will have studied Jameis more. He has tape now, and they can prepare better for him. So we’ll really see how his growth is coming along. If he can still produce, it means he didn’t remain stagnant…and teams won’t know what to expect then.
– EVEN IF we draft or sign free agents to defense…it’s going to take time to gel. I figure anywhere from 3 to 8 games. It all depends on who we get and how they buy into the system.
– We’ll still have a couple holes to fill. Even if Jason Licht fills out my free agent and draft wishlists, needs will still exist. He would have to hit on all of the positions successfully for that not to be the case…and that is next to impossible. Maybe 4 good 1st year starters that are drafted are the tops we’ll ever see…more likely 1-2. And free agents…well…it can be done, but it hasn’t hit on all cylinders in the entire Buc history.
So…some things will have to wait until next year.
– MY ONLY MAJOR EXPECTATION: Make it fun to watch the Bucs play again.
I don’t care if we win ten games and still miss the playoffs…I just want to look forward to the games again. Sure…that means winning a bunch. And that will have some benefits. But I got pretty sick of football this year. Not just the Bucs.
I want to enjoy it again.
March 4th, 2016 at 11:33 pm
DB55 Says
“I keep wondering why A-list FAs like Mario Williams would come to Tampa …”
What makes you think MArio is an A-lister?
According to his teammates, he was lazy all year. Barely made an effort. He quit on his team.
I understand if the scheme did not gel with him…but quitting? Not to mention, he’s old.
Frankly, I don’t want him. I would rather build for the future…so we can start drafting BPA all the time and trade players for GOOD picks when we have extras.
March 5th, 2016 at 1:55 am
@DB55. I hate to admit that FA’s wouldn’t want to come here but honestly, they wouldn’t. Especially a guy like Mario that hasn’t even sniffed a Superbowl. It is the very reason that we either have to overpay or get the over the hill guys. The guy that can help change that culture is JW3. He’s our only ace in the hole.
Bonzai, come on man. Mario is a freaking stud. I find it hard to believe that Mario is so lazy as he racked up 38 sacks in 3 years before Rex Ryan set him up to fail.
Again, this goes back to my hope vs reality thing. I hope Mario would be willing to come here. I hope we have a defensive coordinator that will utilize the talents of the players he will have to work with. I hope the defense is vastly improved. The reality is Mario will end up being employed by the Broncos, Panthers, or Patriots. The reality is it will likely be at least 2 years before our defense can be resurrected.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:19 am
I’ve said this weeks ago that the Glazer’s are the most colorblind owners in the NFL . Simple as that. It’s time to move on.
Jose, there’s nothing at all wrong with being patient… but everything wrong with depending on an overpaid, over the hill FA to be an impact player. If we splash in FA, get a younger guy. Rishard Matthews, Vernon, Sean Smith, Sanu, JPP etc.
March 5th, 2016 at 11:29 am
Mike Johnson is a prime example of how B.O has set this country back 50 years….You know how wimpy you sound pulling that card? Weak….Very weak.
March 5th, 2016 at 11:35 am
Cmurda
The reality is Mario will end up being employed by the Broncos, Panthers, or Patriots.
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💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
My thoughts exactly.
March 5th, 2016 at 11:57 am
Bucs fans are well versed in handling losing seasons, anything else would be out of the ordinary. Other teams fans suffer also, look at the Lions, that’s the only team the Bucs are batting about .500 against, maybe just over. A winning season will diffuse all of those ugly shows of futility. The future is all that matters. That’s what keeps fans coming back.
March 5th, 2016 at 1:11 pm
Say Joe…Just watch and see. If Koetter and Co. go on the losing binge..Bucs are gonna amply label us a rebuild. Don’t want to smear the Golden Boy with negativity. No no. Not the beloved new Atl falcons south in Tampa Bay.
March 5th, 2016 at 1:26 pm
Hahaha you blame some idiot poster on the president? Gimme a break man take that ish somewhere else.