Ghost Whisper
June 28th, 2016
Bucs defender reaches out to Ghost.
Bucs defensive end Jacquies Smith was involved in a séance of sorts recently.
When Dirk Koetter hired noted Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes, Smith knew about his reputation and was excited that Hayes shocked NFL insiders by bolting Cincinnati and coming to Tampa Bay.
But Smith wanted to know more. So he spoke to a Ghost.
Yes, Ghost Johnson, who spooked Bucs fans with his play here during the 2014 season. He was paid tens of millions of Team Glazer loot to come from the Bengals and, after growing homesick, decided to return to his old haunt, where he was coached before and after his invisible play with the Bucs by Hayes.
During minicamp, Smith explained why he would talk to a Ghost.
“I talked to Mike and obviously [Lions defensive end Wallace] Gilberry,” Smith said. “Those are two guys that came to mind from the Bengals that I kind of asked and talked about. They had nothing but great things to say, obviously, with the success they had over there. So we’re hoping we can all just get on one accord, get cohesive and bring that success over here.”
It’s cool to Joe that Smith reached out to Hayes’ former players to learn what made Hayes tick, and what made him get the best out of those two pass rushers.
Of course, Smith also had Clinton McDonald to rap with, who played for Hayes for in 2009 and 2010.
This is yet another reason why Joe is eager for the regular season to start. Hayes has gotten blood out of turnips. With the additions of Robert Ayers and Noah Spence, Joe is actually expecting an opposing quarterback to go down now and then.
June 28th, 2016 at 7:18 am
That’s funny that the guy who came down here to rob Team glazer for 10 million went back to his old team and riht after he gets back, his D line coach bolts for Tampa. Gotta luv that. Wonder if he ever pondered “what if I would of stayed in Tampa and actually gave that team my effort?” “Then I would still be playing 4 my fav coach”
Then again who knows if we even pursue coach Hayes if Licht doesn’t admit his mistakes and gets rid of the bums like Collins and ghost. It didn’t matter cause Ghost had to go either way, no reason to force a player to be here when he doesn’t want to, and plays like he doesn’t want to as well.
#our future D cordinater
June 28th, 2016 at 7:52 am
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo is so happy Hason hired Hay Hayes……Hayes did wonders with Ghost Hohnson in Cinn…..Hay will do the same with Haquis here….also should help Howard Hones and Houseplant Hohnson.”
June 28th, 2016 at 8:48 am
That is a mystery why Hayes joined the Bucs. I’m guessing he got tired of Cincy not getting over the hump so a new start with the Bucs may get it done. That will make Bucs fans happy.
June 28th, 2016 at 10:02 am
I am also looking forward to seeing what Hayes will do with the defensive line.
I mean, obviously, props when props are earned, but I feel like we have one of the best staffs in the NFL now. Top of the line mostly (not sure about ST).
Joe, I would love to see an article highlighting the new staff hires that took place this year and their pluses, if you are open to suggestions on articles.
June 28th, 2016 at 11:05 am
“During minicamp, Smith explained why he would talk to a Ghost.”
lol, that killed me.
June 28th, 2016 at 11:50 am
Mystery of the off season… What brought Hayes to Tampa? Those who say DC on deck dont really have much evidence. I dont believe I’ve heard him say he wants to be a DC or even if he’s ever interviewed for a DC spot. My guess is some sort of clash with Marvin Lewis, but that’s just a guess. Time should reveal what made the move, but in the meantime I’m just thankful to have the guy. He was obviously instrumental in giving Licht the green licht on Spence, and those two may be a match made in Canton.
June 28th, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Not a huge mystery.
$$$$
June 28th, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Lets hope that Hayes is as good as advertised. Lord knows the Bucs need as much help as they can get up front defensively.
Things seem to be looking up with the hiring of Hayes and the additions of Ayers and Noah Spence along with the further development of what look like talented young players in Jac Smith, Gholston, Akeem Spence and HoJo.
But there are so many Ifs and what ifs still. As in:
If Jac Smith can only stay healthy for 16 games he will have at least…..
If McDonald and Akeem Spence can both stay healthy all year we will be….
What If William Gholston is finally able to put it all together in a contract year….
What if Robert Ayers truly is a late bloomer and is still on the upswing of his potential at 31 years old…..
If GMC actually gets help from the edges he will…..
If Howard Jones got 5 sacks playing 18% of the defensive snaps in 2015 – what happens if he gets 50% of the snaps…..
What if Noah Spence is actually as talented as McDonald and Ayers claim after watching him in OTA’s….
Thats a lot of Ifs and what ifs – but the beauty of it is that if we hit on even 50% of them – we will be in good shape.
June 28th, 2016 at 2:16 pm
Ghost Johnson yet another example of Lovie coaching the desire and talent out of a potential pro bowler. Lovie smith can turn pro bowlers into scrubs like no other see LVD, Verner etc…
June 29th, 2016 at 7:48 am
I look at Ghost and use him as the example why we can’t raise the minimum wage. Lazy people don’t work harder when they get more money.
July 9th, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Dummy: Fred Sanford Style!