How Far Will Koetter Go To Protect Players?
July 23rd, 2016
Marching to his own drum, as promised.
Dirk Koetter made changes designed to make life more comfortable and less draining for players in the spring and summer.
It’s got Joe studying just how far Koetter will push that line of thinking.
Koetter had the Bucs doing a lot without helmets in spring practices. He’s also scheduled all of training camp for the morning, even dropping his humorous “brain surgeon” line, explaining that it makes sense to keep players out of the extreme heat and preserve their bodies.
There are joint practices with Jacksonville and Cleveland scheduled in August. Among other reasons, those are designed to keep players sharp mentally and freshen their approach to camp. One also could argue those days are easier on players based on how the schedule will be adjusted. Joint practices against multiple teams are rare in one summer. These are sessions in which quarterbacks are fully protected, and they very likely could lead a coach to limiting first-teamers reps in preseason games.
That brings Joe to preseason. Will Koetter take a different approach?
Joe talked to running backs coach Tim Spencer about this a couple of months ago, specifically about Doug Martin’s preseason reps. Spencer was a solid running back/fullback in the NFL and USFL, and Joe asked whether he thought Martin would/could/should disappear in preseason after a stellar season last year.
Spencer wasn’t going there. He was very much in favor of Martin getting his preseason work.
Will Koetter follow a traditional preseason route, too? Joe’s not so sure.
July 23rd, 2016 at 10:58 am
There is a fine line in protecting players from potential injury and coaching scared. Hopefully koetter can find that nice blend. Considering all the DTs are fragile and miss time every year that is the position group to be concerned the most about… its not if the fragile combination of ms mccoy, akeem spence and clinton McDonald get hurt but when will it happen.
July 23rd, 2016 at 11:19 am
After years of practicing in extreme heat and usually not winning their early home games in the same, it’s clear that was not an advantage. Like any of us, when your out getting baked in 95 degrees, all they could possibly think about is “when will this end?” and not what they discussed in the meetings inside. Now, for those of us going to practices, watch out…the sun will be right in our faces.
July 23rd, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Koetter does not need to protect anything but his House! Buc 1 place. Make Ray Jay a place opposing teams are afraid to play in. You do this by winning your home games. Who..wants to pay an arm and a leg to see you lose? Protect your House. Start winning at home on a regular basis.
July 23rd, 2016 at 12:30 pm
With news coming out that coaches forces players to shoot up before a game,I have to think that his intentions are good and he will gain the respect of the players for it.
July 23rd, 2016 at 12:51 pm
I don’t see the purpose in a vet like Martin taking part in much preseason action. I don’t think it does much for him. Is he going to forget how to run? His being healthy is critical for our success, and the fresher we can keep him the better.
July 23rd, 2016 at 2:27 pm
They need to build a bubble already!!! It is freakig disgusting outside in that sun!!! Dont know why these idiots havent built one yet.
I mean dont worry, if they want to play in some heat that sun will be plenty warm outside the bubble waiting for them.
July 23rd, 2016 at 2:40 pm
The heat is a big factor, keeping the players out of it as much as possible makes good sense, why did the previous coaches not realize that is puzzling. Looking at the temps around America its very hot most everywhere, higher than normal summertime temps. I really haven’t noticed that training in the heat has produced an advantage as has been suggested since who knows when for the Bucs. That’s just one example of Koetter’s plan that he is smarter than the average past Bucs head coach.
July 23rd, 2016 at 6:16 pm
“With news coming out that coaches forces players to shoot up before a game”
What the H is this guy talking about!?!?? We talking pain killers, or worse? Last I checked, slavery was abolished a year or 2 ago, & the worst a coach can do is apply pressure. This kind of rumor mongering is stupid. Instead of ‘show me the money’ , I say show me some shred of proof, before you make accusations like that.
July 23rd, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Hulk like muscle hamster. Hamster small but filled with muscles just like hulk. Hulk have hard time holding job with all the smashing. Hopefully muscle hamster have better luck. Bucs need him to smash!
July 23rd, 2016 at 8:28 pm
This August will be the HOTTEST in recorded HUMAN HISTORY.
You morons can deny global warming all you want, but it doesn’t change the fact that we are pumping millions of tons of smoke in the sky which is clearly affecting things.
Our guys need AN INDOOR FACILITY ASAP!!
GO BUCS!!
Also, how about shade on the sidelines at home games??