Eagles 17, Buccaneers 9
August 11th, 2016
The new era of Buccaneers football began tonight with head coach Dirk Koetter at the helm. And man, it was dreadful out of the gate, but with plenty of silver linings.
First, let’s start with the franchise, America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston. Jameis was 7-for-9 for 97 yards and a touchdown without a pick. That’s solid football for a quarter of work. No complaints there. The sack/fumble wasn’t on him. He got blindsided in the pocket.
But Kenny Bell fumbled the opening kickoff, and the Eagles ran it down the Bucs’ throat for a touchdown.
The Bucs countered with some sloppy offense and penalties, plus a senseless special teams personal foul on Jude Adjei-Barimah. Then Jameis gave up the sack/fumble with left guard Kevin Pamphile getting beaten badly. Mighty Eagles QB Chase Daniels engineered a very short touchdown drive and the Bucs trailed 14-0 in a hurry.
But the Bucs recovered and settled down, minus the extra point miss by Roberto Aguayo after a seven-play, 79-yard Bucs drive featuring big plays from Mike James and Russell Shepard. The pass rush was beastly all first half. Robert Ayers was dominant. Don’t believe it? Go watch the damn film!
The Eagles has less than 200 yards of total offense.
Joe loved seeing Vincent Jackson on the field and hauling in a 17-yard pass from Jameis after he was “banged up” and questionable to play in the game. Just put that guy in bubble wrap until opening day!.
Yeah, it was sloppy with too many penalties — of all varieties — from the first team. But there was enough really good stuff to keep Joe from the liquor cabinet.
Stick with Joe all night for plenty out of the Bucs’ locker room and much more.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:13 pm
More like pewter linings.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:14 pm
If Ryan Griffin ever has to enter a regular season game, please remind me to turn the TV off. That dude is pathetic. Why in the world he is rushing to get the TD with a minute on the clock is just flat out having zero football IQ. You want to throw short easy passes and take your time scoring so the opposition cant win it at the end. God save the queen if Glennon or Griffin are ever needed.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:15 pm
Glad Aguayo redeemed himself. I’m worried about our depth at almost every position though. Our 2nd and 3rd units were downright awful most of the time. Unless he improves in the next three games, I doubt Glennon starts anywhere else this, or next season.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Noah Spence was beating the tackle badly!
August 11th, 2016 at 10:18 pm
I guess we are the ones needing to draft a backup QB..Jesus M Christopher, that was ugly..
Our defense looks good guys!! Ayers and Spence!! Wooza baby!
Feel bad for Kenny..but I think he’s done..
August 11th, 2016 at 10:19 pm
I have to believe that Joe’s right about Kenny “Ring My” Bell. Scouring the stat sheet…literally 18 different receivers with a catch…but not Bell. Of course his first career touch fumble doesn’t bode well either.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:22 pm
Coulda/Woulda/Shoulda. Welcome to the NFL World of Head Coaching Mr. Koetter. The good thing about your 1st NFL loss is..it does not count….not just yet. But you were announced as the 2nd coming..You and your DC. So we expect for you to win there sir. If not? We got a brand new reel and rod waitin for you sandwiched inbetween ole Lovie and Schiano!!
And Just..us..for all.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:23 pm
Our pass defense was outstanding…..we had all of their receivers covered on many plays…..we seemed to have a decent pass rush…
That’s the good news….
The bad news…..5 turnovers…….pretty sloppy special teams play
All in all, I liked what I saw from the defense…..
August 11th, 2016 at 10:26 pm
Mg has one bad fake game. Freak out!!’ So what? He’s a backup and has played well before.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:26 pm
D line was DOMINATE
August 11th, 2016 at 10:28 pm
First of all, our pass rush was very impressive. Every single player on the line played well in the first half. The QB was very uncomfortable, and it looked like the secondary had everyone covered (hard to tell without the coaches film). In particular Ayers was a beast.
Kenny Bell isn’t a NFL football player. There’s no shame in that, but whatever mob he had has surely disappeared by now. I wish him all the best.
We have some serious issues with our depth at WR. I’m not comfortable with any of those backups playing in a real game. Shephard had a really good game, but this isn’t the first time he’s played well in preseason. Could he step in and fill in if Jackson or Evans got hurt? I don’t think so. I’ve never been on board with signing Roddy White, but I think today may have changed my mind. We need someone who can catch the football. Geez.
Jameis was sharp. Glennon was bad. Griffin made some nice throws, but he made some dreadful ones as well. If they have to play, we are screwed. No way around it. I’d try to trade Glennon, because I don’t think he’s any better than Griffin. I don’t know if either can lead us to a victory. Might as well get something for him.
Special teams – OUCH! Nothing else to say.
All in all, I came away pretty pleased, except I am petrified about our depth at WR. It is unrealistic to expect our top 3 WR’s to all play 16 games, so we have got to acquire some depth, because I don’t see anyone on our roster that can provide it. I don’t care what they do in camp, they have to do it when the lights are on. I’m super excited to see more of our defense. I don’t expect them to be a top 10 defense, but you never know.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Got tired of crappy Mike Mayock saying every sack or pressure was a coverage sack. Dude is a horrible analyst
August 11th, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Mike Johnson,
I understand the skepticism towards Koetter, and I remember you as being “pro-Lovie”. Give the man a chance to turn this around.
You can’t honestly say that Lovie did enough for a third year. He had friends and family on his staff. Lovie called the defense in year two, and backup QBs looked like Joe Montana.
I get that Koetter has to prove everything, but as a Buccaneer fan you should give him the same fan shop you gave Lovie. It’s not Koetter’s fault this all blew up in Lovie’s face.
Go Bucs!
August 11th, 2016 at 10:38 pm
An average night for JW, folk like a cheap suit against the real defense, pad the stas versus beer truck drivers
August 11th, 2016 at 10:40 pm
@Bucnut2,
Most of Philly’s starters were still in when Winston let us to that TD.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Funny I keep reading from Joe and the posters about the game Ayers had.
That’s just awesome…I mean really awesome! Our line now officially has ‘tude!
Remember when Dot said Ayer better bring it in the game or he’d have to answer. Well Ayers answered big time. Think the rest of the guys in the trenches are now on board with him.
People been sad because GMC is not that guy…doesn’t hurt if “that” guy is not the most talented player on the DL…he just has to show up with his ‘tude like Ayers did tonight. I just hope he stays healthy. He’s going to bring some serious heat to melt our iron into some steel this year.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:42 pm
A defense playing well in the first half of the first pre season game is hardly anything to get too excited over, especially vs crappy Eagles.
But there were some hopeful signs.
Spence for example.
I guess our field goal kicker was nervous.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:45 pm
HBO they weren’t go look at the tape. JW is great in mop up, struggles with real NFL talent
August 11th, 2016 at 10:47 pm
Jolly Bucs Fan Says:
August 11th, 2016 at 10:26 pm
I believe you mean dominant. Dominate is a verb.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:49 pm
A meaningless game. Glad we got some sacks. Final score doesn’t matter. Aguayo’s missed extra point matters even less than the fact that Winston’s first NFL pass was a pick-6. Hope there won’t be too many freakouts over a preseason loss.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:51 pm
It didn’t look like we had any serious injuries…..from that standpoint, it was a successful game……
August 11th, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Bucs have been losing their first preseason games for years. I fully expected a loss.
Doesn’t mean we give up on the team or any of the young players. First game jitters count for something. There are more Preseason games. Lets wait and see what these players do throughout all the preseason games before we quit on them.
So far as the players who SHOULD have done better because they are veterans…
Mike Glennon is still low energy, even after being around Jameis a year. His weaknesses have not improved, even after being coached by Koetter for a year. He’s trash. No wonder no team wants him. If he is smart, he’ll resign this year. f the bucs are smart, they’ll let him walk.
Dan Vitale. I saw him open a hole up for Storm Johnson on 4th and 1 and Johnson didn’t follow his blocker. Don’t tell me Vitale cannot run block. The pass was under thrown, and almost hit the grass. Not his fault. Thank Glennon for that.
Banks is blowing it. I think Lovie ruined him, because he is playing nowhere near as good as he was in 2014. And there were guys off the street that looked better. Still PS left though.
ASJ should just be cut.
Noah is a beast so far. Props!
Vernon looked good too. I liked how Ronde admitted it took him 4 years just to get as good as Vernon is as a rookie. I’ve been pointing aat Ronde’s slow growth for years, because people have selective memory here.
Injuries forcing oline adjustments caused issues.
Penalties were bad, but who cares? Its preseason, and most of the guys committing them won’t make the team.
Our backup QB situation is scary bad.
August 11th, 2016 at 10:58 pm
Joe, this is what I mean when mechanics mean a lot…Jameis’ release cost him a strip sack fumble. Fletcher Cox is going to be a great player in this league but Brady/Manning, etc. would have got ridden of the ball that much quicker without the big wind-up…..have to clean that stuff-up. Did well otherwise.
August 11th, 2016 at 11:00 pm
Banks is blowing it. I think Lovie ruined him, because he is playing nowhere near as good as he was in 2014. And there were guys off the street that looked better. Still PS left though.
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Go back and watch the Carolina game….Banks was absolutely torched and abused that game. I recall him giving up a td slant to funchess, and Cam running one in on him. His confidence was definitely shaken by season’s end.
August 11th, 2016 at 11:02 pm
feelthepewterpower Says:
“Jameis’ release cost him a strip sack fumble.”
No,lack of protection did. The oline had players playing out of their normal spots because of injuries (or whatever). That being they case, e didn’t get a clear picture as a result.
First preseason game. It happens every year here.
August 11th, 2016 at 11:10 pm
Panthers and Saints lost tonight..Atlanta were the only ones that won in our division..this game was great to showcase our young talent..I came away pretty happy with our defense..actually excited as heck..
Andre Davis HAS to be kept at WR…but we still need a veteran…call Roddy White..
Yeah..I am part of the Roddy train..been since the day he became a FA..
August 11th, 2016 at 11:26 pm
Damn, Bucnut2, I guess the Eagles had their backups in the whole game last season then. I must have missed that. And THAT game actually counted. I guess we need to draft a QB in the first round next draft. Jameis hasn’t ever played well against a real NFL defense. I forgot about that. Can you ever say anything positive about the kid? We all know that NO QB throws the ball to the PERFECT spot every time. How about more positive comments and less negativity?
August 11th, 2016 at 11:30 pm
I was very pleased with Jameis and our front line starters.
Even though it was a preseason game I think our special teams coach better start taking some night classes because if that continues he’s going to be unemployed.
I am convinced after watching this game that any team that ever starts Mike Glennon at QB is tanking in order to get the top pick in the draft.
August 11th, 2016 at 11:31 pm
” JW is great in mop up, struggles with real NFL talent”
———
How did he do last year in Philly against their starters? Do you also consider that mop up? Or is that not real NFL talent? But I guess you expect him to be able to shred the top defenses in the league. Some people, smh.
August 11th, 2016 at 11:37 pm
FeelPewPowr, look at the replay of the Winston fumble again. He has a long wind up, but Cox stripped the ball very early in his delivery. Winston deserves blame for holding the ball a little long, but I’d give Cox more credit than I’d give Winston blame for the wind up. The blame for Winston is on the “long hold”.
August 12th, 2016 at 12:40 am
feelthepewterpower Says:
“Jameis’ release cost him a strip sack fumble.”
No,lack of protection did. The oline had players playing out of their normal spots because of injuries (or whatever). That being they case, e didn’t get a clear picture as a result.
First preseason game. It happens every year here.
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Bonzai, that’s not what Dave Moore said (wind-up) and Barber said (Winston getting used to game speed….slow release). Regardless of the protection, unless it’s a deep throw, he’s going to have to learn to get rid of the ball faster, it’s that simple.
August 12th, 2016 at 6:13 am
Please do not mention LOVIE!
August 12th, 2016 at 8:41 am
I never expect much is the first couple of preseason games beyond a bunch of slop.
There was plenty of slop, but the Bucs were hardly alone in cornering the slop market.
And there were plenty of very bright spots with the guys who will most likely be active on game day :
1) The defensive backfield looked stellar. I saw some post-snap coverages I’ve never seen before. I saw guys just blanket receivers all over the field. I didn’t see many easy, uncontested completions.
2) The DL looked powerful.
3) The pass rush? Nice. Been quite a long time since Buc fans have seen pockets collapse and QB’s bail. Been a really long time since we’ve seen “covereage sacks.” Ayers? I’m really looking forward to not only his “beastly” play, but the “beastly” influence he’ll have on his D teammates. He is just plain nasty out there, another Buc trait missing for years. Noah Spence seems to be the real deal, as he put on consistent pressure. He’s gonna be really fun to watch. Spence in the middle was strong. Smith & Jones were impressive. This team will pressure the QB.
4) LB play was solid. I did see Alexander miss some tackles because of poor angles, though. David looks re-energized.
5)After a rough start, Winston took command and did fine. Some nice play calls.
6) Martin and the RB’s will be fine. Nice to see some screens.
7) Nice to see Evans just play. A couple of plays last season he’d have gone off on the refs lobbying for pass interference calls. But he kept his cool. He, Jackson and Humphries will be fine.
8) OL was somewhat credible. Keep in mind the Iggles have a dominant DL, the cornerstone of that team, so it was a good test. OL is *always* the last phase of the game to come around. No real worries there. I saw a couple of plays where Marpet maintained driving contact all the way to the whistle. That boy has some game in him.
9) Some real speed on ST’s.
Some “work in progress:”
1) ST’s. Pathetic coverage. A couple of real bonehead plays, like fumbles & whacking the return man who was making a fair catch. Missed PAT (yeah, I get the butterfly thing. I guarantee that 38 yarder was the best feeling Aguayo ever had in his life. I doubt there are any more butterflies.) I got the distinct impressing the kickoffs were not driven out of the end zone on purpose—on either team. I think we’ll see a LOT of kickoffs only going 2-5 yards deep intentionally. Punting was OK, Schum looked a little more solid than Anger, to my surprise.
2) Kenny Bell. Without a miracle, he’s destined for the apple & a roadmap. Look like Tarzan. Play like Jane.
3) QB depth. Glennon was forgettable and Griffin looked like a forgettable 3rd teamer. But both played with (as Joe says) beer truck drivers. Really hard to pass judgement based on pre-season. It’s the nature of the beast. Griffin screwed the pooch at the end, but he did have some help in doing so.
4) OL depth. But this is an NFL-wide issue.
3) WR depth. I expected more and got less. Dye went up a few notches in my book. But what happened to Krause? Did he even play? I have some concerns about WR depth, and no doubt the coaches & Licht do also.
All-in-all, a vanilla PS game with some bright spots and glaring rough spots needing a grinding wheel.
But I saw a different game than most. I don’t have TV here so I have to see it on the NFL Game Pass. In preseason, the home team are the announcers, so I had 100% Philly bias the whole game. Their excuses were they have a terrible OL which allowed those QB pressures, GREAT special teams which forced the mistakes, a dominant DL just toying with the Bucs OL, the best QB situation in the NFL, non-stop squirting over Wentz, etc., etc., etc.
But football is here, the first PS game behind us. Best thing: nobody got really hurt.
In my world I like the Bucs not playing that great in the first couple of PS games, because it gives coaches a legitimate reason to chew some butt and expose weaknesses. PS games are rarely game planned (unless you’re Ray Perkins), so it’s hard to have a real measure of who you are and what you have.
I will say that this defense may be a fun bunch to watch. I saw something from that first group not seen in West Florida for a while.
On to a scrimmage with the Browns and PS#2.
One more comment: props to the Iggles on drafting Wentz. That kid, fresh out of a backwater school, is one impressive young man and has enormous potential to be a stellar NFL QB. IMO, he’s going to be a force.