Roberto Aguayo Seeks Multiple Counselors
August 22nd, 2016
Sound the alarm. Stock up on Tums. Break out the bourbon.
Shank-happy rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo is looking outside One Buc Palace for help.
Joe supposes it’s comforting to know Aguayo realizes there’s a problem. For some, that’s’ the first step.
Training camp beat reporter Roy Cummings, of WDAE-AM 620, talked to Aguayo today and shared the news that the Bucs’ second-round pick his sought a trifecta of assistance.
Aguayo said he contacted former NFL kicker Ryan Longwell and former Bucs special teams coordinator Billy Miller to help him with his mechanics. He said he also spoke with a mental coach because his confidence has been shaken “a little bit.’’
“I’m just focusing on relaxing and sometimes not thinking about it too much,’’ Aguayo said. “When you’re overthinking like, ‘Ok, I have to do this and this and this,’ you get too many thoughts in your head. Sometimes you have to sit back and relax and just kick it. That’s the mindset going into practice and throughout this week.”
Upon hearing this, Joe quickly canceled a routine enema appointment scheduled. Three new voices in Aguayo’s head? Really?
The Bucs have two games in the next 10 days. Aguayo, it seems, has work to do to get his head on straight. That’s understandable but still disturbing.
Joe’s really flummoxed. This is one tough situation brewing for the Bucs and their fan base.
August 22nd, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Call the “Kick Whisperer”
You have my permission to use that Joe.
August 22nd, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Someone needs to send this kid the book “The Inner Game Of Tennis” — for anyone that hasn’t read it, you should. Guarantee it would help get Aguayo’s mind right.
For that matter, I would urge the Joes to head to Barnes & Noble, pick up a copy and drop it off in his locker next time you’re at OBP
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Not really, Joe. The kid’s what, 22? He’s now with grown men who feed their families playing football. It’s gotta be a bit of a burden right off the bat to prove yourself to them. Once he gets comfortable in his new environment, and makes a couple of beauties, he’ll feel part of the team and do his thing. The vets will help him, as I’m sure they’re all pulling hard for him, to feel at home. Remember, Janikowski missed 10 FG’s his rookie year. This kid is solid. He’ll be fine. We should all be pulling for him.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:03 pm
The most concerning comment is that he needs help with his mechanics. If the Bucs coach was trying to change his mechanics this could really mess with his head timing and rhythm. Kicking is like a golf swing you got to be relaxed and comfortable through the swing. You must clear your head of all thoughts. WIth kicking it is less about the swing and more about the positioning of the plant foot. If you step to far forward the Kick will be low and to the right if you plant the foot to far back it will go higher and to the left assuming the kicker is right handed. I can always tell where the kick is going before the kicker makes contact with the ball based on the plant.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:03 pm
he just needs Jameson
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:04 pm
I used to know a counselor who had professional athletes as clients. You almost never hear about this because of HIPPA and privacy but it’s not uncommon. What’s uncommon is an athlete admitting to it.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:05 pm
GULP!!
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Gilhealy..perfectly said…
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Wow…. seriously?
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Damn. I feel like we should have seen this coming… There was an article or an interview or something after OTAs where Aguayo was talking about changing his swing path or something to get more lift on the ball, specifically for kickoffs. I remember thinking at the time that was ridiculous, you don’t trade back up into the 2nd to draft a kicker so that you can adjust his swing. Kid was lights out in college. Should’ve let him come in and do what he does. Maybe as time goes on you could suggest stuff, but now look… This could be bad if the dude doesn’t recover.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:12 pm
damn…another mental weak player….why would he be seeking advice from outside sources?….sounds like the current staff coaching the special teams, him particular is incompetent….or maybe he has figured out the techniques they are teaching him have screwed him up…the people that he should be asking for help should already be at one buc place….even if he hits all his kicks in games 3 and 4, the atmosphere and energy will be thru the roof week1 and week2, in a dome might I add…..that cant be simulated in preseason…if he’s unable to focus and over thinking things for preseason games, I can only imagine what he’s thinking week1….this aint good……GO BUCS!!!
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Whatever happened to rookies warming the bench for 2-3 years? Maybe TB just expects too much from youngin’s. The amount of pressure can make diamonds out of joes enema.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:15 pm
@Gil… Vh3, JW, Kwon, Ali, Evans, D Smith, Adam, Spence, Ect are all about 22 playing the same game with guys trying to feed their families and have big burdens right off the bat. Such a bad pick. Typical of kickers… that why you don’t take one especially w 2 picks. I’d much rather have a kicker whos been there/ done that. The kid is showing he might not be cut out for it , or at the very least, there will be some growing pains
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:17 pm
FLASHBACK TO LAST PRESEASON…
JW is throwing to many INTS…. His first regular season pass…
I think the media is doing its best to hype this relatively small non story into a maddening mess of a contrived witch hunt because nobody wants to admit kickers are highly under rated and deserved to be drafted higher.
BOTTOM LINE….
LEAVE THE KID ALONE…. If we need him to win a game and misses than we can talk… Until than… STOP PRETENDING LIKE KICKERS DONT MISS KICKS…
We drafted him that high to make clutch kicks… Not preseason PAT’s and stalled drives because THE REST OF OUR TEAM ALSO SUCKS…
Not that I think we are gonna suck this year but DANG….
The Joes really need a swift kick to the go nads for all this shisty BSPN reporting they are doing….
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Either that or Joes “Custodian” has so classed/cleaned up the site that he makes the Joes writing look like BSPN….
Not sure what you Joes can do but you might want to revisit your BSPN reporting strategy/twist… IMHO
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:27 pm
Repost
LUVMYBUCS Says:
May 7th, 2016 at 6:50 pm ←
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:29 pm
Gilhealy makes some good points.
I used to kick and coached ST’s at the Div. I level. When he lined up for the first kick, I told my wife “Look at his alignment-he’s gonna miss the kick to the right.” Then he proceeded to do so. Actually, he kicked it right to where he aimed.
He is not lined up correctly and his shoulders are not square to the goalposts at impact and follow through. I’m amazed some coach hasn’t seen that.
Additionally, lining up for a PAT from the right hash is ridiculous, exaggerates the bad alignment. Is that some kind of a crutch? Who came up with that?
I always told my kickers to forget the goalposts, just kick the ball directly over the center’s butt. Think *short FG* all the time, and strike the ball with authority, shoulders square with the target at contact. I had a single pole set up on a practice field. We’d drill the kickers from 8 yds away, right in front of the center, to hit the pole, or it’s “no good.” Over and over and over.
The second thing he’s doing—and I saw it after nearly every kick Saturday—is he’s looking up way too soon. Like right after the kick. Very bad mojo, and he knows it, but that’s typical when you’re in a slump and desperate. Your eyes go off the ball at the moment of impact and you don’t follow through correctly.
As a college freshman, I had a coach in college tie my face mask to my shoulder pads when kicking, keeping my head from rising enough to see the goalposts. I had to practice that way for a day a week, because early on I looked up too quickly. I never saw a kick go through the posts in those drills, but teammates reaction told me. The lesson stuck, changed my game, changed my accuracy (I was like Brindza before, huge leg but very inconsistent accuracy) and changed my life.
I got some excellent advice from Willie Wood, the former Packer HoFer and my head coach: “Keep it down, the crowd will let you know what happened.” Very true.
The kid is like a golfer with the YIPS. His head is messed up and he knows it.
Too bad you can’t post a picture here. I’ve got a great one of what follow through, square shoulders and head down looks like.
I’d love to spend a day with Aguayo. I know ~exactly~ what he’s going through…and it’s no fun.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:34 pm
Reminds Hulk of fighting the Thinker a couple years back. hulk smashed all of Thinkers robots but almost got blasted. you know who save Hulk? Roberto Aguayo kick ball off Thinker’s head and knocked him out!
Thinker has big head. Hulk not nervous with Roberto out there! He help Hulk. He good kicker
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:37 pm
Cobraboy that is some damn goid insight right there.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:39 pm
You know, I said in another post that something seemed off about his approach but I couldn’t say exactly what was off compared to what I usually see from other kickers. I simply do not have the experience as a kicker to begin to comment about what isn’t right. All I know is that it didn’t look right to me.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Hulk Vs Loki – Puny God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsUCRcK7QYc
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:44 pm
I hated the pick but realize it’s early and the guy should be good. Did licht ever consider how much pressure would be on this guy based on his unprecedented draft day shenanigans.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:46 pm
I wonder if he has talked to Janikowski, being that they are both FSU guys.
I agree with what gilhealy said–The kid will be fine.
Raiders fan here, Janikowski had a bad rookie season and it took him a few years to get his accuracy up to where you want it. But all these years later he is still a really good kicker. And you guys at least only spent a 2nd on Aguayo whereas SeaBass was a 1st. In the short term, will he take you to the next level? Doubtful. In the long term, you could do a lot worse with an early pick than a good kicker. (See: Every since Raiders 1st round draft pick from 2004 to 2013.) If you’ve got your young franchise QB, then taking the long term view makes a lot of sense.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:47 pm
Cobraboy
Most in depth kicking perspective – that I’ve ever read on this site.
Good Stuff
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:53 pm
@Cobraboy. Wow man. Your post indicates to me that you really understand what’s going on. Thanks for sharing your insight.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:55 pm
For Gods sake will someone get Cobra over to One Buc Place stat! Joe? please
Cobra, you could charge consultation fees. Crying out loud the kid probably knows all this ,probably could just use this as a refresher.
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:56 pm
@cobraboy
thanks for sharing,you da man
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:03 pm
At least the kid is being pro active.. or at least the team is. GREAT post Cobra!
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:04 pm
Interesting stuff Cobraboy.
I don’t get why is is bad or has to be spun like this. If I had to describe Joe’s reporting of the preseason it has been mostly worried & scared – whether it be about the FGs or Dirk Koetter hiding something or JR Sweezy being out or the 4 interceptions being meaningless because of last year – etc -etc. Can we wait to over-analyze and panic after the regular season starts at least?
This is good news to me. Aguayo was automatic every year I watched as an FSU fan. I never worried about FGs. If he missed a 40-55 yarder it typically surprised us because he nailed everything. There is obviously something wrong in his game right now – and him being proactive now and trying to get over it before the regular season starts is a better approach than acting like there isn’t a problem. Dude isn’t ever supposed to miss XPs or anything under 40. Him missing 2 easy kicks is unheard of for him in his career – so let’s get it fixed.
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo knows El Asesino is feeling immense pressure…..Not only does he have to live up to the 2nd round pick of Hason….but please his FSU teammate, Haboo…..but the most pressure comes from “Pablo Nation”….that’s right, Pablo’s amigos amount to millions who are counting on Roberto to answer…..What Brown can do for you?….. So far, the only brown that Pablo is feeling is some leakage from Pablo’s thong when Pablo table dances…..Pablo has yet to have the leak while working on hot Pasco County roofs….but, Pablo is ready with depends.”
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:13 pm
@Brent. Not unprecedented. See Sebastian Janikowski. Nobody questions whether he was worth the pick now, and at the time, Gruden and Allen were lambasted for the pick. Aguayo has all the skills to be comparable. Hopefully, mentally and mechanically, he gets right. I’m pulling for him.
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:28 pm
@cobra great stuff….
@joe…you should give a copy of what @cobra said to the kicking coach….GO BUCS!!!!
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:29 pm
cobraboy
nice post informative
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Someone get cobraboy hired as a kicking consultant… ASAP!
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:32 pm
@cmurda did they trade up to get janikowski? I can’t remember..
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:40 pm
I just heard Tony Robbins is at 1 buc place
Tony is having Roberto run through hot coal drills
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Sid someone on the coaching staff actually trying to “coach ” this kid to kick better? I really hope nobody is telling him to do this or do that. If it aint broke don’t fix it. If it’s just nerves that I’m not worried, but WTF can possibly change with his mechanics just like that???
If I were him I would just do what I know works, do what you know is going to be effective. Ones persons technique is not always the best for another. Hopefully he isn’t being over coached. Cuter needs to investigate this it doesn’t add up.
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Licht might want to consider adding cobraboy to the staff since the fundamentals of kicking are being lost on the prized “superstar kicker” in waiting.
But then again, when I reach and trade a significant amount of assets to draft a player at a position that usually costs no assets in the first place I too have no interest in having someone coach said player on fundamentals or technique and instead let them wing it under the public pressure of being overdrafted.
So in the end Licht is handling this situation perfectly, so disregard my above comment JoeNation.
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:45 pm
SOMEONE FOR REAL SHOW AGAUYO COBRAS POST. I mean cmon what a refreshing post. Actual football knowledge that would be beneficial to the team
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:51 pm
@Brent, they got him with the 17th overall pick in the first round. Much more given up to get Janik then Aguayo
August 22nd, 2016 at 4:58 pm
This kid is the LEAST of my worries.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:04 pm
@ Cobraboy
So what you’re saying is to start the center with the smallest a$$ to assure the greatest accuracy……
And….I have that problem looking up too soon after a golf shot…..it’s called “premature admiration”
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Cobraboy’s, that was one of the best post I’ve seen on this sight in years. Joe, read Cobraboy’s post to Dirk at the next presser.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Get your butt to Raymond James Stadium and kick until you can’t kick anymore! This practice field kicking is doing no favors. If he’s doing that then you need more work. At some point this will become mental, seeking help this early is a little premature IMHO.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:23 pm
Well Joe then I see no reason for you to watch anything else but the kicking game in practices the rest of the way.
Keep us posted.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:23 pm
And the Raiders have won what with Janikowski? Yeah great kicker, been around for years, but picks like that is why the Raiders have been the Raiders for years. A kicker is involved with how many plays per game? Who should they have picked at 17 that year? A receiver to replenish that aging core of Tim Brownnor Jerry Rice? A QB to replace an aging Gannon? Please, Chucky drafted him, look at Chuckys draft record before lauding on the pick of a kicker at 17.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Janikowski went to all of one Pro Bowl in his career, with one 2nd team All-Pro in his 16 year career (both in 2011).
Meanwhile the two picks after Janikowski, Chad Pennington and Shaun Alexander also went to Pro Bowls (Alexander went to 3). And they, you know, actually played football for more than 6 snaps a game.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Give me Connor Barth and my 3rd and 4th round draft picks. SMH…Such a STUPID move by Licht.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Here’s a bit of trivia for everyone: Shane Lechler, the Raiders 5th round pick as a punter in 2000 (same year as Janikowski was their 1st round pick over 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander) has gone to exactly 6 more pro bowls than Janikowski. He was also named to the NFL All-Pro team 8 more times, including 6 first team All-Pro’s.
You’d make a better argument about Lechler being a first round pick that year than Janikowski.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:51 pm
@cobra. I don’t think anyone in the NFL thinks seabass was a good pick in the 1st round. The raiders didn’t get blasted for it bc they were a Super Bowl caliber team when they made the pick. Those teams can do that. Seabass, like a ton of other kickers have had a good career but that was not a good pick fort A guy w one pro bowl appearance and a 80% middle of the pack average. At least seabass had crazy range.
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:52 pm
“At the time, Gruden and Allen were lambasted for the pick.” Why? Anyone who knows anything about the Raiders knows that if Al wanted the kicker, they were drafting the kicker. End of story.
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:09 pm
he needs to loosen up> mons venus time
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:15 pm
Cobraboy some good insights … thanks. Something’s not right here though. Most effective kicker in NCAA history (I think that’s what I read), drafted in the 2nd round, and his mechanics are screwed up? I never expected Roberto to be perfect, but screwed up mechanics? No, something’s gone wrong. He’s made clutch kicks in many FSU games, and this is just preseason NFL. I’ll bet that someone’s been messing with his head and putting far too much pressure on him to be perfect. There’s surely going to be some transition from college to the NFL because of the goalposts, but right now isn’t the time to be yelling ‘the sky is falling’.
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:25 pm
So he knows he’s got the yips?
This is going to end poorly.
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:26 pm
How many second round skill-position picks have failed? Answer: too many to count. Take a breath, relax and give the kid a chance. I don’t believe he’ll fail but if he does, it’s not the end of the world. It is what it is.
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:31 pm
@ Bill – how many kickers need time to “develop”?
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:52 pm
well, you can’t hardly blame the kid…since he was chosen by Licht (not politicked for the job) he has been vilified…he’s a rookie…let him alone…these are meaningless exhibition games…that’s all, nothing more nothing less….there are far more serious issues the Bucs have to fix…this is minor…he will kick maybe 2 or 3 extra points a game and perhaps have 2 chances for a field goal…why some of you act like sharks with blood in the water is beyond me…you attack each other as if you have to prove your manhood and now attack a kid just getting used to the pro game…If it so moves you send a letter to Licht, and dont use this board to vent, tell him in a registered letter…those screaming the loudest will also scream they are the best fans ever…best fans ever don’t try to destroy a kid
August 22nd, 2016 at 6:57 pm
@Defense Rules,
There is no difference in the goal posts. None. Exactly the same. The hash marks are different and are actually easier in the NFL.
@Cobraboy,
Is your name Bob?
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Tin cup II is what it really is. The kicker is missing them for same reason Jameis is missing early. These young guys are so amped up to start the game that they are over kicking (throwing, hitting) and this is effecting the result.
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:09 pm
@joe
Get the kid @cobra in touch with Licht
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:13 pm
No receiver to take the top off a defense and Jason Licht trades into 2nd rd to get a kicker…And now this happens
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:14 pm
Good sh*t Cobraboy!
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:18 pm
I encourage everyone to watch his interview on bucs.com….It should give you some confidence that things will work itself out…..the kid is honest and appears to have the right mindset.
Let’s root for him to succeed instead of constantly whining about the pick….it’s done……after all, we could have chosen Joe’s Johnny Football!!
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Dave Pear Says:
Si.
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:42 pm
@Cobraboy,
Cool. Nice to know we have ex professional football players contributing on JBF. Great insight. Thank you very much.
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:53 pm
@Chris, the Raiders could have drafted Sylvester Morris instead of Janikowski. He was the next WR taken that year. He played all of 15 games in his NFL career before injuries forced him to hang it up.
The point is it’s about drafting good players. Sure, you have to take position into account most of the time because otherwise the key positions will get depleted before you decide the value is there. But I promise you, if the Bucs lose and lose often over the next 15 years, as the Raiders have for so very many reasons, it won’t be because of the position they chose to draft with one pick in one season.
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:59 pm
Dave Pear … Good catch that only the hash marks are different. NFL & college goals posts are supposed to be the same 18.5 ft width and 10′ above the ground (although for some reason the vertical bars height can be different … bizarre).
August 22nd, 2016 at 7:59 pm
@ Tampabaybucfan
I agree. So tired of talking about what ifs. Draft is over folks.
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Score touchdowns and go for two. Problem solved.
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:06 pm
Well played Theodore, Well played!!!!!
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:11 pm
@ TGGF
Today you were better as yourself, than as Pablo. rotfl
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:30 pm
¡Breathe thru ur eyebrowz!
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:33 pm
Forget Bobby Aguyo…”America’s QB” can’t hit your Momma’s fat arse running an out route!!!!! The extra !!!!are for the self appointed….
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:38 pm
@CobraBoy Best post I’ve ever read. Thanks.
August 22nd, 2016 at 8:39 pm
Aguayo should also consult Chris Simms, who also had a problem with proprioception. And then proceed to fire the Special Teams Coach. Special Teams has suffered ever since Rich Bisaccia left many years ago.
August 22nd, 2016 at 9:07 pm
@ DR Stroud. Ever since? Come on, I remember vividly having Rich come on board our Super Bowl winning year and the special teams rapidly declining after that. Our special teams was nothing special for his entire tenure. Several fans, myself included, couldn’t wait for him to go. The Aguayo situation is concerning but there’s no reason to panic at this time. If he continues to be hit or miss in the regular season without showing light at the end of the tunnel, then we panic.
August 22nd, 2016 at 9:16 pm
Cobra, that was a great post. Just looked up Willie Wood. I don’t think I’d ever heard of him. It’s sad that a lot of the pioneers of the sport are forgotten, and even more so that he can’t remember being a great champion. Hopefully somewhere deep down, he knows.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:00 pm
BuccaneEric75 Says:
Willie was one of the greatest players in NFL history, but in a different era. I remember Willie as a kid in high school when the Pack won SB I and II.
When Willie was our head coach, Herb Adderly and LeRoy Kelly were on his staff. Three real Hall of Famers earned when the game was much more violent and players played for passion and not money. Leroy was my position coach and a deep well of knowledge. I’m very fortunate to have spent time under those guys.
After a team reunion in Philly (2010) several of us drove down to see Willy in his nursing home. A very sad day. He didn’t remember any of us. He didn’t know his own son. His body was strong but his mind was gone.
His son has had to sell Willy’s memorabilia to pay for his dad’s care. Just tragic.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:02 pm
No get Cobra in touch with the ST Coach. He is likely not reading this, but if the Glazers are they can easily make that happen. This has got to get fixed before we play the Falcons and the tough Cardinals!
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:33 pm
Hopefully Roberto is reading JBF….then he could take some of Cobraboy’s advice…..Oh wait…maybe he has been reading JBF & that’s why he’s been feeling all the pressure….
On second thought….Roberto…..stay away….
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:37 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo appreciates Cobraboy…trying to help Pablo’s 2nd favorite Buc (Habbo is #1)…..Pablo wonders the if the name Cobraboy comes from being well endowed….like Pablo….then Cobraboy could table dance with Pablo for a charity benefit……what charity?…..well, a breast reduction for 87 or a mind augmentation for the Realist”
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:50 pm
I work at IMG and the people helping him are great at what they do. Having a mental conditioning coach is the norm now in elite sports. He will be fine.
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:24 pm
Geez give the kid a break already.
I remember Ray Guy shanked his first NFL punt.
He hasn’t even attempted a regular season kick yet people!!!
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Kicking is like baseball, sometimes your just in a slump. Look at the SF Giants right now. I know that Aguyao is not the same kicker that stunk up the field the last two weeks. Just needs to break this preseason slump then he will his true kicking ability.
August 23rd, 2016 at 12:10 am
Pulling for you kiddo. You can do it!
August 23rd, 2016 at 6:12 am
He’ll be OK