Seven Things To Watch In Tonight’s Game
August 20th, 2016
Take notes.
1) The Bucs ran the ball against the Eagles last week 21 times for 31 yards. That’s hot garbage. Joe asked Dirk Koetter about those struggles and he responded saying it was of no concern because he believes running backs need plenty of touches to get a rhythm. That doesn’t happen in preseason, Koetter said, and he knows the Bucs know how to run it. Joe didn’t swallow that whole. Today’s a new day. So let’s see the Bucs average three yards a carry instead of 1.5 yards. Demar Dotson recently said the Bucs’ offensive line hasn’t had good practices back-to-back in training camp. Why?
2) Veteran strongside linebacker Daryl Smith won’t play tonight, from what Joe has learned. So who is starting at the strong side? Is it Jeremiah George, rookie Luke Rhodes, or Adarius Glanton, who is well respected?
3) Keep any eye on rookie fourth-round pick Ryan Smith, a safety/cornerback. Joe seemed to be the only one reporting on his 1-hand interception against the Jaguars in practice Thursday. You can see Smith’s talent, but better play in preseason from him might affect the Bucs’ roster decisions when it comes to their overall numbers at safety and corner. Joe is confident Smith will make the roster. He’s also expected to get a shot at kick returner tonight.
4) Can Donteea Dye return kicks well again? If so, Kenny Bell takes another step toward being released. Bell wasn’t on first-team coverage teams in Philly or in practice this week, and you have to play special teams to be a No. 5 or No. 6 receiver in the NFL, especially with Louis Murphy healing in the background. Of course, waiting on Bell’s first-ever preseason catch — in his fourth preseason game — makes this one worth watching until the final snap.
5) So far Jude Adjei-Barimah has outplayed Vernon Hargreaves at cornerback. If Jude can standout tonight, it’s going to be very hard to keep him off the field. Doing so in that scenario would cost Koetter credibility in the locker room.
6) Can Mike Glennon shine for a change? Glennon was bad last preseason, bad last week, and he’s had some really rough practices. That includes this week in Jacksonville. If Glennon’s going to be with the Bucs as a backup, that’s fine. But Joe would like to see him play some good football.
7) The Jags have a potent offense. The Bucs harassed and intercepted Blake Bortles in practice, but he also carved them up. Joe wants to see this defense look solid against a fine-tuned offense like the Jags’.
August 20th, 2016 at 9:43 am
8. Can the Bucs eliminate stupid mistakes….fumbles on kickoff’s, costly penalties, etc..?
9. Will a true WR3 start to emerge to take some pressure off of Evans and V-Jax?
August 20th, 2016 at 9:58 am
Can we jus convert Banks to FS already. It’d be a better fit for him than corner I think
August 20th, 2016 at 10:02 am
6) Cue the Glennon genius critique critters. I’m looking forward to watching the game eating a fried bologna sandwich.
August 20th, 2016 at 10:10 am
@Jeagan
I’d have to say Humphries sounds like he has stepped up to the #3
August 20th, 2016 at 10:14 am
Kotter will not lose any credibility at all if he puts the best man out there whatvare you talking about joe if Vernon isnt ready then he isnt ready dont throw him out there cause he’s a first rounder and become a liability my opinion @joe cause yours made no since
August 20th, 2016 at 10:17 am
Nevermind scratch that last post @joe i read it allllllllllllllll wrong lmbo smh apologies my brother
August 20th, 2016 at 10:32 am
Is it on TV in the Tampa area?
August 20th, 2016 at 10:36 am
More details please.
Offensive Line and Defensive Line: Are all the starters (minus Sweezy of course) starting in their appropriate positions?
August 20th, 2016 at 10:40 am
Joe, good point 5
Will the player start because of production on the field or because of draft position
Lovie played with Favorites/doghouses and was a major part of his downfall
August 20th, 2016 at 10:40 am
“So far Jude Adjei-Barimah has outplayed Vernon Hargreaves at cornerback. If Jude can standout tonight, it’s going to be very hard to keep him off the field. Doing so in that scenario would cost Koetter credibility in the locker room.”
Why would it cost him credibility?
According to everyone here, head coaches have nothing to do with the draft, right? That’s why no one gives Lovie any credit, right?
Oh, I see. The whole double standard thing might be in effect for the people here.
On topic, I think if both of them turn out great, then our CBs are set for years to come. I don’t see that as a bad thing.
August 20th, 2016 at 10:41 am
Power Vapor Says
“Is it on TV in the Tampa area?”
There are no more blackouts. NFL stopped them for now.
August 20th, 2016 at 10:44 am
The game will be on the local NBC station Ch. 8, actually their back up ch. that they call Great 38, it’s on #1006 at our house.
August 20th, 2016 at 10:45 am
Sweet. Thank you Bonzai
August 20th, 2016 at 10:47 am
It airs on MyTV (Channel 6, Brighthouse)
August 20th, 2016 at 10:53 am
Or 38 on Broadcast
August 20th, 2016 at 11:04 am
I believe it is on channel 38 again. 7:30 pm.
August 20th, 2016 at 11:05 am
I keep saying it ,you will look up 2 or 3 years from now and Jude will be a starter. My belief is although he had his fair share of struggles last season(what rookie cb doesn’t) he gained a lot of experience and some on field insight from that. Jude ain’t going no where man.
August 20th, 2016 at 11:11 am
If Jude’s play keeps VH3 off the field in his rookie season then super win for the Buccs organization considering he was an undrafted free agent. A lot of us feel like VH3 is going to be the absolute truth,but like I’ve stated before Revis didn’t becone Revis Island until his third season in the league. In a nutshell cb won’t be looked at as a weakness for us for long time.
August 20th, 2016 at 11:21 am
Just remember we are playing vanilla offenses and defenses. If we played the Jags in a real game their QB would face blitzes from all directions and confusing defenses designed to confuse him, so this game won’t show all that. However, it will tell Koetter who he should put on his 53 man roster which is what preseason is all about. It will also give the OL time to develop better chemistry too. It is a credit to our DC, Smith, that he has taught our defense how to gel together so quickly!
August 20th, 2016 at 11:32 am
I don’t know what you people have against Humphries. He’s played solid and he doesn’t drop the bullets Jameis throws. If a guy gets open, and doesn’t drop passes, I’d say he’s doing his job as a receiver. I think some Tampa fans just have a fetish for large black men.
August 20th, 2016 at 11:50 am
“That guy” as a black man I’m totally good with Adam.
August 20th, 2016 at 12:06 pm
5) yea number #5 is the exact opposite of what would happen in real life. Saying a top 10 pick is gonna play and then not playing him in favor of an undrafted guy with a year of garbage gametape would lose him credibility.
August 20th, 2016 at 12:08 pm
I just can’t wait to see our defense again..Albeit preseason, but good lord, we are going to look good in regular games..
I agree with Nole..I’m good with Humpries..
August 20th, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Here’s some info..
For those having Frontier cable (the artist formerly known as Verizon):
Channel 014 for non-HD
and in HD 514..
Next week back to normal Channel 8 or 508 since Olympics will be over..
August 20th, 2016 at 1:37 pm
I would like to see Luke Rhodes get some good time tonight. He had a good game last week (I think he got a forced fumble) and I’m hoping he will be our surprise player in undrafted rookies
August 20th, 2016 at 1:40 pm
You guys are completely misreading Joe’s point on #5
The point Joe is making is that the locker room knows Jude is outplaying Hargreaves and that the players will be giving Dirk the side eye if VHIII gets the playing time — it would look like his draft status and not his performance is the reason he’s on the field
August 20th, 2016 at 1:42 pm
I will definitely be looking out for Ryan Smith and can’t wait to see him on the returns. He was a baller at returns in college
August 20th, 2016 at 1:48 pm
Does anyone happen to know what channel Bucs preseason games are on in the orlando area on brighthouse?
August 20th, 2016 at 1:58 pm
I’m also really interested in the final sport or two at WR
the locks are
Evans
VJ
Humpheries
Russell
I don’t know if I’d say Murphy is a lock right now…how long are you going to hold a roster spot for a guy that can’t get on the field? I really want to see what Krause and Reedy can do tonight. Not sure why but I’m really rooting for Reedy
August 20th, 2016 at 2:07 pm
@911bucs
I hope Humphries continues to have a strong camp and really puts some distance between himself and the others. It’d be nice to go onto the season with no “?’s” at the starting WR spots. We’ve all seen what a good slot receiver can do for an offense, and I hope that Humphries ends up being that Welker/Edelman guy for us!
August 20th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Karlos Williams is up for grabs. Been cut by the BUFF Bills
We need a big back for 3rd and short and he is a good pass catcher
FSU= more seats filled
August 20th, 2016 at 3:06 pm
He likes to eat and smoke weed too
the munchies
August 20th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
Kobe Faker
what’s wrong with the munchies sir… nothing wrong with a grown man relaxing a bit then strapping on the feed bag.
August 20th, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Joe, VH3 and Jude have both played well, it’s only been 1 preseason game, why are we already taking sides?? I can assure you that once the real stuff begins, VH3 will be a baller and hopefully Hey Jude can improve from the crap tape he put out last year.
August 20th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
I wonder how long Murphy is expected to be out, the level of his recovery.
August 20th, 2016 at 6:24 pm
8. Will Aguayo make all his kicks?