The Morning After
September 12th, 2016
Will Gholston and Robert Ayers listen intently during a chalktalk Sunday. )
Welcome to Victory Monday.
Joe is trying something new this year. New column. You saw the name in the headline. Last few years, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” was too wordy and Joe admits a silly name.
Joe hopes this new format is a fresher, punchier version of the former.
What a win yesterday! So many things to cover. First, how about the spoilers the Bucs played? The Bucs broke the NFL’s longest home-opener winning streak, ending the Dixie Chicks’ run at eight games
Tidbits Joe jotted down during the game.
* Imagine what a blowout the game could have been had America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, been able to connect on two touchdown passes he barely overthrew early?
* Joe feels awful for Jacquies Smith. When he can get on the field, the guy can rush the passer. He just cannot stay healthy. May have word later today on the extent of his knee injury suffered on special teams. If it is bad news as feared, it may be time for the Bucs to look elsewhere. You know the old saying, can’t produce if you can’t stay on the field. Look for Will Gholston to play a lot more left defensive end in Smith’s place.
* Good to hear Bucs fans make their presense felt in the Georgia Dome. There was a pocket in the corner of the end zone, to the direct left of the Bucs bench. It was clearly heard in the second half. Even started the “Tampa… BAY!” chant. A couple of times, it sparked Dixie Chicks fans to drown them out with boos.*
* Joe has to correct himself: The Bucs did get off to a fast start… in the second half.
* When the Bucs held a three-score lead with five minutes left in the third quarter against a division foe, Joe thought he was watching some made-for-TV SyFy flick.
* Joe usually sticks up for Roger Goodell and the NFL, but two guys celebrating a key sack that killed a drive is a personal foul for “choreographed celebration?” That is sad. That is the pure definition of the term over officious. Joe mocks those who call the NFL the “No Fun League.” Baloney. No sport or activity is this popular and not fun, stop it. Golf? That’s no fun. But flagging a pair of players giddy over a critical play made is way over the top and oppressive. If this is now a penalty, then someone in the NFL needs to grow some common sense. Joe’s initial reaction to this reminded Joe of a colloquialism used only (to the best of Joe’s knowledge) among the denizens of Germantown, Ill. When they hear something totally and completely outrageous, rather than uttering a profanity, they bark out a hard “CH,” the kind you use to pronounce “chicken.” Say something insane to these folks like, well, Albert Pujols was a lousy hitter, and the response would be “CH!” Guess it’s better than yelling “bulls(p)it” or “hell” or the f-word. So guys are getting flagged for being happy over a play a teammate made? Joe’s reaction is just like that of those Germantown folks. “CH!”
Game balls
Charles Sims: Is there a better backup running back in the NFL? Certainly none as versatile as Sims. That touchdown catch-and-run was spectacular.
Kwon Alexander: You think his weekday morning private sessions with Mike Smith at the break of dawn is paying off?
Bucs offensive line: No sacks in 33 Jameis pass attempts.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins: Finally caught a toucdown pass in a win. And what a catch it was.
Lovie Smith: Joe figures Lovie got four things right in two years: He hired Jason Licht. He hired Dirk Koetter. He signed off on drafting Jameis. And, oh yeah, he pushed to draft Charles Sims. Seems running backs coach Tim Spencer thought Sims had some Matt Forte in him, which obviously got Lovie’s attention. He then pressed for Licht to draft him.
Quotes
“We talked about check downs all week. Atlanta is a zone-based defense, they take deep drops, they try to force you to check the ball down. We were preaching to Jameis Winston, ‘Check it down. Check it down.’ And he did it.” – Dirk Koetter
“Coach Koetter, he always comes up with these great plays that always seem to work. That’s why I never argue with that guy.” — Jameis Winston.
“It’s not often that you have young guys like [Jameis] with that kind of poise at such an important position with all the eyes on him. He really shows a lot of poise for such a young player.” — Joe Hawley.
““One thing that I talk about is the difference from last year to this year is rush and coverage working together. One thing we didn’t do well last year is we couldn’t get on the same page. We might be rushing and not covering, or covering and not rushing. When you do it together, it looks really good. I knew we needed a play with the ball. Knowing the down-distance, the ball has to come out a certain way, and coach always teaches us ‘hand off, hands up.’ When the quarterback takes his hand off of the ball, you just get your hands up. I was able to get my hand on the ball and finish the game.” — Gerald McCoy.
* “I thought No. 1 they played very aggressive. Their front played terrifically. I thought getting our hat on the linebacker there were some good run-throughs they had on the backside for us, so I don’t think it was anything. It was certainly unique, but I do tip my hat to them. I thought they played well in the run game.” — Dixie Chicks coach Dan Quinn.
* “Mike [Smith] does a great job and I know that probably better than anybody for having been around him as long as I was. He’s a hell of a coach. He had them coached up. They did a good job today. But there were things that we could’ve done better, I really think that. There were opportunities that we had where we could’ve been better and we need to clean those things up.” — Matty Ice.
* “A quarterback like [Jameis] that can throw the ball and can also move, he has good instincts. Hat off to him as far as managing that game, made some incredible throws that I was very surprised he made.” — Dwight Freeney.
Punts
Random quick thoughts not necessarily NFL-related.
Bucs just may get on national television when traveling to Arizona. Westwood One Radio announced it is broadcasting the game nationally. Call it the power of Jameis. … AC/DC-loving Bucs general manager Jason Licht continued his pool-plunging ritual after wins last night. … Bucs are walking into a hornet’s nest in Phoenix. Here is a team many picked to play in the Super Bowl and they lost to the Pats last night. You know about teams that start out 0-2? It’s not pretty for playoff odds. … “First place Bucs.” Almost sounds like an oxymoron. … Joe tried to see if any Bucs player was not standing for the National Anthem. Joe’s view was somewhat shielded by the giant flag and the servicemen holding it. Joe didn’t notice anyone not standing. Many Bucs players held their right hands over their hearts. … Another cool weekend of college football on tap coming. Since Labor Day Weekend was so wicked, last weekend was a big let down, though the Arkansas-TCU game was fun. … Texas Tech may be the most entertaining offense with Kliff Kingsbury but, woof, that defense year in and year out is high school level. … Why the hell was Jimbo Fisher playing Derwin James in the second half of a blowout win over a Division I-AA opponent? That was just dumb. … Joe doesn’t know why he continues to watch the Cardinals. They are not a playoff team. They have pitching problems and are terribly inconsistent. Old habits are hard to die.
September 12th, 2016 at 3:50 am
Agreed about that BS choreographed celebration penalty. Cam and co. do celebrations like that every time they get a first down or a TD and they don’t get anything.
I really hope they make the game national next week. They’re showing a MLS game on the schedule as of now where I live. A freaking soccer game.
September 12th, 2016 at 4:24 am
Second half adjustments were on point. Great job by the NEW COACHING STAFF. .what a difference a true nfl caliber coaches make. Fire the cannons! ! ! ! Fire the cannons! ! ! ! !
September 12th, 2016 at 4:37 am
Why is Jacquies Smith playing special teams in the first place. Seems like a hugh risk for one of your best pass rushers.
September 12th, 2016 at 4:45 am
Great win!
Not the smack down a certain mentally unstable Bucs and Noles fan guaranteed, but a very good win.
Stats for both teams were close overall.
3 things:
Thank you GMC for the game winning play…..
And how about some congratulations for Aguayo nailing all of his kicks?
Kwon is a beast!
September 12th, 2016 at 4:58 am
Joe.. Not sure which game you were watching. GMCs sack was on 1st down and instead of lining up to get ready for 2nd and long. GMC decides to dance around like a ‘tard. At least if you can’t get pressure you get your hands up…
September 12th, 2016 at 5:07 am
CBS has the double header next week. Will not move to 4:25. Just so everyone understands.. CBS and Fox alternate. Amazing that people have no clue.
September 12th, 2016 at 6:29 am
Really like this ‘The Morning After’ format Joe … especially the ‘Quotes’ segment. Nice.
Jameis was really impressive yesterday. Could clearly see that he had total command of the offense. His final completion % ended up being 70%, but in the first half I think it was closer to 80%. Should pretty much shut up those who say he’s not an accurate passer.
PFR shows ASJ being targeted 7 times with 1 catch (awesome TD) … can’t remember him being targeted that much. Also shows Martin (5-5) and Sims (3-3) being perfect on what were mostly checkdowns I guess. That’s incredible.
September 12th, 2016 at 6:56 am
I have said it many times!!! CS34 is arguably our most explosive player!!!
@Joe
Will you ask GMC93 this week, that if he “just wants to win” how he will do that while making plays then getting penalized!!!!
The Patriots got called for it as well last night and seemed even less of a “choreographed celebration”!!!! and I am just wondering, Is a high five a choreographed celebration? They NFLPA should have negotiated when you could do a choreographed celebration after a TD or Turnover!! or forcing a team to punt ( which is a turnover to all except you know who)!!!!!!!!!
September 12th, 2016 at 7:21 am
Great take Joe. I tweeted to you yesterday. OMG what was that we saw? A 2 minute offense before the end of the half? it was like seeing the lockness monster, we heard of it, but have never seen it before. Give Coach Koetter a big pat on the back for that. I would like to see the defense continue to improve in the passing game, and would like to see our boys get the running game going as well. but damn, that #3 is the shnizzle…
September 12th, 2016 at 7:27 am
Realist – If your going to look at it that way, you can’t leave Kwon out. Want Joe to ask him if he is going to approach every player who just made a great play and try to do a dance with them? They both had great games. It was just a stupid move after the play that I don’t think either one of them will repeat. If they both play the way they did yesterday, we will be in good shape.
September 12th, 2016 at 7:29 am
R.O. You’re wrong. It was a third down and the penalty resulted in a first
September 12th, 2016 at 7:29 am
Refreshing that Koetter didn’t go with Lovie’s strategy of “I didn’t think we needed more points” right before half time.
September 12th, 2016 at 8:03 am
The “choreographed” dance penalty was utter bull spit.
It looked like a harmless display of happiness.
God forbid that the players have fun during a game.
September 12th, 2016 at 8:07 am
@Dreambig
I was more or less stirring the pot of the Dust up, between GMC93 and Joe!!!!!!!!!
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2016/09/next-question-3/
September 12th, 2016 at 8:20 am
Mike Evans should of got a game ball also 5 out of 7 passes for 99 yards.Also got in perfect position for Jameis to hit for 2 TD’s.Made a good adjustment on the only one completed. And if Jameis completes the first attempt we would
have got a fast start to a blowout IMO. A receiver that has 19 yard per catch average is a great asset.
September 12th, 2016 at 8:22 am
@realist
agree on Simms,he is something special.
September 12th, 2016 at 8:24 am
NFL needs to be more consistent with the celebration fouls. Giants on the game winning touchdown had a clear choreographed celebration with no flag
September 12th, 2016 at 8:26 am
2016 playcalling
Give simms 10 targets per game till we lose a game…
We might lose, but it will probably because of defense
Put in cs and dm on the field together
September 12th, 2016 at 8:48 am
Personally, I really liked yesterday today and tomorrow, but I like this too. I like having that one long article to read while chugging the coffee on Monday mornings.
Maybe the CH thing is a Midwestern thing. We say it all the time too. I had no idea it was something other regions would think was weird. I thought it was national like “huh?” ( I had a Canadian friend that made fun of us about that whenever anyone said “eh!” to him.) Or maybe its a German thing. There’s a lot of stubborn, angry Germans around here too!!
September 12th, 2016 at 8:52 am
Yeah, Victor Cruz Salsas in the end zone, no flag, Oakland Raider throws the ball in the air on the game winning two and gets flagged. Damn near cost the Raiders the game . Luckily the have Sea Bass, who kicked it 75 yards to their five .
September 12th, 2016 at 8:53 am
Im one of the biggest McCoy doubters on here, but he had a great game yesterday. He was in the game till the end.. His tipped passes stopped a crucial drive.
ALSO JOE I think the BUCS showed a lot of CLASS by not buying into this kneeling JUNK…Like the deadfins..
THANK YOU BUCS PLAYERS…
September 12th, 2016 at 9:08 am
Thanks for the Love Joe, I was part of that contingent in the corner and we were so loud, we barely heard Falcon fan even when they were loud. Great game, great to see fans who came up from Tampa, and the ATLBucs fan club was great host. I saw so many Bucs jerseys at that game, it was crazee
September 12th, 2016 at 9:14 am
If what I saw yesterday was the new Gerald McCoy I really like what I’m seeing! He stepped up on multiple occasions at critical points in the game and made his presence known. He also forced Matty Ice to step up and move around in the pocket which lead to other sacks. Keep it up big fella!
September 12th, 2016 at 9:20 am
Will be interesting to see how GM Jason Licht handles the open roster spot – vacated by DE/LB Jacquies Smith. Will he promote someone off the scouting team? Or resign someone familiar with the system – like LB/DE Kareem Brown?
Or maybe he takes this opportunity to look outside the organization. Pluck a guy off someone’s practice squad – work him out a couple of days – see how he stacks up against; what you already have. If you like the guy – great keep’em. If not move on – no harm no foul.
*Offense
Quarterbacks
• David Fales QB 6-1 | 212 (25) San Jose State (Baltimore)
• Aaron Murray QB 6-1 | 207 (25) Georgia (Arizona )
Center/Guard
• Dillon Day C/G 6-4 | 299 (24) Mississippi State (Denver)
• Jack Allen C/G 6-2 | 296 (23) Michigan State (New Orleans)
*Defense
DE/DT
• Matt Ioannidis DE/DT 6-3 | 308 (22) Temple (Wash.)
• Caushaud Lyons DE/DT 6-5 | 284 (23) Tusculum (Pittsburgh)
• Kapron Lewis-Moore DE/DT 6-4 | 315 (26) Notre Dame (Baltimore)
LB/DE
• Max Valles LB/DE 6-4 | 250 (22) Virginia (Buffalo Bills)
• Eric Lee LB/DE 6-3 | 260 (22) South Florida (Houston)
OLB/MLB
• Jordan Tripp LB 6-3 | 237 (25) Montana (Seattle)
• Quentin Gause LB 6-0 | 243 (23) Rutgers (New England Patriots)
• Ramik Wilson LB 6-2 | 237 (24) Georgia (Kansas City)
September 12th, 2016 at 9:48 am
Im glsd to see mccoy getting some props here. I listened to the rdio nd he wsnt mentioned. Three gsme chsnging plsys by my count.
Jenkins snd Evsns deserve some props too. their tds were swesome cstches. Win or lose thst wss s grest footbsll gsme. One of the best i seen from TB in s very long time.
September 12th, 2016 at 9:57 am
I usually say rules are rules, end of story. But come on. These are grown men, many of whom are friends with one another and share a mutual respect. Let em freakin celebrate! I mean, there is so much background stuff going on with the league and the NFLPA and antitrust suits etc etc, now you’re really going to stop them from celebrating? That’s sad. Give it a rest NFL. And btw two players on any team waving their hands and what not is a million times mire tolerable than watching Cam dab with that big stupid smile on his mutant face.
And I don’t wana hear this bull about Mccoy, he stepped up all game and even if you don’t see it on a boxscore, there are things he does that matter and help out the defense.
September 12th, 2016 at 10:07 am
@ Kobe faker. I would love to see Doug and Charles Sims in at the same time. I specifically would like to see tbe shovel option that ATL used. Very hard to stop unless your opponent has a serious 3 tech like GMC.
September 12th, 2016 at 11:42 am
@astro
seems even DM was putting time catching balls during the offseason
Putting both of our talented RBs on the field at the same time creates mismatches all over…
if the linebackers are worried about the coverage front of them, the coverage behind them is going to have huge opening for ME and out tight ends
its going to be a shootout in Arizona (-6.5) 45-38 arizona win
alot of burnt toast corners on both sides
September 12th, 2016 at 11:55 am
The celebration flag is bullhockey!! Which group of mental midgets a la ownership dreamed up that one?? BIG difference between celebrating and taunting. I don’t want to see anymore GMC dissing. He was able to play his usual game cos he didn’t have 600-900+lbs. of OL beef hanging all over him. The Dixie Chicks still have a hellacious O. Glad to see that Buc Luck (injury) backed off in this game. Sorry about J. Smith. Big reason why I don’t like hearing the Hump doing PR. Hey Joe(s): I like both titles on this article. Go Mighty Bucs in the Desert!! ( I hope. :-))
September 12th, 2016 at 12:07 pm
Yea Defense Rules, ASJ did not get 7 balls thrown to him and only have the one touchdown. I think people might have noticed that. Maybe I just dont know what being targeted is? What it sounds like is the ball being thrown to him 7 times and him only catching one which means that Jameis going 23 for 33, ASJ was thrown to for almost all of Jameis’ incompletions, which did not happen. Someone please correct me on the targeting terminology if I’m wrong
September 12th, 2016 at 12:19 pm
ARE THESE PEOPLE (THE NFL) F-ING SERIOUS?!!! The refs would literally walk to the end zone and spread out a broken down cardboard box for Cam Newton to breakdance on. That call really got my blood boiling yesterday.
September 12th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
I do like this format Joe!
Yes it was! “It was a third down and the penalty resulted in a first”
The falcon fans in the stands by me in section 307 where giving us some fluff and stuff about that play. But they settled down very quickly. I am going to miss these seats, and most of these falcon fans. Looks like the new stadium does not have as many upper deck seats beside and behind the goalposts. It is so much fun to watch the plays from this angle for me. Plays come right at you (Missed TD to Mr. Evans in the end zone) or away from you.(TD’s for Mr. Sims, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Evans)
Our Friends and my Wife and I where a big part of the loudness in the TAMPA!!! BAY!!! chants from the corner. Thanks JOE for the shout out, it sure sounded “loud” from our seats too. It was so much fun getting the falcon fans excited and up chanting “not in our house” they where sure chanting different things when the 2 minute warning came and went, then the clock tic tocked to zeros. I said to those around us in our section. I know this happened in your house on our last visit here I was here! I can’t wait to be at next years game either in the new stadium. That got me some chants that where not so family oriented. Made some of the parents around us angry with their own falcon fan base. It couldn’t have been the several adult beverages those falcon fans involved partook in. Lawd Naw! I did not say one bad thing the entire game against the falcons. We had several adult beverages before, during, and more after the game. I was even applauding the TD by Mr. Jones.(again right in front of us) because that was a sweet play. Civility, a Major lacking personality trait, one best learned at home. Thanks Mom & Dad!
And Joe is right both of those Missed TD’s would have really opened up the score early. Both times our WR’s where very open, but the ball was about a yard to long.
Great Game! Bring on our next opponent, load the cannons with bird shot. And fire for affect! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
GO BUCS!
September 12th, 2016 at 3:41 pm
Did i miss something? Was Smith released or put on IR?
September 12th, 2016 at 6:00 pm
The Morning After, that sounds familiar. FSU at Louisville should be a good game on TV Saturday. Louisville smashed Syracuse. I can’t see FSU losing there before playing at USF. Upset?