Robert Ayers & The “Bully” Pulpit
November 30th, 2016
“You hear me, McCoy”
Before the now famous family-focused Jameisburg Address, Joe has learned there was a passionate speech delivered to the Bucs that would have earned a solid R-rating.
Following the throttling by the Falcons on Thursday Night Football, right before the Bucs’ three-game winning streak, defensive end Robert Ayers gathered the entire team after a practice.
Ayers let it all hang out, like only a “naturally pissed off person” would.
“Oh man, that’s just big,” Akeem Spence of the Robert Ayers influence. “Rob is always like our bully. After that Atlanta game, he kind of let us know how he felt. Communication was our big problem in that game, so after that, you know, we kind of made sure that wasn’t a problem any more, and it’s shown over the last three weeks.”
Joe asked Bucs’ elder statesman Daryl Smith whether Ayers’ passionate address had an impact, even on a veteran linebacker of 181 starts like him.
“Yeah, guys felt,” Smith said. “You know, we knew we weren’t playing the way we were capable of playing. …. I mean, when guys speak from the heart people are always going to listen.”
Adam Humphries emphasized to Joe that Ayers’ “bully” influence is felt on offense.
“Whenever he talks it’s powerful. It’ll definitely get you juiced up,” Humphries said. “It was after a practice, after the Atlanta game, he called us all up after Dirk [Koetter] said his things, and just talked to us man-to-man.
Without the colorful language, Humphries said Ayers explained it was time to man up and start winning games.
Joe was told by another Buccaneer, who asked to remain nameless, that Ayers’ fiery blast at the team was very focused and rattled some cages.
Was it more effective than the Jameisburg Address? That’s unclear, but Joe’s certain it was more entertaining.
November 30th, 2016 at 4:35 pm
That tells you that Dirk is letting these guys be themselves. There are guys on the team that are captains, but it sounds like it is Jameis, it’s GMC, Ayers, McDonald, its Kwon, its Evans, its Shep.
November 30th, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Can you imagine Lovie letting Robert Ayers speak to the team
November 30th, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Its great tie finally have guys with attitude in the team.Like ME13 said UN yesterdays ESPN interview….”we have SWAG.”hopefully we make it to the playoffs cause if we do…aha…..lets just say it will all be good if we don’t get himefield advantage….after all we are 5-1 in the road.
November 30th, 2016 at 4:43 pm
I want to hear it. Maybe Bucs Uncensored can snag the audio. Fire up the fans people, of course with a salty language warning beforehand.
November 30th, 2016 at 4:43 pm
lovie = micheal johnson
Coach Smitty = RA91!!!!!!! Nuff said!!!!!
Go America!!!!!!
And GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 30th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
this team is learning how to fight thru adversity, as a team and in their personal lives…with loved ones passing away, injuries, getting blown out a few times this year, the team only had 2 options, come together or fall apart….thankfully under the leadership of ayers, jameis, mike, kwon and others they came together….their fighting for each other…their having fun…their winning….
i’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t on board with the dirk hire but he is a good coach…seems to be pushing all the right buttons….players look prepared and focused…I still believe jameis has more to do with it than anything but dirk has proved me wrong and is showing he knows what he’s doing….
looking for the this to turn 3 str8 wins into 4….keep your head down and keep chopping…..GO BUCS!!!!
November 30th, 2016 at 4:49 pm
I remember the last time Coach Smitty had a “bully” in the locker room!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4cXZGkRMCY
Good times are ahead buc fans!!!!!!
Welcome aboard 813bucboi!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!
November 30th, 2016 at 4:59 pm
Man I have so much to say but I’m gonna shut up and keep the peace. Way to step up Ayers. Lead, follow or get the F out the way is what I always say.
November 30th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
YES! Bar none the best FA pick up (much respect to Anger and Grimes)
November 30th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
DB55, good motto!
November 30th, 2016 at 6:14 pm
I heard he was yelling so passionately that he made the Ice cream Man drop his cone and he actually started playing harder.
November 30th, 2016 at 6:18 pm
More powerful than $100 million…………
November 30th, 2016 at 6:39 pm
Lovie would’ve told him to sit down shut up and stop cussing.
November 30th, 2016 at 6:45 pm
#93 looks shredded in that photo, that’s our sack leader, keep it up dude!!
November 30th, 2016 at 6:50 pm
I wish DB55 would say what he thinks.
His post are always very good and informing to read.
I really mean it.
November 30th, 2016 at 7:05 pm
5 games to play with 3 games to win to show improvement over last year’s team! Keep up the good defensive play!
November 30th, 2016 at 7:11 pm
BigHogHaynes…WHAT????
November 30th, 2016 at 7:38 pm
LOVE IT MAN NASTY!!!!
November 30th, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Still Loling at you BigHog and I will continue to, as will everyone else around here. Go ahead and keep your myopic views, most based on racism, nobody here cares or considers you a fan. Just a troll.
November 30th, 2016 at 9:46 pm
So excited about how the bucs have played the last three games, hopefully they next one in San Diego. Bought end zone tickets for the Saints game, gonna make some noise.
November 30th, 2016 at 9:57 pm
I told you all when Bucs got Robert..I told you guys he was a bad azz that didn’t care who’s feelings got hurt. He was the same in NY..when we signed him, my Giant friends were ticked off he wasn’t resigned..
My favourite Buccaneer..PERIOD…and you know what else about him? He appreciates his Tampa fans..he answers fan questions and interacts with his fans on Twitter and Instagram..
Class act off the field but a bad azz on the field..
November 30th, 2016 at 10:35 pm
“My favourite Buccaneer..PERIOD”
Really? Ayers. A free agent is your favorite Buc..period.
Okay then.
November 30th, 2016 at 10:59 pm
That’s right 87..he is..and you know why!?..He’s bought back that attitude we needed..he bought back that fight that I haven’t seen in a long time..
are you picking who should be my favourite Buccaneer? Like I have told my grown azz kids..” You can tell me what to do and like, as long as you are paying my 2 mortgages and two car payments”..
So yeah..love the dude!
December 1st, 2016 at 8:57 am
McCoy looks like he just got yelled at by his daddy..
YES AYERS IS THE MAN>. A GREAT PICK UP WITH A BUCS ATTITUDE>>
We have needed this for a long time…
Go AYERS
Go BUCS
December 1st, 2016 at 10:13 am
@ lifeofabuc
I completely understand why ayers is your favorite buc. My favorite buc used to be donald penn and I was devestated when the bucs cut him. I loved the toughness he brought to the team. Ayers is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Joe Hawley is one of my favorites because he does not take any crap on the field. I completely understand where you are coming from as it relates to toughness. Stats are nice ala sacks, but it does not mean a thing if you can’t put a boot to someone’s @$$!!!
December 1st, 2016 at 11:08 am
Lol Lovie would have cut him then lost the next game by 30 points