Rookie Walls?
December 24th, 2016
Tough sledding today for defensive end Noah Spence and cornerback Vernon Hargreaves.
It was the same way last Sunday in Dallas.
Hey, they’re rookies. Joe’s not coming down on these youngsters.
But Spence hasn’t had a sack in his last four games. And 21-year-old Hargreaves got an old fashioned roasting in New Orleans. The Saints’ trio of receivers is having a historic season, but Hargreaves was burned too often. He also got beaten up in the game, which often happens to rookies in December.
The regular-season finale will be big for those two. The extra day of rest and film study should help.
Neither Spence nor Hargreaves have missed a game all season. That’s admirable, but the “rookie wall” is hard to avoid for anyone, especially if you grind it out every week.
Spence has 5 1/2 sacks, and Joe would love to see him have a big game and match Adrian Clayborn’s 7 1/2 sacks as a Bucs rookie in 2011.
Quietly, Roberto Aguayo hasn’t made a Bucs fan bang his head into a wall in a while. Joe will take it.
December 24th, 2016 at 9:42 pm
Damn. Low clicks for Joe on xmas eve. Do you A-B content test this stuff? 😉
Don’t assume you know what you’re talking about. Comments are not an indicator of what is read. Never has been, never will be. And Joe doesn’t write with comments in mind.–Joe
December 24th, 2016 at 9:44 pm
They have both contributed well this year, and this will only make them better. Anyone who thinks a CB and DE needs to come in an play lights out from the start doesn’t know the game. As for aquayo, I have been in the concussion protocol since Week 2 of the preseason. Yes, he’s not missed lately…7 in a row. But his kicks are about as random as buckshot.
December 24th, 2016 at 9:48 pm
^ and he hasn’t been asked to make anything longer than 45
December 24th, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Nashville buc how bout you go f@$# your self. Why the h3ll you even checkin this site. Buster.
December 24th, 2016 at 9:56 pm
Funny how so many come out after a lost. Line was +3 smart guy.
December 24th, 2016 at 9:57 pm
Hargreaves bounced back a bit.
December 24th, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Chokeaneers
December 24th, 2016 at 10:10 pm
No they haven’t hit the rookie wall I believe coach Koetter has hit the rookie wall honestly. I feel Spence should have some snaps drop for Ryan Russell if not for the Gholston injury which is huge right now no kidding been losing the run game battle against opponents since the moment he went down last week in Dallas but Hargreaves should be moving around with the defense playing and all at this point to not expose the rookie see that’s coaching there Joe if you need good material buddy or wanna throw some influential advice around One Buc. Back on point though instead of them forgetting about ppl like Alterraun Verner and Hey Jude but incorporate them in this Panthers just on the strength of seeing what else we can do. Let’s try going out there this week though with Verner and Jude and let Hargreaves have a few plays off and move to nickel on maybe two series of the game which should be in the second and third quarter and do the same with Spence we gotta him healthy as well and we beat the Panthers. We get some luck maybe we get to continue to carry a big m@##$ stick in the playoffs
December 24th, 2016 at 10:11 pm
I love this site, but I am not about to even consider the “Rookie Wall” when speaking of any of our rookies. They are doing a phenomenal job against some top tier talent week in and week out. If they are getting a little tired from such a long season then I say let them. As a matter of fact I think Hargreaves has done an excellent job. he got beat a couple times today, so what? What corner doesn’t get worked on in some games? I think all the backups and rookies are playing well and I get excited knowing that next year all these young players will have that much more experience. I am enjoying seeing Hargraves and Elliot covering veteran receivers and holding their own most of the game. Spence will get better.
December 24th, 2016 at 10:12 pm
I saw Noah involved in some good tackles today. VH3 was down twice and was not playing at his best.
December 24th, 2016 at 10:15 pm
This IS the best buccaneers site by a long shot even if i don’t agree with all the sh*t they say. Lets get a win next week and hope for an amazing free agency and draft.
December 24th, 2016 at 10:18 pm
2017 draft folks. 60 million under the cap. We in perfect shape folks.
December 24th, 2016 at 10:25 pm
If you look at the gauntlet of QBs Hargraeves has gone up against – Wilson, Prescott, Brees 2x, and Smith in KC – I think he has definitely held his own. He has hardly ever been burned over the top and he usually has solid coverage even on completions – and solid tackling skills. The kid was thrown into the NFL as a rookie and I feel he really was solid. Especially with maybe the worst safeties in the NFL backing him up and generally ZERO pass rush.
Spence also has been asked to do way more than anyone should have expected. And I think he has flashed great play. He is also learning the game.
If anyone hit the wall it was Jameis and Koetter. Those two were very subpar in the latter part of the season.
December 24th, 2016 at 10:30 pm
@vegasbucs
Nice attitude… did you lose money? shame on you! root for someone else!
December 24th, 2016 at 11:15 pm
Maybe I’m too optimistic but ending the 2016 season at 500 or better is far beyond anyone’s expectations. Yes the playoffs were in sight, but I think we overachieved and ran out of gas and players. If the last two years worth of takent collection is a sign for things moving forward, we are the envy of at least half of the league.
Merry Christmas Joes. Excited for what buccaneers football holds for in 2027 even if we don’t make the playoffs. 😊
December 24th, 2016 at 11:15 pm
The BUCS are a good team and that is better than a bad team. No they
are not a perfect team of course, none of them are…
The BUCS young will light it up next year IF you fair weathered FANS, don’t eat your YOUNG Up!
You all blame the BUCS because you was talking the play offs instead of taking one game at a time!
December 24th, 2016 at 11:42 pm
I like Jason Licht and happy at Dirk’s rookie season. Dirk will get wiser with time. I believe this is going to be a very big offseason and I’m looking forward to seeing this young team develop into a home-field clinching division winner.
December 24th, 2016 at 11:49 pm
Noah played tons of snaps his rookie season with a bad shoulder and still had a good year. No rookie walls the Spawn can’t climb. Can’t wait to see him grow.
December 25th, 2016 at 12:19 am
nosbos –
Whoah Dude! I’m a fan of yours and the Bucs, Winston and Aguayo included. I think my message got miscommunicated… ‘cept for the clicks poke at Joe. Sorry if I offended.
December 25th, 2016 at 12:27 am
@Joe-
Was not making a comment about quality of content. Just noticed lower comments than usual and was figuring it was ’cause of Christmas Eve. Bad joke due to too much tequila I guess. Love the site and content and you know cause you see me here 10 times a day. Merry Xmas and thanks for the great effort, writing and opinion.