The Morning After
December 5th, 2016
(Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
This Victory Monday is brought to you by Santa Claus.
Yes, this is an early Christmas present, Bucs fans: first place in December. No time to waste, the big fella with the red coat is busy.
Embrace Meaningful December Football
Been a long, long time since Joe was proud of this franchise, the Bucs franchise. But Joe is now, and you should be too. This team was dead in the water a month ago. But thanks to coaches determined to find an answer and nearly all players having the will to fight through adversity, the Bucs are in first place.
The players could have tanked it at 3-5, making January vacation plans with their wives, families, significant others. Given up after getting embarrassed on national TV in prime time on Thursday night.
We’ve seen Buc teams do just that before.
This isn’t one of those Bucs teams.
Whether it is the cult of personality cultivated by America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, or the verbal thrashing Mr. Beasting, Robert Ayers, gave his teammates, it doesn’t matter. The team fought back from being in full draft mode to now controlling its postseason destiny.
What a wonderful morning this is, isn’t it?
Making America Brate Again
Harvard man Cameron Brate is a weapon. And look out now folks, but Brate has a chance to blow up the rest of the season and maybe, just maybe, make a Pro Bowl.
With Cecil Shorts likely done for the year, and who knows how long Rudy Humphries will be out while he is in concussion protocol, look for Brate to be targeted more. More targets means more chances to make a impact.
With Mike Evans surely double-teamed for the season, and no other really decent receiver to throw to, look for Jameis to be looking for Bratet. We sort of got a glimpse of this yesterday.
Can Brate now be the man when so many defenses also know he needs to be the man? If Brate succeeds, trust Joe, no one will remember tweety, huge bowel movement ASJ. Hell, he’s nearly forgotten already.
Picking Up The Slack
Before Joe gets rolling here, Doug Martin had an impact yesterday, just not in the run. Martin had key blocks and proved to be a weapon in the passing game. The run game? Not so much.
Enter Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber. Rodgers played well enough yesterday to turn Jack Murphy Stadium into Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood. And then there was Peyton Barber getting key yards in critical positions in the game.
If Martin cannot get the job done on the ground, Joe is confident Barber and Rodgers can.
Lavonte David Played Like A Pro Bowler
Joe is catching heat for what some fans perceive as beating up on Lavonte David. Joe likes the guy but expects him to play at the Pro Bowl standard he built for himself.
David has not been himself this year. Not even close. When is the last time you heard of a Pro Bowl linebacker dropping a goodse egg in a game like David did in Arizona?
Yesterday, David started off whiffing on tackles. In the second half, David began making an impact, in particular, his pick-six that gave the Bucs a 17-14 lead.
Joe applauds David!
Look, Joe has no personal animosity towards David. But since he is being paid like a Pro Bowl linebacker and he finally got to a Pro Bowl last year, is it so wrong for Joe to expect David to play near that standard?
“Sick” Mike McCoy
The Chargers coach is sick. He said it himself. All but promised to be sick today. That’s because of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
McCoy said he and his team will be sick when they look at the film and see how many times Jameis escaped from what McCoy felt should have been sacks.
“That’s week in and week out what he does,” McCoy groused about Jameis.
Tidbits:
* A guy way overlooked as a free agent signing as been punter Bryan Anger He has been bailing the Bucs out time and again giving foes rotten field position. Koetter even said yesterday Anger’s punt set up David’s pick-six.
* Joe has a hunch Luke Stocker won’t be around next year. He’s a good guy and a good blocker but he is so hurt so often it’s to the point where you cannot depend on him. Only $500,000 of his three-year, $$4.8 million contract is guaranteed. No one has told Joe this and the team really likes Stocker, but he’s now become a part-time player due to injuries. Yesterday, he was lost early in the first quarter.
* The Will Gholston injury scares Joe. This turnaround of the defense began when everyone was healthy. Now with Gholston being spotted in a boot last night, that’s a key member of the defensive line that may be out. If Gholston is in a boot this week watching practice, from Joe’s experience, that means three weeks Gholston would miss, which pretty much means he won’t be at full strength the rest of the regular season.
* There is no way Roberto Aguayo gets cut. Teams just do not toss away second round picks in their rookie years. Aguayo is here to stay (for at least this season) so Bucs fans better buckle up and buy a lot of TUMS. Bucs fans are just going to have to tolerate it.
* Who gets called up first this week? Joe is willing to lay cash it is the Stampeder.
* Joe is OK with using Jacquizz Rodgers, Doug Martin and Peyton Barber as a rotating troika.
* San Diego sports TV folks think the Chargers lost the game; not that the Bucs won the game. Philip Rivers seems to be catching hell for being a lousy fourth-quarter quarterback this season.
* When is the last time Rivers won a big game?
Gameballs:
So many deserve them.
Jameis Winston: Dude was clutch. Again.
Cameron Brate: Becoming a force. (What is an ASJ?)
Lavonte David: Played like a Pro Bowler.
Keith Tandy: May have had his best game in the NFL.
Quotes:
“Yeah that was Smitty (Mike Smith) and the defensive coaches, but that was something we were talking about coming off of the field at the half. We were doing a good job at covering them, we were getting decent pressure inside, but (Philip) Rivers was killing us with those check downs. He would be looking straight ahead and then turn and just throw it to his left. He knew exactly where those guys were. That really hurt us in the first half.” — Dirk Koetter on stopping Philip Rivers’ checkdowns.
“That’s one thing that (Head) Coach Koetter and (Quarterbacks) Coach Bajakian have been emphasizing, finishing. I believe we did a good job with that. Thanks to the defense, they finished strong and came up with a great turnover for us. The offensive line, they’ve been playing well all year, and that continued today.” — Jameis on closing out a road win.
“To be such a young guy, he is one of the best leaders that I have been around. He is very vocal. He just wants the best for his teammates and we love playing for a guy like that.” — Mike Evans on Jameis.
Punts:
Thank you, Eric Berry. If the Bucs win the division, Joe will personally buy you a beer. … What the hell has happened to Blake Bortles? Dude has circled the drain and he had one of the worst interceptions Joe has ever seen. Man, someone needs to fix this guy. … Is there such a thing as clouds in San Diego? Joe was there three days and not once saw a cloud. Thought perhaps since it is on an ocean there would be clouds at some point. Nope. Joe didn’t see one cloud the whole time. Between the mountains and the crystal blue skies daily, Joe can see why San Diego is such a desirable place to live, provided you have money to burn. Damn, is it expensive. And friggin’ California has a 13 percent state income tax! Maybe because Joe is used to humidity, but even at night when it got into the 40s Joe didn’t even need a windbreaker. But the locals were bundled up like it was snowing. Even the docents who worked on the flight deck of the USS Midway museum were wearing parkas in the middle of the day. One joked to Joe that San Diegoans are not used to 60s and wind in the day. This type of day is their winter. … Joe had a full day Saturday but may have been usurped by Paul Ryan of WFLA-TV Channel 8. Joe began Saturday by spending nearly three hours at the USS Midway museum. Only reason why Joe wasn’t there longer was the parking pass he had was only good for three hours. Joe only saw two-thirds of the ship. It was impressive. Even got to meet the original “Viper” from “Top Gun” fame. He was a docent on the flight deck. If you ever find yourself in San Diego, that is a must visit. Then, Joe had lunch in Little Italy and may have had the best canoli of his life. After polishing that off, it was away to Torrey Pines state park for Joe’s first visit to the Pacific Ocean. Pretty cool to see cliffs at a beach but Joe will take the surgary-white beaches of Florida’s Gulf coast and the prism of colors of its sunsets over California. Still, nice day, huh? Well, Ryan spent his day at the Ballast Point Brewery. Advantage: Ryan. … The locals in San Diego have come to grips the Chargers will be moving about two or three hours north to Los Angeles. Since Joe had never been to San Diego before he was of the understanding that Jack Murphy Stadium was out in the boondocks. Nope. It’s convenient, right off an interstate. Not sure why the Chargers don’t want a stadium there. With so much land available for multi-use, they could make a killing. Joe is always sad to see a team leave a town. From what Joe was told, fans mostly want a new stadium near the current stadium because of easy access. A downtown stadium would be brutal for access Joe is told. … As far as college football, Joe cannot take credit for the following but it’s a good line: We know who the top four teams are: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Washington, Michigan and Penn State. … Last beer item: Saint Archer Pale Ale is good stuff.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:20 am
Agouyo can be made inactive, simple as that that. Half the time teams don’t even dress 53 players there seems to be no issue in signing someone and making agouyo inactive or just riding the bench. I don’t get it, they gotta bring in someone that can make easy kicks it’s getting old.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:48 am
I have several takes on the game and the Bucs.
Humphries was targeted….no flag.
Brian Anger comes through every week…..
Cecil Shorts literally took one for the team…..With that hit, I’m amazed he held onto the ball.
I didn’t see the play well, but Mike Evans had illegal contact on him before they called the OPI…..seeing Evans angry on the sideline makes me feel it was a bad call.
Shepard and Martino may not be great WRs but they are catching everything that is coming their way.
With our receiver shortage, it’s time to get creative with Charles Sims.
Keith Tandy has always had a knack for being around the ball.
We need Gholston badly….especially against Elliot.
Now, as for the team……I believe we have tremendous chemistry and it started with Jameis’ leadership and has moved to the defense through Ayers. GMC has become a willing follower….and Koetter & Smith have stayed out of the way and let it happen.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:50 am
Calm thyself, Aguayo Saved our skins a few weeks ago in Arrowhead. The one conclusion I have Drawn is that the young man literally, factually, actually draws power from Nature when he hears The Warchant ring in his ears.
Think about it, kid was money at FSU, they be doing The Warchant.
Kid was money at Arrowhead, they be doing The Warchant.
San Diego? No Warchant.
So the solution is oh so simple… We must now do The Warchant whenever Roberto is about to Kick. Just do it please.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:51 am
Gotta bring in competition for Roberto in the off season he looks awful.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:53 am
@Tampabaybucfan- There is no targeting in the NFL, that’s only in college.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:54 am
great win. How bout this cast of nobodies… ,martino, quizz, hump, brate, sheppard ect. Solid play by our 1st rd. pick and looks like spence is going to be great. Amazing 3 week run, i’m probably the last one all but all aboard the Jameis train he’s as clutch as it gets.
December 5th, 2016 at 7:54 am
Yeah but go look at free agent kickers available. The most prominent name on the list is Brindza.
December 5th, 2016 at 8:00 am
If AguaOh,no is not a high round pick he is working retail right now. Not fair to the rest of the team or this fan base. It is all in the name of protecting the fevered ego of our moron GM.
December 5th, 2016 at 8:05 am
Joe that cold front was brought in thanks in whole by Pewter Rain! Those Charger fans knew in their hearts after our wins in against KC and the Seakaawks they had real fear Rivers was their qb! We rained down thunder hail and lightning on them! Its a cold week for sure in Chargerland. The Bucs were their lightning rod.
December 5th, 2016 at 8:07 am
If bucs had a losing season, I would be ok with aguayo continuing to get chances. However we are in a playoff race. If we end up missing the playoffs because of missed easy kicks I will be furious. Even if licht wanted to bring someone in, there really are no good options. There is a reason aguayo was drafted in the 2nd round…There is a major shortage of good kickers.
December 5th, 2016 at 8:08 am
Blake- if my keeker requires a chant from the crowd to make a keek then he is not very good and needs to be replaced. No one coddles me to do the bare minimum expected in my job.
Sometimes the excuses for this guy amaze me
December 5th, 2016 at 8:09 am
Kicker has to go..this ain’t high school …again..look at the kickers the Bucs let move on …send him off to,the CFL…
December 5th, 2016 at 8:13 am
We get it Joe, ASJ is a punk and his head /heart was never here. But I will say, he would be another weapon that would be nice to have, but we don’t so let’s all move on. I’m good with Brate, but we have nuthing after him at TE, where’s Tevin Westbrook
December 5th, 2016 at 8:25 am
Totally agree with TampaBayBucfan on Charles Sims. Put him out wide like last year and use him the way the Patriots have used RBs like Shane Vareen.
December 5th, 2016 at 8:33 am
Rrsrq
That walking piece of human excrement has 3 catches with jets… What a great weapon.. That loser has never been a weapon nor will he ever be a weapon… Just a waste of flesh…
December 5th, 2016 at 8:35 am
Give Anger a game ball! Those punts arent appreciated enough, cept for the defense. If aguayo misses chip shots and the bucs lose I think he may just get cut. But they won so lets give the other kicker a game ball! Bucs won when they didnt play a great game. Shows just how far theyve come. Keep it up defense! Go bucs
December 5th, 2016 at 8:51 am
I was in San Diego last Monday evening….overcast, cold and rain…..couldn’t see the building 300 yards down the road…. guess it cleared up by the time you got there….
December 5th, 2016 at 9:35 am
Can Brian Anger place kick?
December 5th, 2016 at 9:41 am
I’m going to say this again, I’ll be much more pissed if we lose a game due to FG issues in this playoff race than I would be for drafting a kicker in the second round and then having to cut him. If we weren’t in the playoff hunt then I could ride with Roberto hoping he hits the switch but winning is what matters. Fans won’t care about that second round pick if we’re in the playoffs. Don’t overthink it Bucs, winning is all that matters so go get the best guy!
December 5th, 2016 at 9:41 am
Stop bashing Aguayo – it helps no one. Sure he would have that ball back, but every missed kick is an investment in his maturity – thats a learning curve. And to give you a different angle of view: Winning by 7 when your kicker made 8 points doesn’t sound bad at all…
December 5th, 2016 at 9:53 am
Love this part of JBF. One issue, why you give no respect to Freddy Martino tho? Dood catches balls and had 4 catches yesterday, instead you want Roddy White whos a shell of his former self. Give the man a chance Joe!
December 5th, 2016 at 10:20 am
“That’s week in and week out what he does,” McCoy groused about Jameis.
———–
All he does is win win win no matter what
Look, Joe has no personal animosity towards David. But since he is being paid like a Pro Bowl linebacker and he finally got to a Pro Bowl last year, is it so wrong for Joe to expect David to play near that standard?
———————
So would it be fair to call joe a “LVD Hater?” I know some of us who hold GMC to the same standard and we are called haters per JBF. So which is it?
BTW your boy got his (pro bowl stats) sack in the 1st qrt then he disappeared (per usual) for the rest of the game? He recorded 0 tackles 0 Asst and got violated on the goalline (AGAIN) giving up a 2y TD to Gordon.
So I ask you again, is what’s good for the goose also good for the gander?
December 5th, 2016 at 10:23 am
Not to mention Aguayo’s kickoffs: any of them run back for scores? Nope. He knocks a lot of them out of the end zone where they can’t be fielded. He also made 2 FGs and 2 PATs. So what’s with all the B###hing? Anger is unbelievable. Where’s he placed in NFL punt leaders? LVD played his usual excellent quiet game. No wonder the Kwonster has the locker next to him. Those 2 are already a powerful tandem. DK’s 2-year-old offense is a developing thing of beauty even with Buc Luck. Well, bring on the Aints to RayJay. Go Mighty Bucs!!
December 5th, 2016 at 11:07 am
Roberto is scaring me….we are going to need him to kick us to victory in these next 4weeks and beyond…..
everyone played good except for verner….he may not see the field again unless their is an injury….the kid Elliott played well….tandy keeps making plays whenever his number is called….quiz stepped up….VHGIII continues to play lights out and the oline is keep jameis clean….we’re peaking at the right time….GO BUCS!!!!
December 5th, 2016 at 11:30 am
mike Says:
“i’m probably the last one all but all aboard the Jameis train he’s as clutch as it gets.”
Well it took you long enough but welcome aboard. It is now officially impossible to be a Buccaneer fan without being a Jameis Winston fan. Unless you are Tampa Tony or Bucnut…
December 5th, 2016 at 11:35 am
Joe – Glad you got to spend some time seeing the sights on the south California coast. The entire Pacific coastline is really beautiful and quite unlike anything we see in Florida or anywhere in the Eastern US.
December 5th, 2016 at 11:35 am
Joe I gotta say you are really on Jaquizz’s nuts here. He has been a good pickup but gaining two yards to convert on third down does not make you a bell cow. The 14 yard run he had in the game came on a 3rd and 22 when the Chargers weren’t playing the run. If Martin isn’t finding room to run behind this terrible run-blocking line I guarantee the other backs cannot.
December 5th, 2016 at 11:47 am
Joes if you like st. Archer pale ale you should try their blonde ale as well. Smooth and crisp! Their IPA is pretty damn tasty too.
December 5th, 2016 at 11:51 am
I have said for years that Tandy should start at Safety. Every time he subs for another hurt Safety he excels. Smith needs to promote him. Tandy also played DB at W.Va. and should be cross trained at that position because he could be a star there too. He is tough as his ST prowess shows, durable , and fast, and a playmaker. He could star with VH3 once Grimes retires. Tandy needs a long term contract or some other team will grab him in free agency.
December 5th, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Until he does a 180, I’ll be referring to the kicker as Roberto Guano.
Because he is.
His ineptitude has cost at least one, and possibly two games this season. Imagine being 8-4 or 9-3 right now had it not been for FG & PAT misses…
December 5th, 2016 at 1:56 pm
I was stationed at Camp Pendleton for five years and spent A LOT of time in SD. It really is a beautiful city.
December 5th, 2016 at 2:19 pm
I agree, Stocker may not be back next year, and I wonder if Simms will either.