“Red Hot”
January 1st, 2017
Finisher. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com)
Safety Keith Tandy is going to have at least a few sleepless nights thinking about what could have been — if he were a free agent in a matter of weeks.
But Tandy is not a free agent.
General manager Jason Licht re-signed the 2012 Schiano-Dominik, fifth-round pick to a two-year deal last year.
Tandy, with four interceptions and stunning play since he entered the starting lineup in December, delivered big time.
He was dreadful against Los Angeles in Week 2, but like many on the Bucs defense, revived himself with a massive turnaround.
Tandy finished tied Brent Grimes for the Bucs’ season lead in interceptions with four. He made just five starts, and two of those picks came today in critical spots.
A key special teams player, as well, Tandy finished with a firm grasp on a starting gig and a proud head coach.
Dirk Koetter has been singing Tandy’s praises for weeks, and today called him “red hot.”
A Bucs-pride note on Tandy. He’s happy to talk about the huge impact Ronde Barber made on him in 2012, Barber’s final year and Tandy’s rookie year. Tandy was wowed by Barber’s highlighter collection and how he used them taking comprehensive notes as a 16-year veteran.
January 1st, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Yep. The starting job’s his. It shouldn’t even be a conversation at this point. I totally understand if they look to find an upgrade over McDougal at FS, but Tandy IS the upgrade we’ve needed over Conte. And yeah I know, before he got hurt he was actually doing pretty well. But there was way too much bad tape of Conte getting burned, taking bad angles, to put him back in over the Tandy Man at this point. Free Safety is still a need for us. Strong Safety is not.
January 1st, 2017 at 6:45 pm
How much of his success was due to mike smith? Hopefully we can find a good replacement if he leaves
January 1st, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Free Safety is still a need for us.
Which is why Walter Football projects us taking Jabrill Peppers from Michigan with our first pick. I could live with that if the kid is truly a generational DB like a Charles Woodson.
January 1st, 2017 at 6:48 pm
We still need to draft another safety…….cause Tandy cannot do it alone
January 1st, 2017 at 6:49 pm
Really happy for Tandy.Thought he played well at the end of last season.
Nobody worked harder to prove himself on this team.Amazing that it took
an injury to finally get his chance and he should not have to look back.
January 1st, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Tandy..what can I say?? The man is a freak player..the right coaching and look what can be done to a player..
Keith Tandy..you are amazing!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2017 at 6:54 pm
I like Tandy a ton, he just seems to make plays when he gets a chance and you don’t really notice him getting burned. Conte will make one good pay for every three bad ones – I never understood what the coaches are seeing in practice that made them keep Conte in there, but obviously it was something.
Anyways the Bucs might have a hard time getting to the salary floor. If so one thing they could do is give some guys 1 year deals with inflated salaries. Yeah I know most likely won’t happen, but if they did find themselves into a situation like that, this is one guy I’d reward by tearing up his current contract and giving him a couple mil on a one-year deal.
January 1st, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo will give free table dances to Tandy”
January 1st, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Probably the best turn around story on the team in 2016.
January 1st, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Keith Tandy has always made plays for the Bucs, when given the opportunity.
January 1st, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Mcdougal hits HARD also and was pretty serviceable. Both of these guys have good upside
January 1st, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Stpetebucsfan Says:
January 1st, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Free Safety is still a need for us.
Which is why Walter Football projects us taking Jabrill Peppers from Michigan with our first pick. I could live with that if the kid is truly a generational DB like a Charles Woodson.
He is the most overrated player I’ve seen in a longtime. Went to Michigan and follow them, great athlete but is more of a lb then a cover corner. He had 1 pick in his career. Great returner.
January 1st, 2017 at 7:34 pm
*Week 3 Against LA* fixed it for you Joe.
January 1st, 2017 at 7:41 pm
I was fortunate enough to Coach Keith in High School. The thing about him that makes him who he is…. is his heart and desire to win…….You know just A WNNER!!! So thankful he got his opportunity and now there should be no question as to who the Safety will be for the Bucs in 17….. Just wish he had been there all season. Maybe we would be in the Playoffs this season. Can’t change things now but we should all be excited bout the Buccaneers and their chances for the playoffs in 2017. Great strides and season BUCS!!!!
January 1st, 2017 at 8:06 pm
McDougal is garbage. It was a no brainer…hadn’t Olsen slipped on the two point conversion panthers win. The ball hit mcDougal in the hand for an int n he let it slip through his hand. He is an awful tackler go look at the tapes. We need any safety from Alabama they r punishers n wrap up on tackles.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:20 pm
No Jabril Peppers.. just watch the Ohio St game. They abused him all game.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:42 pm
Tandy played great but he is still a poor open field tackler….would be in playoffs if he didn’t whiff on Brian quick and the Rams on a sideline tackle. Just saying. But I say bring mcdougald back on the cheap end and go get a safety in free agency and make Tandy the starter heading into next season.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:49 pm
As I recall, the big knock on Tandy was that he was extremely sporadic. He would have 3 bad games, then 1 good game, then a bunch more bad games, and then finish strong.
Still…as a backup he’s very solid.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:52 pm
I would love a good safety in the draft or FA (since Licht seems to be doing a little better in free agency now). Long as it isn’t in the first round. Or the second round.
The way I see it, first round should be defensive line. Second round should be offensive line.
Then we focus on other spots of the defense. Address WR in free agency.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:52 pm
We still need to try and grab one of the top safeties in FA. That way we can focus on offensive weapons and linemen in the draft.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:54 pm
I wonder if they will resign Vincent Jackson. I realize he is getting up there in years, and he has had injuries…but that might result in a good deal for him. That way, he won’t have to start.
I don’t think he will mind not starting so long as he gets plenty of playing time.
Assuming he does not retire.
January 1st, 2017 at 8:55 pm
I’m of the opinion that since Jason Licht knows offensive lines pretty well, he can probably address it in free agency.
Don’t forget…we still have to see if he keeps Sweezy.
January 1st, 2017 at 9:20 pm
The Bucs are done with Vincent Jackson stealing money from them. He’s been done for years
January 1st, 2017 at 9:26 pm
I think I blocked out that Rams game because I don’t remember Tandy being awful in that game. I remember against the Broncos wondering if the Bucs would cut Conte because he single handedly gave the Broncos offense like 150 yards in penalties and busted plays, but Tandy didn’t register in my memory in any way.
January 1st, 2017 at 9:28 pm
Bonzai even with sweezey we still need an offensive tackle.
And maybe a center too unless we roll with Gottschalk. I like Hawley but I don’t think he’s got much left. Already looks weaker compared to last season.
January 1st, 2017 at 10:54 pm
Every position on the roster could be upgraded. Im not ashamed of the Tandy and McDougald show. But neither should be comfortable in there starting roles.
January 2nd, 2017 at 5:37 am
lol at somebody talking about vincent jackson coming back. father time beats the best of them. the bucs need young speed at the no 2 wr spot
January 2nd, 2017 at 6:15 am
Safety from Alabama who is injured but is a remarkable playmaker I believe Jackson is his last name. I think he could be a steal if available and elegible in the 3rd round.
January 2nd, 2017 at 6:38 am
Tandy did take a bad angle on the Rams receiver,but he has been among the top tacklers on the team when he has started.Mike Smith admires his preparation and said he prepares like a coach.
January 2nd, 2017 at 6:59 am
How many defensive coordinators and defensive back coaches has Tandy had in his five years? He has generally made plays but does not stand it, I believe he ended the Saints game about four or five years ago with a pick of Brees
January 2nd, 2017 at 8:17 am
Bucs drafted Tandy in 2012, fifth round? No wonder I forgot cos of the active HC musical chairs that ownership was playing. That better stop effective now with a 9-7 record!! The defense will improve even if Smith leaves. He and DK are friends so no telling what is really going on behind the scenes. No matter cos it’s finally fun to be a loud and proud Bucs fan again. Enuff said!