Loving Mr. Beasting
February 2nd, 2017
Gets props from former teammate and current division rival.
Division rivals aren’t ones to give praise to another team’s general manager for improving his team.
In so many words, that’s what Dixie Chicks backup guard Ben Garland did for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht. In particular, Garland indirectly gave props to Licht for signing defensive end Robert Ayers in March. Garland has known him for some time and is a big fan.
Joe spoke to Garland at “Super Bowl Opening Night” on Monday and asked him about Ayers. Garland, though he didn’t start at all this season for Atlanta, did play in both games against the Bucs.
However, when Garland broke into the league in 2012, Ayers was with the Broncos and the two locked horns on the practice field. Garland’s a big fan of Ayers and thinks the Bucs hit the jackpot for more than one reason.
“I love Robert Ayers,” Garland said. “I’ve [known] him since I was back in Denver. I love the guy. You talk about someone who works their tail off every day in practice just to get better and work on their craft. He’s had a great career and I hope he continues to get more successful.”
Garland also talked about how he thinks if Bucs defensive end Noah Spence does blow up and develop as a prospect, he will do so in part because of playing with Ayers.
Spence “is lucky to have [Ayers],” Garland said. “I guarantee you that Ayers is going to take him under his wing and teach him everything he knows and make him a better player because of it.”
Joe thought this was cool in several ways. One, a division rival talks up a Bucs player. But this also tells Joe what an impact Ayers made on his old Broncos teammates, who reached the Super Bowl when Ayers played there. It also offers a window into one reason why the Bucs signed him to begin with.
February 2nd, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Ayers will be a good mentor for the DE we draft this year too.
February 2nd, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Glad to have Ayers on our team – and at a pretty darn reasonable price as well ($6M this year).
Good job with all the reporting and digging up info by asking creative Bucs related questions to all manner of NFL types that you run into at the SB Joe.
February 2nd, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Yea JOE, love it. I’m sure the players do too. With all the same questions in diff forms gets boring. This you getting some good responses from all you ask about our BUCS. Damn your good. While in general all players speak highly of each other… It’s gotta be a good feeling when you can see their reaction and speaking good of said player… Awesome job JOE
February 2nd, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Time now for the obligatory “what do you expect Garland to say about a division rival” post…wait for it in 3…2…1…
February 2nd, 2017 at 2:03 pm
@BuccaneEric75
I am with ya there. Let him have an impact on gameday and groom the future.
February 2nd, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Right now Ben Garland is probably at the Hotel Bar, talking about how bad Robert Ayers sucks.
February 2nd, 2017 at 2:57 pm
If only we can snag Campbell this off season. They both no none since animal natured football players. That ishh can be contiguous.
February 2nd, 2017 at 3:01 pm
@NOSBOS
I have no clue what you just said but it sounded beastmode.
February 2nd, 2017 at 3:21 pm
I read more than I post here but when I read NoSBoS posts in my head there’s a Cajun accent. No offense meant, it’s actually quite entertaining. And Ayers is a huge asset, we’re lucky to have him.
February 2nd, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Loved this signing when it happened. Great player.
February 2nd, 2017 at 4:50 pm
@captjimbo
🙂 NOSBOS has his own special language which is why we love him.
February 2nd, 2017 at 5:50 pm
NoSBoS is a colorful character and a half. He also knows his stuff as a devoted, educated Bucs fan. That’s why a bunch of us on here respect him!! 🙂
February 2nd, 2017 at 5:52 pm
I can tell you guys from meeting Nos im person last yr while I was on vacation that he is as Cool as the other side of the pillow. Dude is straight up! We had beers and dinner and talked all things Bucs and I tell you now, he talks almost like he posts but without all the spelling errors cause lets face it, ‘talk to text’ Sucks on some phones. Dude is All Good in my books
February 2nd, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Well with what I just read I really think we make a hard push now for Campbell. Panthers are likely to Tag Short. I would have actually rather had Short because he is younger AND would hurt the Panties which always makes me not mad. 🙂
February 2nd, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Not a Gmc hater, but he does this all the time. He LOVES Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.
February 2nd, 2017 at 6:55 pm
I’ve enjoyed Nos-Bos from the get go.
February 2nd, 2017 at 6:58 pm
SB
I was hoping for Short as well. Campbell will work great for a few years. Anyone here watch much of the cardinals safety Jefferson. If he legit. We could make a run at him. Go Bucs!!
February 2nd, 2017 at 7:09 pm
I am with you on all three points Bama
February 2nd, 2017 at 7:11 pm
A man salute to you all. I appreciate the love fr. Y’all all my internet bros. I talk a lil noise here and there but ion never mean any harm. I’m actually introverted by nature. I do waaayyy more talking on this site than I do in any other aspect of my life. Glad I found jbf nothing quite like having a haven to go everyday to rap all things Bucs. SB what my G???
February 2nd, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Not much my bro. Just got finished with a big job. Thinking about planning a Skiing week with the fam. All good with you?
February 2nd, 2017 at 8:41 pm
@NOSBOS Glad you’re hear…introverted? Oh say it ain’t so. If I met you I’d hope you’re just like you are on JBF…love your stuff.
February 2nd, 2017 at 9:34 pm
Just saw the article about Berry saying he will refuse to play under the franchise tag for KC. Maybe things are looking up for the Bucs there.
February 2nd, 2017 at 9:52 pm
Pete I’m quite the character when you get to know me. Most folks at my gig think I’m quiet until they interact with me in private then they see the comedic side of me that my mom’s say was present since a lil boy. SB be safe on them slopes bro. Blake I get what you’re saying kinda rubs you wrong hearing it. Makes you wonder how can he actually go all out against an opponent that he’s always speaking so glowing of. GMC has plenty talent,he just lacks in my opinion “Dog”. Ayers has “Dog” in him. I want Campbell because he has “Dog” in him. I love that ishh, want my D guys a little high strung in the head if you know what I mean.
February 2nd, 2017 at 10:16 pm
NOSBOS, the love you are getting is well-deserved. It’s a little weird how much love you are getting. Almost reminds me of the showers in the Army. I mean, nothing happened.