“Good Guy, Good Player, Doesn’t Like To Practice”
March 28th, 2017
New Bucs defensive tackle Chris Baker
Last night, Joe attended the annual A-list party of NFL owners, general managers, coaches, their families and select media. It’s amazing they even let Joe in the place.
It was open bar (top shelf), so the vibe was quite loose — unlike Joe’s pants after mowing down endless sushi, giant shrimp and more shrimp.
In between the fireworks (yes, real fireworks) and the band, JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman found a Redskins source to get the low down on new Bucs defensive tackle Chris Baker.
Kaufman summed up the response he got in once sentence.
“‘Good guy, good player, doesn’t like to practice,'” Kaufman was told. “That’s his reputation right now. Doesn’t mean the Bucs made a mistake. Good effective football player.”
A week ago, Washington Post beat writer Mike Jones wrote that Redskins officials were a little down on Baker because of his work ethic and inconsistency.
Joe did other digging among Redskins media this week and learned similar information. Bottom line was Baker was well liked, a good Redskins teammate, and a good player, just not a guy who necessarily squeezes every ounce of talent from himself.
Ok. Joe really isn’t that concerned. Joe’s confident the Bucs know what they bought.
If Baker, who has missed only four games in four years, keeps doing his thing, then the Bucs should be much improved up the gut of their defense.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Bottom line was Baker was well liked, good teammate, good player, just not a guy who necessarily squeezes every ounce of talent from himself.
Sounds like mccoy to a T… I Thought koetter wanted driven winners not another underachieving DT he’s already got one of those.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Seriously, why are you here? Do you ever say anything positive? You and DallasBuc need a new team. For real.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Tmaxcon you are relentless
March 28th, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Sgt winslow was “bad guy, good player, and did not practice”!!!!! and Joe was not concerned about that fool, so Baker should be alright by Joe’s book!!!!
March 28th, 2017 at 12:17 pm
A guy like that, playing next to Mr. IceCream….please God don’t let this go the wrong way…
March 28th, 2017 at 12:23 pm
“Practice?……We’re talkin’ practice?!”
Give me a break already! 2 weeks ago we were all-in for the most part. Now we’re worried about his practice habits?!
March 28th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
PEOPLE be saying GMC IS SOFT,BUT I BET NONE OF U CAN BLOCK HIM.BE HONEST,WHEN HAS HE EVER HAD ANY HELP ON THE LINE UNTIL AYERS got here.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
So you’re saying that a guy who weighs 340 pounds, doesnt like running around in the heat like a 190 lb cornerback?
Yeah, thats always been my experience. O-Linemen and D-Lineman always hate practice more than the lil guys. For obvious reasons.
95% have learned not to complain. Ussually a bad Idea. There are always a few- ussually the largest(RT and NG)- that are vocal in there dislike of running wind sprints and up/downs.
Not totally a surprise.
His body of work and record of availability prove hes getting the work in.
He is just outdpoken in his dislike of it.
No harm no foul.all the Team understands the difference between 190 and 340.
Give the big fellas a lil latitude.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Love all the butt hurt gmc nut huggers who rather make excuses than hold her accountable… Bucs won’t win a meaningful game until the leader of the losing culture is eradicated or neutered
March 28th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Tmax
You beat me to it.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:40 pm
If he performs well when it counts then that is good enough for me. Why get inured going all out in practice? If he does not perform well when it counts is when I will have a problem with the alleged lack of work ethic.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:42 pm
And noone is saying McCoy is soft, except a few irrelevant fools that post here.
They seem to have personal issue. McCoy probably Slept with their Girlfriends.
Or meybe their kids Worship McCoy, and they are butt hurt about it.
Every expert, member of the NFL, and intelligent fan know that McCoy is THE BEST DEFENSIVE TACKLE IN THE NFL.
Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Doesn’t DJax have the same rep re practicing?
March 28th, 2017 at 12:49 pm
The McCoy comparison is trash because we’re talking about practice… McCoy has always been a psycho about practice in the offseason according to all accounts… if anything this would be the opposite…
We signed this guy cheap as hell for the production he has the last 2 years. Take a few plays off I don’t give a sh1t because he’s a million times better than a Devonte Lambert or an Akeep Spence lol
March 28th, 2017 at 12:50 pm
“Every expert, member of the NFL, and intelligent fan know that McCoy is THE BEST DEFENSIVE TACKLE IN THE NFL.
Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot.”
Nah man. I am a McCoy defender but I wouldn’t say that at all.
He’s a solid top 10-15 DT. He’s one of our best players and his impact is important and he’s worth the $$ we pay him. But he’s not a HOFer and is not the best DT right now in the league. Arguably top 3ish in stretches but not consistently over his career at all
March 28th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
The only difference between a lineman that likes to practice and one who doesn’t is honesty……Baker is simply being honest.
Now, Tmaxcon….you are starting to be the number one “One Trick Pony” on JBF….
Perhaps you actually have fantasies of an intimate relationship with GMC…and you are trying to hide your true feelings!!!
March 28th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
GMC is not the reason for a losing culture. He’s a guy who lays it all on the line and plays injured all the time. Displays leadership qualities and doesn’t take unnecessary penalties. As someone mentioned already he hasn’t really had much help. Yet he still gets 7-9 sacks a season being double teamed most downs. When he isn’t he blows plays up. Baker will help him a lot in the rotation to take on dbl teams. Jax smith hopefully returning and we could easily be a top 5 sack team this year.
March 28th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
@Capt. Tim-
Unless a lineman as a cut DE like Spence or Rice, the Big Uglies, in my experience, always hated practice.
March 28th, 2017 at 1:00 pm
@tmax….lol….as I was reading the article I knew you would make that gmc comparison regarding “a good player, just not a guy who necessarily squeezes every ounce of talent from himself.”….that was funny…lol….
my beef with gmc is his on the field attitude…too nice, not nasty enough, always smiling and grinning….gmc is the same person off the field as he is on the field….to me that a problem….be human off the field but an animal on the field….
I will defend his work ethic tho….I go to just about every TC practice and I always see he’s one of the first players on the field helping the young guys or working on his technique before practice and one of the last guys off the field after practice….GMC works his a$$ off no doubt about that….
as far as baker, this is a non issue….I think the dysfunction within the organization had a lot to do with it….with baker being around ayers, kwon, grimes etc., I think he’ll be fine….GO BUCS!!!!
March 28th, 2017 at 1:04 pm
LC
At least you try to be real. Homeboy got the nerve to say “THE BEST DEFENSIVE TACKLE IN THE NFL.” and calls us fools. Ha!
Ever heard of Aaron Donald? GMC not even the best DT in the division right now. Take his stick out your mouth Timmy and learn to read.
Do I have to crucify another “real fan”? Don’t make me do it. Facts hurt!
March 28th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
DB55
Please tell us who the best DT in our division is then. I look forward to reading your opinion in this matter. I could use a laugh.
March 28th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
What’s funny is not one of the haters would make it on a professional football field. Hence why their on this website talking smack.I’d love to see them try and take on GMC. They would go off the field with their tail between their legs and their head down if they didn’t have to be taken out on a stretcher. Fake fans! Go Bucs!
March 28th, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Fsu fans know the same was consistently said about, perhaps, the best lt to ever play the game
March 28th, 2017 at 1:51 pm
DB55 Says:
March 28th, 2017 at 1:04 pm
LC
At least you try to be real. Homeboy got the nerve to say “THE BEST DEFENSIVE TACKLE IN THE NFL.” and calls us fools. Ha!
Ever heard of Aaron Donald? GMC not even the best DT in the division right now. Take his stick out your mouth Timmy and learn to read.
Do I have to crucify another “real fan”? Don’t make me do it. Facts hurt!
_______________________________________________________
Remind us what it is that makes you so cool?
March 28th, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Isn’t it obvious!!!
March 28th, 2017 at 2:10 pm
GMC doesn’t like to practice? LMAO. You should do a comedy club in Ybor.
March 28th, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Aaaahhhh let me get me some, t max, realist, I’m about fed up with you guys take on our best D-Lineman, you guys come with that same old lame crap and I’m sick of the fraudulent assertions you guys throw at him. My question is if we were to trade him or cut him, where do we get his replacement because that player sure as hell ain’t on this roster, Mr ice cream man, Mr Softy, Mr can’t make a meaningful play..GTFOH….Build the Damn Wall! DRAFT MIXON! SIGN KAPP! DON’T BE A TRUMP LOVER…ADMIT THE MISTAKE!
March 28th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
He awakens from the dead. Sup Hawaii how you feeling. Heard you were not well. I’m loving this new attitude of yours. I haven’t heard you call anyone an idiot lately. What’s up with that?
March 28th, 2017 at 2:54 pm
Top 10-15 DT in the NFL?!?!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Dude, some of you guys are slooowwwww..
Gerald McCoy is no less than top 4. Players have said he’s the best, coaches, analysts, even the NFL top 100 consistently puts him up top. You guys need to work on your football IQ.
Some other dude was about to say Short was better than McCoy too. SMH. Our fan base is ridiculous sometimes.
March 28th, 2017 at 2:54 pm
TMAX you really bring down the quality of this site.
March 28th, 2017 at 3:02 pm
@DB55,
You’re an idiot. Happy?
March 28th, 2017 at 3:06 pm
It used to be fun to go back and forth with people about McCoy. However, it’s the same 2 or 3 people that bleed stupidity which make it so boring at this point. Yep, you two keyboard warriors who have probably never played or been to a football game in your life know more than everyone else. No one takes you serious, no one likes you, and no one really wants you here because you truly bring down the quality of this site. Judging by the fact that the only thing you can type is hate for one man, I’d go so far as to assume it is the same way in your personal life. Sucks to be you.
By the way, I’m feeling much better now.
March 28th, 2017 at 3:11 pm
Tmax, if the Bucs were to loose a playoff game you’re going to blame the DT? Really? When qb’s, receivers, middle linebackers, corners, defensive ends and even coaches have much more of a direct impact on the outcome of a game than the DT, that’s who you are going to blame, and you already decided such a good 10 months before this potential game is even played? Granted a 3 tech can directly impact a game more so than a 1 or 0 tech, who do almost nothing but “dirty work” but really. So if Jameis were to throw 4 picks in a game, thats on GMC. If Evans drops a touchdown in the endzone, its still GMC fault. Just trying to understand your logic.
Now if you were to argue that GMC is overpaid relative to other 3 techs, relative to the role the 3 tech plays in our system or relative to his stats and/or accolades, then that could be a nice discussion. But when all you say is spit like “we will never win with GMC on the roster”, or “GMC stats don’t count cause they didn’t occur on third down or the fourth quarter” or if anyone credible were to praise GMC, be it peers, coaches or media types you comment “they don’t know what they’re talking about”. It just comes off as bitter. It comes off as when the team struggles you don’t know who to blame so you choose the biggest name, regardless of what impact they may have had on any one game.
Let me ask you Tmax, what DT is able to record double digit sacks every year? What DT is hitting the qb every single play. You do know DT’s take on double teams alot more often than a DE does, right? Especially when the DT is your best pass rusher. If you watch Cox, Richardson, Suh, Atkins even Donald for every snap of every game, or even way less than that, you would see that those guys aren’t getting to the qb every single snap. You would see that not all of their sacks occur on third down/the fourth quarter. At least not any more so than GMC. And for those times when GMC seems to disapear, yeah its cause he’s on the sideline taking a breather cause he’s 300 freaking pounds! Just like all those other guys I mentioned!
And look, not every player is Jack Lambert. Not every player wants to go out there and spill the blood of their opposition upon the field! But if a guy can produce, he can produce and being angry isn’t going to somehow make them more productive! You can play hard at 110% without being angry or batspit crazy!
I think most reasonable fans can see thst GMC is productive relative to his position and his peers. And this observation has been validated by people in the league that know what the hell they’re talking about. Your schtick is not just hollow and baseless as it has always been, but now it’s repetitive and predictable too. If you think a player has to be psychotic to give 110%, you’re wrong.
March 28th, 2017 at 3:12 pm
Does he show up on Sundays?
March 28th, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Fist bump for Hawaiian. Same ol’ haters hanging around this site.
March 28th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
It’s weird they spend all day on one website talking trash about a team they cheer for.
I imagine a 300 lb guy in a desk chair with wheels with sandwich meet on their laptops to snack on. Flipping back between jbf and porn.
March 28th, 2017 at 3:47 pm
Yawn!
Hi everybody!!!!
March 28th, 2017 at 3:50 pm
“Eric Says:
March 28th, 2017 at 2:54 pm
Top 10-15 DT in the NFL?!?!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Dude, some of you guys are slooowwwww..”
If strictly speaking 4-3 DT that play 3 technique today then yeah he’s one of the top 4-8 best
But in terms of interior lineman in general I’ve seen him as high as like 5 but missing off a few top 10 lists. Ranked 26 for D-lineman in general on another list I just found.
There is no consensus opinion at all that he is a top 1-3 DT. If anything most opinions have him outside the top 10 for interior lineman. Nothing wrong with that. I’m glad we have him
March 28th, 2017 at 4:16 pm
Well even the best players in every position aren’t listed top 5 every year. Not sure what metric you used but I just found a litany of links that had McCoy listed top 5 for most of the last 5 years.
Evan after you said 4-3 at 3 tech you still think as low as 8? I’m sorry man I strongly strongly disagree. As I think most analysts and fans would as well.
Overall the worst I would put him at DT is sixth. That’s a stretch just cuz he can go ghost in the second half. The McCoy under ration is getting old though. He’s one of the best players in the league and the haters just don’t like his personality. I don’t either but I can’t argue facts.
Most sacks by a DT in last 4 years speaks volumes.
March 28th, 2017 at 4:16 pm
even*
March 28th, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Agree with the captain. He is 340 lbs. save energy for game. Instead of water breaks get him some sandwich breaks
March 28th, 2017 at 4:26 pm
blah blah blah blah… GMC Led defenses have quit on 3 coaches and have came out flat more than ready… Think Brooks or Lynch would let that happen to a team they led. Sorry GMC is a smiling loser that is a good player but not great his love of losing has infected the team… Results matter all you guys with your peers like and pro bowls mean nothing he has been the leader on some of the most embarrassing defenses in league history. good not great and definitely not a winner.
March 28th, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Best DT in the NFL? There’s Aaron Donald, then everyone else. Always felt indifferent about McCoy because he always seems to be the lone ranger when it comes to getting after the QB, because of the lack of help he has. Yet, there are games where he simply doesn’t show up. I’ve only heard of one guy who, not liked, but loved to practice and that was Jerry Rice. Baker and McCoy should really feed off one another. Bucs still another DE short of having a potentially, scary D-line. Not a McCoy hater, but Aaron Donald is simply the best right now.
March 28th, 2017 at 4:43 pm
Didnt Baker come in undrafted from practice squad? Musta practiced pretty well at some point…
March 28th, 2017 at 4:45 pm
I see your logic TMax but let’s put it this way, if ray lewis was surrounded by high schoolers on a defense, would he win? NO
That’s been the issue with McCoy, lack of talent and bad coaching. Yes he embraces losing more than he should and it annoys me too but one person doesn’t define a team, or even a defense.
How do you expect to win with Lovie Smith and Raheem Morris leading the way? What came first the chicken or the egg?
I fully anticipate kwon to take over the leadership role this year as well so I expect a different squad in that aspect.
March 28th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
LOL at this thread.
March 28th, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Red Flags. That’s what I see with Baker. I know it’s popular to get all hyped over these signings, but come on people.
RED. FLAGS.
March 28th, 2017 at 5:13 pm
GMC loves to loose? Having a hard time his rookie year and thus mot enjoying it, which coincidentally was the only winning pro team he was on until this past year, dosen’t mean the guy enjoys losing. Spin much? And also, no he does not have the leadership qualities of Brooks and Sapp, but very few do. Ronde didn’t. Neither does GMC. And neither does LVD. Somehow, Tmsx, you think not being a leader hurts the team. It can lead to a void in leadership, but you act as if his personality is going to rub off on a natural leader like, say, Kwon. No, Kwon is a leader and GMC keads by example as opposed to vocally. Is Kwon suddenly going to not lead being in the same locker room as GMC? And do you see how ridiculous that sounds? GMC is productive. We get everything he has to give. And we have guys like Kwon and Ayers to lead on defense. So what’s the problem? Is it cause certain fans and players call him great? That’s debatable I agree but your hatred for this guy because he dosen’t command a locker room like Derrick Brooks or Warren Sapp is crazy.
March 28th, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Oh yeah, Reilly? Well, the jerk store called. They are running out of you!
March 28th, 2017 at 5:41 pm
tmaxcon Says
“blah blah blah blah… GMC Led defenses have quit on 3 coaches…”
Lavante David isn’t a defensive leader? Hmmn?
And how have they quit on Koetter? If not for the defense we would have had a LOSING SEASON last year.
And even you cannot deny that the defense has been mostly neglected in the draft over the last 3 years.
2016
7 picks Available.
4 Defense
2 Offense
1 Special Teams
Vernon Hargreaves CB
Noah Spence DE
Ryan Smith CB
Devante Bond OLB
2015
7 Picks Available
1 Defense
6 Offense
Kwon Alexander OLB
2014
6 Picks Available
6 Offense
0 Defense
If that helping McCoy at all?
Go back further?
2013 4 defensive picks taken, only 1 remains with the team.
2012 4 defensive picks taken, only 1 remains with the team.
And even if you go back to 2012, 5 years back, of the 4 defensive picks taken in 2012 only 1 remains with the team. Same thing in 2013. 4 Defensive picks taken. Only 1 remains with the team.
So stop your ceaseless hate of McCoy. Had we built a line around him, he’d be getting 12-15 sacks a year.
March 28th, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Meant to remove the paragraph that repeated my point.
March 28th, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Joe Hayes people – Joe Hayes. We’ve have one of the best D line coaches in the game. Just wait and see before you start this crying crap.
And on GMC – who has the most sacks at his position over the past 4 years? Oh yeah, that’s GMC. Mr. Softie!? Clowns, pure clowns.
March 28th, 2017 at 6:56 pm
We’ve have… nice grammar!
March 28th, 2017 at 8:28 pm
Bucs cut Brad Culpepper because he and Sapp were beer drinking buddies and would remove themselves from practice and go sit on their helmets and watch when they saw fit . It was up to Dungy and the staff to control that as the team was much better off on the field with Culpepper .
Koetter will handle him and that’s what he has Robert Ayers For !!!
I think McCoy is the only pass getter from Ayers and McCoy would be a notch better if that ended .
March 28th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Tmax…
I do believe Brooks let his team quit on Kiffin when Kiffin quit.
March 28th, 2017 at 10:14 pm
Tmaxiepad
– I dont see your logic.you’re a f*^king idiot
Hiya Hawaiian, whats up?
Glad to hear you are feeling bettet
March 28th, 2017 at 10:29 pm
@Capt. Tim,
What’s up buddy! I’ve actually been totally fine. I was just being humoring him. I just haven’t been posting as much because I’m afraid some of their stupidity might rub off on me.
March 28th, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Yeah not too worried about it.
But i obviously would have liked to hear them say he is an animal in practice, constantly pushing his teammates. But there are very few that are that type. And those that are that type get paid 15 mil a year. For 6 mil a year im happy with what we got. Maybe a better practice atmosphere at one buc place will help give him the kick in the arse he needs.
March 28th, 2017 at 11:04 pm
Nobody likes to practice.
March 29th, 2017 at 10:33 am
All this talk about Baker not giving it all at practice is just…..well Iverson says it best here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
March 29th, 2017 at 10:51 am
Once undrafted
Now a starter
Nothing else needs to be said about his work ethic.
March 29th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Tmaxcon is just bitter about life in general, and the bucs are no exception. So why the surprise? Let him sit in his garage and mutter under his breath til his hearts content, the rest of us will carry on just fine.