“That Was A Popular Defense Against Us”
April 5th, 2017Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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Dirk Koetter talks Xs and Os at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix.
With apologies to the downtrodden Russell Shepard fans, there’s a reason Shepard is a proud member of the Carolina Panthers right now.
Why? When Dirk Koetter and Jason Licht watched 2016 game film, they didn’t see an NFL receiver worthy of respect by defenses.
Simple as that, as Lovie Smith used to say.
Shepard was/is an emergency fill-in kind of receiver, a No. 5 guy. The Panthers, Joe is confident, will realize that by October.
Joe is hurling an arrow at the Shepard the receiver this morning — not Shepard the special team ace — after re-listening to Dirk Koetter’s words last week at the NFC Coaches Breakfast.
Koetter was asked about the impact of DeSean Jackson, and the head coach got into a little Xs and Os, explaining that teams would use press coverage on Bucs receivers and cheat the single-high safety to Mike Evans.
“That was a popular defense against us,” Koetter said.
That’s zero respect for the receiver opposite Evans, and Shepard was among the crew manning that position.
Koetter went into more detail on the expected impact of the Jackson acquisition, and passionately highlighted what ailed the Bucs so badly last season.
Listen to the Koetter audio above, procured by Joe’s audio team at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix last week.
April 5th, 2017 at 11:06 am
with De sean is not enough……we need at least on more WR, one more TE and a much better running game……Defense improved a lot at the second half of the season and the 2 new adquisitions we have an upgrade, we should focus on the first rounds on WR TE and RB…… Weapons for #3…..If we can get this positions, i am VERY optimistic…….
April 5th, 2017 at 11:13 am
I’m not so worried about Russell Shepherd not being on our team, as much as I am worried about him bringing our special teams play book and offensive playbook to a division rival.
April 5th, 2017 at 11:23 am
but Kobe faker said Shep was a legit #2 WR lol
April 5th, 2017 at 11:28 am
@Lord Cornelius
The next time kobe liar tells the the “Truth” or is “Right” It will be the first!!!!!
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2016/11/gameday-tampa-bay-156/
The day kobe faker became kobe liar!!!!!!!!!!
Kobe Faker Says:
November 20th, 2016 at 10:42 am
Yes, i will sacrifice myself in behalf the the tampa bay bucs.
If tampa wins i will not post here ever again
Lets go bucs!
April 5th, 2017 at 11:30 am
shep provided good depth….we’ll see how it works out….GO BUCS!!!
April 5th, 2017 at 11:31 am
Fire the glazers Says:
April 5th, 2017 at 11:13 am
I’m not so worried about Russell Shepherd not being on our team, as much as I am worried about him bringing our special teams play book and offensive playbook to a division rival.
—–
Not sure if serious.
April 5th, 2017 at 12:08 pm
This is why we need another starting caliber outside receiver in the draft. If they don’t take a WR in rounds 1 to 3, they’re smoking rocks.
Can’t bet on DJax and Evans staying healthy all year.
Go Bucs!
April 5th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Kobe Faker doesn’t bother me.
April 5th, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Thoughts on McShay/Kiper having the Bucs taking Njoku over Dalvin Cook?
April 5th, 2017 at 12:51 pm
“Joe’s audio team” = Joes’ cell phone…
DJax was a great signing – but we need more help than that. DJax has missed an average of 3 games per year in each of his last 3 seasons w/ Washington. Has only played in all 16 games twice in his 9 year career.
If Davis or Williams doesn’t fall to us in the 1st Rd – I hope we can get a quality WR in the 2nd round this draft.
April 5th, 2017 at 1:02 pm
The vikes took Treadwell in the first last draft. I read an article stating they are already feeling like he will not be an eventual number 1 WR. If you’re gonna draft a WR in the first he better d@$! well be your future number 1. If not what’s the point. Y’all say Belichess just throws in any RB every year, well the same can be said for his WRs.
April 5th, 2017 at 1:04 pm
TE??? Cut and paste this Shaheen is going to be the best and longest lasting TE from this class. Shan Sharpe came from small Savannah St. and owns most TE records. Give me 6’6 278lbs 4.7 40 over any of them anyday. He is the next Gronk. Wit an attitude.
April 5th, 2017 at 1:40 pm
lol Realist
I haven’t taken Kobe seriously for a while and he’s kind of entertaining to me now – definitely a unique posting style
April 5th, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Shep was a good #5 reciever. No #5 reciever in the nfl is respected by defenses.
April 5th, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Zay, Samuel, Godwin, or if Ross slips… GAME ON
April 5th, 2017 at 2:14 pm
This WR class in comparison to 2014 is h3lla weak. To be honest this entire class weak. This ain’t a deep class for RBs, why so??? Are they’re more of them in this years class than last years??? I personally see two game changing RBs Dalvin and Leo. I can’t put Alvin in that grouping because to only have a 9 carry average in school is a red flag. The other guy is already being thought of as slot guy nfl personal so to me he ain’t even in that grouping.
April 5th, 2017 at 2:15 pm
A gang of great back up talent in this years draft..
April 5th, 2017 at 2:17 pm
NOS
I’m going with the kid out Ol Miss – Evan Engram
Crazy how folkz think just because a guy is 6’3
He can’t be a quality match-up nightmare in the NFL at the TE/HB position
Case In Point
Past/Present TE/HB 6’3 or Smaller
• John Mackey – 6-2, 224lb HOF
• Mike Ditka – 6-3, 228lb HOF
• Jerry Smith – 6-3, 208lb
• Fred Arbanas – 6-3, 240lb
• Todd Christensen – 6-3, 230lb HOF
• Paul Coffman – 6-3, 222lb
• Ozzie Newsome – 6-2, 232lb HOF
• Jimmie Giles – 6-3, 239lb ←
• Rodney Holman – 6-3, 238lb
• Raymond Chester – 6-3, 232lb
• Steve Jordan – 6-3, 236lb ←
• Keith Jackson – 6-2, 250lb ←
• Frank Wycheck – 6-3, 253lb
• Shannon Sharpe – 6-2, 228lb ←
• Alge Crumpler – 6-2, 262lb
• Dallas Clark – 6-3, 257lb ←-
• Chris Cooley – 6-3, 252lb←
• Owen Daniels – 6-3, 245lb
• Vernon Davis – 6-3, 250lb ←
• Benjamin Watson – 6-3, 255lb
• Jordan Reed – 6-2, 246lb ←
• Charles Clay – 6-3, 255lb
• Dwayne Allen – 6-3, 255lb
• Delanie Walker – 6-2, 248lb
April 5th, 2017 at 2:20 pm
Down the road – I can see Evan Engram as better version of Jordan Reed
April 5th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Bucs had the same issue last off season
April 5th, 2017 at 2:39 pm
Luv – you think Engram might last until rd 3? or would he have to be our 2nd round pick to get him?
April 5th, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Yeah, Engram had a pretty good pro day so I don’t think he’s much of a secret anymore.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:08 pm
I’m sorry but wasn’t hump the #2 receiver last yr? So shouldn’t this article be apologizing to all the Adam Humphries fans? Look at the production.
Evans – 96 rec – 1321 y – 13.8 ypc – 12 TD. #KYHands
Hump – 57 rec – 660 y – 11.6 ypc – 2 TD
Shep – 23 rec – 341 y – 14.8 ypc – 2 TD
Martino – 8 rec – 142 y – 17.8 ypc – 1 TD
So oddly enough Hump had the worst production of the group and his punt returns weren’t stellar either and he ended the season with a concussion. I like Hump but I have this silly thing with facts idk why.
So yea this downtrodden fan of Shep sees that obviously he sucked at WR. But then what does that say about Hump?
April 5th, 2017 at 3:12 pm
In other words you should replace Sheppard’s name with Humphries name in this article bc Humphries was the true #2 WR that no one respected.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:16 pm
“Remember how Sheppard always plays very good against his former team, the eagles?….you followers should be quiet” Kobe Faker
carolina gm of the year winner paid and brought in Sheppard as FA. He would wouldnt give a box of cereal for adam humpries
We need a slot rac slant route runner in our team….Djax is not a LOS slant reciever….we are and still will be the worst YAC offense again 3 times in row if we dont bring in route runners that SEPARATE
April 5th, 2017 at 3:17 pm
@DB55- Yeah, Hump was in way over his head as a #2. His skill set, it seems to me, is more in tune with the slot or #3 WR. That WR screen was used far too many times.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Nole and Luv
I’m with Nole, Sheehan is ridiculous plus he can be had late AND J Licht loves him some small school heros. I mean a udfa kid from Harvard led the league in TD last yr. WHAT?!?!
April 5th, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Kobe you way over-value Shep! If he was THAT good, he should’ve easily beat out Humphries. Correct?
April 5th, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Bucsfan
I’m just saying sounds like some unnecessary bashing on Shep.
Now if you want to fix the problem draft Curtis Samuel in the 2nd rnd.
Evans, DJax and Samuel. Good luck trying to stop them.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:26 pm
LOL, You actually think Humphries is better than Sheppard. You know better than the Carolina GM?
Humphries is tryout material in 31 other teams. You think a GM will actually give Humpries a guaranteed contract? 3mill?…31 GMs wont give him a roster spot!
Koolaid rampantly flowing
April 5th, 2017 at 3:34 pm
DB55
nice suggestion
think Samual has similar skillset like Cook and meeks…playmakers
we need a reciever that can separate by themselves in open space.
the modern NFL is attacking/exposing the linebacker/safety pass coverage
**i still think we should/can get Rashad Greene for cheap
***wrong Sheppard. I wanted and begged for Sterling Sheppard…He will breakout this year
April 5th, 2017 at 3:37 pm
As I told you guys last year…
I will tell you guys my true identity.
“I work at 1 Buc place” Kobe Faker
my code name is “1 Buc Mole”
April 5th, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Kobe
Been calling for Greene since last yr. you would think it’s an easy trade with the beasts Jac already has.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Not busting DB55. I think he would’ve been starting if he was better than Hump.
@Kobe- Nope, but 3 other GMs didn’t think so because he never broke 4th WR; Philly, and 2 GMs with the Bucs. And, it’s not like he didn’t get an opportunity. I’m just stating facts here.
Please enlighten us to the conspiracy theories that lie behind Shep never outplaying Hump and others.
And yeah, the KoolAid is delicious! I’m having some butter cookies to go with! You should try it.
Hey, I wish the best for Shep. He’s no longer a Buc though, and frankly, I could care less.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:43 pm
“So yea this downtrodden fan of Shep sees that obviously he sucked at WR. But then what does that say about Hump?”
That Hump was a slot WR and not an outside WR.. That most every route Hump ran was typically short routes or a screen and that Shepard ran deeper routes as an outside WR.
Humps average YPC should be lower based on his role. His value was dependable hands and converting 3rd downs when needed.
Shep couldn’t last a full game every time he was given a chance to step up as WR. He’s kind of fragile in that regard and only had a couple flash plays in all of 2016
Hump is not a great punt returner but more of a dependable guy there in terms of not f*cking up. Ideally he’s our #4/5 WR who can play slot / be the underneath guy.
April 5th, 2017 at 3:44 pm
@Kobe- Now, I agree with you on Samuels, Sheppard (the good one! 🙂 ), and Greene!
April 5th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Greene ended the season with injury and might not make Jac roster and with new GM means turnover
Think we can get him for free
that will be Jaboos first time throwing to a “route runner”…
and then you will truly see what jameis can do spreading the ball….
or we can just draft Cory Davis and guarantee ourselves to the 2017 NFC championship game
April 5th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Ijs the article says Shep didn’t scare anyone as the #2 WR when in fact hump was the #2.
And when you look at their stats one could argue Shep played better but I see your point LC on the screen plays.
It’s all good hopefully we draft samuels and be like ” oh chit did you just see what he did? Dammmmmmm”. Lol
April 5th, 2017 at 4:17 pm
@DB55 – I just never have thought of Hump as a #2 WR regardless of stats/targets/etc because he isn’t an outside WR and is limited to slot work only.
If the average depth of Hump’s routes was 5 yards and the average depth of Russel Shepard’s routes was 20 yards it will translate to Shepard having way better YPC averages even if he was the worst WR in the NFL
Sterling Shepard is mostly a slot WR but is also the #2 WR for the Giants and runs way more routes outside for comparison. Even Edelman for the Pats runs a ton of outside routes and goes deep on occasion
I’d love me some Curtis Samuel or Carlos Henderson taking those screens instead of Hump. No offense to Hump but it is what it is lol.
April 5th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
@Pickgrin – Projected as a Late 1st or Early 2nd round Prospect
@DB55 – Alot of folks Sheehan in the 2nd Rd now
April 5th, 2017 at 4:59 pm
“Kobe Faker Says:
April 5th, 2017 at 3:37 pm
As I told you guys last year…”
You told us you were leaving to never return last year.
April 5th, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Im here because i can give you and others here the most up to date info and news coming out of 1 buc place
I work there (janitor) and know everything that is coming out of that place before anyone…
ask any question…
just address me as “1 buc mole”
ty
April 5th, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Joe can you please explain to drugs these fans are on that they see a need for a TE? Cam BRate WAS THE LEADING TOUCHDOWN RECEIVER IN THE LEAGUE!if he was the leader in drops I understand.THE GUY GOT OPEN AND JAMEIS TRUSTS HIM ENOUGH TO THROW HIM THE BALL!AND WHAT DID BRATE DO?SCORE TOUCHDOWNS!INSTEAD OF WASTING A PICK ON A TE THAT WILL NEVER MAKE THE ROSTER OVER BRATE USE IT ON SOMETHING LIKE AN OLINEMAN. IF I HAD TO CHOOSE A TE OR KICKER TO USE A DRAFT PICK ON I WOULD GO WITH KICKER.THAT’S HOW ABSURD TALK OF A TE IS.
April 5th, 2017 at 6:34 pm
RETARD ^^^^
April 5th, 2017 at 7:01 pm
More and more NFL offenses are emphasizing duo TE systems.
Attack the weaker defensive pass coverage ala…linebackers and safeties
why pass toward their #1 corner and the opponents strengths
“Im hearing the name of Bucky Hodges from the halls and bathrooms of 1 Buc Place” 1Buc Mole
April 5th, 2017 at 7:03 pm
lol 941 calm down bro it’s ok
Just think of New England not taking Gronk because they had Aaron Hernandez; but without Hernandez being a murderer.
I agree in that I don’t want us to select a move TE that can’t be an in-line blocker – because we have that in Brate. That’s why I don’t get pewterreport or bucsnation loving the Njoku kid. He would barely see the field since he isn’t a blocking TE.. and it’s not like we can’t afford Brate when he’s due for contract where we have to look to replace him with a R1 pick. I’ve seen that argument too which is ridiculous
As for Brate – he does not get very open he just catches everything thrown his way and Winston has insane accuracy with seam passes. Think of most the Brate TDs and they are him in pretty tight coverage over the seam catching the ball in like a 1 foot catch radius where only he can get his hands on it.
Brate is not going over the top of defenders or scaring anyone as a blocker or drawing double teams. That’s what a beastly athletic TE who can block would add and it would open it up for Brate and others even more. We could run 2 TE sets with Brate and a guy like that.. but I don’t see us running 2 TE sets with brate n Njoku unless im missing something.
Same thing with Evan Engram – but Engram is basically like a freak WR/TE hybrid that is 2X the athlete of Brate. And I guess that’s the logic with Njoku.
We’ll see!!
April 5th, 2017 at 7:16 pm
^^ Get’s it.
That why I would be on board with OJ Howard or Engram. They can run, block, and catch. Athletic af.
Brate is a fantastic receiving tight end, but doesn’t block well and doesn’t have great speed. He’s very good at finding holes in zone coverage and running those seam routes. Plus him and Jameis obviously have great chemistry.
But adding another tight end who can pass and actually block well, would only improve our offense. Pretty simple.
April 5th, 2017 at 7:16 pm
I Like Harris or peppers! You can get RB,TE ,WR and OL after 19
April 5th, 2017 at 7:31 pm
The only way to resolve all of our issues is to trade those future picks.
April 5th, 2017 at 7:36 pm
One question that has started coming up for me is – why are the Bucs not meeting with Cook? Is it that the Bucs aren’t actually interested in him? Do they feel like they know all they need to know about Cook? Do they feel like he won’t be there when they draft?
April 5th, 2017 at 7:39 pm
Curtis Samuel is visiting get your wr/rb in one pick!
April 5th, 2017 at 7:40 pm
In the latest mock drafts both Kiper and McShay have us passing on Dalvin cook in the first round. They also have Perine going high in the second round to the Giants. Things that make you go hmmmmmm
April 5th, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Dirk loves him some Samuel says not many guys can do what he does plus he ran like a 4.31 40
April 5th, 2017 at 8:41 pm
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RFmqjvIHasA
Check out these Jameis Winston / Cameron brate highlights and make a really good argument for why we need another tight end after we just added flash Jackson. You shouldn’t be going all Gordon Gekko here. Would it be great to have a dynamic tight end next to him? Sure but we have bigger needs
April 5th, 2017 at 8:41 pm
@ 941bucs u must think there’s only one TE on the field.
April 5th, 2017 at 8:46 pm
Adam hump is the next Wes Welker!
And Kobe Faker, Hump is not a free agent so nobody interested yet.
April 5th, 2017 at 9:49 pm
@kobe faker
Really? You have shown that your word is without backbone! I hope you lead your day to day life in a different manner…
April 5th, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Shep is OT a special athlete by any means. He doesn’t have elite speed or quickness, he isn’t a great route runner. He doesn’t do a lot of the things great WRs can do. But as mentioned he is a pretty solid accessory to an offense. He is not a 1-3. But a bench guy that can help spread the offense in 4 and 5 wide sets. He is equal to or better than a CB 4 or 5. But is out matched by a 1-3. He has a place on most teams. And not just special teams. he is the perfect #4/5 WR for any team. Just don’t ask him to be more than that.
Hey Joe, do you think this type of defense helped or hurt the rushing production of one of our RBs last season? Single high safety… meaning a safety in the box… usually tough to run on. Just sayin.
April 5th, 2017 at 9:54 pm
@941 – man even Licht has commented about taking a TE in the draft. Also look at who the Bucs are meeting with. All the info is out there man, the Bucs will take a TE in this draft it’s just a question of where they take him.
April 6th, 2017 at 1:21 am
DB55…U think Samuel will make our offense great? Really??? He’s not even a receiver and he’s a projected 6th rd. or possibly a UDFA. How do u think he’s the answer when he’s nothing more than a project with speed. I can definitely see the potential but the answer to our problems is a joke. There’s at least 10 actual receiver’s that would be much better than him. I read every story on everyvsite and follow my Bucs religiously and I often wonder if some of the frequent commenters actually know anything about football. I’m not trying to belittle you just wondering if you…just tryingvto figure out the thinking ( or not thinking) behind some of the comments.
April 6th, 2017 at 1:44 am
@DB55…Obviously I’m the one who knows nothing about football. Almost all mocks have him as a 2nd or 3rd. rounder. Though somewhat of a project at receiver he could be that game changer we so desperately need. My apologies sir!!! Don’t know what I wasn’t thinking.
April 6th, 2017 at 8:04 am
Hump was our slot receiver. You automatically have help on yhe inside with the slot receiver. Shep was on the outside and teams would roll the single high coverage away from shep
April 6th, 2017 at 8:51 am
Having the two tight ends we have limits the offense somewhat and makes it more predictable for opposing defenses.
On Stocker’s side defense knows he is in there for blocking,he doesn’t seem to be athletic enough to get downfield or make adjustments on ball.
On Brate’s side defense knows that he will used as a passing threat as his blocking is not what it should be for a tight end.There was one occasion where both Brate and Cherilous totally missed their blocks on a screen play and it was blown op.
Brate is kind of a tweener at tight end but he is very effective in some of the areas of the field where Jameis has proven to be pretty accurate.
At this point,I see Stocker as the one to replace if a tight end with blocking
and dependable receiving skills is available.