Why Dirk Koetter Likes Ryan Fitzpatrick
May 23rd, 2017
Dirk Koetter opens up on Ryan Fitzpatrick
The head coach was talking quarterbacks today, and there was plenty offered on his newest gunslinger, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Koetter talked about Fitzpatrick being able to help America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, with film study. “In any business, experience counts,” Koetter said, noting he and QB coach Mike Bajakian have never thrown an NFL pass.
But Joe didn’t want to hear about the mentoring stuff today. Joe wanted to know why Fitzpatrick can win games for the Bucs.
JoeBucsFan.com: With Fitzpatrick’s actual game as a player, what do you like most about him as a quarterback who could take over your team?
Dirk Koetter: Ryan did not have his best year last year when you look at his numbers. The two years before that, in 2014 and 2015, Ryan played pretty well. And, first of all, he’s a guy that will stand in the pocket and take a hit. This is a guy has not always had the greatest protection. But he will stand in there and take a hit. He’s great at redirecting the protection. He can call everything at the line. Extremely intelligent quarterback, a guy that’s going to get you in the right play. And for the most part, he didn’t have as great a year last year, for the most part he’ll take care of the football.
Pretty strong endorsement there. It’s clear Koetter views Fitzpatrick as a “badass” player, the kind Koetter says he wants. Joe will take that.
May 23rd, 2017 at 1:34 pm
So the hell knows!!
May 23rd, 2017 at 1:37 pm
As I mentioned before, if Fitz has to play, he will have a much more talented group of receivers than what he had in NY.
May 23rd, 2017 at 1:58 pm
he’s a guy that will stand in the pocket and take a hit. This is a guy has not always had the greatest protection.
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Hmm, foreshadowing?
May 23rd, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Joe didn’t wanna hear about the mentoring stuff as it contradicts his false opinion that Fitz isn’t a mentor to Jameis
May 23rd, 2017 at 3:43 pm
@Dirk Koetter … “And for the most part, he didn’t have as great a year last year, for the most part he’ll take care of the football.”
@Joe … “Pretty strong endorsement there.”
Joe, I think Fitzpatrick is a solid pickup, and a viable backup, but based on his words, I have trouble visualizing Koetter doing cartwheels right now. Dirk’s words “for the most part” don’t scream excitement to me.
May 23rd, 2017 at 5:25 pm
He is smart and tough. Ill take that too. Much much better than the alternatives and yes jameis will learn a ton from him. Great pickup. Go bucs
May 23rd, 2017 at 7:00 pm
I feel better now… sorta.
May 23rd, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Kidding aside, I’m on board with this, good move.
May 23rd, 2017 at 7:43 pm
HUMM…. didn’t JOEs say JW doesn’t need a mentor. Seems Koetter, Licht and even JW disagree. Astute observation Joes’, NOT!
May 23rd, 2017 at 8:07 pm
“But Joe didn’t want to hear about the mentoring stuff today”??? That’s a hoot! Joe bristles at the thought; he’s said that time and again! Really this is a good move for the Bucs and Koetter has it right: Jameis is still learning and Fitz can help with that.
May 23rd, 2017 at 8:28 pm
And, first of all, he’s a guy that will stand in the pocket and take a hit. This is a guy has not always had the greatest protection. But he will stand in there and take a hit.
In other words this should shut up the people ranking on our backup QB’s “manliness” last year.
Of course Fitzpatrick also has that macho beard so he’s a manly man.
May 23rd, 2017 at 11:17 pm
Colin K.
May 24th, 2017 at 11:42 am
I don’t know about mentoring. I’ll repeat what I said about Fitzpatrick the day BEFORE we signed him. He’s a capable player, very smart, athletic enough, and experienced. Having a smart and experienced person in the QB room is only going to be helpful. He’s also not a threat to take Jameis’ job no matter how well he might play… the same could not be said about Kaepernick or RG3… either one of those guys come in and play well, suddenly there’s dissension. Not with Fitzpatrick. He’s 34, he’s happy to have a job, he can play another 4-5 seasons as a backup.