Catches? Targets? Humphries Wants Wins
July 31st, 2017
Prefers wins, not stats.
Sort of lost in the hoopla of all the new toys America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, received this offseason is the new targets pushing another receiver down the depth chart.
That would be Adam Humphries (Rudy!).
Last year, in his second season, Humphries developed into a capable possession receiver. His catch against Dallas, a bomb from Jameis, jumped out at Joe as evidence of what he can do. Perhaps, Humphries was asked to do too much as the depth of the Bucs receivers just wasn’t what it should have been? You know, stay-in-your-lane type of thing?
Obviously, the Bucs thought the same, going out and buying DeSean Jackson and drafting O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin. The additions mean Humphries, barring injuries, is almost guaranteed to get fewer targets and fewer catches.
Joe spoke with Humphries after the first training camp practice and asked how he squared with that? Like any receiver, he wants to be on the field and catch balls. However, what Humphries wants much more than targets, are wins.
“That’s all that matters,” Humphries said. “That’s all that matters to me is winning. I’ve had games where I have had 10 or 11 catches and I have had games where I have had no catches. As long as we get a win, that’s all that matters to me.”
On the practice sidelines, Humphries all but admitted he becomes a fan, watching Jackson and Howard and Evans ball out.
“It’s fun watching our guys make plays,” Humphries said.
Is Humphries in danger of not making the team? That’s highly unlikely. Humphries is versatile, can catch, knows the offense and winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter loves him.
He is “solid,” Koetter said yesterday. “Everyone tries to beat Adam down: ‘He’s not a quality player.’ Adam’s been a quality player since he got here and continues to be. He’s a little bit underappreciated, maybe. That guy’s a good football player.”
Sure sounds like a vote of confidence to Joe.
A few months ago, Joe talked to a Bucs type and noted Humphries is a safe punter returner but not dynamic. The Bucs type responded, “On punt returns, safe is good.”
The more Joe thought about that, the more it made sense. A punt is a takeaway (except in lazy Lovie Smith’s world). Why play Santa Claus when you are just getting the ball back?
July 31st, 2017 at 5:44 am
“On punt returns, safe is good.”
Maybe for the old Bucs, the cautious Bucs, the losing franchise that hasn’t sniffed the playoffs in 10 years nor won a playoff game for 15.
I say BS to safe punt returners. You know who was safe? Eric Page was “safe”. Bobby Rainey was “safe”.
Humphries should only have the return job as long as there’s not a more dynamic returner on the roster. And if our scouts aren’t being directed to never cease in their pursuit of uncovering the next Devon Hester – then they aren’t being directed properly and there is a problem.
July 31st, 2017 at 6:46 am
Conflicted on this one Pickgrin. I totally agree with you that “Humphries should only have the return job as long as there’s not a more dynamic returner on the roster.” Every team wants the returner who can take it to the house every time he touches the ball. However, nothing drives me nuts faster than a punt or kickoff returner who turns the ball over. That’s about as demoralizing a play as there is & oftentimes leads to a loss. Humphries is solid there, and that’s a good thing. He may not be ‘dynamic’ but he’s deceptively fast and has great vision IMO. Totally understand why Dirk Koetter likes him. He’d have a spot on my team all day long.
July 31st, 2017 at 6:46 am
You say BS now. If we had a guy who averaged 7 more ypr and had 2 tds but fumbled 6 times youd be pissed at the fumbles, as we all would be. Safe is good, couldnt agree more. Nothing more disheartening than a punt or kick return fumbled away. If someone beats him out so be it, but humphries is the best option ive seen. Maybe hargreaves gets a look this year, IF he can hang on to it. Go Bucs
July 31st, 2017 at 7:17 am
Humphries is the ultimate team player.
July 31st, 2017 at 8:26 am
I agree with D.R. on this one. I’m all for “dynamic” just as long as they don’t have fumble-itis!
July 31st, 2017 at 8:33 am
I miss 87’s comments, It sucks Joe gave him the boot “for no good reason”.
July 31st, 2017 at 9:12 am
Just to clarify – I wasn’t ragging on Humphries. Happy to have him and he is indeed a safe and solid returner that can be counted on to keep mistakes to a minimum. Of course that’s important. Securing the ball is always job #1 for any returner.
My contention was that the idea “safe is good” better not be outweighing the pursuit of a dynamic returner at this point. If the Buccaneers goal is truly to win multiple Championships – then we need a big playmaker fielding kicks (punts especially) sooner than later.
July 31st, 2017 at 9:36 am
And who was The Patriots punt returner last year??? I don’t think a dynamic returner is necessary to win championships. Nice but far from necessary. Fumbles can lose championships for sure.
July 31st, 2017 at 9:48 am
Pickgrin
I’m OK with your desire to avoid the “safe is good” mindset on punt returns.
Punt returners frequently have an opportunity to change field position dramatically.
Where I am concerned is KO returns. There I absolutely want SAFE. I do not care if our KO guy can take it to the house. I do care that he understands rules and realizes that KO’s are live and mess one up and you start inside your five or worse still the other team starts inside your own five as we saw several times across the league last year.
It seems the new NFL kickers continue to work on kicking very high KO’s that gives the coverage team plenty of time to get downfield with the ball coming down inside the five making the KO returner a very pressure filled job.
I’m not sure why Hump is not doing this. I do not want another bonehead back there like we had last year…I do not care if he can run a freaking 9 second 100 like Usain Bolt! Just don’t field a ball at the three and go out of bounds!
July 31st, 2017 at 10:23 am
Bucs1987 got booted? Shame. Him and bonzai are refreshing especially with egotistical “bucs annoying-ist” who quotes himself more than Tyrion Lannister
July 31st, 2017 at 10:52 am
What??????????? Buc1987 got banned???? What for??? Why was I not notified immediately!!!!!!!!!
This is the season he has been waiting for!!!!!!!
@Joe
we demand to have a “penalty box” so we know who currently is “banned” and how soon they will be up for parole!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 31st, 2017 at 11:04 am
@Realist- I’m shocked that you weren’t notified! ’87 might’ve crossed the line by making what I thought was a tongue-in-cheek statement about Jameis. I don’t want to speculate though. Sessions has issued a warrant to seize ’87s email server. The Russians might have hacked him!
Sorry, off subject. Couldn’t resist.
July 31st, 2017 at 11:11 am
@Bucsfanman
I am doing a “full”investigation now,,,, and requesting a pardon/work release until we get to the bottom of this!!!!!
We should see him back soon!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
July 31st, 2017 at 11:23 am
@Realist- As Special Counsel for Buc1987, I expect nothing short of a full pardon. Rumor has it that The Buc Realist has executive pardon privileges similar to that of our sitting President!
Go Bucs!
July 31st, 2017 at 11:24 am
I’m with yas all the way there Mr. Humphries. Don’t care about how many td’s Jameis throws or how many catches are made. As the great Lombardi said, WINNING IS ALL THAT MATTERS. By 20 or by 1..just win. Don’t tell me how rocky the ocean is, Just Bring the GD ship in!!!
AMEN.
July 31st, 2017 at 11:51 am
Where did the dudes go that claimed Thomas Sperbeck was going to beat out Humphries for the starting slot WR spot?
July 31st, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Can anyone point out where 87 got banned in the archives?
July 31st, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Safe is good. One of the greatest bucs of all time was safe but effective. That would be karl the truth williams. He gained over 8000 yrds combined between kick and punt returns with 5 tds. Add in another 2000+ yrds receiving and 12 tds and the truth accounted for more than 10,000 yrds of offense in his buc career. Not many bucs can say that. Very reliable player. Hat tip to the truth. Humphries is the next karl the truth. I will take that.
July 31st, 2017 at 6:43 pm
I meant 2000+ yrds receiving and 7 tds and that equates to 12 tds total.