Iron Sharpens Iron
July 31st, 2017
Ballin.’
Yes, it is very, very early. The pads are scheduled to come out this morning.
Finally, a semblance of real football.
Thus far, one guy balling out is second-year cornerback Vernon Hargreaves. Last year Hargreaves was a target. Literally. He had 113 passes thrown his way, most in the NFL for a corner.
One reason why is elementary: Brent Grimes played opposite of Hargreaves. Just what dunce of an offensive coordinator is willfully going to call plays away from a rookie corner and at Grimes?
As with many NFL players, a season of experience is a big thing. Again, it is early, but Hargreaves is flashing that first round talent of his.
Is Bucs wide receiver DeSean Jackson making plays? Sure is. But if you watch those highlight videos of Jackson in training camp, also notice who is running right with him? That would be Hargreaves.
Joe remembers Hargreaves, this spring, telling Joe that despite the moniker “SEC speed,” Hargreaves had never seen anything like Jackson’s wheels in college.
“I’m way more comfortable,” Hargreaves said after practice Sunday. “I’ve got 16 [games] under my belt. It is getting easier. I am seeing things more clearly now.”
Certainly it helps Hargreaves that the Bucs have a pair of the sickest receivers in the NFL to face each day, every day in practice.
“Of course, of course,” Hargreaves said. “That is self-explanatory. Mike Evans and D-Jax, two Pro Bowlers? If you play good against them you will be pretty good.”
And that is the thing. If Hargreaves can handle himself against Evans and Jackson, he should do just fine in regular season games against damned near anyone else.
July 31st, 2017 at 8:41 am
These 2 receivers are exact opposites and two of the best at what they do. If you can hang with these 2 studs , then you can ball!
July 31st, 2017 at 8:41 am
The PERFECT MATCH for success!
VH3 & Grimes vs Evans & DJax
TEs vs DBs
Our Offensive Scheme vs the 3-4 and 4-3 Defense
Winston vs Alexander
Koetter vs Smitty
TB vs Mr. Deflated and Billycheat in February
Koetter will hold the Lombardi next to the Glazer Brothers at the Super Bowl!
July 31st, 2017 at 9:00 am
Very glad that Hargreaves played so many snaps last year. Gave him plenty of tape of himself vs NFL receivers to pour over this offseason and find areas to improve. No substitute for playing time when it comes to a young player’s development.
Really glad we have Grimes to work with VH3 for at least 2 full years as well. Perfect mentor as their size and game and skillsets are quite similar.
July 31st, 2017 at 10:27 am
Sorry RayJameis but no chance the bucs beat the patriots in a frigid temperature superbowl. I love the roster this year and the sky is the limit but the odds of us winning the superbowl-this year of all years – is slim. Put it in a dome and there’s a chance
July 31st, 2017 at 10:36 am
I noticed the same thing at camp. VGIII looked very strong against VJax, hanging with him step for step. Even that tipped catch we saw everywhere by VJax, guess who tipped it?
July 31st, 2017 at 11:02 am
Broy, you realized the Super Bowl will be played in a Dome? May not be the Florida heat in August – but also not Lambeau in late December 😉
July 31st, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Just a little bit of preparation and research prior to posting can prevent one from sounding like a total idiot…
August 1st, 2017 at 12:06 am
I believe Hargreaves ball skills will show up I a big way this year. Look for his INT’s to increase and the completion percentage against him to go way down as well. VH3 and Brent Grimes will shine.