Jameis Jump, Two Real-Deal Newcomers, And Three Question Marks
August 19th, 2017
It’s more takes from JoeBucsFan.com Saturday columnist Gil Arcia. @pewternerdgil
By GIL ARCIA
Two games into the preseason and the Buccaneers’ first-team offense appears to be progressing at a promising rate. And don’t give me that “it’s just the preseason” talk.
This is why I say that. Just last season, the team’s starters couldn’t move the football. Mainly because of Jameis Winston’s inconsistencies.
In two games last preseason, Winston threw for a 50 percent completion rate. He missed targets near and far, and with open receivers underneath, he would throw 15- to 20-plus yards down the field.
So far, in these first two preseason games, Winston has had time in the pocket, has patiently gone underneath, and has completed 71 percent of his passes.
Don’t Tom Jones me. There is something here.
As Winston completed passes, the offense seemed to evolve around him. The running game got going, receivers got open, and the offensive line was strong blocking up front. Well, collectively, the first-team offensive line that is.
But it is clear we are already seeing improvements and it is only preseason. Dirk Koetter’s offense has clicked in such a small sample, it is intriguing to see what they’ll do with more playing time.
Quick Takes
*I’m convinced linebacker Riley Bullough has a shot at making this team. During his preseason playing time, he has been involved in nearly every running play at the line of scrimmage.
*After the release of kicker Roberto Aguayo, veteran Nick Folk appeared to have the job locked down – until he reminded us all in Jacksonville that nothing is certain.
*Running back Doug Martin’s vision is still there. But how reliable will he be throughout the 2017 season if he’s still around?
*Rookie tight end OJ Howard made an appearance Thursday evening. The potential is real.
*Second-round pick Justin Evans has so much to learn in the Buccaneers’ secondary. Seemed out of place often, didn’t time the ball right a few times, and the constant missed tackles must drive the defensive coaches nuts. Have to hope at this point he won’t need to be plugged in right away.
August 19th, 2017 at 10:21 am
Thank you for the stat on JWs completion %. Thats elite level for a QB playing in a downfield passing offense that we run. People have said jameis will never be one of those 70+ guys because his style is different… And it is. But good lawd he has been deadly this preseason.
Want to see more of him finishing drives, however the fact that we have moved the ball so well is promising.
Need to work out a few redzone kinks tho. (Im sure DK is saving his best red zone sets for the real games)
August 19th, 2017 at 10:29 am
Jason and his 2nd round picks.
There were so many good players we could have had at that pic.
If we would have used last years and this years seconds on say o line depth or de or db… We would be sooooo much better off.
August 19th, 2017 at 10:45 am
@destinjohnny
And if we used that “time machine” and hired NFL GM Jason Licht in 2009 instead of promoting the worst gm in bucs history mark dominik, we would have had playoffs and a superbowl run by now!!!!!!
August 19th, 2017 at 11:24 am
Youre convinced he has a shot? Lol. Im convinced he will be on the team too. Offense is looking way better than last preseason…defense too. Special teams not so much. Cmonnnnn folk. Go bucs
August 19th, 2017 at 11:30 am
‘Time machine’ Realist? I love it. I’m guessing that’s what you use to dig up old posts? Your point on Licht vs Dominick is a good one though. Most GMs miss some … some GMs seem to miss most. Looking at Jason’s draft picks over several years, plus his FA & UFA signings, he’s done a fantastic job. After the disastrous 2014 season (2-14) few would’ve envisioned the Bucs turning into today’s team so quickly. Including me. Jason Licht is the main architect of that turn-around & deserves a lion’s share of the credit.
August 19th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Realist…as u call yourself
Worst gm in bucs history or just while you were alive n paying attention?? Id go with phil krueger. The charles mccraes n bad broderick thomases never did it for me, to mention a couple.
August 19th, 2017 at 11:42 am
@darin
Take a good long look at 2009!!!! With he tools, resources and owner support, did the worst by the scale of the disaster!!!!! Look hard at the coordinators he brought in ( yes, he did have that much juice!!!! the head coach even had to call and get permission just to change Qb’s on the field)!!!!!! Look at free agency, look at the draft!!!!! And if Washington Redskins did not over guaranteed money over dominik, he would have easily grabbed the title of worst GM in NFL history!!!!!
This is with going into how he used the medical staff to fail players so he could crow-bar his draft picks on the roster!!! How he would leak info to the media!!! and how he worked against coaches!!!!!!
Its 11:42 darin, so I just told you what time it is!!!!!!!!! Twice!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
I agree with Riley, I rewatched the game on my pc and he had allot to do with Jax not scoring at the end. Allen was having a field day against our DBs and there was little pass rush. But Joe Dirt was all over the field. I think he is a good backup Mike, how is he on Special Teams?
Jameis is Jameis. That throw from his ass was funny, can’t wait for Hard Knocks when Dirk blasts him. “But coach, he was open…” Jameis might have Aaron Rogers like stats, be he has Bret Favre’s soul…Country Boy Gun Slinger.
And I am fine with that. Really, I am.
I agree, DB depth is scary, I hope Grimes is ready to go by Week 1, let the rest of Preseason be the coaching up of the backups.
I watched Marpet, he really looked good at center.
I hope to God that DK is holding back some red zone plays. The offense seems to be able to move the ball at will, but two games in are stymied at the Red zone.
August 19th, 2017 at 12:32 pm
If the Oline is solid and the running game is working – we are GOOD TO GO!
Winston will literally tear it up this year if the Oline provides consistently good protection and can open the run lanes.
The middle of our line is solid as hell. The Tackles? Well – lets just say I believe we will be in the market for a high end FA or draft pick at OT in 2018.
August 19th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
I warned everyone when we wasted a second pick on poor tackling Justin, that Licht blew it again! This is three worthless second round picks in a row, and our big priced Redskin Buffoon DT is a big bust too! Pretty Ssorry Licht.
August 19th, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Owlykat
U have warned nobody of anything. I’ve never even seen u post b4. And ur talkin out ur @$$. Name the 3 2nd rounders that are worthless.
2014 ASJ (first round talent with a 15 year olds mind)
2015 Donavan Smith AND Ali Marpet
2016 Noah Spence and Auguayo
2017 Justin Evans
I see 2 bust, 3 first round talents, and a rookie. Please stop posting your nonsense opinions
August 19th, 2017 at 9:00 pm
So tired of hearing about the players we “Could of had.” Using that logic, 31 GM’s should have been fired after the fact for passing on Tom Brady 5 times in the same draft. There are a hundred similar examples.
Get over it ! The draft is a crapshoot. Always has been, always will be. First rounders bust and UFA’s make the HOF. If it was an exact science, then any of you haters could be a GM.
J. Licht has done an amazing job ! My only fear is we lose him since our owners have not deemed it necessary to extend his contract”
August 20th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
On 4 and 5th round picks hey fair enough. I agree
But if u spent 3 minutes with asj you would know not to pic him
If you watch 3 minutes of film on Justin Evans you wouldn’t draft him
A kicker….. Then trading up???
You can’t miss slam dunks
That’s 3 picks that would put us over the top