Folk Should Be On Hot Seat
August 20th, 2017
Prove it. Now!
Some would suggest giving a second-round pick only a year is being hasty. But that’s what the Bucs did with former kicker Roberto Aguayo, jettisoning him after one preseason game into his second season.
But Jenna Laine of ESPN believes the Bucs were patient with Aguayo.
In fact, Laine suggests that even though Nick Folk was elevated to the starting kicker’s position, he needs to prove the team’s faith in him immediately, or Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht should run him off, too. Soon.
Now there are expectations. The stakes are higher. There’s also a greater sense of urgency when you know there’s a shelf life on marquee players such as DeSean Jackson and organizational pillars such as Gerald McCoy aren’t getting any younger. …
If Folk shows any more signs of struggle, he needs to be moved out quickly. Or better yet, the Bucs need to reopen this kicking competition. That’s not what head coach Dirk Koetter had in mind when he said the team “needed to get behind Nick,” but it creates a blanket of security.
Now this dovetails into a couple of different areas Joe has harped on for some time, and one element really grinds the gears of fans.
First, Joe will point out again that when Licht spoke on SiriusXM NFL Radio 10 days ago, when Aguayo was still on the roster, he dropped a very blunt hint he was not locked in with either Aguayo or Folk. Of those two battling it out he said, “I’m hoping it is one of these guys.”
That was obviously not a ringing endorsement for Aguayo and Joe suspects it’s not for Folk either.
Second, though it wasn’t a focus of her story, Laine noted DeSean Jackson and Gerald McCoy are hardly spring chickens. You can throw Lavonte David and Doug Martin into that mix as well. David, beginning next season, would not count against the salary cap if he was released.
As theMMQB.com analyst Andy Benoit pointed out this summer, the Bucs didn’t draft Kendell Beckwith to be a part-time player, which is what a SAM linebacker is. Martin, of course, turns 29 after this season, and we all know what happens to running backs when they begin pushing the age of 30 and beyond.
Joe has long contended the Super Bowl window for this team is two years, maybe as long as four.
Soon, Mike Evans will need to be paid. If Kevin Pamphile hits the open market this winter, look out. And just around the corner, the 2015 grand slam draft of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander will need to be shown the money. That will force the Bucs to begin making very unpleasant decisions in order to stay under the salary cap.
August 20th, 2017 at 12:34 am
Well there is a bright side to Doug basically missing most of three of his five years with us. He only ran the ball in those three years a few dozen more times than he did in his last big season.
He’s had plenty of rest. His legs should be fresh and waiting until game 4 will keep them even fresher. He doesn’t seem to have taken much of a beating.
I’m not a giant DM fan but I’m not worried about the wear and tear or his age.
But then it’s the NFL…we of course hope #3 is around for another decade but you never know. So it’s time to focus on what really matters. The 2017 Bucs!
August 20th, 2017 at 12:51 am
With the change in cutdowns, there probably won’t be any decent kickers to compete with Nick Folk until after the 4th preseason game. That’s not a lot of time for a competition.
August 20th, 2017 at 12:59 am
Super bowl window?
August 20th, 2017 at 1:16 am
Lavonte. Cmon. He is one of best players on team. He isn’t going anywhere.
August 20th, 2017 at 1:54 am
In other news, Aguayo missed his only field goal attempt tonight. Takes over a year to get rid of Shank the Robot, but we’re ready to cut Folk after one miss and a blocked pat by 6’8 Calais Cambell, gotta love the FSU homerism.
August 20th, 2017 at 2:06 am
I’m with you regarding a quick hook for Folk …. however, assuming Jameis takes the steps to become an elite quarterback (which I think he will), the idea that this team has a small window for postseason success makes no sense. QB-driven league … as long as we have an elite JW under center, the sky is the limit.
August 20th, 2017 at 2:49 am
Hot seat !! Guy had been the greatest kicker ever for many since we signed him. Now hot seat !!
August 20th, 2017 at 3:37 am
Shoot bring in 10 kickers after preseason wk 4. Let them kick 10 balls at various lengths and let the BEST man win. We could sell tickets and have carnival rides. It’s getting that ridiculous, what a side show. I bet Connor Barth is just sitting somewhere laughing right now.
August 20th, 2017 at 4:38 am
It’s no mystery. There is no guarantee that our kicker is Folk. It’s just as likely we’ll claim someone off the waiver wire after the cutdown to 53. Some team is carrying 2 NFL-quality kickers in a competition and we’re targeting one of these guys. Folk is only an average kicker anyway.
August 20th, 2017 at 6:19 am
@Buc2015 … ” as long as we have an elite JW under center, the sky is the limit.” Wonder if New Orleans said the same thing when they signed Drew Brees. Exceptional QBs like Brees & Brady certainly are main cogs in the wheel, and can take you a long long way. But football is still a T-E-A-M sport, and every great QB needs a strong supporting cast … on both sides of the ball.
Easy to see that Jason Licht understands that full well IMO. He’s built our offense around Jameis & several other key players he’s drafted like Evans, Marpet, D. Dmith, Howard and signed or re-signed other key players like DJax, Sweezy and yes, Martin. But he’s also built our defense around Kwon & several other key players he’s drafted like Spence, VHIII & signed or re-signed others like David, GMC & Grimes. Yes all of those players will need to be ‘shown the money’ when contract time comes around, but Licht has shown already that he’s more than up to that task.
August 20th, 2017 at 7:05 am
Since our kicking game is suspect at this time,we need to work on better
production in the red zone when we get there.Fully expect our offensive additions
to help us in this area.
August 20th, 2017 at 7:14 am
She seemed to have left out exactly who the kickers are that could be brought in to beat out folk. He will be fine. How bout we give him 3 preseason games at least. Go Bucs
August 20th, 2017 at 7:22 am
Super Bowl windows? We haven’t even made the playoffs !!! Who comes up with this garbage!?
August 20th, 2017 at 7:29 am
Meanwhile
Roberto missed his first FG attempt as a Bear last night lol
An UGLY miss too
August 20th, 2017 at 7:38 am
PRBucFan Says:
August 20th, 2017 at 7:29 am
Meanwhile
Roberto missed his first FG attempt as a Bear last night lol
An UGLY miss too
_____________________________________________________
Poor guy is snake bit and may never recover.
August 20th, 2017 at 7:47 am
Eventually when he gets out of his head he probably will
I mean can you just forget how to be an amazing kicker like that? Craziness
August 20th, 2017 at 7:57 am
Yes. Shockingly, pretty sure this is the goal of the Bucs. Nothing from Licht or Koetter seems to suggest their goal is to finish third in the division.
August 20th, 2017 at 7:58 am
Seems to be some pretty good kickers out there to include the rookie on the Dallas Cowboys roster who won’t beat out incumbent Dan Bailey. As well as the veteran kicker (age 27) from Bengals who boomed one against us last week.
We will sign one the day cuts are made and let Folk and the other kid go.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:05 am
You can only replace Folk…I am confident the FA K still wearing street clothes are not better than Folk. Hence, this is a non-story with no real tangible meaning. Is Kyle B available? Gramatica?
In reality, the chance to improve this position was during the season last year when the Vikings foolishly cut Blair Walsh, who was struggling. He is now with Seattle kicking 50+ frequently again.
Folk is the kicker…so get used to it.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:30 am
Chris Baker
Nick Folk
Ryan Fitzpatrick
J.J. Wilcox
Are we ready to say this entire 2017 free agency has been a bust?
August 20th, 2017 at 8:31 am
Buccaneer Bill Says
“With the change in cutdowns…”
What change? I missed it.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:38 am
Buc2015 Says
“…as long as we have an elite JW under center…”
Dang it. Why did you have to go and call him elite?
We were just telling a commenter on gameday that no one was claiming he is elite yet.
sigh.
Now he’s justified…
August 20th, 2017 at 8:39 am
Bonzai must have looked into his crystal ball to determine those FA busts lol
Fitz was nothing more than a camp arm, lets be real.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:40 am
Buccaneer scotty Says
“Super Bowl windows? We haven’t even made the playoffs !!! Who comes up with this garbage!?”
It happens to be a realistic expectation for us this year, buddy.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:46 am
@PRBucFan
Be real? Fitz is more than a camp arm…he’s going to be the #2 QB. Meaning he goes in if Winston can’t. Are you really denying this by calling him a ‘camp arm?’
Baker has done absolutely nothing to prove himself worthy of the money. All he’s done is heckle kickers and photo-bomb teammates. All talk. And he was invisible through both games.
There was a reason Nick Folk was let out of NY. During the kicking competition, Aguayo was slightly better than him. He didn’t win the competition, Aguayo lost it on game day. And the next week? Folk was just as bad.
J.J. Wilcox is already proven to not be good elsewhere. His hard hitting style draws plenty of penalties…and the rules have been tightened this year. But even so…I’m willing to concede this one as an unknown so far.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:56 am
We do know that Folk is proven though, where Aguayo is not. Keep an eye on the waiver wire. And Roberto, by the way, missed his only FG attempt (49 yards) very very badly last night…in the controlled environment at Arizona. For those who have said the pressure is off now, I say hogwash! He’s still a second round pick who has mental and mechanics issues. And they showed up again last night.
August 20th, 2017 at 9:06 am
nobidy was saying how bad a kicker nick folk was last year in new york. quur talking about it. Its a non ussue moving forward. He will l everything the next two weeks and be fine to start the season
August 20th, 2017 at 9:10 am
It really is depressing that Aguayo didn’t turn into that 10-15 year kicking solution that he was expected to be when taken in the 2nd round. I was never sure why they were so antsy to get rid of Barth, but I bet that would love to have him right now.
August 20th, 2017 at 9:20 am
That is what makes missing last years and this years 2nd round picks painful.
There were so many studs still on the boArd. You can’t go to the next level and miss lay up drill picks
August 20th, 2017 at 9:38 am
That’s not true DJ. Check the Patriots we fond round picks the past 10 years. Only Gronk and Jimmie G were solid picks
August 20th, 2017 at 9:39 am
We fond? How do you turn off auto correct?
Second round picks
August 20th, 2017 at 9:45 am
some of you guys need to chill the hell out about Folk. He did not miss the PA on Thursday. It was blocked. Some times that is on the kicker and other times it is not. Haven’t heard Dirk come out and say anything but i would contend that block was on the line and not on the kicker.
He then went 2 of 3 on FG’s with his only miss at 47 yards which is not a gimme. This idea that he is on the hot seat is just silly. All kickers are on the hot seat. If any kicker misses multiple kicks and PA’s, they will get a replaced. Nothing new here. Let this play out a little bit please.
August 20th, 2017 at 9:59 am
I am worried that some jealous primos of Roberto have done some black magic against him.
I am not trying to stereotype but black magic is really common in Mexico.
Like it is in Morocco (where my smoking hot wife is from).
I am not criticizing Mexican culture, but the truth is the truth.
Aguayo needs to go see a White Magic shaman in Guatemala this summer and take some peyote and have a vision quest.
(half-kidding)
August 20th, 2017 at 10:12 am
aguayo missed his only attempt in chicago last night of 49 yards…he really can’t kick for sh*t…look at the replay – his kicks are all squibbed – he is so done – dude became a real dud
August 20th, 2017 at 10:22 am
Bonzai
Get real. My goodness you must be miserable. Are we ready to call the free agent class a bust? Thats a big no from everyone except you. Havnt even gotten to the thirs preseason game. My goodness take some xanax or something. Thats one of the worst questions ive ever seen. Go Bucs
August 20th, 2017 at 10:31 am
Jesus Bonzai take a chill pill lol
August 20th, 2017 at 10:40 am
Bonzai
Do you mind if we wait until at least halfway through the season before we determine “busts”?
I suspect that they’re hiding an injury for Baker. We’ll have to wait on the others as well.
As for Folk…somebody posted he’s not a good kicker…that’s simply not true. Several here have posted Folk’s career stats and to be honest I was surprised. He’s actually got an excellent resume. The Jets are in the midst of totally cleaning house and cap space.
And Fitz is a stereotypical backup in this league. You either get a retread like Fitz or McClown or you’re lucky enough to have a young player you’ve developed. Sadly for us Ryan Griffin seemed to be poised for a breakout year.
I think there was some genuine doubt as to whether Fitz or Griffin would end up #2 but the Bengals put the kabosh on that. Viewed in that context Licht’s signing of Fitz was excellent!!! He was the insurance policy not just for #3 but for Griffen. Sad that Griffin never really got his chance.
And Bonzai you can’t have it both ways. Clearly the best QB out there not signed is Kaepernik. I get that you and others including the Joes hate him for his political views and his manner of expressing them. I get that and so it’s a deal breaker.
But Kaepernik is the ONLY QB out there who has led a team to the SuperBowl!!!
Kap’s career is pretty obvious when you look at it. When he played for Jim Harbaugh…a great coach..and former NFL QB..he was successful…reached a Super Bowl and the NFC Championship game the next year before losing to eventual champs Seattle.
Harbaugh left and the new coaches were pretty lame. Kap’s career mirrors the quality of coaching he’s experienced.
We should all be honest. Can’t get past his expression of political views…OK..I can understand and respect that…although I disagree…but there’s no doubt Kap would be a huge addition talent wise for our team. Don’t worry though…I’m not holding my breath for the Bucs to sign him. We live in a very conservative area…it will be some “progressive” area team that eventually signs him.
August 20th, 2017 at 10:44 am
Buc Bonzai Blues!!!!!!! The sky must be falling where he is!!!!!!! Maybe we should let these players make it to at least one regular season game before cutting them so buc bonzai aka captain negative will be happy!!!!!!!!!!!
Its just the preseason!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 20th, 2017 at 10:53 am
BS…a HUGELY overpaid player blocked an extra-point. They get paid too you know?
August 20th, 2017 at 11:17 am
Don’t even float the idea of Levonte David not being a Buc until he is 35. Because he will be… FACT
August 20th, 2017 at 11:27 am
Well… that’s actually an assumption, not a fact. That is, unless you have a crystal ball and if you do, please forward the Powerball numbers. Joe will split. Honest.
Joe is not saying David won’t be. Joe is not saying he should be. Joe is not saying he will be.
But it is very telling David’s salary climbs at the same time there is no guaranteed money and the Bucs draft Beckwith who they are raving about.
This is not to say the Bucs might rework David’s deal. With all the cash the Bucs are going to be dishing out in two years, someone’s either going to take a cheap contract or be let go. Not going to be able to afford everyone and stay under the cap.
August 20th, 2017 at 11:47 am
There is no doubt that after the coming cut-downs, there will be a couple of kickers let go that make Buc fans say, “Hmmmm…that guy is probably better than Folk.” I hope Licht is making a list and deciding now about which kickers, if they become available, he’d sign, then cut Folk.
August 20th, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Folk is a savvy veteran and has a solid resume. He needs to be our kicker opening weekend.
August 20th, 2017 at 12:07 pm
@Bonzai: Folks was a $$$ casualty. The Jets are going nowhere, so what’s the point of having an expensive kicker on the roster?
August 20th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
@stpetebucsfan: Many like myself love football to get ~away~ from political bullPelosi.
Kaepernick is the exact opposite of “getting away from political bullPelosi.”
August 20th, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Cobraboy
Did you even read my post?
I get that you and others including the Joes hate him for his political views and his manner of expressing them. I get that and so it’s a deal breaker.
Can’t get past his expression of political views…OK..I can understand and respect that…although I disagree…
Then you post a total contradiction.
Many like myself love football to get ~away~ from political bullPelosi.
bullPelosi? Is that not political? I didn’t bring up anything about a fakePresident who has been DOCUMENTED telling more LIES than any President in my lifetime.
Some of you guys decry politicizing posts….but what you really mean is that you don’t want to read anything that could be possibly interpreted as political UNLESS….it’s YOUR politics.
My original post was not political merely a statement of facts. Does anybody here deny that Kapernick’s situation is political? Again I said I RESPECTED the views of those who do not want him. Is respect not a TWO WAY street?
August 20th, 2017 at 12:57 pm
The last suggestion that Joe boldfaced is the only element he cares about from Sideshow Bob.
August 20th, 2017 at 1:07 pm
@stpete: chill out, bro.
Save the political vapors for somewhere else.
Your “hate” comment is pure hyperbole.
August 20th, 2017 at 1:23 pm
@Joe
I not only respect that bolded part of the take…I agree. I suspect where I’m in the minority here is that I can get past it IF Kap signed a pledge to stand and not use the NFL games to further his political agenda. Many here can never forgive him and I get and respect that…I just disagree…I can forgive him if he promises to not take advantage of the NFL on the field or at NFL sponsored activities. He has plenty of opportunity outside of work to express his opinion…just like the rest of us.
@Cobra
Wow…to quote the “Dear Leader” (yeah that IS a cheap shot)..just SAD.
First I used your exact words to point out the contradiction…no politics is what you said and then finished your sentence with…wait for it…POLITICS.
So I respond with a DOCUMENTED FACT…and you refer to that as hyperbole?
Hate?
Where in my post do you find hate…you give no examples just say stuff.
August 20th, 2017 at 2:41 pm
@stpete:
stpetebucsfan said:
Hyperbole, and putting words in somebody else’s mouth.
Some folks can’t get past Richie Incognito’s words and deeds, and other’s can’t get past CP.
Such is life.
August 20th, 2017 at 6:56 pm
@Cobra
Very well done! That’s how you do it!
August 20th, 2017 at 7:58 pm
The ONLY reason Fitz will have a job come week1 is cause Griffin got hurt lol
It was never a serious signing Bonzai.
Folk was a $$$$ casualty and had a fine season last year. 7 years with the same team in 1 of the hardest NFL stadiums to kick the ball btw 😉
Swaggy isn’t going anywhere and your crystal ball predictions and opinion do not change that neither does your opinion of Wilcox whom the coaches have praised. AND you act like he was signed to some big money contract to be the starter lol. He wasn’t ever going to start over Tandy or Conte lol.
But with how much “roster knowledge” you have maybe you should work for the Bucs, I look forward to seeing you as the Bucs assistant GM soon. I mean it would be a travesty to have such a talent as yourself sitting on the couch come week 1.
August 20th, 2017 at 8:04 pm
And come on now Joe
Beckwith is no LVD