Giddy About Beckwith
August 18th, 2017
Solid game.
There were highs and lows with winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter last night.
The highs was talking about the first team defense and the first team offense, except for that play.
The lows? That play and the kicking game.
Oh, another high for Koetter was the play of Kendell Beckwith.
The rookie from LSU couldn’t even partake in offseason practices because he was recovering from knee surgery late last year. In only his second appearance on an NFL field Thursday night, Beckwith was tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with Lavonte David and Adarius Glanton (who Koetter also raved about).
When Joe asked Koetter about Beckwith’s play, Koetter had a broad smile on his face.
“He’s playing big right now,” Koetter said. “He’s really playing stout. You know, we loved him coming out of LSU, and we were fortunate that he was there when we picked him, because if he didn’t have that knee, we thought he would have gone higher.
“I said multiple times, the fact that he’s come back quick off that knee, and then, a lot of guys, when they do come back, they’re tentative for a while. That kid is not tentative, he’s a very quick learner.”
Koetter noted the Bucs have the most depth at linebacker since he arrived in Tampa, and he is right. Shoot, Davante Bond likely was the starter until he got hurt. Now, Beckwith could be in a battle with Adarius Glanton for a starting gig, but Glanton hasn’t had many snaps as a strongside linebacker this season. Glanton didn’t embarrass himself either last night.
Imagine if this defense gets Bond back healthy the things that defensive coordinator Mike Smith could dial up with his creative mind.
And, yes, Joe would like to see Smith blitz David more. It worked for former Bucs commander Greg Schiano.
Considering Kendell Beckwith just tore his ACL at LSU a couple months ago in NOVEMBER, this is really really good. pic.twitter.com/rftNJZs5FS
— Renato Mazariegos (@RPMSports18) August 18, 2017
August 18th, 2017 at 6:53 am
That knee is so good. That he doesn’t have to bend the knee for no one!!!!
You GOT to love it!!!
Go Bucs!!!
August 18th, 2017 at 7:09 am
His initial reaction after getting up from the tackle is priceless!
He was sooo happy! And he should be: He’s proving to himself that he can be productive at this level. Good for him…and good for us, too!
August 18th, 2017 at 7:16 am
Yes, i thought they all looked really good last night, especially Beckwith. Joe, can you tell us if we normally keep 5 or 6 LB’s? I would imagine that they would want to keep six with more use of the 3-4, but i also believe they list Spence as a OLB (who, by the way, was unremarkable last night).
August 18th, 2017 at 7:20 am
If the young guys keep improving and working hard at LB we could have solid depth at LB.
August 18th, 2017 at 7:57 am
I would like to see less jumping after a tackle from Beckwith. At least for a year or so, until it is beyond a doubt his knee is 100%.
August 18th, 2017 at 8:07 am
Beckwith and Glanton were both solid last night, but it was against a horrible Jags offense. The LB depth on this team is unreal right now and Bullough was solid with the 3’s.
August 18th, 2017 at 8:19 am
Not for nothing, but Chris Baker was bearing down on Ivory, as was Kwon, if Beckwith hadn’t been there. Great pursuit by all three and great job by Ayers to hold his position and force Ivory outside. Beckwith is gonna be special.
August 18th, 2017 at 9:12 am
Beckwith was impressive. He’s a closer and a finisher. I remember one play where the ballcarrier had a little space but Beckwith closed very quickly and when he got there it was boom…a no doubt tackle.
Maybe we could stick Evans in the video room and make him watch Beckwith tackle.
August 18th, 2017 at 10:33 am
Beckwith is fearless. Doesn’t seem to be afraid of playing at this level. He will thump you
August 18th, 2017 at 10:50 am
Yes sir! Beckwith is showing up big.
August 18th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Glad to see Beckwith’s talent shining so soon. He’s a rookie so mistakes will be made – but I think we found our 3rd starting linebacker already!
August 18th, 2017 at 11:33 am
Beckwith was flying all over the place last night!
Starting to look like he’s our 2nd steal of a LB from LSU.
August 18th, 2017 at 11:48 am
he played good….looks like a keeper…GO BUCS!!!
August 18th, 2017 at 2:48 pm
he is supposedly 6-3!!!
we finally have a freak at SLB!!
Finally!!!!!!
August 18th, 2017 at 5:19 pm
How about Joe Dirt!?! He had a great game imo