Humphries Rises To Challenge
August 5th, 2017
Solid.
If the Bucs were trying to send a message to veteran receiver Adam Humphries (Rudy!) by signing DeSean Jackson and drafting Chris Godwin, let’s just say message received. And answered.
Earlier in training camp, Joe asked Humphries about the real possibility that two new receivers could significantly drop his targets. Humphries told Joe he just wants to win. If it takes less targets for the Bucs to get into the postseason, then that’s great.
Well, that No. 3 wide receiver slot? Don’t be so quick to hand it to Godwin just yet.
While it is refreshing to see a rookie wide receiver not vanish when the pads come on, the way Godwin has practiced through seven days of training camp, if Godwin has an edge for the No. 3 wide receiver position, it isn’t by much. This isn’t a knock on Godwin, but praise for Humphries.
Each and every practice, Humphries shows up. Catches down the sideline, catches over the middle, catches deep, catches short. It doesn’t matter, Humphries is grabbing just about everything.
Humphries and Godwin have different skill sets, but Koetter is big on getting the best players out there. At this point in August, Joe would expect Godwin is the No. 3 receiver for certain routes and plays and Humphries is a No. 3 receiver for others.
Call Humphries and Godwin No. 3A and No. 3B.
August 5th, 2017 at 8:56 am
Godwin will not start in the slot. When the move DJ in the slot they’ll put Godwin outside. However, I also read Hump was practicing at outside receiver. I’ll also bet when they go 3 wide on 3rd down it will be Hump right there in the slot.
August 5th, 2017 at 8:58 am
@Joe
Well said…receivers 3A & 3B.
Hump has the hands, the courage to catch the ball in the middle, and two years of experience. I think he’s just beginning to reach his potential.
Godwin is also potentially a terrific WR and he’ll continue to improve with experience.
Bottom line…do we suppose DJAX will play all 16 games? ME13? Hump or Godwin? At last we have some genuine depth at WR…no Godwin and Hump are not ME13 or DJAX but they are legitimate NFL targets.
August 5th, 2017 at 9:02 am
i agree with stpetebucsfan, going to be a good season this year, i am excited
August 5th, 2017 at 9:32 am
Works for me.
August 5th, 2017 at 9:40 am
Nice problem to have.
August 5th, 2017 at 9:43 am
I almost always agree with stpetebucsfan. He nailed it.
August 5th, 2017 at 10:14 am
Them along with the TEs will make the running game better.
I would love to see Rodgers/Barber and McNichols turn into a combination of Martin and Simms. If that comes true, we are go to go.
The Dynasty begins then!
Go Bucs!!!
August 5th, 2017 at 10:24 am
Hump’s best quality is that he’s dependable. Koetter will find a way to get him the ball. Hump knows that and clearly isn’t worried about it.
August 5th, 2017 at 10:26 am
Bingo on the bottom line StPete. It’s a loooong season.
August 5th, 2017 at 10:49 am
When DJ or Evans come out, Godwin will come in. If defenses think they can relax when he’s on the field they will pay. We’ve added two good receivers this year, big up grade from last year.
August 5th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Bucs coaches describe Humphries as really smart and just good enough athletically. To me, that puts him in the same category as guys like Amendola, Edelman and Welker. Good enough for me.
August 5th, 2017 at 11:20 am
StPete, I am thinking you have a journalism background, does it not feel good hearing this, my feelings as well.
1sparkybuc says “I almost always agree with stpetebucsfan. He nailed it.”
Great Problem to have, to many better than good WR’s wanting to play, and have the ball thrown to them, willing to practice hard and continually strive for improvement. Bring on 4 wide and our WR 3a & 3b should feast on 3rd and 4th corners.
Go Bucs!
August 5th, 2017 at 11:31 am
So who on here is going to admit scoffing at the notion that thus guy would be a key contrivuter and a house hold name for.this team. I remember it well. Humph is the man I hope he’s here for a long time.
August 5th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
DJax has played in all 16 games exactly twice in his 9 year career so spbf’s point is on cue. Nice to have some decent depth at WR now instead of one great option, a decent 3 and nothing else like last year turned into.
Hump hangs on to most all that’s thrown to him no doubt – but I believe Godwin will be able to get separation that Hump is just not capable of in a # of situations. And Godwin plays “big” for being 6’1″ so can go up and fight for contested balls better than Humphries as well as be a much more effective blocker.
Our shiny new 3rd round receiver has 1st round talent and its going to be increasingly hard to keep him off the field as he gets more and more comfortable I betcha .
August 5th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Adam “Welker” Humphreys – not fast, not quick twitch – he just gets it done.
August 6th, 2017 at 7:51 am
Just curious, have they put DJax in the slot at all and moved Godwin out to WR 2 in any formations? Or had OJ in the slot much?
Seems like #1 in the slot would be a lot of fun to watch occasionally.
August 6th, 2017 at 10:04 am
I can see Godwin getting reps outside as a “WR3” when dirk wants Evans or DJax to beast out of the slot, or be the slot guy of choice on early downs when blocking might be needed. I also think using DJax as a deep threat regularly will require a few breathers, which will give both guys chances to rotate in
August 6th, 2017 at 1:02 pm
FoSho stpete. Last year we had no depth at WR. Now with Godwin (if he can raise to his OTA abilities), we have nothing but very good WR depth at every WR position.