McNichols Has “One Final Chance”
August 27th, 2017
Stern words from Bucs coach.
Winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter is fed up.
In a striking about-face, Koetter threw down the gauntlet for rookie running back Jeremy McNichols all but saying his performance Thursday night in the final preseason game is his last shot to stick with the club.
Koetter, who is normally publicly supportive of bubble players, was anything of the sort today in his day-after presser at One Buc Palace, scolding McNichols for making too many mistakes and in no uncertain terms explained McNichols has one foot out the door.
“He’s doing fine on special teams,” Koetter said of McNichols. “He’s just making too many mistakes on offense. He had a protection error [Saturday night] that led to a sack. So I took him out at that point. That was my decision. He’s going to play a lot on Thursday night and he’s going to get one final chance to show what he can do.”
When Koetter was asked if McNichols roster spot was in danger, Koetter sort of danced and gave a non-answer but he sure didn’t deny it.
After the first day or two of training camp practices, Joe hasn’t seen McNichols do much of anything. He had a nice catch where he dove out and laid out for the ball while working with the ones, either on the first day or second day of camp.
Joe doesn’t recall if he ever worked with the ones again, but it is possible he did.
In training camp, you hope the longer it goes, guys get better. That seemed to be the opposite with McNichols. Now, he very much is on the bubble.
August 27th, 2017 at 3:35 pm
Not sounding good for the player many people hailed as the future of our running back corps. Hopefully we don’t regret not trading up in the 2nd to land Dalvin Cook…
August 27th, 2017 at 3:37 pm
But I thought DM was on the bubble and this was his replacem? Hmmmmm strange times this is
August 27th, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Replacement* iPad being funny on here
August 27th, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Rodgers. Sims, Barber, Hansbourgh/waiver pick up. The first 3 haven’t changed. Hoping Sims has learned not to tippy toe, and could be the biggest surprise.
August 27th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
mcnichols is still a better gamble than the gerbil. the gerbil has proven he sucks more than he is good already — go young. you already know doug martin will let you down and screw you over history proves that.
August 27th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
I am unsure if Mcnichols has the work ethic or mental toughness to be more than an average back in the league. Truly, after all things considered, with the missing time in spring due to injury, coach telling him to get in the playbook, and observing his play. I am afraid this young man relied too heavily on his athleticism during college, and did not develop his game well enough off of the field. I hope he can turn it around.
August 27th, 2017 at 3:58 pm
FEFE don’t mention it. And word is they falling in love wit DC up there man. To that lame that thinks he’ll be a bust go watch his tape against the hawks homeboy. DC will be this year’s rookie of the year. No knock on Oj but DC is about to be the focal point of that offense. Early signs are saying the league is in trouble.
August 27th, 2017 at 3:58 pm
practice squad bound
August 27th, 2017 at 4:02 pm
FEFE if you get a chance watch him tomorrow at 8:00. He hittin them holes so muthaf@$!in fast man.
August 27th, 2017 at 4:12 pm
You block that one maybe you’ll let this one go thru. He said during a press conference “we will not allow pressure from fans to sway any of our draft day decisions”. My thing is this if it made since to so many how could all of be wrong about something that appears so special. That’s pride man.
August 27th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Thanks👍
August 27th, 2017 at 4:18 pm
And the only reason I’m on this tipb right now is because so many said we could wait til the later rounds. Well they did just that and he about to be dismissed from this team. Already had Oj in the bag.
August 27th, 2017 at 4:19 pm
How far we’ve come since the prediction that McNichols was the slam dunk successor to Martin, who was supposed to be cut in the offseason.
Doesn’t seem to me McNichols “loves” football the way that the core of the team does.
McNichols out, Cross/FB in?
August 27th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
“Replacement for Martin” HA! Lmao at everyone who thought he was like the Second Coming! Hate to see it not work out for the kid but can’t really expect as much as y’all did out of a late late round draft pick…
August 27th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
I think McWeapon has the physical skills, and I want to give him a benefit of the doubt since his shoulder injury messed up his OTA’s….but honestly…watching HK makes McWeapon come off as a bit of a cement head. He’s certainly not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. It’s not like he’s playing QB or LT…RB’s can usually pick up the offense fairly quickly….perhaps the one exception being pass blocking.
That will be his ultimate downfall. It’s what Peyton and even Doug have had to work on. It’s not just #WeaponsforWinston….it’s also #Keep 3 healthy!
August 27th, 2017 at 4:35 pm
For what its worth I think J Mac has the ability for the pro game. He seems overwhelmed by the information.
August 27th, 2017 at 4:37 pm
if you include martins 3 horrible years instead of the selective memory of a few good games and garbage yards. he is a first round bust. i understand it’s convenient for you martin fanboys / apologists to forget your POS hero has hurt the team far more times than he has helped. his poor lifestyle choices a.k.a. hamstring injuries have let this team down enough. now you ignorant fools are ready to go all in on a guy that has let the team down more than he has helped. get over the oakland game it was a lifetime ago. martin can not be counted on
August 27th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Maybe he can’t remember the play book because of his times spent with Uncle Snoop. 😜
August 27th, 2017 at 4:57 pm
It’s been proven that marijuana abuse causes brain damage. Now if McNichols is getting high or not I don’t know, but I have a theory that anyone that gets within 3 feet of Snoop gets a contact high that lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:02 pm
tmaxcon – LOL! So Martin, who is the only 1st team all-pro running back in team history, who had a big injury in his 2nd year that he didn’t recover from until half-way through his 3rd year and who was out injured again last year, well if you take away the years he wasn’t injured he’s a bust. You also think Winston is a bust and you also think GMC is a bust. Why exactly, other than to troll, are you here?
BTW the meaning of a bust is someone who does nothing, like the Giants who picked David Wilson. They wanted Martin but the Bucs traded up in front of them to grab Martin. Wilson meanwhile did nothing. You see dope, that’s a bust, not a guy who is a multiple time pro bowler and a multiple time all-pro player. Learn what words mean then maybe you’d be less boring.
Or better spend your Sundays at an HIV eatting contest because I just don’t think football is your thing. LOL!
August 27th, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Go get LeSean McCoy PLEASE!!!
August 27th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Tmax stands for “Troll max”
August 27th, 2017 at 5:18 pm
And I will tell you now who is going to light the league up and that is Christian McCafferey. They are lining him up at RB, Slot, WR and Wildcat. Not to mention he will be returning punts and kicks. Word to the wise Pick him up in FF!!!!!
August 27th, 2017 at 5:21 pm
I consider myself fairly intelligent, but what’s an HIV eating contest?
August 27th, 2017 at 5:23 pm
StAugBuc – It’s a contest where you eat a bowl of HIV. I was going to say ebola but I said that already in the last few days and I want to mix it up, keep it fresh.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:27 pm
SB – We’ll see what McCaffrey does in the regular season. I’m a bit annoyed he doesn’t run upright like he did in college since that would mean he’s on the IR by week 6, but those college insists will come back in games when he gets tired so it might take until week 8 before he’s out for the year. Worse case is if worthless Mike Shula actually showed him how Warrick Dunn would ball up before hits and how, because of that, he played forever (22nd in league history in running, 17th in league history in yards from scrimmage). Considering how Shula was completely worthless in Tampa if he actually helps Carolina by making use of McCaffrey like how he made use of Dunn and taught McCaffrey how to protect himself, he will have done huge damage to the Bucs.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:29 pm
If he can play special teams, I doubt the Bucs will risk him on the practice squad. I think they wanted to develop Vitale last year and now he is on the Bills. Tennessee tried to sneak LaGarrette Blount onto the practice squad, too. Rodgers, Sims, and Barber will be on the field, and McNichols will play special teams. Then in week 4 Martin comes back.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:34 pm
This regime is big on the mental aspect of the game unlike the previous
August 27th, 2017 at 5:39 pm
He is my most disappointing Buc during this camp. He hasn’t learned the play book despite being tutored by Winston. He has the physical ability, but he just might not have the aptitude. Being said, Justin Evans is lucky he was drafted in the second round because he isn’t that far behind McNichols in the disappointment category (although my expectations were very tempered) I think they keep McNichols around until week 4 but if he hasn’t shown marked improvement, that might be it.
I mentioned this earlier but that play he missed was so poor and it was one that he routinely picked up in college. It may take a year for the game to slow down for him but he might not have a year with this team.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:40 pm
If you look at McNichols in Hard Knocks Ep. 1, he looks stupid, stoned or stoned and stupid. Not good either way. That might be why he isn’t getting it. Why he is making too many mistakes. I’ll take the Drug Hamster, the Druginator over McNichols. At least DM has looked better in preseason.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Brett, Vitale is on the Browns, and he was hurt during the game. Blounts attitude has always sucked, his attitude outweighs his talent, and he looks like crap so far in the preseason. As for McNichols, he doesn’t seem to have the heart or desire to succeed as an NFL back, he doesn’t seem too bright to me either, and from HK they seem to back it up.
August 27th, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Bowl of HIV doesn’t sound tasty. Do you get your choice of beverage to wash it down?
August 27th, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Like Tmax, the mcweapon appears to be a little slow between the ears.
August 27th, 2017 at 6:11 pm
I want to let McNichols know..Micky Dee’s is hiring people for their store Mngt program. He can always perfect the art of Fench..Frying! All is not lost. Just get my McNuggets right!i
August 27th, 2017 at 6:17 pm
so wehn martin comes back and screws the team for the 4th time in 6 years what will the excuses be then. fact is doug has been horrible more than good. I feel sorry for low standards individuals who can not recognize this obvious fact…
Since I am a very compassionate person, I will try and educate you poor low standard folks… Let’s start with an easy lesson… Taco Bell is NOT Mexican food. Taco Bell is Drive-Thru stool softener. Let’s stick with food for this weeks bonus lesson, if the only steak you have every had is at the golden corral you have still have never had a steak. we will go slow since the obvious is so hard for you to digest. martin is a proven loser who is bad more than good regardless of all the selective memory issues you have.
August 27th, 2017 at 6:25 pm
It’s very disappointing to see news that a drafted player is on the “bubble”. There were high expectations placed on him because the front office was looking to solidify a need position, thanks to the possibility that Doug Martin would have to serve a multi-game suspension and Charles Sims’s struggles to stay healthy. Many fans were also clamoring for the team to draft Cook or some other RB. When that didn’t happen, all of the hopes to find a RB were placed on McNichols, especially since there is a belief out there that good RBs can be found in later rounds or after the draft (e.g., Terrell Davis, Arian Foster, etc). I hope that his special teams skills are enough for him to make the team, but I have a feeling he will be stashed on the practice squad.
August 27th, 2017 at 6:38 pm
McNichols is a 5th round pick for a reason, and just of them is problems with pass protection in college, as well as raw abillity for breaking tackles. You can only coach those up so far and you don’t subject your franchise QB to that if you can help it. Yes, you can find those “draft steals” and undrafted gems like Cam Brate and Thomas Rawls. I never thought McNichols was a legit future for the RB corps, and I know they had never come off of Martin, still haven’t (it’s up to his testing now). At best, he’s a backup/special teams guy. I laugh at the “draft Dalvin Cook,” go after Adrian Peterson, or trade for Lesean McCoy (almost as funny at signing Peterson) calls. None of them top the humor of those actually wanting to draft Johnny Manziel. So who is running the Bucs is in good hands. Let them stay at it. Dirk’s message is on the money. The best hope for Sims is if they cut McNichols, or maybe put him on practice squad and develop him…which is really what 5th round picks are supposed to be…developmental.
Sims will make the final-53. So will McNichols.–Joe
August 27th, 2017 at 6:52 pm
I just don’t understand how I watch all these other preseason games and see all the “WANT TO” from other teams back-ups. Then I go back to watch the Bucs preseason games and except for Bulloch, no other backups seem to have the “WANT TO”. Ironically, Bulloch probably won’t even make the team which is a damn shame. He will NOT survive going on the practice squad.
August 27th, 2017 at 6:56 pm
tmaxcom got so worked up he went full dyslexic in just the 2nd word of his comeback. lol. This round goes to the Rod with HIV. Martin will have a fine year.
August 27th, 2017 at 6:57 pm
SCBucsFan Says:
August 27th, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Like Tmax, the mcweapon appears to be a little slow between the ears.
………………………….
CLASSIC POST JOES!!!!!
You guys should archive this one with an Asterick
August 27th, 2017 at 6:59 pm
After over 5 years here I just skip over Tmax’s post lest I become dumber than I was a few minutes ago.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
SB
you know I am always right. i have not missed on a single prediction ever
August 27th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
I doubt they cut him.
But, then again
Russel Hansbrough sure seems to have his assignments down.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:04 pm
tmax you are honestly the dumbest poster I have encountered on ALL my sites.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Actually, I retract that. But you are the ONLY poster that when I see his name I stop reading.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Damn this is bad news. Some of you may remember a guy by the name of USFBUC talking about dumping those late round picks and going all in on this draft. Seems like that may have been a solid decision after all because we seem to always miss on those late round picks.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:19 pm
McNichols is the least of my concerns, Evans21 being a 2nd rounder is a bigger concern. Where are all the Aguayo haters with their “he was a second rounder” schtick? It is amazing to me we took this guy with so many good players left on the board. A safety that gets out of position and can’t tackle, hmmmm, “I’ll take him in the second”. He needs a lot of coaching up and hopefully he is smart enough to learn. Now having said that, I don’t think either one of those were penalties. Maybe the first one considering they are protecting receivers like they are ballerinas nowadays. I believe in Licht and think he has been great but he needs to sacrifice a chicken or something before we pick in the 2nd next year.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:33 pm
I agree on the concerns about Justin Evans, but no one is talking about him not making the team…right? You guys have me worried!
August 27th, 2017 at 7:36 pm
I’m beginning to think Tmax is that crazy homeless guy on the corner that swears incoherently about the end of the world to passing cars…
Tmax, if I were in Tampa, I’d drop a quarter in your cup. Really. I’m sympathetic like that…
August 27th, 2017 at 7:41 pm
Although OJ over D.C. is in fact a crime. Justin Evans #21 over Joe Mixon is beyond criminal, simply negligent and incompetent.
August 27th, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Never understood why everyone was clambering for us to draft a running back.
August 27th, 2017 at 8:50 pm
Rod
Marijuana causes brain damage? LMAO. Tell that to Willie Nelson…Woody Harrelson or Bill Maher.
There are NO studies connecting weed to brain damage…short term memory loss yes and it can be bad when young guys before 16 when brains are still forming.
The fact is that weed interferes with brain cells far less than alcohol which literally kills brain cells. I do both which explains my posts. LMAO…brain damage! I’ve been told that for 50 years now…no exaggeration…literally 50 freaking years…also been told that it’s a gateway drug…leads to opoids…crack…heroin yadda yadda. I had a dental implant last year and the doc gave me a nice bottle of opiods for pain relief…took about three and the bottle sits in the medicine cabinet….oh another piece of manure I was told 40 years ago and still hear to this day….SS will not be there for me…it’s going to run out…again LMAO…my retirement would be totally different without SS which IS there for me.
August 27th, 2017 at 8:56 pm
@Joe…assume that’s 5 total RBs, including Martin, Rodgers, Barber, Sims, McNichols. Sounds reasonable. Leaves Hansbrough and Blake Sims odd men out. I’ve seen Hansbrough produce more though, even last year as a rookie. Perhaps Hansbrough on practice squad? But then do they carry a FB (A. Johnson) this year? I suspect not.
August 27th, 2017 at 8:59 pm
DB55 Says:
August 27th, 2017 at 7:41 pm
Although OJ over D.C. is in fact a crime. Justin Evans #21 over Joe Mixon is beyond criminal, simply negligent and incompetent.5
………
Are you really squaring your mouth right to say that OJ Howard was a worse selection than DC??? C’mon I have more respect for you than this.
August 27th, 2017 at 9:01 pm
Oh Snap! I just read you SPBF!…… Good ish there. Really all of it.
August 27th, 2017 at 10:17 pm
jjbucfan – The safety position in the NFL is probably the toughest position learn, along with TE. Some guys step right in, most guys take a year before they do much. People worried about Evans at this point, I don’t think they understand football. He very well might be a bust, but to say he’s a wasted pick in preseason in the year he’s drafted, LOL!
Meanwhile RB is probably the easiest position to learn – EXCEPT for pass blocking, and that’s where McNic is struggling according to coach – although I’d add to that he hasn’t done anything running the ball either.
JOE – If Sims AND McNic are safe who is getting cut? I mean they can wait until after week 3 to act, but you’re saying with the love they have for Barber he’s gone – or are you still going to ride that Martin hate train right off the cliff and say he’s gone?
August 27th, 2017 at 10:23 pm
This draft class is looking worse and worse.
August 27th, 2017 at 10:38 pm
@Bonzai: you still sticking to your Walker prediction?
IMO, pulling a stud starting LB, the best TE prospect, a freak of nature, since Tony Gonzales, and a stud WR out of a draft class is very, very solid.
I’m disappointed in Evans, but few safeties come from college NFL-ready. McNichols is full of “meh” and Stevie T may or may not make the cut.
Hardly “worse and worse.”
August 27th, 2017 at 10:39 pm
@SPBF: this one is for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeYsTmIzjkw
August 28th, 2017 at 1:28 am
Licht should just step aside and let me do the drafts. It’s sad that as a fan I’ve been right on players a lot more than he has.
August 28th, 2017 at 7:58 am
Rod.. Agree with the exception of one thing. You want the rookie second rounder to flash something. Everybody loves to hate on Mark Barron, but go look at his rookie highlights. I realise that he was an early first rounder and that was part of it, but you can see something in him. If we were complaining on his boneheaded plays and that was it, I would be with you. I really can’t point to any moment in the preseason and say, yeh, there is something to Justin Evans. Even McNichols has had a few. Joe.. I saw you stating flatly he will make the 53. If he starts missing assignments, he’s gone. He must, play well. If he gets outplayed significantly by Hansborough, look out. “One final chance” is far from a ringing endorsement that he makes the squad.
August 28th, 2017 at 8:57 am
As an ex St. pete bucs fan I felt compelled to follow Cobraboy,s link and got a good laugh!
August 28th, 2017 at 9:00 am
Suggesting moderation would be more accurate than awaiting moderation.
August 28th, 2017 at 10:12 am
Rod,
I Didn’t say he is a bust and I didn’t say we needed to cut him. I simply stated he was more of a project than other players left on the board and that his knock in college was he couldn’t tackle and was often out of position. So far, after 2 months these are still his problem. I hope he will be good one day but there were many more players on the board that could contribute now. I understand football as well as anyone on this board including you, just because my opinion is different than yours, doesn’t mean I don’t understand football. I agree with you that these guys need time but this is the year that the Bucs need to take that next step. We knew RB was a need, especially with Doug’s situation. We waited until the 5th to address it. BTW, I am actually considering Evans to be a 3rd and Godwin a 2nd because that is the way it shoulda gone, LOL.
August 28th, 2017 at 10:59 am
Joe still think Martin is getting cut LOL. And that will be dumb. Even w crack/herion in dm system still the most talented back on the roster. Even if dm is in the crack house before practices and games still the better back. Idc if stole his mom money out of her purse to buy crack he is still better. Dm can play high as a kite he is still better
August 28th, 2017 at 11:18 am
It’s been a while since the Bucs had the luxury to draft a player they didn’t need to start right away. How refreshing!
In perspective, neither John Lynch or Ronde Barber looked NFL-ready as rooks.
Does Evans look ready to play safety in the NFL right now? No. Is a guy with his level of athleticism, size, and speed worth developing? Time will tell.
August 28th, 2017 at 12:44 pm
This contest between tmax and rod muncher to to get the title of most uninformed buffoon on JBF is getting really close, it’s neck and neck…. stay tuned Bucs fans.
Meanwhile st. pete is just dropping bombs on both of them, per usual.
Just another reason why I love JBF