What Does “Very, Very Close” Mean?
February 28th, 2018
Management mindset uncovered
There was a theme pulsing through your top Buccaneers officials at the NFL Scouting Combine today in Indianapolis.
And it gave Joe sour stomach.
Dirk Koetter and Jason Licht each said in various ways that the Bucs are right there, right now, on the cusp of great things. (Think thumb and forefinger placed really close together). Heck, Licht even flat out said, “We are very, very close.”
Licht didn’t specify what “close” actually refers to. Is “close” being a playoff contender like the Bucs were in 2016? Like playing in a big game on national TV with an 8-6 record like they did that year?
Heck, the Bucs, with a .500 record in December 2015, played big games under Lovie Smith and lost them all. Were they close?
Does Licht think the Bucs are nearing a division title run in the mighty NFC South?
Licht and Koetter based their assessments today on the 2017 film and results , and Licht noted that it got lost in the media shuffle just how hard the Bucs fought under Koetter.
And that all is what got Joe ill.
C’mon, this team is not close based on last year’s film. Think about it. They pounded the rock with the wrong running back, were a mess at left guard, the right guard was questionable, and the right tackle was injury prone and his backup had issues pass blocking. The quarterback was a turnover machine and was still the fourth-best in the division, and the defense was ranked 32nd in the NFL with no hint of a consistent pass rush. Oh, and the prized young cornerback was a bust while the ancient strong cornerback was hurt all year, according to his wife. And don’t forget; the special teams were brutal.
Joe is aching for the Bucs to make the right moves in free agency and in the draft. Do that and there will be a fast turnaround in 2018.
But to think the Bucs are “close” to contending based on last year’s film is just silly talk. Joe sure hopes the Bucs powers realize that and don’t bank on the kind of in-house-talent revival that isn’t realistic.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Joe, wtf do you want them to say. Want them to come out and say meh, we are nowhere near competitive and we have a very long road to get there. They are trying to sell tickets and sell the team to the agents of free agents. This was a very Tom Jones-esque article, you can do better. If our D made just a couple more stops at the end of the game we are looking at this team in an entirely different light.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Very close to 4-12
February 28th, 2018 at 4:31 pm
THEY HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING IN ORDER TO KEEP THE GLAZERS FROM FIRING THEIR ASSES , AND WHO DO THEY REALLY THINK THEIR FOOLING, NOT THE FANS FOR SURE…….
February 28th, 2018 at 4:35 pm
@ tmaxcon….
Hilarious!! But unfortunately also true. There have been some huge intra-division turnarounds year to year in the NFC South though. Goes without saying that (IMO) 90% of the likelihood of a 2018 Buc turnaround to playoff bound rests solely with Licht between March 14th-April 28th, barring a fluke after draft small signing. Its Licht or nothing.
Go Bucs!
February 28th, 2018 at 4:36 pm
The fact that you think this team is trying to win is funny. It’s all about tv revenues, luxury suites and Cuban sandwiches.
I can’t hear what you say bc your actions are deafening.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:42 pm
What a crock. Cmon licht I watched the film too. Oh wait no I havnt. Much better things to do and dont wana toss lunch. Cmon Licht you can do better than that. He is close to trading away more draft picks is all.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Sounds like a bad used sales car man.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:46 pm
NEWSFLASH – Jason, Dirk: You’re 5-11 close. Much closer & the swinging door will hit ya in the butt. Now stop all the B.S. & focus on bringing in some quality football players to fix this thing.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:48 pm
that was good smoke, I re read my post 3 times and still hit the submit button.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:49 pm
VERY VERY Close to being fired!!!! both of those clowns need to go. Team Glazer musta woke up in a good mood one day after reading their latest financial statements and decided to keep these to buffoons. #KLUELESS KOETTER!!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 4:53 pm
Thats the problem with Lict. He thinks we are close and need a few tweaks. How could he be so dumb last year to go into the season with the lines and the rb postions in the shape they were in?? Dumb!Lict is thinking, hey, spence will give us double digit sacks, sweezy will be a pro bowler, Marpet will be great as a center, ect ect.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Joe is right it’s not about what they have to say it’s about what they think if I was in charge and I believed we were close would I be as aggressive in addressing the real needs. I think it’s scary that they perceive us as close when the film shows me we are in need of fundemental pieces ie DE DE and running back and a field goal kicker
February 28th, 2018 at 5:00 pm
I’m close to vomiting.
February 28th, 2018 at 5:06 pm
WHAT A MINUTE?……
first licht “cringed” at our expectation during TC……now he’s claiming “we’re very very close”…..
wise man once told me, if you say you have 2 starting qb’s that means you don’t have 1…..licht saying we’re very close tells me we’re in for another last place finish in the nfc south……
but im happy he used those words…..now we can hold his feet to the fire and ask, “how close are we”!!!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Hey Joe
I’m with you and have been on medication for my sour stomach for sometime due to Bucs games. Cold beer works best!
Just goes to show you that upper management does NOT know what it takes to win! Licht and Koetter are in over their head and when Jamesis is suspended this year the ship will sink. Another year of crap decisions by leadership. I sure as hell hope I’m wrong. We need a VP of Operations like Coughlin in Sacksville. Go get Peppers, Wilkerson or Sheldon Richardson. I bet Buckner gets MO back on track. Bring in Norwell, Pugh or Sitton at Guard and Ju’Wan James is coming off an injury in Phinville. He may come at a reasonable cost. There are choices. Sign Carlos Hyde and draft Rashard Penny in 3rd. If Grimes can’t get off the fence then haul ass to Europe with and play b-ball. Sign Bashaud Breeland and make a run at Kwon’s buddy Trumaine Johnson. Sign Fitz and forget about Big Bird. Licht and Koetter better get this right or they will be somewhere up North freezing their asses off.
PS. Went to Saints game with the crew from WTB and we were throughly embarrassed and ashamed of the way our team played.
go bucs
February 28th, 2018 at 5:13 pm
we were close to being 4-12!!!!!…..we were close to losing 6games in a row!!!!!…..we were close to another blow out lost!!!!!!
but look on the bright side buc fans, we’re close to sending these to booty partners packing!!!!!!!
since we’re close, their should be NO EXCUSES this year……since we’re very very close, we should reach the playoffs this year…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 5:14 pm
Yeah, I’ve noticed with this organization for about a decade that they make assumptions on the best case scenario panning out with zero depth or backup plan should that best case scenario not pan out. Which it never has for almost 16 years.
Look, the Bucs need to start doing a serious overhaul of depth and competition particularly along the two lines. I personally think the Bucs are 5 good starters away from being good on just the offensive and defensive lines – let alone the rest of the team. that is nowhere near “close”.
What ails the Bucs cannot be fixed in a single offseason. Not truly. Start with the lines – bring in a minimum of 8 new faces to come in and battle the current players and compete.
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
February 28th, 2018 at 5:16 pm
They were only five games out of third in a four team division.
Oh so close.
February 28th, 2018 at 5:17 pm
It means that they are very, very, very close to catching the Cleveland Browns.
February 28th, 2018 at 5:27 pm
They were close. They were 3-7 in one score games as koetter mentioned. You know, a kicker makes the kick, defense stops someone late in the 4th qtr, not fumbling 3 times at the 5 yard line etc. They very well could have been 7-3 in one score games which would have put them at about 10 wins. I see where they are coming from.
February 28th, 2018 at 5:29 pm
Licht and Koetter are very close to being fired.
February 28th, 2018 at 5:30 pm
@tony-
Yeah, I’ve noticed with this organization for about a decade that they make assumptions on the best case scenario panning out with zero depth or backup plan should that best case scenario not pan out. Which it never has for almost 16 years.
Exactly right. Let assume Marpet improves his play with the change to center, lets assume vh3 improves, and spence, and ect ect ect.
Let have 4 or 5 guys on the team that can get double digit sacks, not 1!!
Lets have at least 2 backs that can be every down backs ect
February 28th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Yeah, I’ve noticed with this organization for about a decade that they make assumptions on the best case scenario panning out with zero depth or backup plan should that best case scenario not pan out. Which it never has for almost 16 years.
most accurate assessment I have read on here in a long time.
February 28th, 2018 at 5:59 pm
*********************
JOE … THE BELOW SHOULD BE IT’S OWN ARTICLE FOR OTHERS TO COMMENT ON … FEEL FREE TO STEAL IT FROM ME 🙂
THINK ABOUT THIS EVERYONE:
In 2015 the Panthers came out of nowhere to win the NFC
Most experts didn’t even have them making the playoffs! They did not come out of nowhere at all. They were defending NFC South champs with a lot of talent.
In 2016 the Falcons came out of nowhere to win the NFC
Many experts didn’t even have them making the playoffs! Actually, Joe predicted in preseason they would be the NFC sleeper team of the year coming off an 8-8 record. Hot topic on the Ira Kaufman Podcast. Franchise QB, speed and the right coaching staff in Year 2 of its regime. –Joe
In 2017 the Eagles came out of nowhere to win the NFC
Nearly all experts had them finishing 3rd in their own division! Eagles were loaded in the trenches entering the season. Bucs have a long road to get there. –Joe
So, there is a very good possibility that a team will COME OUT OF NOWHERE in the NFC again this upcoming season and make it to the SuperBowl … and the only candidates to do that (come out of nowhere) are:
Redskins
Giants
Bears
Lions
Buccaneers
49ers
Cardinals
So, let’s say that one of the above seven teams will win the NFC this year and therefore make it four years in a row where a team has “come out of nowhere to win the conference”, do you really think the Bucs would have no shot in that scenario? I don’t. In fact, I’d probably give them the 2nd best odds right after the Lions, and if it was the Bucs in the NFC North and Lions in the NFC South, I’d give the Bucs the best odds.
My Order of “Our of Nowhere” Teams that could win the NFC:
1. Lions (Easiest division considering the Vikings are without a QB and Aaron Rodgers are hurt for now)
2. Buccaneers (Toughest division in the entire NFL hurts them)
3. Giants (They were a SB pick last year … and then OBJ got hurt)
4. Redskins (Alex Smith could make them better than they were … seriously)
5. 49’ers (A mysterious team with a ton of cap space and a high draft pick)
6. Bears (Solid roster but by far the worst team in their division)
7. Cardinals (They have no QB but would be top 4 on this list with Cousins)
*********************
February 28th, 2018 at 6:05 pm
What Does “Very, Very Close” Mean
It means this current regime is beyond delusional… Last Time I checked the Rams, Vikings, falcons, Panthers and saints were all close and that’s what close looks like. How the hell is 5-11 close, it doesn’t matter how many points you win or lose by when you end up with a losing record. This season is going to be a waste of time and I suspect half way through the season the glazers will have found another coach and gm.
February 28th, 2018 at 6:12 pm
*****************
JOE …
1. You’re wrong. NO ONE of note was predicting the Panthers would make the SB going into 2015. Kelvin Benjamin was out for the year with an injury and what Cam and the Panthers did that year was SHOCKING … and it’s the only great year Cam has had in 7 years in the NFL.
2. You predicted them as a “sleep team” … the Bucs were called that last year by a ton of media folks … the fact is the Falcons were 8-8 the previous season and no one was actually predicting they would win the NFC but they did …
3. Stop the madness. The Giants were the sexy pre-season SB pick, followed by the Cowboys from that division … pretty much everyone viewed the Eagles as a 3rd place team in their own division … no one saw utter dominance and a SB coming!
All of the above said, I’d like to see YOU personally rank the 7 “out of nowhere” teams … I’ve got the Bucs 2nd, where would you have them?
*********************
February 28th, 2018 at 6:13 pm
*****************
JOE …
1. You’re wrong. NO ONE of note was predicting the Panthers would make the SB going into 2015. Kelvin Benjamin was out for the year with an injury and what Cam and the Panthers did that year was SHOCKING … and it’s the only great year Cam has had in 7 years in the NFL.
2. You predicted them as a “sleeper team” … the Bucs were called that last year by a ton of media folks … the fact is the Falcons were 8-8 the previous season and no one was actually predicting they would win the NFC but they did …
3. Stop the madness. The Giants were the sexy pre-season SB pick, followed by the Cowboys from that division … pretty much everyone viewed the Eagles as a 3rd place team in their own division … no one saw utter dominance and a SB coming!
All of the above said, I’d like to see YOU personally rank the 7 “out of nowhere” teams … I’ve got the Bucs 2nd, where would you have them?
*********************
February 28th, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Must be referring to the quality wins against bears, jets, Giants, and Dolphins.
And we lucked into winning one game in our division.
Totally on the brink of greatness.
February 28th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
Need new owners. Not as bad as the Rays, but it would be nice to see them be on the filed, show interest in the players ANYTHING!
I think thats the main issue, the owners don’t care so neither do anyone else. They just say the right things on camera, get paid and go home knowing it doesn’t frieking matter.
February 28th, 2018 at 6:26 pm
*************
ESPN is finally catching up to what I’ve been saying since the regular season ended about the Bills trading their #21 and #22 to move up to #7 with the Bucs:
http://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/31257/bills-have-draft-capital-to-trade-up-into-top-five-select-quarterback
And, according to the latest mock I did, I do actually think Arden Key will still be on the board at #21 and that there is a 50/50 chance that Derwin Jameis will be as well … I currently have the Bengals deciding between he and Mike McGlinchey and if they take McGlinchey James sliding all the way down to 20s.
I love Saquon, Chubb, Nelson and Minkah BUT a duo of Arden Key AND Derwin James would be amazing!
*************
February 28th, 2018 at 6:38 pm
‘And that all is what got Joe ill.”
___________-
When are you going to hire a proof reader or take the time to do so?
you forgot the “not” yet again! Love the site and your ferocity for finding all things Bucs but Jeesh Joe. It only takes a minute or two to proof read.
February 28th, 2018 at 7:11 pm
NFLNut,
The Chicago Bears are my NFC sleeper team
The Cleveland Browns are my AFC sleeper team
February 28th, 2018 at 7:58 pm
Licht’s Out is this close to becoming a scout once again. No shame in it…he has been promoted beyond his capabilities. See Peter Principle… .333 is a great batting average yet a lousy winning percentage as a GM.
February 28th, 2018 at 8:22 pm
There is not a huge difference between an 11-5 team and a 5-11 team.
February 28th, 2018 at 8:24 pm
Only 6 games…
February 28th, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Hey tell Licht while he’s in Indy to go talk to Frank Gore. I have always liked Gore. If we could get him at a decent cost sign him!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 8:47 pm
When you are 5-11, you aren’t “close” to anything but the bottom
February 28th, 2018 at 10:04 pm
I’m pretty sure Frank Gore is a reanimated corpse; he’s an actually Frankenstein Gore … NO to signing someone that was around since the time of Red Grange and Jim Thorpe.
February 28th, 2018 at 10:17 pm
Joe please ask Koetter and Licht how many F Agents were on the Bucs Starting Offense for the Super Bowl win …… They claim all the time to study how winning teams are built , don’t think that they do , I think they look at teams to instill their stubborn beliefs not to actually learn. Licht and Koetter should nail that answer if in fact they do study winning teams/ organizations.
How many starters on the Bucs offense in the S bowl were drafted , Same Difference , It is three if memory serves me correct …. Licht Please stop it with the Draft crap , yes it’s important but it simply isn’t how you build winning teams big part but less than trades and f agency when combined and we know all NFL GM s are not big into trading .
Btw the Starters were over 50 percent free agents or traded for players !!
Licht ,Stop it with all your stars are drafted crap ,entirely not true !!
How can he even make that statement that’s like saying Vitamen c prevents colds !! Popular thing to say but entirely unfounded and found not to be true !!
February 28th, 2018 at 10:28 pm
Come on NFL NUT he’s not that old man!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 10:36 pm
^ You sure? Word is that Frank Gore’s birth certificate is a tree in his back yard that has been cut down so one can count the rings …
February 28th, 2018 at 10:59 pm
That’s some funny stuff man. He’s 34 and would certainly be more productive than Dougherty Martin was
February 28th, 2018 at 11:00 pm
Dougie
February 28th, 2018 at 11:39 pm
All the negativity… not a fun way to go through the offseason.
Teams do turn things around. We aren’t the far. We add a few productive players on the DL, add in better coaching of that group, and that part of the D looks a lot better. With a better pass rush, the coverage issues aren’t as glaring. We obviously have to find a few corners, and I believe we will.
I don’t see huge problems with the offense besides getting from the red zone to the end zone, which the Monken move should remedy.
We also won’t be dealing with all the preseason hype, and we won’t have that turd Chris Baker, and we won’t have Hard Knocks distractions.
We’ll also be dealing with a more capable grouo of runners, most likely.
In short, I believe the front office will address our needs in free agency and the draft. I believe Buckner will make a big difference in the D-Line and the entire defense. And we will have no hype to distract these guys.
I feel like we’re primed for a bounce in 2018. I expect a contender at least into the last few weeks. That would be a nice improvement.
I’m not buying all the doom and gloom.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:26 am
Yeah, I’m just playing on Gore … the guy has had one of the most incredible and under-appreciated careers for a RB ever and is probably going to end up in the HOF which is wild considering his horrendous injuries in his early years.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:57 pm
So Joes are schizophrenic. In some articles the OL is fine, in others it isn’t. Talk out of both sides of your mouth much?
And what do you expect Licht to say? “Yeah, guys, we sucked.”
C’mon man!
March 1st, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Even with his back to the wall I have no faith in delusional Licht. Of course a blind squirrel every once in a while finds a nut. I am not so sure the few early successes Licht had were not really the work of his head Scout, Robinson, who has already taken the Titans to the playoffs once he got out of Licht’s shadow and became a much more successful GM than Licht. Knowing Licht he will waste a pick on a WR we don’t need but who he ranked as the BPA. He will talk about how we have a good OL and don’t need players there. At last he will say LT Smith just needs another year to be the LT he thought he was when he picked him and turn style Smith will keep getting beat and causing fumbles and turnovers and endanger Jameis and our hopes this year or Smith will just continue holding and causing penalties. And Licht will say we have Noah who is buff this year so it was OK to waste picks instead of rebuilding our trenches. Just watch!!!
March 2nd, 2018 at 1:29 am
Not only do I think the Bucs are “close” to contending, they were “contending” last season. The Bucs only lost four games by three points or less and another three games by six points or less. Bucs should have won six of those seven games. That is how close they were to an 11-5 season.
1) Bucs lose to Falcons 24-21 – 4th 00:05 to go, Patrick Murray 54 yard field goal, no good.
2) Bucs lose to Panthers 22-19 – 4th 00:45 4th down and 3 YTG on TAM 5 yard line. Penalty on Chris Baker: Neutral Zone Infraction
3) Bucs lose to Lions 24-21 – 4th 00:25 4th and 2 YTG TAM 28yard line, Matt Prater 46 yard field goal, good. Bucs turned ball over 5 times.
4) Bucs lose to Bills 30-27 –
5) Bucs lose to Packers in OT 26-20 – Bucs should have won this game.
6) Bucs lose to the Patriots 19-14 – Bucs played very well vs the AFC champs.
7) Bucs lose to Cardinals 38-33 – Game not this close, Arizona dominated.