Licht Felt Fans’ Pain
March 24th, 2018
Bucs’ GM speaks.
At one point, Joe was starting to feel sorry for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht.
After he missed out on landing Robert Quinn and Michael Bennett in trades, Licht was catching hell from just about all corners and maybe angles from within One Buc Palace to fix and solve the most glaring weakness of the Bucs, and that was the woeful edge rush.
One could even sense Bucs coach Dirk Koetter was fed up to some degree when he told Joe at the NFL combine in Indianapolis during a local media sitdown, “We can’t have 22 sacks.”
The number Koetter cited was the total number of sacks the Bucs had last season, last in the NFL.
Yesterday, when new defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was introduced to the local pen and mic club, Licht confessed that he feared finding an edge rusher would not be a quick fix and he understood the growing rage in the streets from Bucs fans.
“It’s just one of the things we knew that we would have to do. Be patient and sometimes that’s hard for people outside the building, harder for them than it is for us.”” Licht said of the wait before the Bucs filled this crater on the roster.
Yeah, Joe understands not everyone is on board with this move, though Joe thinks that is being a bit petty. Just because Licht traded for JPP doesn’t mean he won’t draft a defensive end next month.
It likely, however, won’t be at No. 7.
March 24th, 2018 at 4:17 am
He didnt feel sh
March 24th, 2018 at 4:54 am
I was one of the impatient ones…now, very pleased.
March 24th, 2018 at 5:05 am
Who the heck put us in the position, we are in? He gambled and lost last year on injured players. He drafted a LUXURY pick instead of addressing a need. The chance to get a descent corner in Free Agency now is slim, So if Grimes gets hurt or a rookie or Vh3 doesn’t step up, we will be in the same predicament with a different position or positions. If it happens this time it will cost him his job. not to mention counting on a staff that went 5-11. I like the moves he’s made but you can see a pattern here. imho
March 24th, 2018 at 5:16 am
Guys a defensive backfield is only as good as it’s front seven. It’s Football it’s not that hard to figure out. You have to build the trenches first. But in Lichts case he had to build from the outside in meaning Wr,Te,and DB. Because we SUCKED. Remember 2-14 then we got the #1 pick that’s just 4 offseasons ago. We just need a good RB and then there’s no excuses from Koetter. This team can very easily go 12-4 or 4-12 but that’s every team in the NFL. No that we’re better on the both lines Jameis will flourish. We are getting better . Good offseason.
March 24th, 2018 at 5:36 am
Patience proved to be perfect too. We clearly got the better player this time. Now we need to Finish the offensive line and find Two starting Tackles because Dotson is a wash imo and D. Smith is a guard rather than a Tackle
March 24th, 2018 at 6:22 am
Jason is an okay scout
He is a below average gm
March 24th, 2018 at 6:27 am
Feel sorry for Light? Aaaaaahaha….,,nope!
I don’t feel sorry for any of them,after all , they are the ones who let us down.
Its show me time, or hit the road and while your at it you can keep your freaking Koolaid
March 24th, 2018 at 6:47 am
Bucs are 59-101 over the past 10 seasons (since our last playoffs appearance). We’re 22-42 over the past 4 seasons (since Licht’s hiring as Bucs’ GM). We were 5-11 last season (with a #18 offense & #32 defense). We’ve had FIVE Head Coaches during that period & I gave up counting the number of Offensive & Defensive Coordinators.
Those are NOT statistics that sing ‘Championship Team’ or ‘Dynasty’. Those ARE statistics that sing ‘Turmoil’ however, and that’s exactly what we’ve experienced for a decade now. Kinda sorta makes me wary of where we’re now heading, BUT … I’m ‘cautiously optimistic’. Adding Jensen, Evans, Curry & JPP especially prior to the draft are excellent moves IMO, because of their AGES (26, 26, 29, 29), their demonstrated TALENT, and their potential LEADERSHIP. But there’s still several starting pieces missing (please add a starting outside corner … Breeland’s still out there?) and our depth is shaky at this point. Still, these recent moves have positioned us well for the draft, and that’s a very good thing. Which still leaves me ‘Cautiously optimistic’ …
March 24th, 2018 at 7:10 am
Kudos for spending the money glazers.
March 24th, 2018 at 7:20 am
Michael Bennett indicted on felony charge in Texas Looks like Licht got lucky he didn’t pursue Bennett
March 24th, 2018 at 7:25 am
I’ve said, I’ll wait until the opening day roster to judge Licht’s moves this off-season….and I’m glad I did that….there were a few others that were patient. It seems obvious that he had his eye on JPP for some time and that influenced his actions (inaction) at DE.
There are players and will be many more after cap cuts & the draft….let’s continue to wait….I think we will see a CB in FA…..and an upgrade at G.
Perhaps there will be a cheap veteran RB available….if not you will likely see us shore up those positions in the draft.
Patience….
March 24th, 2018 at 7:37 am
Defense Rules
Preach On My Brotha – I’m not ready to concede any damn thing.
We’ve been in the basement waay too damn long.
Don’t get wrong, we’re headed in the right direction.
But we still have holes on this roster – that can be filled before the draft.
So hopefully Licht, keeps his foot on the damn pedal.
By continuing to add additional talent on defense
Bennie Logan & Bashaud Breeland immediately come to mind, as potential upgrades.
So Dont Let Up & Keep Grinding Licht!!
March 24th, 2018 at 7:38 am
Went and watched video of jpps big plays for Big blue and I noticed their corners were always playing within five yards of the wide receivers on every play.
I can’t wait for our new dc to be put into place. Gerald ,McCoy, jpp, Noah Spence, curry….this SHOULD be all the evidence needed to prove Smitty is a joke of a DC. THIRD AND LONGS WILL continue to occur against our defense and those third and LONGS will CONTINUE to be converted on with slant routes and dump off passes in our soft zones.
They better get Barkley or Nelson because our offense is our defense
March 24th, 2018 at 7:40 am
Screw that Joe…still taking a dlinemen with the 1st is tops for me.
Give me
Vea
Landry
Somehow someway get those two
Can’t fix entire team this year. I have raised my expectations…8-8
Hoping for the playoffs though!
March 24th, 2018 at 7:44 am
Licht said it’s harder for us to be patient then him? Are you kidding me? I’m gonna feed my kid tomorrow Mr Licht, you however are one missed free agent away from losing your paycheck. I think patience ran out 2 or 3 seasons ago for ya
March 24th, 2018 at 7:48 am
@LUV …while i like Logan, is rather draft Vea. On youth alone i guess.
I don’t think we need to be calling for DBs to be brought in. The scheme is wrong imho. VHlll & R.S. both are better press man corners. Smitty has to change. Of rather them target a SS Reid maybe? DON’T WANNA SEE Conte on the field AT ALL.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:01 am
Licht the blowhard loudmouth stick waver does not speak for me, you need a playoff team to erase all the blunders you have made, this trade does not erase collins, johndon, letting penn go, the kicker etc
March 24th, 2018 at 8:06 am
Sh!t, Even if U say phuck it!
Sign
-Bennie Logan
Draft (trade down)
-Joshua Jackson
Note:If there are no additional acquisitions – We now have a glaring need at the cornerback position.
**Potential Upgraded Depth Chart
Based On Snap Count (2017)
RDE Vinny Curry – 578 | Noah Spence – 247 | Will Clarke – 315
RDT Gerald McCoy – 810 | Mitch Unrein – 389
LDT Bennie Logan – 572 | Beau Allen – 422
LDE Jason Pierre-Paul – 1011 | William Gholston – 447
WLB Lavonte David | Cameron Lynch
MLB Kwon Alexander | Adarius Glanton
SLB Kendell Beckwith | Devante Bond
CB Brent Grimes | Ryan Smith
CB Joshua Jackson | David Rivers
CB Vernon Hargreaves | Javien Elliott
S Chris Conte | Keith Tandy
SS Justin Evans | Isaiah Johnson
March 24th, 2018 at 8:10 am
very happy with this signing, count me among the impatient ones. After yesterday I would really like to see us draft Guice. Kid did a heroic act yesterday and I am impressed. He helped victims at a traffic accident in Baton rouge, check it out on the internet.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:14 am
Shut up and prove it on field. Winning is the only thing that matters. First round playoff win or season is a failure…. one and done in playoffs just proves you should not have been thier in first place so just making playoffs is not good enough.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Wutdah
Got LUV for “V”. Sh!t I’m probably the first dude on this board to mention him.
But signing a proven talent like Bennie – means we can address another postion of need in the draft. And corner is looking real bad my brotha.
1st. Joshua Jackson – (Trade Down “If” possible)
2nd. Derrius Guice
Note: Buffalo will move into the Top-5. Probably #2 to be more accurate.
Leaving Arizona & Miami as potential trade down partners.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:18 am
Considerting bucs have no shot at Barkley penny would be best fit
March 24th, 2018 at 8:18 am
@LUVMYBUCS … “Bennie Logan & Bashaud Breeland immediately come to mind, as potential upgrades.” Would love both of them at this point LUV, but WutaBucisthis makes an excellent point … Vea provides that shot of youth this DLine needs (plus a quality TALENT to wreak havoc in the middle. Will admit, however, that I like Payne just as much for that role. Either way though (sign Logan or draft Vea/Payne) we solidify our DLine, for several years to come.
WutaBucisthis, gotta disagree with your conclusion “I don’t think we need to be calling for DBs to be brought in.” Starting outside CBs don’t normally develop overnight. Ronde Barber was a classic example IMO. Would much rather see us sign someone like Breeland now PLUS draft a quality CB (someplace in the Top 4 Rnds). And also re-sign McClain & Jude. That’d give us Grimes & Breeland as outside starters, a rookie & Ryan Smith as their backups, plus VHIII & Jude as our nickels with McClain to back ’em all up. I know that’s 7 CBs, but with injuries we always seem to lose 1 CB pretty early in the season.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:23 am
March 24th, 2018 at 8:30 am
What has this G.M. done. How many winning seasons has he had since he has been with the Buc’s. This team should be loaded with Free Agents, however if you have a bad reputation as a G/M, the only way you get quality F/A is to trade for them (Disgrace). Hire a G/M that can talk to this generation of football player’s.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:32 am
It was his fault totally. It was HIS decisions solely. It was all HIS choices that put our Bucs in this spiral
March 24th, 2018 at 8:32 am
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FEEL THE PAIN OF THE PEOPLE, HOW LONG DID YOU SAY YOU BEEN WITH THE BUC’S MR. LICHT………..AND NOW YOU JUST FELT THE PAIN…
March 24th, 2018 at 8:33 am
True Dat
March 24th, 2018 at 8:41 am
@LUV
@Defense
Damn it Jim. Lol. I say safety is more important. If we draft secondary with 1st pic I’d rather go James.
Root problem:
Grimes…off man
VHIII…press man
Ryan Smith man
Breeland…press man
Which front will Smitty call for. It won’t matter egos in the TRENCHES of they play off EVERY PLAY
March 24th, 2018 at 8:43 am
^^^It won’t matter who’s in the TRENCHES if they play off EVERY PLAY
March 24th, 2018 at 8:48 am
Wutda
Lol, True
Hopefully Licht’s having conversations w/Breeland
March 24th, 2018 at 8:50 am
OT: Where was or where has Koetter been the last few weeks? Haven’t seen him at pressers and hadn’t seen any comments from him.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:51 am
The dline moves were quick fixes this defense still has holes and by the time they are addressed the defense will be a mess again. If Nelson or Barkley is taken by the Bucs that backfield will be looking weak af
March 24th, 2018 at 8:53 am
stop saying he missed out on the punk Michael Bennett!
March 24th, 2018 at 9:08 am
Hopefully the Joe’s & Ira don’t let up on Licht.
He’s made some admirable moves. Yes
But lets not get too carried away here.
And start handing out Don Carlos cigar – dipped in cognac. Geesh
March 24th, 2018 at 9:10 am
*cigars
March 24th, 2018 at 9:24 am
DJ On Joshua Jackson
http://www.buccaneers.com/videos/videos/Jeremiahs-Defensive-Back-Prospects-to-Watch/db633ecf-8c4e-4cae-b5b4-1e92abd000fd
March 24th, 2018 at 9:26 am
Luv is the best I love this guy! Go bucs! I would love vea or logan next to McCoy on that line. Maybe Davenport in the mix? Doubt Chubb will fall. We need a secondary I have no faith in our corners and safeties I would be happy if they spent the first two picks on a corner and safety. Trade up to get the best running back available in the 3rd
March 24th, 2018 at 9:31 am
I understand the frustration fans have with Licht….and frankly everything Bucs….those calling for him to STFU…
What would you have him say?
“Sure, I screwed up and I plan to screw up again. I suck, our team sucks and we will suck going forward. Tmax is a bright young man for a 12 year old who I would adopt as my own. He is right and I am so wrong. Just be patient one more year and I will be gone”
March 24th, 2018 at 9:34 am
I will step up and say I was one of the impatient ones and have to concede that Jason has done a bang up job with what was available.
Ultimately the proof will be in the pudding and the wins and loss column is the most important end indicator.
I do however have a chuckle how some people think all draft picks should be hall of famers, all trades should be for all pro’s for 6th round picks and all player’s should be on team friendly contracts!
Too many video games I think..
March 24th, 2018 at 9:51 am
I will wait until November and December to believe in this team. The annual love-fest that hasn’t translated to wins and playoffs has taught me to make the Bucs prove it.
I believe I speak for thousands of Bucs fans that spend their money every year hoping to enjoy and be entertained by winners.
I like the JPP move and at 7 go get Vea or trade back and get Landry and a RB make the trenches an emphasis if they are serious.
March 24th, 2018 at 10:05 am
@WutdaBucisthis … “I say safety is more important. If we draft secondary with 1st pic I’d rather go James.” Sad fact is that we need BOTH. It’s easy to forget that Safety has NOT been a strong point in this Secondary for a number of years (still think our last great Safety was John Lynch). Also easy to forget that Justin Evans has started a grand TOTAL of 9 games (not exactly highly-experienced).
However, we’ll get chewed up without quality starting outside corners (kinda like last year?). Grimes is very good, but he is 35, and he was out for 3 games last season (and hurting in quite a few others that probably impacted his play). Rather than go pure Safety, I’d rather see us draft Minkah Fitzpatrick (depending upon how the first 6 picks flush out) to give us flexibility. Have watched him quite a bit, and he’s both an excellent corner AND strong safety. Plus I love his leadership skills, something our Secondary desperately needs going forward IMO. But alas, so many needs. So many options. So few picks.
March 24th, 2018 at 10:09 am
It’s gonna be Nelson or Fitzpatrick if we stay at #7 now that we’ve got JPP. I’m assuming it will be Fitzpatrick because he can be used at both the gaping holes of S and CB in our secondary and good OG can be found in later rounds.
March 24th, 2018 at 10:11 am
Architek
Classic bandwagon fan.
March 24th, 2018 at 10:30 am
Hilarious! You guys are ridiculous. What makes you think for a split second that you could possibly tell Jason Licht how to do his job? What makes you think that you could tell Mike Smith how to do his? Firstly, JL can’t very well bring guys in if they aren’t there to begin with. He made a trade for JPP which is more difficult than signing a free agent! As far as MS goes, he played the defense that was necessary with the personnel he was left with after injuries & attrition you idiots! Do you really think he forgot how to coach defense? What a bunch of morons, all of you! I’m so sick of reading/hearing you dolts try to tell us how smart you are everyday & how these men, that are at the top of the sport & get paid millions to do their job, they are so stupid & don’t deserve to be here! Get over yourselves you ham & eggers! Our corners aren’t the best set in the league however, they just got way better with the addition of the new DL members! By the way, it’s my understanding that Grimes over the last 3-4 years has been statistically one of the best. Heard it on the radio so you never know, could have been one of you wanna-be’s throwing out crap, LOL! Go have another beer & pat yourself on the back for showing everyone how stupid you are!
March 24th, 2018 at 10:49 am
@Laughing@u … And good morning to you too. Just a suggestion, but if you’re “so sick of reading/hearing you dolts” then there’s a VERY easy solution … DON’T READ IT.
March 24th, 2018 at 10:56 am
You felt sorry for Licht, Joe? You rallied the villagers, handed out pitchforks and torches but then felt sorry the creature you set these people on? Come on man.
That’s quite a distortion. Joe didn’t go 5-11 and build this team. Joe doesn’t control anyone. Joe is one of the villagers, a different level of influence, sure, but don’t get carried away. –Joe
March 24th, 2018 at 11:05 am
@Defense Rules… Good morning! LOL! Here’s a better solution, have a clue about what you’re saying. Be intelligent & don’t act like you know stuff that you all clearly don’t!! Just sayin’ if you look at these posts, it’s just unbelievable that some of these guys are able to wash & feed themselves.
March 24th, 2018 at 11:21 am
@Laughing@u … “Just sayin’ if you look at these posts, it’s just unbelievable that some of these guys are able to wash & feed themselves.” LOL. Is that akin to saying that the biggest danger in a democracy is that too many voters are allowed to breed? Sorry, but it’s the nature of the beast.
March 24th, 2018 at 11:21 am
Nelson at 7
Another DE in round 2
Dream scenario
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
March 24th, 2018 at 11:31 am
By the way Licht, you must have been reading our blogs to know the fans’ pain. I have been a long suffering Buc’s fan from the beginning, and have been your major critic since your BPA draft last year. As you can see from my post above, all you have to do is change your draft strategy from BPA to BPA to replace the worst holes in this Team and make sure they are good character and hard workers like all the Free Agents you have taken this year. If Koetter will take a look at the Gator strength system and realize when you have your players so prepped you will have far less injuries and can press them hard in pads at practice and prepare them to start a long win streak at the start of your new season and can get us deep in the playoffs this year. You are off to a Great Start to get a big extension contract, but resist your just BPA draft strategy.
March 24th, 2018 at 11:43 am
Looks like we dodged the bullet with Bennett…
March 24th, 2018 at 11:52 am
Am I happy that we got JPP? Yes. Am I happy that we traded a 3rd to do it? No. Am I ok with a 3rd and think it would have taken a 3rd to pry him loose? Yes. Do I think that this will make our DL dominant? No. Do I think that our DL will win games for us this season? No. Do I think the DL will lose games for us, like last season? NO! Big improvement on the run D and maybe a 35% improvement on the pass rush. I’m ok with the DL changes, but it’s not a team strength yet. Maybe after the draft or next year.
March 24th, 2018 at 11:54 am
Please no CB with the 1st pick.
@Defenserules… Man I’m DEAD set on Vea.
March 24th, 2018 at 11:58 am
Say what? The Glazers spent a..little cash?
March 24th, 2018 at 12:18 pm
SOEbuc-
Lmbo, there is nothing bandwagon about the Bucs!!!!
I’m just stating the facts, they have to prove it.
March 24th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Vea can’t literally transform the DL into a powerhouse and that depth and rotation would scare the entire NFC
March 24th, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Can*
March 24th, 2018 at 1:29 pm
Marc
“Lmbo, there is nothing bandwagon about the Bucs!!!!
I’m just stating the facts, they have to prove it.”
Then you shouldn’t post on Joe Bucs FAN if your not gonna have any faith in your team. I also have watched the Bucs lose for multiple seasons but I still stay excited from the end of the year about trades, FA, beginning of OTAs, pre-season, and regular season. Waiting till November and December makes you a bandwagon fan.
March 24th, 2018 at 1:48 pm
Well go on and enjoy your blind faith.
As I stated and stand by, I will get excited when we play meaningful football in the winter and playoffs.
Now go away, please.
And FYI ive been posting on JBF since the site started. It’s safe to say I’m not going anywhere.
March 24th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
I don’t see why everybody hates Licht so much. Last year the fans whined for more weapons. This year they whined to build the trenches.
Heck you guys thought his team was so good last year I heard tons of Super Bowl predictions.
Hey, I get it. We had a bad season and your still bitter about it. Lichts making solid moves and giving you what you are asking for. Now it’s time to see how good his team really is. The core of the team is entirely made up of Licht draft picks…..It’s time to see if these guys are strong enough to lead. If they are we will see these free agents buy in. They will get production from JPP and we will all have fun watching him chase 10.
If Licht has built a bad core to lead this team we will see most of these free agents do little or nothing and we’ll finish last again.
March 24th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Koetter spoke at the combine three weeks ago and Joe had extensive coverage of what he had to say.
Koetter will speak at owners meetings Tuesday.
March 24th, 2018 at 2:34 pm
Why? Joe doesn’t see Bennett on the Bucs roster, do you?
Bucs were in trade talks with Seattle. How much or how little is unclear.
March 24th, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Wow
March 25th, 2018 at 3:22 am
If Licht tried to trade for Bennett he should be fired immediately.