Practice Observations
May 11th, 2019
If Bucco Bruce Arians is as demanding and precise with players as he is with assistant coaches, it can only help the Bucs.
Of course Joe was out at the first rookie minicamp practice yesterday. What else would Joe do? But it was a typical, mundane underwear football practice. It’s really like watching a high school flag football game only the dudes are bigger and quicker.
You can’t really glean a whole lot from it because there is no hitting. So outside of defenders trying to break up passes and soon-to-be power line installers throwing passes, it’s hard to gauge what is what.
A few brief observations:
*Defensive line coaches were having players with their hands in the dirt hit sleds while coaches used a football on a broomstick to mimic the snap of the ball. However, defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers was often using a hard count. That’s when a quarterback screams a snap count very loudly in an effort to draw a defender offsides. This is also a way to get defensive linemen to watch the ball and not listen to the cadence of the quarterback (Joe’s looking right at you, Swaggy Baker). Details, fellas, details.
* Bucco Bruce Arians was cruising around in his Bobby Bowden golf cart. The Bucs were mostly using two fields and Arians would zip from station to station, park his cart, observe the players and then zoom off to another station. Periodically, Arians would get out of the cart, have a few words for a player or players or a coach, and then get back on the cart.
* Rookie inside linebacker Devin White is fast as lightning. There was a play where a pass from former Nevada quarterback Tyler Gangi (no, not that Gange) was thrown short to the left side of the field. Joe couldn’t see who White was covering but he was a blur. If you pretend White was a receiver, the pass was thrown behind him. Still, White adjusted in a blink of an eye, skied and reached high for the pass and got two hands on it but couldn’t pull it in for a pick.
Still, that was one of the most physically impressive plays Joe has seen a defender make in underwear football.
* The rookies got lucky. Despite it being a hot afternoon, there was cloud cover for much of the practice and for a brief time, a few raindrops. It could have been worse.
* Arians said today will be the final full practice of rookie mini camp. Tomorrow, the rookies will go through light workouts before being sent home, several for good.
May 11th, 2019 at 8:09 am
God I’m excited for these Bucs to over-deliver on expectations.
10-6 & Playoffs!
May 11th, 2019 at 8:28 am
Todd, love the positive attitude. A rarity on these pages.
May 11th, 2019 at 8:29 am
So….a positive from Joe on Devin White……and there will be many more.
” soon-to-be power line installers throwing passes, it’s hard to gauge what is what.”
Here we go with the disrespectful, disparaging descriptions of UDFAs that are mostly college graduates simply following their lifelong dreams…..how insulting….and it is also somewhat insulting to the professions Joe assigns them.
For all the claims adjusters, UPS drivers, and power line installers….we appreciate your hard work. Joe does, too. Joe isn’t implying those jobs/careers are negative in any way. Very strong gigs, in fact, for guys right out of college. Hey, any honest job is commendable. You are the one turning it into a negative. Joe often refers to those guys are future grad students, mattress movers, P.E. teachers, tax preparers, etc. –Joe
May 11th, 2019 at 8:33 am
Todd, I like your positive attitude. I want to see a few games to determine if it’s realistic, but your comments are totally refreshing.
May 11th, 2019 at 8:35 am
Once the rookie camp is over, we’ll get a better idea of what Training camp will look like so far as the roster.
On a side note, I hope Kelvin McKnight gets offered a spot with the Broncos or another team after the rookie camp (he’s at the Broncos rookie camp). I know his mother and uncle…hoping for good things for the kid.
I do know he spent time working out with Jameis this off season…so I was surprised he did not at least get invitedd to the Bucs rookie camp.
He’s a WR…and the kick returner.
May 11th, 2019 at 8:45 am
Oh, and McCoy isn’t actually late. He usually does not show up until after the rookie camp. ??? McCoy not being there on Day 1 of players returning April 1 was not common whatsoever.–Joe
May 11th, 2019 at 9:09 am
Spin it any way you like…then how about referring them to future Sports Blog Writers…..that would only be fair.
Let’s throw in CEOs, Engineers, Attorneys, Stock Brokers, College Professors, Bankers
So……you think a “mattress mover” is fitting for an college graduate? Maybe so, these days.
May 11th, 2019 at 9:10 am
Keep em coming joe thanks for the hard work. Let’s go Bucs #endthedrought
May 11th, 2019 at 9:16 am
Sounds good so far. Hope many of these players impressed BA. We need some future stars to emerge to create good competition for most of the positions and if good enough be chosen as quality and trained backups who know our Offensive and Defensive plays.
May 11th, 2019 at 9:26 am
Jeez TBBF, easily offended much? Toughen up, guy.
May 11th, 2019 at 9:27 am
Thx for the updates. Sad that people get so butt hurt over the implication that most of these guys are just “Joe’s” that will have every day jobs at the start of the season.
Bruce needs to see about getting a cangol hat shaped topper for his cart.
May 11th, 2019 at 9:28 am
Why never future bloggers? The pay is terrible. Who hires bloggers for even minimum wage? –Joe
May 11th, 2019 at 9:29 am
In Bruce I trust.
May 11th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Not offended…..just standing up for these UDFAs trying to realize their dreams…..show them some respect…..wish them the best….some will make it, they always do…
There is a very thin line between a late-round draft pick and a UFDA.
May 11th, 2019 at 10:20 am
I’m always pulling for the UDFA & late rd. draft choices to make the team even the practice squad. Also the tryout players. Must feel really good. Good luck to all.
May 11th, 2019 at 10:47 am
I’m interested in how UDFA RB Bruce Anderson looks out there. I still think this will be one success story that makes the team. His highlight reel is impressive.
May 11th, 2019 at 11:22 am
Ever wonder why Trump’s moniker “enemy of the people” about the media has been so popular? Or why the players in the NFL distrust the media and despise them?
These undrafted players are out there busting their asses trying to make it and this is what they get from Joe: “soon-to-be power line installers.”
Then, when Joe gets busted for it, he tries to make it out like it was a compliment and that he really appreciates these people that do these “demeaning” jobs. So he’s not only belittling, he’s also dishonest.
Apologize, Joe.
May 11th, 2019 at 1:33 pm
It’s not mandatory!
May 11th, 2019 at 1:51 pm
As a 30 year Journeyman Power Lineman making 6 figures…..no offense taken !
May 11th, 2019 at 1:52 pm
As a 30 year Journeyman Power Lineman making 6 figures non taken !
May 11th, 2019 at 2:18 pm
Devin white is gonna be a full blown savage.
He won’t only be leader of defense
He will lead the entire team.
May 11th, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Why not write what you would say to someone’s face? I’m pretty sure the “soon-to-be power line installer” would rocket a Wilson straight at your head if you told him where you thought his career was heading.
I’m all for sh!ts and giggles, but there’s a line you don’t cross with someone’s financial standing, their girl, their career, and their d*ck size.
May 11th, 2019 at 5:28 pm
I kinda feel that way also Bird.