Pulse Of The Fans – Day 13
August 12th, 2019
Light crowd at One Buc Place today as the team held its last solo practice of the week before the Miami Dolphins join the Bucs tomorrow and Wednesday. Still, passionate fans representing the pewter and red were there and manbeast JoeBucsFan.com intern Zachary Seifter asked several folks about their beloved Bucs. They were happy to talk:
Question 1: On the field, what do you believe is the Bucs’ biggest strength right now. Provide a reason why.
Summary: The fans didn’t have a hard time with this one. Almost everyone said the offense, particularly naming the receiving group as the strength of the team. Many were quick to point out they expected improvement on the defensive side of the ball, as well as improvements in the running game, but these receivers and tight ends are by far and away the most proven and talented group on the team. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate, along with young receivers showing flashes, it’s tough to argue with the fans; this group is special.
Question 2: Who is more worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, John Lynch or Ronde Barber? Provide a reason why.
Summary: This question proved far trickier to answer. Both Lynch and Barber were pivotal pieces and made Tampa Bay’s defense the most feared in the NFL for years. The fans had an incredibly hard time answering, as many felt both are very deserving. But of the two, Barber came away with the most votes. And a large majority had the same reasoning. That reason is he spent his entire career in Tampa, while Lynch spent his last four years in Denver. The fans said loyalty matters, which is why they rolled with Ronde.
August 12th, 2019 at 10:17 pm
Love that second question. John Lynch, no doubt, one of my favourite Bucs of all time. The Mike Alstott of our defense then. Loved the way he played and the passion he brought to the field. That said, Barber had the better football career. Barber evolved as a player during his career and became a Swiss army knife of a defensive back. He doesn’t get a ton of national love but he, to me, is absolutely a HOFer. If he never gets in then the HOF is truly a political popularity contest.
August 13th, 2019 at 12:08 am
Not what I want, but its likely neither gets in. Solid ring of honor guys though.
In BA I Trust!
August 13th, 2019 at 12:18 am
Biggest strength – huuuuge jumbotrons
John Lynch all day. He was feared.
August 13th, 2019 at 12:28 am
Don’t think Lynch was given a real choice about staying here and ending his career here.
I don’t remember the particulars but I do remember I wasn’t too pleased with the way the Buccaneers handled Lynch’s departure at the time. Lynch had been injured. They chose not to give him the time to heal and see how he would play again. I recall being angry with Gruden. I thought it was a stupid move.
Had nothing to do with loyalty on Lynch’s part. It just goes to show not all Buc fans have been following them for more than 18 years.
__________
Go Bucs!!!
August 13th, 2019 at 1:13 am
this is a no-brainer the old fuddy duddys on the HOF voting committee(excluding Ira of course) should have made him a 1st ballot HOF’er only defensive back in NFL history with 47 INTs and 28 sacks(also 18 QB hits) and thats just the flashy stats he had over 1200 combined tackles and over 1000 solo tackles my 2nd fave buc all-time after Mr. 55 no. 20 i our programs no. 1 in our hearts Ronde Barber- in my opinion the best blitzing corner ive ever seen and great coverage for a smaller CB i love Johnny Lynch but did he really do anything no other player in league history has done? ronde should already have a bust in canton
August 13th, 2019 at 1:20 am
John Lynch probably had a greater psychological advantage to our defense, based on how players and coaches, who played against him, speak.
Ronde Barber, though, has an impressive array of statistical achievements matched by none. His versatility, professionalism, and on-field banter also set him apart. Like Lynch, he had to work very hard to get on the field initially. My vote for Ronde if I had to choose just one.
August 13th, 2019 at 1:24 am
I should have said, “… collectively matched by none,” to be more correct.
August 13th, 2019 at 6:44 am
The biggest strength on the field hands down is COACHING!!!!!!!!!
In 2019 The Realist will have a new awakening!!!!!!
Joe”L” will also reach a state of full blown panic. He will realize his dream of having the stadium sponsored and named Prozac Stadium will be just a fantasy.
Coaching, coaching, coaching
Go Bucs!!!
August 13th, 2019 at 10:32 am
Barber all day.
One of a kind who changed the position.
No one else has stats that compare.