Bruce Arians Names Four Most-Improved Bucs
April 18th, 2021
Bucco Bruce Arians
So Coach, who was your most improved player since the 2019 season ended, or since the start of the 2020 campaign?
That question was posed to Bucco Bruce Arians during his final appearance on the Buccaneers Radio Network earlier this year.
His answer may surprise you. Joe would have lost a bet on what first came forth from Arians’ lips.
“Well, one of them got hurt early, and that was O.J. Howard. I mean he was about to have a great, great season before that Achilles,” Arians said. “Scotty Miller has had big-time improvement.
“I would throw Devin White in there also, and Sean Murphy-Bunting, I think. As this season progressed, they both really, really got better.”
Interesting answers all around. First, it was hard to gauge just how much Howard had improved because he got injured in Week 4. But there’s the head coach of a Super Bowl winner saying his most improved guy was lost early. Man, that speaks to how impressive this Bucs roster is.
Scotty Miller is no surprise. After all, he is Tom Brady’s new BFF and evolved into the team’s most dangerous deep threat.
Joe was intrigued to hear Arians reference White’s extreme improvement. The in-season growth was apparent, perhaps to just about everyone except White. Joe still loves the story of White reacting privately to his critics and drawing from Antonio Brown’s guidance.
Just imagine if all the young core Bucs take a half-step in their development next season.
April 18th, 2021 at 11:20 am
No doubt the Bucs aren’t under major pressure to resign AB due to Scotty Miller’s development.
Miller could play a role similar to Edelman did in New England but also do things Edelman couldn’t do, like really stretch the field.
Many fans seem to forget how well our Offense was playing before we signed AB.
I think signing AB would be a nice luxury for us to have more depth but it’s definitely not needed. Johnson and Miller will both only getting better with more playing time.
April 18th, 2021 at 11:23 am
Encouraging comments by the coach. Surprised about OJ. Wondered if we could afford to keep him – but has worked out OK – thanks to Licht. What a trio of fine TEs!
April 18th, 2021 at 11:27 am
I am anxious to see how much man weight SM was able to put on in the offseason, if he didn’t or could not he is a one trick pony
April 18th, 2021 at 11:28 am
Donovan Smith improved greatly after putting a 6th o-lineman & TE next to him after the Bears game
April 18th, 2021 at 11:42 am
Donovan Smith improved greatly with a QB that threw on time and from the design spot !
April 18th, 2021 at 11:44 am
False. You do realize that Mack came off Wirfs side for most of the Bears game. Also watch some film. They used the extra lineman and tight end on the Wirfs side as much if not more than Smiths side. False narrative. Watch the film.
April 18th, 2021 at 11:45 am
Donovan smith improved greatly once he decided he was going to play hard every snap.
April 18th, 2021 at 12:03 pm
I agree with SB-LV…the way the QB plays helps the Oline, no matter how good or bad it is. Brady got rid of the ball and didn’t wait to long or run around like a mad man. THAT, makes a big difference in blocking. Plus, it helps when you believe you have a REAL chance to win because the man you’re blocking for isn’t going to consistently turn the ball over!!
April 18th, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Miller is brady’s new danny amendola. Big catches at huge moments. I personally can’t wait to see what it looks like with a training camp and preseason games
April 18th, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Look at whites numbers from year 1 to year 2
Huge improvement
And coverage skills got somewhat better at end of year
April 18th, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Dont forget white almost had 10 sacks
That is impressive for an inside linebacker
SMB made his jump at end of year. Struggled early on with rest of secondary
April 18th, 2021 at 1:15 pm
The reason why Rojo isn’t on that list is that he was already very good in 2019….he just didn’t get the ball handed to him enough.
April 18th, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Like Donovan Smith, OJ Howard is the most underappreciated of Buccaneers. Good thing Coach No Riscuit Biscuit sees the guy differently.
OJ Howard is a match-up nightmare when Brady gets him in a man position against most LB’s, splitting deep seams.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:13 pm
OJ Howard ain’t done nothing in the NFL . He stays hurt so I don’t see a match up nightmare with him . I’m tired of hearing how good he is and he can’t stay healthy.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:39 pm
Thank you for always being positive, Oneilbuc. You’re like a ray of sunshine to all of us.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:47 pm
It’s unfortunate about O.J. . I didn’t like the selection of him. I don’t think TE in the 1st rd was smart. Then by end of his second season , which was showing promise until injury. I thought he should be incorporated heavily. Then last year he’s hurt again. I don’t believe you can ever bounce back from the injury he had.
As for Scotty Miller, he absolutely is a one trick pony. Edelman would go across the middle, shallow routes bounce off guys, Miller can’t do that. TB does not have a viable outside guy if Evans/Godwin go down. AB is small but is rare in he can play outside.
April 18th, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Tyler Johnson.
April 18th, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Like Tyler but not a proven commodity. At least not yet. Still think Bucs need AB. If the injury bug hits he will be worth it.
April 18th, 2021 at 4:00 pm
I agree with Medicated Pete, Donovan Smith was the most improved player. I was just about to give up on him….now I would rank him top 10 LT in the NFL.
April 18th, 2021 at 4:17 pm
Joe. how is that being negative ?? OJ Howard haven’t been healthy so why do yall believe you have to be a blind buc fan is my question. BA did a good job by changing that no risk no biscuit offense . He brought in what Brady does best just like a coach suppose to do . That’s what the next coach should do with the next young quarterback .
April 18th, 2021 at 4:39 pm
OJs four games got him 11 rec for 146 yards and two TD. Not too shabby.They do believe in OJ and lots of people shrug him off when it comes to resigning AB. Although AB does secure the ultimate WR depth. I’m very excited to see OJ get back on the field with the GOAT.
Think people are going a little overboard with Smith so soon. He did finish great at the end of the year but he was also tied for the most penalties and tied number seven in sacks allowed. He can continue to stay solid, I’ll give him a huge bear hug.
April 18th, 2021 at 4:50 pm
Bradybucs
“Miller could play a role similar to Edelman did in New England but also do things Edelman couldn’t do, like really stretch the field.”
Toooo funny when people say Miller can somehow be Edleman. Sooo many things Edleman could do that Scotty can’t.
April 18th, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Bunting definitely because he was bad, Bad, for the first 10 games or so.
April 18th, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Smith didn’t improve. He just stopped taking as many plays off.
April 18th, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Agreed Sean Murphy Bunting made huge leap from week one to playoffs!
Hope ABnormal signs but Bucs will be fine without her👍🏻
April 18th, 2021 at 5:16 pm
You know what I respect about Oneilbuc’s takes?
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Not a gahddang thing…
April 18th, 2021 at 5:36 pm
I’ve been somewhat negative too, when Bucs fans say they want Levi Overrated in the 1st Round, and the Bucs need to draft Ian Book. Most websites I’ve looked at have Ian Book as the 318th prospect or lower. That would be a low 9th Round pick, if there was such a thing anymore.
April 18th, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Cobraboy . I lose a lot of sleep because you feel that way about my takes !! Lol lol 😆 🤣 😂 !!!
April 18th, 2021 at 5:55 pm
All of these “naysayers” & “nitpickers” must not realize that we’re LOADED on Offensive Weapons especially with the addition of Giovanni ! GO BUCS in 2021 !!!!
April 18th, 2021 at 6:21 pm
OneilBuc,
Why are you sitting on the couch homie? You should be the Bucs goto talent evaluator.
Injuries is not anyone’s fault. If he can get that squared away, he’s the only Jameis Winston holdover we haven’t seen flourish yet.
I trust the head coach knows more than the casual negative Nancy.
April 18th, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Smith really did improve.
I saw a report where he actually made a change to his stance under the guidance of coach Joe Gilbert during last season. Kudos to him for being willing and able to learn something significant for his craft even after 5 years in the NFL!
April 18th, 2021 at 7:48 pm
Smith did a good job last year and he surprised me last year .
April 18th, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Lambuchop. Injuries ain’t anyone fault when have I said it was his fault ?? But I see you are another one who’s obsessed over Jamies. It going on 2 years and yall still bring up Jamies . I’m not going to bash Jamies because yall do . I don’t have to hate on a former player like what yall do. I think the difference between me and the rest of yall is that I have more faith in the team than you all do . So some of yall want to live off other teams players instead of your own . I believe this team can develop a quarterback I just don’t have the Skip Bayless mindset like yall do. Yall believe that the bucs are the suckaneers . I will always defend the bucs regardless who the quarterback is . So keep on hating on me because my belief in the bucs I don’t care . The team will always come first to me. Go bucs !!!
April 18th, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Oneilbucs is a 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
April 18th, 2021 at 8:02 pm
Oneilbucs is a coward scared to put some expectations on winston. Super bowl or bust for winston no more excuses!!!!
April 18th, 2021 at 8:04 pm
I’m gonna keep saying super bowl or bust for him. Just like you nut huggers hollered all season for the Bucs. Is it win time yet oneil oh I forgot he only in year 6 he need 4 more to hit his stride right .
April 18th, 2021 at 8:07 pm
Dude calls us obsessed and still hating on Brady kick rocks 🤡. Ima keep riding you until you eat your crow. Stop trying to kick knowledge in here until you eat that crow man up 🤡.
April 18th, 2021 at 8:13 pm
Imagine the team making a decision that’s best for the team. And a 🤡 in here still mad about it but claims he’s pro team. Dude contradicts himself all the time .
April 18th, 2021 at 10:01 pm
Nobody “hates” you Oneilbucs because of “your belief in the Bucs.”
Nobody hates you at all, and it has nothing to do with “faith.”
We just think you look silly constantly dangling from Winston’s dingleberries.
April 18th, 2021 at 11:18 pm
It did seem like Brady and OJ Howard were in sync. I remember after week three thinking he could have a big season, especially because Gronk really did not look like you could even run at that time.
Here’s to great health throughout the roster for the upcoming season 🍺
April 18th, 2021 at 11:32 pm
Well put, Cobraboy. I wished Jameis well in all his future endeavors, and moved on. Most of the Winston nut huggers came up missing after the Bucs went on a run and won the Super Bowl. That shows they were trolls. I don’t think Oneilbuc is a troll, but he might need to move on from debates that no longer matter.
April 19th, 2021 at 9:24 am
Joe in Michigan. I been moved on from the Jamies debate. Yall are the ones who make everything about Jamies just because I don’t feel the same way about Brady like yall do . I hope Brady plays well as long he’s the bucs quarterback. I still don’t believe he’s the goat because ain’t no goats in team sports to me especially in football .
April 19th, 2021 at 9:34 am
And by the way the hold nut hugger thing . To me you trying to be disrespectful because to me that’s gay talk . I’m straight man so I don’t use language like that when speaking about another man . I raised that straight man don’t talk about another man like that . And I played football and been in locker rooms and we didn’t use language like that . I grew up in a different era !!!
April 19th, 2021 at 11:39 am
Then Onelibucs, if you don’t like “nuthugger”, don’t be a “nuthugger.”
Problem solved.
April 19th, 2021 at 11:59 am
Cobraboy That’s must be what you doing to Brady !!! Lol 😆 🤣
April 19th, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Notice how oneilbucs is ignoring me because he is afraid to say it is win time for winston. But he has no problem bashing the Bucs and holding them to certain standards you punk.
April 19th, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Lol 😆 🤣 😂 youngbucs you are just a kid that’s why .
April 19th, 2021 at 3:29 pm
No that’s not why oneilbucs you scared. But it comes so natural for you to hate the team you claim you root for. You thought the Bucs wouldn’t do it and couldn’t do you were hoping the failed so you could say I told you so. You’re weak winston has everything you said he needs to succeed a good coach an oline a defense a run gm good special teams . And sat and learned the offense behind an all time great QB !!!! Why are you scared to hold him to the same standards????? We all know your type your a front runner!
April 19th, 2021 at 3:31 pm
You know what just admit you were wrong eat your crow be a man at least.
April 19th, 2021 at 6:17 pm
🐈