Next-Level Giovani Bernard Impact
August 18th, 2021
How much better can the Bucs be with running back/receiving back Giovani Bernard?
A former Buccaneer turned Xs and Os guru has an idea.
Joe’s referring to 15-year NFL tight end Dave Moore, the game analyst on the Buccaneers Radio Network and a visitor to practice at One Buc Palace today.
Moore talked to WDAE radio about Bernard’s likely impact and why he represents something fresh.
Moore said Bernard is an excellent route-runner in space, so he can pull off what LeSean McCoy and Leonard Fournette could not last season.
”Most of the things [Fournette] did last year were out of the backfield, not getting in the personnel and then shifting to an empty backfield and getting a 1-on-1 with a safety when they identify that man-to-man coverage,” Moore said. “So [Bernard] brings a whole [new] level to that third down passing game. He’s a guy who understands protection, can block blitzers but also be out in space and be a formidable route-runner in key situations.”
Man, it would be wild if Bernard ends up with a season for the ages, say 80 receptions for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. Joe thinks it’s possible. After all, what defense will focus on Bernard with the stable full of elite pass catchers across the Bucs’ offense?
Bernard quickly will realize he’s not in Cincinnati any longer.
August 18th, 2021 at 2:00 pm
One of the Joe´s is not very sure about this Bernard thing….As the sage is…..I will say that time will tell…..But I am very very optimistic about this add……I think it keeps adding more and more alternatives into a very loaded offense….I woulld say that I am with the sage on this one
August 18th, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Those numbers might be a bit of a high bar but I appreciate the sentiment. Loosely based off of expectations, if our big 3 WRs all get 1,000 yards, our 3 TE’s combine for say 1,500 and Gio racks up 800 you’re up to 5400 yards. Not even counting scooter, Darden and the other RBs.
I think anyone has the “ability” to post these big numbers. But based on there still only being 1 football, likely running out the clock w big leads this year (hopefully more than just a few times), and a running game that still can be highly effective I think no one should be disappointed if these lofty possibilities aren’t achieved across the board.
Then again this year, as Kevin Garnett reminds us, anything is possible!!
August 18th, 2021 at 2:10 pm
What is the NFL record for 80 reception players on one team?
Seems this team may have five.
How many footballs are there to go around?
August 18th, 2021 at 2:27 pm
Gio can make a big impact, brady love that checkdowns for the RBS. Lets see if gio can be the new james white for brady
August 18th, 2021 at 2:38 pm
GB is a perfect addition to this already very strong offense. Looking forward to game time September 9. GO BUCS!!
August 18th, 2021 at 2:38 pm
Bernard needs to be next to Brady on every play and block anyone trying to tackle him and on certain called plays can run and catch short passes from Brady if the long target is covered.
August 18th, 2021 at 2:38 pm
This must be the “reasonable” Joe….the “rational” Joe….the one who doesn’t hate preseason….the one who doesn’t use monikers…the one who doesn’t think Jameis is “America’s QB” the one who didn’t love Johnny Football….the one who might even eventually mention Raymond James Stadium….the one who actually believes a very good 3rd down or receiving, pass-blocking RB can be a good addition to the Buc offense.
Of course….I like the other Joe…just don’t agree with him on these issues.
August 18th, 2021 at 2:56 pm
With Gio, Darden, and Tryon added to the mix, and if everyone performs the way they’re capable of, this team will go down as one of, if not, the best all-around teams in NFL history. I predict top 5 on both sides of the ball and another SB victory.
August 18th, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Hold your horses on 80 receptions but if Gio can get 55 to 60 with 6 tds that would be huge! And I dont think we see TEs with anywhere close to 1500 yds as I think uptick in yards from AB and those of Gio will be at expense of the TEs. I think TEs end up with no more than a combined 1000 yards!
August 18th, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Gio is a huge upgrade in the passing game and I’ll be surprised if he’s not our number one back at seasons end.
Totally unrelated, but it’s hot as dragon fire today. 🤯
August 18th, 2021 at 3:09 pm
That’s crazy! I thought signing him was a great move but if we get half of the production you stated above that will be a homerun in my book.
August 18th, 2021 at 3:24 pm
I think the Bucs have a legit shot at breaking all the passing records and offensive scoring records, if that happens, the offense will support a lot of guys.
But, while I think Bernard is going to have a nice year, I think it’s going to be more like 60-catches, 400 yards, 4 TDs – in addition to whatever his rushing is.
I mean you still have to get Evans around 70 rec / 1000 yards, 10 TDs.
Brown is likely looking at something like 90 receptions, 900 yards, 7 TDs.
Godwin, in this scenario, I’d put around 70 receptions, 900 yards, 6 TDs.
Gronk, maybe 30 rec / 300 yards, 7 TDs
OJ… 30 rec / 400 yards, 3 TDs
Miller…. 30 rec / 600 yards, 4 TDs
Brate… 15 rec/ 150 yards, 3 TDs
Darden… 20 rec / 180 yards (I’m thinking he mostly get screen passes)
Fournette… 20 rec / 140 yards
Rojo… 12 rec / 80 yards
That adds up to just over 5000 yards and 40 TDs, which is likely where the team will end up considering it’s 17 games. However, if they go for the offensive records, I like I think they might, then you can add another 600-700 yards and 12 TDs to those numbers above.
August 18th, 2021 at 3:26 pm
To me, Bernard would be awesome if he could emulate Charles Sims in 2015 when he had 529 yards rushing, plus 51-receptions for 561 yards with 4 TDs.
That would be an amazing year.
August 18th, 2021 at 5:54 pm
Rod, let’s have higher hopes than Charles Sims
August 18th, 2021 at 5:56 pm
A good pass blocker. Watch out.
August 18th, 2021 at 6:22 pm
I know who didn’t write this article.
August 18th, 2021 at 6:42 pm
800 yards and 10 TDs sounds a bit radical to me.
Really not too worried about his numbers. Just would like to see him picking up 1st downs like we saw on Saturday.
The one Joe doesnt wanna take the ball away from our studs but I think its quite the opposite if Gio can help us move the sticks. Every time he gets a first down he gives more opportunity for the other guys to make a big play………I also think our offense becomes more deadly and much more difficult to defend if the opposing defense has to pay more attention to our backfield.
August 18th, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Well said Jimmy Jack.
A legit ball catcher out of the backfield changes everything for receivers.
August 18th, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Leighroy – Charles Sims was one of the top 3rd down back in football for years, and in 2015, you could easily make the case he was the best. Injuries ended his career way too early.
The only issue with Sims was the people who wanted him to be a full time runner, that’s when he failed. But as a 3rd down back, he was a huge asset – a very good pass blocker and one of the best receivers on the team.
August 18th, 2021 at 7:55 pm
Y’all are putting to much stock in this guy. You could’ve had James White for a song and dance. You’ll be disappointed in Bernard. I see a missed block in his future that ends Brady’s career.
At most you’ve got a check down back that can’t block. I don’t think he’s as elusive as he one was either. You can forgive the blocking for a guy who can go to the house every play, but not for him now. In Ben’s eyes a regretful signing I hope doesn’t destroy Brady’s plans.
August 18th, 2021 at 8:04 pm
IDK what film y’all watch, maybe it’s the heat melting your collective brains, but Bernard is a wretched blocker. They had good o lines in Cincinnati most years. He got Andy Dalton killed on several occasions. James White who was available, has saved Brady, in front of my eyes more times than I can count.
August 18th, 2021 at 8:48 pm
Sims had the 4th most RB rec yards for the one year you mention Rod, that was it. Sure he was injured his 1st and 3rd years, but he played all 16 games his 4th season and couldn’t eclipse 250 yards on 35 catches. That’s not one of the best 3rd down backs in football for years.
And excuse me or anyone else for having desired a running back to be able to… run…the football. What, was Michael Clayton supposed to be able to catch too?
August 18th, 2021 at 9:00 pm
For his career he’s averaged 42 receptions and a little over 1 TD reception per year. Maybe we should cool our jets a little bit on this guy.
August 18th, 2021 at 9:23 pm
If hes on pace for 80 receptions i get the sense he will be bothered by injuries throughout season. It would be best if he shared the third down load with vaughan or whoever
August 18th, 2021 at 9:31 pm
@Ben green
I would have preferred James White too, but it seems that James White wanted to remain in New England. The Patriots didn’t use him all that much the past two seasons which makes his contract a tad curious. In 2019 the Patriots were apparently trying to become more of a running team, which meant more Sony Michel and less James White. In 2020 they had Cam Newton behind center and Cam is a power runner who cannot pass worth a damn, so again White sat. I thought the Patriots would simply let White walk this offseason as he doesn’t seem like a fit for their current direction.
It’s quite possible that Belichick offered White a contract to keep him out of Tampa Bay, and of course White has a say in the matter as well.
I think Gio was a good signing. At best Dalton regressed, at worst that porous OLine destroyed his confidence. White is better at pass protection, but Gio meets the eye test as good in my book. My shared concern is gas left in the tank. He too was seemingly underutilized, that might not necessarily be a sign of decline but rather a change of direction at Cinci.
August 18th, 2021 at 10:35 pm
The stooges realize that Gio is NOT a running threat, never was really… and what really made our passing game go was play action…which won’t work when an ineffective runner is in the backfield. Gio will be in on passing downs only.
August 19th, 2021 at 3:50 am
Leighroy – Sims also had over 500 yards in rushing that year I’m talking about — and if you recall, the bucs used the delay screen quite a bit. The guy was an excellent blocker, could run — just not as a 3-down back – and was great at catching the ball. You’d know all that by just watching him when he was here. When he suddenly retired, the Bucs never filled hi hole, which is where we found ourselves until Bernard was signed.