Todd Bowles Talks Russell Gage
May 14th, 2022
New Bucs receiver Russell Gage
Our beloved Buccaneers have a No. 3 receiver earning $10 million per year.
Think about that. It’s historic!
The receiver is free agent signing Russell Gage, the former Falcons rising stud.
Gage, 26, has been at One Buc Palace for spring training sessions and head coach Todd Bowles likes what he sees, so he said today after a rookie minicamp session.
Bowles shared a bit of a scouting report on the guy who will replace injured Chris Godwin until his yet-to-be-scheduled return this fall.
“I think he’s a guy that can play three positions,” Bowles said of Gage. “He can play outside or he can play inside. He’s tough. He’s scrappy. He’s quick. He’s got very good hands, and he’s a competitor. I think he fits right in with everything we’re trying to do on offense, and he fits in well with the other receivers. I’m excited to have him on our team rather than playing against him.”
Joe is confident in Gage, but Joe does wonder how he’ll handle the pressure. Four years in Atlanta means Gage never played on a team with a winning record. Now he’s in a brand new offense with every game under a massive spotlight.
The double teams are coming for Mike Evans, at least until Gage proves he is the same guy he was in Atlanta last season.
Stock for Game 7.
One of the many gems from @BigStormBrewing. https://t.co/3elgq9Plgn— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) May 13, 2022
May 14th, 2022 at 4:41 pm
If Godwin isn’t ready, Gage is essential to our offense…..there’s a huge void if Godwin or Evans is absent…….then we have all the others.
Don’t sleep on Breshad Perriman…..there’s so much talk about Scotty, Tyler Johnson, Grayson & even Darden.
Perriman is often overlooked…..he has experience and 4.19 speed……and we know he can catch….
May 14th, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Also time for any and hopefully all of Perriman, Grayson, Scotty, and Tyler step up and play better, bigger and meaner.
May 14th, 2022 at 4:52 pm
The Bucs have an embarrassment of riches at the WR position. Seriously, and/all of the Bucs receivers can certainly be productive and help the team win. My only exception is Darden, who just hasn’t flashed just yet – but I’m optimistic.
May 14th, 2022 at 4:54 pm
He will ball out with Brady.
May 14th, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Really need our WRs to stay healthy this year while being productive. Let’s goo Tampa
May 14th, 2022 at 5:10 pm
D-Rol, Darden will be just fine. Last year was a rookie year and hes from a small school. They compare him to AB. Well, go look at AB first season. I know he’s not AB, but I have no doubt Darden will be a good player.
May 14th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
While $10m sounded very high at the time, based on the contracts other WR’s signed this offseason, the Bucs might have ended up getting a deal. I mean USF’s MVS got like $10m, and he was an oft-injured part-time 3rd string WR. The market has gone insane.
The only thing I don’t like is that Landry was out there and he ended up only getting a deal that is ‘up to $6m’… he’s exactly the type of WR that Brady would have liked, and I don’t think Landry is washed up, yet. Also the fact that he went to the Saints, where for Winston he’ll be his Humphries, is aggravating. Winston, unlikely last year, suddenly has some good WR’s in NO. Anyone thinking the Bucs are going to walk all over the Saints are morons. They now have 3 legit WRs, vs last year when they had 0. They are going to be a pain in the rear.
May 14th, 2022 at 5:48 pm
I expect big things from Cyril Grayson, Perriman, Scotty, and Gage. I also expect Tyler Johnson to be cut and Thompkins or Sterns to take his place.
May 14th, 2022 at 5:52 pm
It’s a tall order trying to replace Godwin. Good luck to Cage.
One unseen benefit is that Cage and TB have extra time to develop a chemistry. Sharing less snaps with Chris out may pay off later in the season.
May 14th, 2022 at 6:10 pm
They’re going to cut Tyler Johnson in his third year when everyone was saying he’s the next Godwin his rookie season??? Highly unlikely. If anyone I would want Scotty and his toe to leave. Johnson just had a bad second season.
May 14th, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Seems like Brady liked Gage so I am very happy with the signing.
May 14th, 2022 at 6:17 pm
UDFA Jerreth Stearns caught 150 passes at Western Kentucky not real fast but good hands and a 40 inch vertical. Bowles said hes been impressive.
May 14th, 2022 at 6:35 pm
@SOEbuc he could, but I lost interest in him when I learned he didn’t come to camp last year in shape, and that he was giving away prepared food and instead was eating a bunch of fast food. He may have ability but he doesn’t want it bad enough as far as I’ve seen and read. Showed on the field last year too.
Scotty showed value as a gunner last year on special teams so I’d keep him over TJ or Darden. Either of those two can be replaced and I’d be ok
May 14th, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Darden really needs to hope the XFL starts up again. He’s about 100lbs short of being able to produce in the NFL. Oh well lots of 4th rounders are busts. He def is a bust.
May 14th, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Bad part for me is we don’t have Bromosa beer in my state.
May 14th, 2022 at 6:43 pm
LET’S FACE IT…
Barring some sort of secondary miracle, this team is starting the season 1-3.
Unless our pass rush plays lights out somehow, and Hall goes wild immediately, this team will struggle to keep the quick-passing offenses (Cowboys, Saints, Packers) off the field.
Our Offense should be just fine, but with Chris still hurt I don’t see the same type of production we had last year. I think we’ll take a step back with a lower points per game average.
I just don’t see how this Defense is going to consistently stop other solid offenses, and I don’t know that our Offense can keep up with the others when our Defense can’t stop anyone.
I wish I was more optimistic about this season but I I call it like I see it and I think this team is going to really struggle unless we get a bit lucky and have a lot of the new pieces immediately click and heavily contribute.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:10 pm
We will probably go3-1 or better first 4 games.
Cowboys are a mixed bag. Saints have a new coach and jaymiss. Pack has Kaaron. The chiefs lost Hill.
Then we have 3 easier games. We best not sleep on those.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Gage will essentially be our number two until Godwin returns which could be later in the season than we all hope. Given that fact he deserves more than WR3 money at least for this year. Sounds like he had a savvy agent who used that as leverage knowing Godwin’s uncertain return date.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Our offense has better run blocking guards if Goodeke is good as advertised.(Godeke?)
May 14th, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Two good run blocking TEs or three if Gronk returns.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:15 pm
I’ll say again that the criticism of Darden is unfair. He had never played on a field with defenders so big , so fast, and so bad ass. He didn’t look good very often, but when he was looking bad he was trying to do what he had done his whole football life. Anthony and Green flat out did not want to return. I expect Darden to feel much more comfortable this year. If not and he doesn’t show great improvement it’ll be time to move on.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:16 pm
More dline speed.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:18 pm
I bet we start 6-1
May 14th, 2022 at 7:22 pm
I hope I’m wrong, but like BradyBucs, I am deeply concerned about a schedule that not only starts the Bucs in a hole, but keeps them there. 4 out of 4 of the playoff teams. Plus Saints. I disagree with those who say it’s only the 3rd or 4th toughest. It’s by far the worst, as I see it.
As for WR, there is no plethora of riches until Godwin is both back and 100% healthy. That’s 2023.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:23 pm
10 million is nothing look what all the wr got this year! its a steal… why do you always cry about money? your not paying them and by the way your not the gm or coach just a big cry baby
May 14th, 2022 at 7:33 pm
Yep
Godwin won’t be ready early for this year if at all
He was hurt late in the year
It’s at least a 12 to 14 month rehab period
May 14th, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Gage is a Solid number two on Most teams.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Better hope this dude produces. Godwin isn’t playing until November, and you can’t expect him to be what he was last year. It usually takes these guys 18 months to get back to form.
May 14th, 2022 at 7:56 pm
I’m putting a CALL IN TO DEFENSE RULES….
DR, where is your thinking on our Front 7 and our secondary?
I’m of the mind that we are in DEEP SHART TROUBLE defensively. I’m Sure that Way too many have drank the Kool Aid! Hey, I get that every team is new this year but guess what? SO ARE WE! And I Do Not Believe we have improved. In fact I suppose it’s Clear just how I do feel. Defensively We are In Trouble and Somebody fell asleep at the wheel is Exactly how I feel! Where is SUH AND an Additional Juggernaut? We literally have a 1st year guy who didn’t exactly win the job over a broken JPP And a brand new guy who has No Idea what the NFL means yet in place of the Mountain Saint SUH! As well as a second string Gohlston and third string Nacho. We have VEA! That’s it…… AND A PASS RUSH? I DON’T THINK SO! We need at least 2 more Impressive Vets! And DON’T ask me where we’ll get the money from!! Every Other team in the NFL “THAT’S WORTH A DAMN” SURE AS HELL MAKES IT HAPPEN! And if I were Brady, if he TRULY has pull, I’d be OPENING MY MOUTH WITH SERIOUS CONCERN when it comes to my swan song last year if I were him!
Anyways, again, I’m actually interested in Defense Rules point of view on this. I respect his points of view and I’m just curious DR. What say you? Or anybody who isn’t drinking Kool aid just a bit too much. No true disrespect to a fellow Buc lover but 6 and 1 as it stands just seems like WAY too much drinking!
GO BUCS!
May 14th, 2022 at 8:22 pm
I’m with Brady Bucs on most of his points. Except for the offensive side of the ball. I believe we bring a new wrinkle. I believe the run game will not only improve, I’m betting it becomes a vital part of our game. I’m feeling more of a Chris Simms vibe and then some… Just a strong feeling
May 14th, 2022 at 8:36 pm
I was really digging the confidence that the immortal Cyril Grayson was showing before his injury. I have a hunch he’s going to have a decent mpact before Godwin returns.
May 14th, 2022 at 8:49 pm
I think he’s going to be really good. I think he’s going to play the slot a lot while Perriman is on the outside. If teams want to double team Evans then they can use Grayson’s speed and Gage in the slot.
I think they will be fine until Godwin gets back.
May 14th, 2022 at 9:10 pm
If Godwin truly ends up being out until mid November, the production Gage will put up will make that $10 million contract look like a massive steal. He’s a weapon.
May 14th, 2022 at 9:13 pm
gage was a little underrated to this point…
very solid number 2…
now with the nice contract, and being brady approved, he’s gaining traction…
i also believe this was done in a round about way as an “f-you” to AB…sorta…
it coulda been AB’s money
May 14th, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Have a suspicion that we’ll see a very different Bucs’ offense at least until Godwin returns. Expecting that Bucs will focus a lot more on ball-control, not just via more running the ball but also a lot more RB involvement in the running game.
The last year Brady won the SB with the Patriots (2018), the leading receiver on the Pats was … RB James White, by a long shot. White was targeted 123 times in 16 games, caught 87 of those (70.7%) for 751 yards. Although the catch percentage is low for a RB, White did get 46 first downs receiving that year & did manage to score 7 TDs receiving.
What really impresses me though is that the average per completion was 8.6 yds/catch. Of that though, his average yds before catch was only 1.0 yds. His average yds after catch was a whopping 7.6 yds.
The Bucs appear to have at least 3 RBs with excellent hands … Lenny, Gio & our own White. Wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Brady use them a bunch this year. And BTW, Pats had the league’s #4 ranked offense that year and the 2nd highest Time of Possession at 32:00 minutes average per game. Ball control paid off apparently.
May 14th, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Hmmm, better make that ‘a lot more involvement in the PASSING game’. Duh.
May 14th, 2022 at 9:59 pm
There is a reason he came here for a measly 10 mil. That is because he wants a Stupor Bowl ring; then he can move on, maybe, and double that money.
He might also want to play with Brady and suck up.
He is a gamer, baller, and will make an impact.
It will be a good trade, though Grayson will be better this year and might out play him in some ways.
May 14th, 2022 at 10:13 pm
Stearns makes the team and with the signing of Jarvis the Saints if Thomas comes back ,,, May have the best rec core in the NFL …. Now can Thomas come back to form ?? Maybe maybe not …… The Saints have done a great job of roster building and the Bucs better find more D line depth and help or the Saints will crush them again !!! A Really good o line just exposes the Bucs d line as average at best and the Saints are really really good and just whip the Bucs ass in both trenches !! The Bucs are not mentally strong in the trenches and the Chiefs were terrible where the Bucs needed them to be …… look at D Smith against the Rams ,, I mean really and he plays similarly through the years against the Saints stout lines ………… Licht better wake up and there is actually affordable help but Licht is a little stubbornly proud at times !! Jamis will beat Brady if Licht doest get better depth and another defensive play maker ……. The Saints Have , Buffalo Has and the Rams Will !!!
May 14th, 2022 at 10:54 pm
None of what Russell Gage did in Atlanta matters at all
The Falcons are a very wide receiver friendly offense and he virtually played with no pressure on a losing team.
How will he react to playing on a team where there is pressure to preform week in week out? How will he play in primetime games?
We won’t know how good Gage is until the season starts or how he fits in the offense
May 15th, 2022 at 1:07 am
Anyone saying we are being unfair to Dardung — why ? What? Because he came from a small school?
No one gives Cappa or Marpet a pass, those guys came in and did the job. Bucs have tried this before — Dexter the Horrible Jackson from App State — he was actually slightly better than Dardung.
The dude is out of his element. Take the “unfair” narrative and file it in the snowflake “too sensitive” folder.
May 15th, 2022 at 1:20 am
We seem to have a lot of night games this year–remember we were so bad in them that Arians sponsored a night practice? I sure hope we are over that..
May 15th, 2022 at 4:39 am
I’m starting to consider that the so called embarrassment of riches at the WR position is more of a result of good coaching and I expect a bigger season for Gage than any Cornholio Clown had for the Bucs.
May 15th, 2022 at 8:39 am
Not worried about the offense, they will score frequently if Brady avoids injury. Defense is the big question. Pass rush and dbs are potential weakness against top tier teams. We will find out quickly in the first 4 games. 3-1 or 2-2 would be a positive.
May 15th, 2022 at 9:22 am
cut darden or send him to the Practice Squad
May 15th, 2022 at 9:39 am
Hey Joe, maybe u can explain how the slimy Saints can keep signing these big names and contracts when all we’ve heard for the last 2 yrs is how they’re in salary cap hell.
May 15th, 2022 at 10:45 am
a lot of you on here simply do not know what you’re talking about with gage…
he can really play…
imho from what i’ve seen, he’s not a number 1 or number 2 receiver…
he’s almost like somewhere in the middle…
like a 1.5 (if there is such a thing)…lol
when godwin returns, if he does and all…with gage, perriman and grayson it could get crazy out there…
and with scotty healthy and tyler thin…and all the new potential guys…
and with gronk, otten and brate…
holy sheeeet !!!!
#WeaponsOfPassDestruction
May 15th, 2022 at 11:54 am
Tampabaybucfan Says:
I agree!!
Perriman is always being overlooked. The Bills overlooked him last year and they paid dearly for it!!!
I think that if given the opportunity, Perriman can spell Godwin for several games at least.