Bucs Practice News, Notes & Nuggets (Tennessee Thursday Edition)
August 18th, 2022
A very hands-on day for Todd Bowles in Nashville.
It’s Joe’s not so world famous nuggets, notes and news culled from Joe’s observations patrolling the fields of the Bucs-Titans joint practice in Nashville. This was the last practice of the season that will be open to media in its entirety.
*Call it a jacked up version of underwear football today, with players in shorts or sweats but upper shells. Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel steadily was barking to both teams to protect each other. Lots of intensity, despite slightly watered down blocking and no real hits.
*Maybe it was 76 degrees when practice began under sunny skies and light humidity. The Bucs got a weather break during these two days of practice.
*Shaq Barrett got a veteran day off. Chris Godwin was dressed but only for basic work. Also out were Mike Evans, Breshad Perriman and Russell Gage. Second day in a row that Evans wasn’t working on the sidelines with trainers. Almost seems like he’s a couple weeks away, compared to how Gage and Perriman are working, which is just fine with Joe.
*Bucs defensive backs are in 2-on-2 drills with the Titans quarterback at roughly the 5 yard line and two receivers being covered. The goal is a touchdown throw, of course. Joe loves Antoine Winfield’s consistency and fight through this session. You can just see how much Winfield loves every second of competition.
*During this drill, Todd Bowles is at the goal line and he is animated and coaching up many players as they come off. No visible exceptions. Bowles is even switching sides of the field. Always cool to see the passionate side of Bowles given typically chill demeanor. The Bucs were solid overall. Rookie Zyon McCollum continues to be inconsistent, which is exactly what the Bucs expected. Unfortunately, McCollum soon after was walking around with an ice pack on his left hamstring area.
*Here comes the Titans offense against the Bucs defense. (Yes, Joe spent more time with the defense for the second consecutive day.) First down is a run and the push from Akiem Hicks is obvious. Quite a get-off for a beast of a man. Devin White chases down the play running right to left. Two-yard gain. (No, it wasn’t Derrick Henry.)
*Second down is a Ryan Tannehill throwaway with Mike Edwards in coverage on the cornerback blitz.
*Slant pass is complete with Carlton Davis covering, setting up a fourth down.
*Drop! Devin White was beaten on 4th-and-short but tight end Austin Hooper dropped an easy one.
*Titans second unit keeps the ball and this time it’s a play-action pass complete over the middle for 15 yards to WR Dez Fitzpatrick in front of Logan Ryan.
*Damn, Titans rookie backup QB Malik Willis throws a hell of a fastball.
*Run stuff, Bucs! Looks like Logan Hall leading the charge.
*Back to the Bucs offensive linemen 1-on-1 pass rush versus the Titans’ D-line. Essentially, it’s the full Bucs offensive line at a line of scrimmage but only one defender lined up over a specific player. The ball is snapped and the defensive player and one lineman go to war. A Bucs assistant catches the snap and is a stationary target for the pass rusher.
Some notable action:
*Tristan Wirfs won twice, and easily, but unfortunately got injured. Looked like some sort of abdominal/oblique muscle situation based on how trainers worked with him for a few minutes as he was standing. Wirfs then headed to the cooling tent and was back on the field watching soon after.
* Donovan Smith was beaten inside by a blitzer – different wrinkle with the linebacker blitz bearing down on the left tackle. Smith congratulated Bud Dupree on the inside move and then proceeded to win Round 2 against him.
*Shaq Mason gest imploded by Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jefferey Simmons. Joe can’t think of a better verb for his two-hand bull rush. Shaq comes right back with a win. Shaq had another win later against a different rusher.
*Josh Wells has a win, a loss and a holding penalty working at left and right tackle.
*Robert Hainsey gets blown up. Aaron Stinnie wins against DeMarcus Walker.
*Nick Leverett (at center) beaten clean by Naquan Jones.
*Bubble guy Sadarius Hutcherson gets a win on Larrell Murchison. Man, Hutcherson is loud and fiery. Sounded like he was trying to get himself all jacked up. Most guys are quiet. It’s the coaches who are screaming.
*Bubble tackle Brandon Walton is up and down at different positions. Fellow bubble guy Fred Johnson beaten easily inside at right tackle by Rashad Weaver. Donovan Smith starts poking fun at Johnson. It seems like Johnson tried a technique new to him that failed miserably.
*Rough day for José Borregales. The kicker was perfect on his first five kicks. Then he hit the upright from 48 and then missed wide right from what look liked 50. After Ryan Succop’s strong day yesterday and Borregales missing a game-winner in the preseason opener, well, you do the math.
*Bucs offense getting in red zone work. It starts with a dropped snap. Blaine Gabbert’s fault or Robert Hainsey? You pick.
*Hainsey blown up by DT Teir Tart. Sack.
*Touchdown Tampa Bay! Gabbert to Devin Thompkins with cornerback Caleb Fairley in very tight coverage on the end zone throw. The Bucs sideline loves it.
*Now it’s a wide run by Rachaad White. It’s underwear-ish football, so hard to judge anything.
*Kyle Trask throws a quick out to White, who flashes a neat spin move to elude a defender untouched. Trask follows with a dumpoff to White.
*Gabbert is back and pressured to a dumpoff to Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
*Gabbert fires tight to Cameron Brate for a 7 yard gain.
*Josh Wells and Titans linebacker Ola Adeniyi have near scuffle and soon after Hainsey starts freaking out. Not clear why. He was even near the Titans huddle all alone barking before the next play. Luke Goedeke later shoves All-Pro DT Jefferey Simmons while Simmons is on the ground. Goedeke has a Ryan Jensen way of getting under guys’ skin. Goedeke was the starting left guard today.
*Short TD throw to Brate might need a replay review. It’s clear that Brate is the No. 1 tight end. It looks to Joe that TE Kyle Rudolph doesn’t have his legs yet, and Joe can’t say there was a standout play from rookie tight end Cade Otton today, or Ko Kieft.
*Joe will have a separate and extremely interesting story born, in part, from this Bucs session. Coming tomorrow. Worth the wait.
*Lots of boring special teams work with no returns. See home page story: Julio Jones savors this time to get better at the little things.
*Back to 11-on-11 with the Titans offense. The Bucs open with a sack and damn, Joe can’t see it. Appeared to be off the edge — Carl Nassib or Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
*Titans switch to hurry-up and complete a pair of very short passes. Oh, no! Vita Vea jumps offsides on the next snap. Ryan Tannehill goes deep on the free play and it’s Antoine Winfield making the play on Kyle Phillips.
*Sean Murphy-Bunting is tested on the next two play, one is broken up and the other is caught at the sticks. Refs gave a first down but good chance that’s a tackle just short if all-out tackling was allowed.
*The Bucs’ top-11 offense returns and Simmons bats down Gabbert’s first pass. More accurately, Simmons, working between Mason and Hainsey, batted the ball up, and luckily it was not intercepted.
*Nice hard Gabbert strike over the middle to Scotty Miller for about 12.
*Very short throw from Gabbert complete to Brate.
*Interception! Gabbert throws a terrible soft ball for the front fight corner of the end zone. Sadly, it was nowhere near Brate. The pick was made by cornerback Caleb Farley.
*Titans backup QB Malik Willis scrambles and fires a rifle over the middle. No gain, but a lot fun to watch him escape Bucs camp-meat safety Chris Cooper as the free blitzer.
*Kyle Trask returns and throws a 30-yard timing throw down the seam to Vyncint Smith. But Smith drops it. Ugh. Great touch by Trask. That would have been one of those featured plays at the Bucs’ official website.
*Titans coach Mike Vrabel is a fun and loud listen. Titans defense approaches line of scrimmage and he’s telling a defensive back, “That’s the dumbest thing you could possible do there.”
*Trask returns with a fastball on a 10-yard sideline route to Smith in front of the Bucs bench, which erupts with excitement. First down!
*Seemingly feeling the love, Trask escapes the pocket to his right and finds Kyle Rudolph for 10 yards.
*The Bucs now practice Hail Mary work with Trask. Two throws. No touchdowns.
*The Tians are back and it’s a touchdown throw to receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in front of Logan Ryan.
*“Mike Tyson Lenny” put the exclamation point on the day with a right hook.
((Again, look for a unique practice story on the offense coming from Joe tomorrow morning that you won’t find elsewhere.))
August 18th, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Trask is in a groove.
August 18th, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Thanks as always Joe, can’t wait for that story tomorrow! Wasn’t expecting much at all from McCollum this year. Devin White getting beat in coverage, what a shock! If Brady indeed does retire, I say start Trask, the thought of Gabbert as our starting QB sickens me to no end!
August 18th, 2022 at 7:57 pm
So after first joint team practice with dolphins , manager / coach / Brady got together and said yah stay away cause this interior oline will get you killed. Maybe guys can figure out in a few weeks or we can get a guy or two for yah down the road . Before cowboys game. No preseason for yah . We ll call it time away to handle personal issues. 😂
But
But the olime interior good 😂
August 18th, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Lots of people saying Wirfs was carted off and all that crap. Doesn’t sound like it. He was back on sidelines too watching. Doesn’t seem serious
August 18th, 2022 at 8:03 pm
I was freaking out earlier today because everyone was reporting the wirfs injury as maybe serious, thankfully only here at this site did we get the information that he stayed and watched practice which has to be great sign. I am praying all these injuries clear up by week 1 and then the team stays relatively healthy.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Look, I’m the biggest fan anyone could possible be. I’ve been patient with this Hainsey saga, but as of today I’m OVER it. He is gonna get destroyed and screw up everything this season. They need to sign someone by the end of this weekend or else you can kiss a Super Bowl run goodbye. He’s not the guy for the job and especially considering what this year means for the entire organization with it most likely being Brady’s last. This is getting ridiculous at this point. If I’m Tom, why even come back at this point if that’s the guy they’re giving him. Something is so off about this situation. I hear people say “oh, but Brady can just call out the defense” like it’s no big deal. Id rather him focus on doing what he does best and not putting that on him too. PICK SOMEONE UP BY SUNDAY NIGHT OR THE SEASON IS DONE.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:11 pm
“Looked like some sort of abdominal/oblique muscle situation based on how trainers worked with him for a few minutes as he was standing. Wirfs then headed to the cooling tent and was back on the field watching soon after.”
August 18th, 2022 at 8:12 pm
Thanks for these breakdowns Joe’s.
Makes Suh happy too.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Great notes……we really sound weak on the oline…..or at the very least weaker than last year…..
I hope I’m wrong.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:35 pm
Information is out confirming that the Bucs and Brady negotiated his return from retirement by giving him this time off during the middle of training camp.
Devin White’s comments about Tom Brady dealing with things was just his ignorance as the neither the Bucs nor the team outright announced this intention to the team.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Hainsey is not holding up. Not well enough for this important season. I don’t care how optimistic the coaches are. He’s not ready now. Stinnie/Leverett is backup quality at best. We still don’t have clarity on Jensen.
They should look at 2-3 acquisitions, depending on Jensen. C, G/C, pass rusher(s). Yes, Hicks and Shaq look fine, but that’s it.
August 18th, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Thanks for these Joe, I am seriously hurting for some real football already!
August 18th, 2022 at 8:54 pm
Wonder if this great story we are to wait on is to tell us about how Brady was so missed by his teammates at practice today.
Anyone want to take some bets?
August 18th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Awesome Notes Joe … much appreciated
August 18th, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Thanks as always Joes! Love it!
August 18th, 2022 at 9:20 pm
#8 … Two thumbs up for consistency.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:24 pm
Trotter and a legit LG
August 18th, 2022 at 9:31 pm
Thanks Joe, enjoyed your coverage today!
August 18th, 2022 at 9:32 pm
My bet on Brady ~ a late decision to have something surgically repaired before the season. Hope I’m wrong but that would fit with the narrative we are getting.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:36 pm
Can the Joes please question the coaches about the trainers and these injuries? We’ve had so many soft tissue injuries the past couple of years.
Joe would first need to have data on Bucs injuries versus other teams’ to ask an intelligent question.–Joe
August 18th, 2022 at 9:36 pm
Sounds like an 8-9 squad to me. Ryan, the smartest guy in the room, beaten more than once. Guys who can’t block getting into scruffles because, why not. If you suck bring someone else down with you.
This team seems to have almost zero juice. And man — has anyone had the number of injuries the Bucs have had, like 6 days into the preseason? Good gawd.
August 18th, 2022 at 9:47 pm
If Brady is having some kind of procedure done, why keep it a secret? If it’s a pre-planned vacation agreed to by Licht, why keep it a secret? If there is a family matter that required a long break, why keep it a secret?
If there is dissatisfaction with the coaching or personnel, why keep it a secret (from the coaches and ownership)?
If there are second thoughts altogether about coming back, why keep it a secret?
August 18th, 2022 at 9:56 pm
geno711 Says:
“Information is out confirming that the Bucs and Brady negotiated his return from retirement by giving him this time off during the middle of training camp.”
Then why the secrecy? Why don’t the Bucs just come out and say this to be the case? Why are they waffling to explain the situation?
August 18th, 2022 at 9:56 pm
geno, that’s what I’ve been thinking all along. This time off was a condition of Brady coming back. It explains the lack of an explanation. Super G probably demanded it. If this is the price for a fully engaged Brady, then so be it. He would never want a farewell tour, but this certainly looks like the end. 45 was always a goal for him. Maybe the G confused the 45 season with actually turning 45.
August 18th, 2022 at 10:03 pm
geno, WTF is he supposed to say? My wife won’t let me play today guys, I’m grounded?
August 18th, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Greg cosell of the nfl network just thinks the flaws on Trask will break down somewhere.
On tge 90% stuff, I’m sure Trask has competition.
It’s about the 10% genius where I like his chances. I know I’m a gator etc, some gators I don’t feel the same way about.
August 18th, 2022 at 10:27 pm
Hey Tommy – dump the dud. You can do way better.
August 18th, 2022 at 10:56 pm
Someone gave a video of their theory that Tom is on the Masked Singer, which is why no one will say anything. LOL LOL (I have changed my perspective from getting PO’d to seeing all the humor in the scenarios).
August 18th, 2022 at 11:11 pm
It’s curious that they started Trask on Hail Mary drills. It brings up a whole new line of questions.
I am glad to see that he is being consistent and Gabbert is still being Gabbert.
August 18th, 2022 at 11:17 pm
Hainsey……
Our drafted players for the most part aren’t showing out from last years draft
August 18th, 2022 at 11:31 pm
Why do Bucs receivers have more Hammy injuries than dee othas………. Rec are low water peeps and you must stretch daily, consume mega augwa or iv daily … I’ve game day for sure , stretch, blanket rap and IV at half , but we spend 200 mil on a roster and don’t have the strength to direct the stars to do the necessary little things to avoid this stuff …….. But the norm is I’m did this , I’m doing that, but did we really do this and when ? really ? Did you do that !!! Nope !! Folks Supplements De Water !!
Anyone ever really watch these guys warm up pre game !! It is for the most part a Joke !! And the trainer is like a lil bi*ch parking his bike in the bike rack in elementary school for the very first time at 11 years old !!! This Hammy issue can def be cut in half but sure as hell not under Washingtons Directive….. do less , get more, take theirs , and don’t blame anyone !!Its the new if I’m injured I get paid , NFL under Washington leadership ……. Go Bucs !!
Don’t be a hater it is what it is 💵🍺💵
August 19th, 2022 at 12:14 am
For those of you keeping score at home, that’s 3 practices out of 4 practices where the Buc DBs had their asses handed to them.
Face it, Hainsey and Stinne/Leverett aren’t ready for prime time.
On the positive side, at least they’re consistent.
August 19th, 2022 at 12:25 am
I was reading the practice notes from the Cowboys and Chargers practice. Folks, it doesn’t bode well for us week 1. The Cowboys D had EIGHT sacks on Herbert and Herbert is more mobile than Brady. The entire Chargers offense struggled. Once again, this OL is a serious liability, especially now that Wirfs is injured. I’m not coming back if I’m Brady. If he does come back, Brady will throwaway every pass before he takes a hit. I trust Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert as much as CNN. It seems like Bowles has totally outsourced the decision as to who will start on the line.
They basically handed an unproven Hainsey the center job. They brought no vet in to challenge him. They’re too far along to bring in anybody now. They mishandled the whole OL situation. They should’ve brought in a vet center and Hainsey could’ve competed for the C and LG position. The organization is biased in their assessment of Hainsey because he’s their golden boy who works hard. He can’t get the job done on the field. Brady told you so without actually being direct. He said the organization has trust in Hainsey. He didn’t say he did.
One thing about Brady, he’s not gonna blow smoke up your butt when it comes to his assessment of players. He will give a bunch of non answers on most things, but not on this. The answer about Gage is one example. He challenged Gage to rise up and told him he was important to their success. In NE he flat out said he wasn’t gonna throw to guys he didn’t think would help the team win. Belichick agreed with him. Rodgers is the same way. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s already warned his receivers they won’t be on the roster if they can’t hack it. Brady could’ve easily said he he trusted Hainsey and he didn’t.
August 19th, 2022 at 1:53 am
Bucsfan13, absolutely right on every point. Also remember, guys, how Brady quietly shut down on the Patriots in his last season there, sick of the roster non-improvement as well as their refusal to sign him long term, the combination of which added up to, in his mind, disrespect towards him.
He did his job, but it was clear, and he made it clear, that he had insufficient support. Is this happening again?
August 19th, 2022 at 4:24 am
Ia Brady making a movie?
August 19th, 2022 at 6:24 am
“matthew veal Says: Greg cosell of the nfl network just thinks the flaws on Trask will break down somewhere.”
Doesn’t matter what a former basketball player, with a history of wrong football opinions, making a living off his uncle Howard’s reputation, “thinks”. Trask is performing well, arguably better than Gabbert.
August 19th, 2022 at 6:30 am
Wow, just looked, and saw that Gabbert has a career record of 50 TDs to 47 INTs. That’s terrible. Why are we wasting our time on him?
August 20th, 2022 at 7:50 am
Trask sounded crisp, joe. Get rid of Gabbert. Looking forward to listening tonight. I hope Trask gets featured.