Bucs Training Camp Notes (Practice No. 11)
August 9th, 2022
Offensive line drills.
As the Bucs prepare for a pair of controlled scrimmages against the Dolphins tomorrow and Thursday along with a game Saturday night, a couple of things stood out.
Rookie running back Rachaad White continues to get a lot of snaps with the first team, the Bucs rush defense is stingy, especially up the middle, and it’s fun watching the receivers ball out.
Also, a certain possible future cornerstone of the Bucs offense appears to have rebounded somewhat. All that and more in today’s training camp notes.
* OK, let’s get this out of the way: Really good sign here. Kyle Trask had a nice practice. Joe didn’t see Trask throw that much. It was mostly Tom Brady and Blaine Gabbert (who has improved each week). But from what Joe saw of Trask, Joe didn’t witness a bad pass. Last week Trask was simply awful, there is no other way to put it. And on Sunday Joe honestly thought Trask was on the verge of having a Rick Ankiel meltdown. On Sunday after throwing one of the most ghastly pick-sixes imaginable, Trask — on three straight plays — took off running from the pocket. Joe Twittered at the time that Trask was rattled. Other observers thought similarly. His body language telegraphed as much. So Joe was bracing to see Trask go all Ankiel today. But instead, he looked calm, composed and mostly accurate. Joe at one point in practice saw Bucs offensive Bryon Leftwich follow Trask out of a huddle with his hand on Trask’s non-throwing shoulder as if to reinforce support. Even the Bucs noticed Trask was shaken. Joe wonders what the Bucs told Trask to calm him down? At any rate, it was a good sign that Trask didn’t buckle.
11-on-11
* Leftwich really enjoys running Playoff Lenny on the first play. He takes a pitch from Brady and runs right and gets nothing. Next play Playoff Lenny tries to run around the left side and gets minimal yardage.
* Bucs run defense is good again today, especially up the middle.
* Brady is flushed a couple of steps to his left and connects with Giovani Bernard down the left sideline.
* Ke’Shawn Vaughn runs right and is sprung by a solid block from rookie tight end Ko Kieft, who lined up at fullback. Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett moved it to tackle Vaughn and Kieft popped Shaq with a solid block.
* Gabbert tries to hit Devin Thompkins down the right seam and rookie cornerback Zyon McCollum was all over Thompkins and broke up the pass. The Bucs rookies at skill positions (Cade Otton, White, McCollum and Kieft) steadily are improving.
* A big run by White along the right side is called back on a false start. Yeah, there are zebras here today.
* Brady pitches to White on a run to the left and White gets about 10 yards.
* Gabbert fakes a handoff to Kenjon Barner and it fools no one as the line collapses and Gabbert is surrounded.
* Mismatch: A running back on an outside linebacker is not a good matchup for the defense. Gabbert finds Barner being covered by Andre Anthony down the right sideline. And it’s good coverage too. But it is also a better throw from Gabbert who connects with Barner.
* This time it is Shaq who is hung out to dry as he tries to cover Playoff Lenny and Brady finds him for a nice gain.
* You could say Julio Jones influences his fellow teammates. He dives for a ball from Gabbert down the right seam and comes up with the catch. The crowd loves it. On the very next play, Brady throws a ball down the right sideline and this time it is Tyler Johnson who dives and catches the pass. Good hustle that the crowd appreciates.
* Even for a Tuesday morning there are a lot of folks out here. Bleachers are pretty full.
* Not in Carlton Davis’ backyard! Gabbert tries to hook up with Bernard on the right side and Davis lights up his world to break up the pass. Davis is Miami-ready.
* Gabbert goes sideline hunting. He connects with Kaylon Geiger and the immortal Cyril Grayson both down the right sideline. Grayson, however, was tightly covered by McCollum. On the third play, Gabbert throws for Grayson on the left sideline and the pass is complete.
* Trask comes in and completes his first two passes, to White down the right seam and Johnson along the left sideline.
7-on-7
* Scotty Miller makes an appearance and hauls in a pass from Brady for about a 20-yard gain. Miller is popular with the fans as they come alive with the catch.
* Brady and Russell Gage show off as Gage catches a deep pass down the right side.
* Gabbert throws for Kieft on a down-and-out on the left side and this is maybe the first bad play Joe has seen from Kieft. It appeared Kieft didn’t turn around quick enough to track down the ball. It was catchable had Kieft turned around a bit sooner. Overall, Joe likes Kieft’s advancement. This was a rare off-play for the Minnesota product.
* Brady rifles a pass over the middle to Bernard between a pair of defenders.
* There is a Kyle Rudolph sighting. Brady connects with the veteran tight end on the right side.
* Brady goes deep over the middle for Jaelon Darden.
* Trask is on the money with a pass over the middle for Jerreth Sterns.
* Trask looks left and throws right and hits Vyncint [not a typo] Smith in stride on a crossing pattern from the left. Trask looks so much more comfortable and relaxed today.
* On the previous play, there is no center. A ball boy usually snaps the ball to the quarterback. But the ball boy was not around so Leftwich ran up and filled in for the missing ball boy.
Red zone
* Brady dumps off to Rudolph on the right side.
* Bernard runs around right end.
* Miller catches a Brady pass on the left flat with Davis covering him.
* Bernard catches a Brady pass on the right side.
* Sterns dives for a Gabbert pass at the line of scrimmage and can’t come up with the pass.
* White tries to run up the middle and the stubborn Bucs interior defense doesn’t budge.
* Gabbert looks left and throws to White on the right side. Zebras throw a flag. No signal on what the penalty was.
* Brady tries for Rudolph on the goal line near the right sideline and the pass is off his hands.
* Julio down by the end zone: Julio scores on an inside slant from Brady.
* Bernard runs for a score.
* Trask is sent in and as he leaves the huddle, Leftwich follows him with a calming hand on his left shoulder.
* Thompkins drops a Trask pass in the end zone.
* Trask throws to Darden at the goal line along the right sideline and as Darden falls out of bounds he reaches in desperation and the sideline judge raises his arms in the air with authority — touchdown!
11-on-11
* Trask hits Johnson on a crossing pattern from the left.
* Ryan Griffin tries for USFL star Bug Howard and the ball is off Howard’s hands.
* Griffin looks right and throws to Howard on the left side and this time it is complete.
* Bernard up the middle for a nice gain.
* Trask connects with a wide @rse open Geiger over the middle.
* Griffin to Barner over the left side.
* Trask throws to the right side for Geiger who does a circus bobbling act before hauling it in. Geiger is likely going to work for Ringling Bros. in a couple of weeks. That guy bobbles more passes than Joe has ever seen.
* Trask pumps twice to the right then throws to Vaughn on the left side and leads him just a hair too much.
* Griffin throws a nice pass to Howard in traffic over the middle for a completion.
* Trask is flushed by the rush and he takes off down the right side for a touchdown.
August 9th, 2022 at 3:15 pm
Nice!
I hope Bernard’s legs hold up
August 9th, 2022 at 3:28 pm
Bernard was a bada$$ for the Bengals.
He still is one of the quickest (not fastest) RB’s in the league.
He needs 8-10 touches per game.
August 9th, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Glad to hear Trask had a better day. Hope springs eternal.
August 9th, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Hopefully this ends all the Trask for backup talks. Trask is no longer competing with Blaine Gabbert but rather Ryan Griffin for the #3 spot.
Its clear the Bucs coaching staff dont value Trask very highly right now, we’ll see if he can change that narrative but its not looking great right. Even after a decent practice.
August 9th, 2022 at 3:58 pm
Joe can’t just dive into what Trask did well, he has to first rehash his miscues from last week. 🙄
August 9th, 2022 at 4:02 pm
As a guy who lives 10 minutes away from North Texas University, and knows quite a bit about them, I can tell you their playbook is very simplistic. Darden was mentally lost last year. His physical ability was never in question. Now that this guy knows and understands the playbook, on top of the fact he’s gotten stronger, I suspect he’s going to make some big plays for this team.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Thanks Joe.
You should resurrect the ‘Rudy’ moniker for Scoot Miller.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Based on Joe’s notes today, Trask’s line is:
8 for 10
1 TD (2d TD was dropped)
0 INT
That’s excellent.
But that’s not what haters like Tbbucs3 want to see. So, Tbbucs3 the idiot says “Hopefully this ends all the Trask for backup talks.” Haters gonna hate, I guess.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:13 pm
Well yeah because just reporting what he did today alone make one think he might take over for Brady next year, which would be grossly irresponsible.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:22 pm
Kieft was drafted, late, for his blocking – he didn’t do much catching the ball, so anything there is extra.
Have they being doing any return work? Wondering if Geiger or Tompkins have been doing anything there as their highlight tapes make them look like that might be the way they make a roster.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:26 pm
“Trask is on the money with a pass over the middle…”
“CROWN HIS A$$” bellowed Denny Green!
August 9th, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Maniac Buc – Actually Darden’s physical traits are very much in question, he’s not really fast or quick and doesn’t have good size. He had good production as a WR in college vs suspect opponents, but was very average in the limited amount of returns he did in college. He was a late 4th round pick, or, with comp picks in the 3rd, actually a 5th rounder, so it’s always been a long shot that he’d stick on the roster. If he does make the roster this year it will be because he earned it, not because of where he was picked.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:34 pm
I just remember before the draft when a ton of Florida fanbois were telling me that the Bucs could trade Trask for a 1st rounder. I LOL’d at the time, just as I do today. If the Bucs could have flipped him for a 1st, they would have done so in a second. Or a 2nd, or a 3rd. He was slightly overdrafted, moving into the 2nd round, and that really hurts him since people expect production from 2nd round QBs, where as if he was a 3rd rounder, one pick later, no one would really be on his case as people except a lot less from a 3rd round QB. However, rarely do 2nd round or 3rd round QBs do anything in the NFL, generally a successful pick in that range is someone like Mike Glennon, who can stick around for years as a backup. I mean sure, you get a lottery pick like Brees or Wilson once a decade, but Glennon is pretty much the best you can hope for, realistically.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:35 pm
@Rod Munch, Darden is fast enough and is as quick as almost anyone in the league. His quickness is his calling card. He’s a really good route runner also, and has very good hands. He will make this roster because he’s the 5th best receiver on this team(I stand on that), and because he has 3 years of control. Where he was drafted at has no impact what so ever.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Darden plays like he has rolling skates for cleats, and the man curls up like a fetus when a defender is near him. Our special teams were liability last season. We often had bad starting position, and the defense had to defend shorter fields because the punter sucks. Also, Keith Armstrong has been able to avoid any criticism from the coaches. He was bad in ATL, and now our special teams were among the worst in the NFL since he’s been here.
August 9th, 2022 at 4:41 pm
“Julio down by the end zone”
Don’t you mean “Me and Julio down by the school yard”? I see what you did there young man!
August 9th, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Fantastic recap Joe….
Didn’t hear Gage, Grayson…..Keyshawn
August 9th, 2022 at 4:49 pm
“Joe Says:
Joe can’t just dive into what Trask did well, he has to first rehash his miscues from last week. 🙄
Well yeah because just reporting what he did today alone make one think he might take over for Brady next year.”
lol
August 9th, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Maniac Buc – I wasn’t saying he was slow, I was just saying he’s not a no-brainer, and his workout numbers show someone who is fairly average (that’s not a negative, he just isn’t above average). I very much doubt he’d beat out Tyler or Miller for 5th, if Miller is healthy, I can’t see the Bucs cutting him with the timing he has with Brady – and Tyler Johnson, as Arians said, is one of the best blocking WRs in the NFL and played over 600 snaps last year, he’s going to be hard to let go as well. So if Darden makes the team, he’ll have earned it. Also it’s possible, not likely but possible, that the Bucs keep 7 WRs, again, if they did so, its because Darden really stood out (or the vets aren’t healthy).
August 9th, 2022 at 4:56 pm
“Rod Munch Says: Rarely do 2nd round or 3rd round QBs do anything in the NFL”
You mean like Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Joe Theismann, Drew Brees, Boomer Esiason, Randall Cunningham, Ron Jaworski?
August 9th, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Lets see how darden does against other teams. Cause if brady looking his way thats a good sign. These cuts for wr will be tough and bucs wont be able to sneak onto practice squad
August 9th, 2022 at 5:00 pm
tampafishman – So what is that, about one QB a decade? Exactly my point.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:01 pm
@Rod Munch, Scotty is almost a lock to not be on this team. I’m speaking on that with knowledge. He knows it also, which is why he spoke the way he did at his press conference. He is going to have to really separate himself in these preseason games in order to make it, and that’s not likely. If he does, he increases his theoretical trade value making it more likely he’s gone. Remember, there are a lot of angles that go into roster decisions.
Also, not sure Brady is enamored with Scotty as much as fans think. In fact, if you asked a little birdie, he might tell you if Tom could choose, he would choose Darden. He’s a big fan of Darden.
We will all know soon enough.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:03 pm
@Rod Munch, both TJ and Darden will make this roster, I can almost guarantee it.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:05 pm
I found it very interesting that a ball boy is doing most snaps. I have been wondering who was playing center and it seems now like no one, Hmm.. I also find it heartening that they are using Darden differently than returning kicks and he seems to be doing much better.
Rod, you need to learn the difference between the words “except” and “accept” unless that was just a mind fart.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:08 pm
The Bucs just released their first official depth chart. It’s just mostly a rehash of last season. In other words, rookies and free agents need to show they can beat out the incumbents.
Trask is listed as the third-string QB, ahead of Griffin.
Stinnie is listed as the starting LG.
Jensen is still listed as the starting C (huh?).
Darden is listed as the return man, both punts and kick-offs. If that holds, he’ll make the team with Johnson and Miller rounding out the WRs corp.
SMB is a first-string CB, ahead of Dean.
Logan Ryan is a backup S, though you know he’s going to float around.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:09 pm
@Crickett Baker
The ball boy is in better game shape than Jensen. Just except it.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Here’s every 2nd round QB since 2000 – 23 of them, and you got 1 HOFer (Brees), and one other full time starter (Carr), and two part time starters who had some success (Kap, Jimmy G). You also have two young guys (Hurts and Lock) who so far look like busts, but it’s still early.
2021 Kyle Trask TB
2020 Jalen Hurts PHI
2019 Drew Lock DEN
2017 DeShone Kizer CLE
2016 Christian Hackenberg NYJ
2014 Derek Carr OAK
2014 Jimmy Garoppolo NE
2013 Geno Smith NYJ
2012 Brock Osweiler DEN
2011 Andy Dalton CIN
2011 Colin Kaepernick SFO
2010 Jimmy Clausen CAR
2009 Pat White MIA
2008 Brian Brohm GNB
2008 Chad Henne MIA
2007 Kevin Kolb PHI
2007 John Beck MIA
2007 Drew Stanton DET
2006 Kellen Clemens NYJ
2006 Tarvaris Jackson MIN
2001 Drew Brees SDG
2001 Quincy Carter DAL
2001 Marques Tuiasosopo OAK
August 9th, 2022 at 5:20 pm
@Rod Munch, I agree with all except Hurts is not and will not be a bust
August 9th, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Fishman that was a$$ kicking.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Trask has a good day, blind squirrel finds acorn. We won’t know if he’s trending up, or just had a lucky day. Time will tell. He’s going to get his chance the next few weeks. I’ll hold judgment till after his last preseason game.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:35 pm
Best game plan for Trask is to have him hand off.
The Dardung love is hysterical. He’s gonna need to learn some French to play in Montreal.
August 9th, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Tyler Johnson is named day after day. Very underrated in camp this year. Julio/TJ rotation.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:02 pm
I wish Jo would do a game live report just like this for those of us who can not watch on TV. Out here in the Boondocks.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:06 pm
I know the first depth chart doesn’t mean anything but has anyone seen it?
Stinnie is the starter at left guard.
Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller, and Perriman, are listed as the 5th, 6th and 7th receivers with Cyril Grayson and Darden on the outside looking in at 8th and 9th respectively.
Rachaad White is listed as the 4th string RB.
Thought it was cool they Zyon is already listed as the 4th CB over Cockrell (who is listed as the 7th safety) and Dee Delaney.
All of it doesn’t mean a whole lot right now, but still interesting to see!
August 9th, 2022 at 6:18 pm
Bernard hasn’t averaged 4.0 yards a carry or more in a season in eternity. Not since his last ACL tear… he might look okay now but he hasn’t produced well at the NFL level in years. Nice veteran… the game is past him.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:19 pm
Any news on Logan Hall? I’ve seen nothing on him.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Anyone who think it’s ok to call a grown man out of his name, like Dardung, as to be like 12 years old. Good player of not, you don’t disrespect another man’s name.
It’s easy to be hard sitting in your mama basement typing to a glow in the dark keyboard and watching Teletubbies on YouTube.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:33 pm
The Dolphins scrimmage will be interesting. Brady torched them the last time we played them. They could not stop AB. They have two top corners with Xavien Howard being a top 5 corner. He couldn’t stop AB. They did get some interior pressure on Brady.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Anybody that disses a proven performer like Miller, who Brady trusts, and claims they know he won’t make the team because…….they have special insight…..and instead supports a guy whose best legacy will be the comparison to Appalachian State Dexter Jackson…..yeah really knows football.
Dardung sucks. Everyone but you knows it, Maniac.
August 9th, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Great synopsis Joe. Enjoyed reading it.
August 9th, 2022 at 7:08 pm
My prediction Brady will not be at practice either day vs phins. Brady pretty much went dark no social media but for a comment for his niece Maya playing softball in Japan. Also ig story with the video of the 3 girls winning scholarship from bucs
August 9th, 2022 at 7:15 pm
I just found out they are putting Darden in as both KR AND PR. Initial depth chart. I guess I can’t except him.
August 9th, 2022 at 7:32 pm
So I assume when Darden is still on the roster in a few weeks and Scotty isn’t, you’ll disappear?
Also, if this website allowed pictures, I’ll show you a convo I had with a reporter through text, talking about the Arians hire, and that Bowles was coming with him, on December 31, 2018, minutes after Todd Bowles was fired by the jets. That was 8 days before the news broke and while the national media was still connecting him to the Browns.
There are several other things Bucs I posted about early also.
Send me your twitter handle and I’ll inbox you some convos. Lol. Legit
August 9th, 2022 at 7:33 pm
Can’t wait to see the little guy running side to side against the Dolphins scrubs, running 35 yards to lose 2 yards and falling down after so,done dives at his feet and whiffs. Those are the attributes of a great athlete!
August 9th, 2022 at 7:37 pm
@HC Grover, you say you can’t watch the game, where do you live? I stay in the woods also but have an over the air antenna and get quite a few stations, including the bucs.
August 9th, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Maniac, good for you big guy! Impressive that you need to come to an anonymous comment forum to strut your deep insights, anonymously.
Send your resume’ to the Joes, they undoubtedly could use another deep insider to answer all the burning questions.
August 9th, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Hey, in a few weeks, one of us will be right, one of us will be wrong. I feel pretty confident.
August 9th, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Im not convinced that Darden has an edge over Miller. Darden has value and I’m excited about him, but making a few circus catches in practice compared to what looks nothing less than a complete camp from Miller, will not be overlooked.
August 9th, 2022 at 8:38 pm
He’s just saying you’re a bully for constantly comparing the young man to feces. I saw you have buddies on here that think you’re clever bully goat. The funny thing about bullies, they’re the first to run off crying when they get exposed for what they really are…….COWARDS.
August 9th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Just got done reading day 11. I’m getting a good feeling about this team. Once again, great job Joes.
August 9th, 2022 at 9:08 pm
Careful, Jerry Jones. Maniac is plugged in! He knows people who know people who know people. You can’t be tighter than that.
August 9th, 2022 at 10:20 pm
@Goatfarmer, I gave you an opportunity to see what I have. You don’t wanna see it, because it will upset you. The offer still stands. Like I said, we’ll see in a few weeks. I can’t wait to see your rant when Scotty is gone!
August 9th, 2022 at 11:20 pm
@ Brad Dempsey Maybe he’s just sick of the toxic social media drivel! No way he misses the joint practices. Bowles said these practices are important for preparation for the season. If Brady didn’t show, it will be more of a story. Brady has spent 23 years of blocking out the noise. The narratives for these practices have already been set by the media. If Tua plays well, It’s because he had extra motivation to stick it to Brady and the Dolphins management. If Brady struggles, it’s because he was distracted by the Dolphins scandal. I’m sure the national media will parachute in for these practices. Hopefully, the Bucs will only allow local media.
August 9th, 2022 at 11:57 pm
If you had anything like you represent, you wouldn’t be here pretending to have something as ludicrous as the Dardung hoax. You’d be reporting for an outlet.
You’ve had some decent takes but this is insane. Your proximity to where the guy went to college makes you cheer for him and blind to the fact that he’s not cut out for this level.
Go Bucs.
August 10th, 2022 at 12:12 am
@Goatfarmer, like I said, shoot that twitter and I’ll show you what you don’t want to see. No bluffing here. What’s the harm in tagging your twitter? Of course the name will be scratched out. But the date stamps well before the day will be present. I can even show you text where we are laughing talking about my convos with you, both from today and before.
The crazy part is every knows Scotty is going to get caught in the numbers game. It happens. I like Scotty the person, he’s a great guy, but he’s limited. He even knows he’s limited. The team knows he’s limited. It’s the fans who think he “can be the next Cooper Kupp” if given a chance.
August 10th, 2022 at 10:43 am
Send your resume to the Bucs, wannabe. I couldn’t give a crap less what you say you have on twatter or whatever it’s called.
August 10th, 2022 at 10:46 am
RE:
“* Leftwich really enjoys running Playoff Lenny on the first play”
Ahhh. Finally, is this the clouds clearing on who has been calling the a$$inine runs up the middle on 1st downs??
August 10th, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Maniac Buc – I’m in the middle on Hurts, but if you listen to Eagles fans, he’s a bust, and they see him a lot more than I do. However, with that said, he’s still a young guy and can certainly change that perception.
August 10th, 2022 at 1:28 pm
“Rod Munch Says: However, with that said, he’s still a young guy [third year Eagles QB Jalen Hurts] and can certainly change that perception.”
So Roddie Munchie has two very different standards, one for Hurts (“he’s still young and can improve”), and an entirely different one for Kyle Trask (“he hasn’t played but he’s no good and never will be good”).
Now why is that, Roddie? Because Trask went to Florida and Hurts didn’t? Or because Trask is white and Hurts is black? Which one, Roddie?