Jason Licht: “Hopefully That’s A Trend That Continues”
September 19th, 2022
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht should be one cocky dude these days as he presides over a team on a 24-5 run.
Joe guesses Licht is strutting around knowing how well his roster has come together, despite a mess of injuries on offense.
The GM talked on the Buccaneers Radio Network yesterday and was crowing about his teams’ play on fourth down against Dallas opening day.
“I was extremely ecstatic about the play of our special teams and hopefully that’s a trend that continues,” Licht said.
Indeed it did continue yesterday against a perennially strong special teams unit in New Orleans.
Rookie punter Jake Camarda has been super impressive and even Jaelon Darden had a nice punt return. Coverage units featuring a healthy share of rookies have been very sound through the young season.
Licht also raved about having seven rookies contribute on opening day, and gave credit to the rookie tight ends, Ko Kieft and Cade Otton, for getting the running game going against Dallas, though he wouldn’t name them.
The GM said “I’ll call them by their first names” if they keep up the good work.
It was a rougher day for the rookies against the Saints. Otton and Kieft had blocking losses, and Kieft dropped a pass. Rookie Rachaad White didn’t play much and had a red zone drop with no success on the ground.
Still, the Bucs rookies look poised to have a big year collectively.
To steal Licht’s line, “hopefully that’s a trend that continues.”
September 19th, 2022 at 12:27 pm
So far ST’s have shown a huge improvement (except for one makeable FG that went awry…)
September 19th, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Hall may be seeing more snaps as well.
September 19th, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Camarda has been outstanding. I’m really impresed with him. Totally worth it that pick.
September 19th, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Kieft and Otto wiil get betteras the season goes.
September 19th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
‘better’
September 19th, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Hicks hurt imagine that
September 19th, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Out ST play has been at best mediocre over the past few years. How exciting to see outstanding ST play. And it could be the difference.
It’s obviously way to early to anoint Camarda as “great” but he’s certainly off to a GREAT start!!!
I’m an old dude…Ray Guy set the benchmark for me. He was a weapon for the Raiders. In his 13–year career, Guy:
Played in 207 consecutive games
Punted 1,049 times for 44,493 yards, averaging 42.4 yards per punt, with a 33.8 net yards average
Had 210 punts inside the 20-yard line (not counting his first 3 seasons, when the NFL did not keep track of this stat), with just 128 touchbacks
Younger dudes might claim Sean Landetta was the GOAT. A worthy debate.
Landeta 1401 43.3 Avg 60,707 total 19.99% inside the 20.
How does Camarda stack up after just two games.
9 punts for 381 yds longest of 63 average 42.3 with 5 inside the 20.
That last stat blows away both Guy and Landeta. That’s 55% inside the 20!!!!
They did not keep track of inside the 20 the first 4 or 5 years of Guy’s career so there’s that and of course the major disclaimer..Camarda only 2 games and 9 punts. He has to keep it up.
September 19th, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Camarda looks like an excellent 4th rounder. A lot of people forget many picks don’t make the team and even more make it an NFL career. I have not hated drafting kickers but if you do it, it needs to work.
September 19th, 2022 at 1:45 pm
LICHT’S BEST DECISION
Drafting Camarda instead of the “Punt God”.
Y’all blew him up for that decision. How good does the scout team look now? Put that into your memory bank for next draft … you don’t know more than the pros.
September 19th, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Lotta rookies playing and contributing this year. This team is built to win now, win next year and win forever.
September 19th, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Darden has been decent so far but not worth the roster spot. They are missing Tyler Johnson right about now. And I support Darden, I am all for giving him a chance, not like some on here who want to run people out of town after one rookie year.
The biggest thing is the coverage units have been very good
September 19th, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Its easy to see #41 & #88 when the team excels in the run game like they did in Dallas.
Its not as easy to see when the team struggles for the most part like they did against the Saints.
HOWEVER, you don’t let your 45 year old QB ONLY GET HIT 7 times in two games with a GREEN AS GRASS OL without #41 and #88.
FACTS
September 19th, 2022 at 2:34 pm
@David
Why is Tyler up to these days? 3, 4, 5 WR….. Oh wait, he is not even playing. HMMMM
September 19th, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Just saying, we are not missing TJ. We are 2-0 and have faced two of the best teams in the league.
About to face two of the next best teams in these next two weeks.
September 19th, 2022 at 3:53 pm
Tyler got snatched up on another team.
September 19th, 2022 at 5:25 pm
Ray Guy without question was the greatest punter the league has ever known. His hang times were legendary. Chiefs had a hell of a punter back in the day as well, Jerrell (sp?) Wilson.
September 19th, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Tyler Johnson was too inconsistent, hence his current situation. Plus, I don’t think TJ had a returner skill set. So I guess your point is moot.