Fast, Fresh & Free
January 17th, 2024
The Bucs have it all when it comes to the areas of youth and experience.
Four draft picks are making huge contributions: Calijah Kancey, Cody Mauch, YaYa Diaby and Trey Palmer (shown above streaking for a touchdown in Monday’s night’s playoff game).
Undrafted rookie Christian Izien is playing a lot, too.
Astute NFL fans know that injecting a special rookie draft class into a mix of veterans, especially a slew of young Super Bowl veterans, is a great formula to produce a vastly improved football team that closes a season strong.
Those rookies were a subject on SiriusXM NFL Radio yesterday, where Bucs head coach Todd Bowles was a special guest. He noted that most of those aforementioned draft picks hit a rookie wall, “got nicked up,” dealt with the mental challenges of a first season and “came out the other side.
“They’re playing fast. They’re playing fresh, and they’re playing free. And they’re helping us out,” Bowles said.
They sure are.
Joe wouldn’t be surprised if rookie tight end Payne Durham finds an important catch against the Lions on Sunday. Joe hears he’s been coming on strong and that he could be a matchup fit against Detriot.
What a job general manager Jason Licht has done. Put that man in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor now.
January 17th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Agree on Durahm.
January 17th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
TE’s will be a big part to winning if we can get them going.
January 17th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
spreading the ball out to the other guys last weekend was the move…
now moving forward, that ball can go to almost anyone…
6 viable targets on any given play…
me
cg
dm
tp
co
rb1
January 17th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
Agree 100% with this post!!! Yes since wresting control from Lovie Jason has done an outstanding job!
As always it’s where you wish to place your attention. On JL’s successes or his busts. JL hasn’t been perfect but he’s been right more than wrong and on some of those “correct” player moves he’s been borderline genius.
Rebuilding this team overnight has been entertaining to watch. I love the Bucs “Kiddie Korps’. I include 1st and 2nd year players in that group. One more off season like the past two and the Bucs will not be picked to finish last in a weak Division next year.
January 17th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
and that’s not including durham who makes a big play now and again…
not now and then…but now and again
January 17th, 2024 at 3:11 pm
I like what Bowles calls them, the “Puppy Pound”
January 17th, 2024 at 3:12 pm
Proud of Bowles and Baker. Hopefully the encore is even better on Sunday. Go Bucs’
January 17th, 2024 at 3:20 pm
I have been clamoring for more use of TEs in our passing game & we got it vs Eagles…..Adding Durham to that will surely help.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:22 pm
I think Palmer is going to breakout next year 50+ receptions
January 17th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Durahm?
His first name is Payne. That’s writer’s gold. Use it.
“Bring the Payne!”
So many uses.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:29 pm
TomBucsFan
“I like what Bowles calls them, the “Puppy Pound””
Agree! Kiddie Korps is trite and overused. I’m going to start calling them “Puppy Pound” as well.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Big Deal….Bucs will not be wearing the loser creamsicle uniforms this time.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:35 pm
MarineBuc had a list of 8 players on last years roster that were replaced by youth. Palmer, Moore and Chase Edmonds replaced Bernard, Perriman and Julio who Zyon knocked out Monday night. We really are set up for the future. Sign our kicker before he can go elsewhere.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:42 pm
Tom Brady saved Jason Licht. Joe needs to quit sniffing that guys balls.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:54 pm
Definitely helps to have some depth and trust you can rotate guys especially on defense to keep them fresh
January 17th, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Agree with Rusty
For every Wirfs and Winfield, there’s JTS, Logan Hall, and Ronald Jones ,
For every Mike Evans, there’s a Keyshawn Vaughan Aguayo, and the entire 2017:draft.
He’s done well recently but not Ring of Honor…
January 17th, 2024 at 4:06 pm
@Rusty Jason built the team and recruited the coach that Tom Brady wanted to play for.
January 17th, 2024 at 4:34 pm
HOF GM Bobby Beathard believed hitting on draft picks involved a lot of luck along with the expertise required. This is why he was the king of trading down for MORE picks to increase those odds. Jason Licht’s % stand up well.
Bucs Fan
Agree with the first part…Jason Licht built the team…but I believe although my old memory may deceive that Jason actually recruited BA to help with Fameis.
BA did his best…thought he might be able to do it…but Famies Pick six to end his Bucs career along with his infamous “Check yo sheets” lack of accountability soured BA.
Certainly Licht’s prior N.E. Connection didn’t hurt and Licht did manage to deliver on virtually all of Brady’s requests including Gronk and totally mortaging the Bucs future.
It’s just absurd the think the ONLY way the Bucs win their second SB was with Brady as their QB. The TEAM was READY. IF Fameis wasn’t a cement head with character issues HE clearly had the talent and ability to get the Bucs to the SB.
January 17th, 2024 at 4:44 pm
All in all I think the Bucs did damn good for the 023 season. 1st no one in the NFL gave the Bucs a chance at being here. Must thought the Bucs would be 5-12 or 6-11. They had a lot of dead money, no cap space so they couldn’t if they want go out and sign a big name FA, Mayfield had been with 3 teams the pass year and Bowles first year wasn’t one I want to look back on. So if we do lilies to the Lions Sunday, Licht, Bowles and Bucs front office has done a hell of a job in 023
January 17th, 2024 at 6:14 pm
100% Licht should be going in the Ring of Honor. Built the team that lured Tom and won a SB. 3 straight division titles. Team is looking like a playoff contender for the next 5 years. His drafting is getting better, he knocks this one out of the park and the Bucs will be strong! He is going to end up serving as GM over the franchises best decade of football existence with a SB and 5+ division titles.
January 17th, 2024 at 6:29 pm
Dewey, Bad ass MF who could kick Mcoys ass LMAO U FERS
HOW’D MAYFIELD DO THIS YR
January 17th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
SORRY FELLAS, SOONER MAGIC, ALL BEST BUC’S TEAMS LOADED WITH THE MAGIC
January 17th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
I had 7 wins max. Licht is doing real well considering both QB and cap issues.
I’m most fired up about young players.
Joe’s right. More Durham please.
January 17th, 2024 at 8:11 pm
I do think Payne Durham is going to be starting as our best TE soon.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:53 pm
With how the team is looking now, if we can retain everyone, JL is going to be able to stock the pantry in this draft.
January 18th, 2024 at 8:31 am
How fast was Palmer clocked on that catch and long run? Can’t find it