NFL.com: Bucs Still A Force In The NFC South
April 14th, 2024
Prepare for stardom.
Boy, oh boy. People really have their noses up the backside of Kirk Cousins.
Joe was reading a story last night that included some fantasy geek thinking the 36-year old quarterback coming back from a blown Achilles will blow up this fall for the Dixie Chicks.
This fantasy dude — we all know Joe’s idea of fantasy has absolutely nothing to do with football but everything to do with a comely brunette and a secluded island in the Bahamas — countered any concern with Cousins’ Achilles is nullified by the fact he has weapons to throw to! LOL
Now that’s the work 21st century medicine! A guy can overcome a career-threatening because of the players wearing the same uniform.
Funny how that method didn’t work for O.J. Howard.
Well, Jeffri Chadiha isn’t ready to hand over the NFC South to the Dixie Chicks quite yet. Chadiha, typing for NFL.com, points out there is a reason the Bucs are a three-peat champion of the division. And Chadiha all but types that, to quote the great Ric Flair, to be the man you have to beat the man.
The Buccaneers won’t make those [Atlanta] dreams easy to realize, especially since they’ve won that division three years in a row. General manager Jason Licht also has enjoyed a strong offseason. He re-signed star wide receiver Mike Evans to a new deal, worked out a reasonable contract to keep quarterback Baker Mayfield and used the franchise tag to create time to work out a long-term extension with All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. The Buccaneers might not be what they were when Tom Brady was running the show, but they’re still scrappy enough to be playing meaningful games in December and January.
It’s going to be very interesting who Licht drafts this month to enhance the core of the Bucs.
While certain core players, star players, are getting long in the tooth — Mike Evans, Lavonte David and to a lesser degree Vita Vea, who turns 30 in February — the Bucs had a bunch of rookies last season who contributed.
If those rookies take the logical next step this season, look out. Joe in particular is stoked to see what Calijah Kancey does. Advanced stats show he was a much better run-stuffer than Joe previously thought he would be. He’s already a dangerous pass rusher.
Joe thinks Kancey is going to be hellacious.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:09 am
A “comely brunette”? I was thinking more of a redhead.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:15 am
The Falcons beat the Bucs last year and save for a 4th down run from R. White may have beaten the Bucs twice. And that’s with no real QB. But…the secret sauce here is to get after the statue like Cousins, especially at his age and after that injury. Now about that edge rusher…
On a side note; Mary Ann (not Ginger) on that secluded island in the Bahamas.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:18 am
The breakdown that Baldinger did on Kancey last year displayed some of the quickest releases on blockers that I’d ever seen. That was the point I realized he is going to be special! I think by the end of this year he’ll become a household name.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:26 am
I’m very confident that Kancey, Diaby and maybe even Izien and Watts will all step up this year.
I’m thinking Cousins is going to resemble Carr more than Mayfield.
I’m thinking about maybe watching that UFL on TV this afternoon cuz I’m jonesin’ for some football.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:27 am
C’mon guys! Gentlemen prefer blondes.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:38 am
We’re nothing…..nobody, write us off….we dont know how
April 14th, 2024 at 8:44 am
Kirk Cousins seems like a real nice guy. However, too many are on Cousins bandwagon now. Too much hype on him at this point and it is tiring. It could end up being a big bust. He is not Tom Brady, but they are all acting like he is.
April 14th, 2024 at 8:48 am
Jason, Sweat will be a steal….work it out
April 14th, 2024 at 8:55 am
Powers is dropping
Powers
Braswell
Sweat
Estime
April 14th, 2024 at 8:57 am
may have to trade up for Braswell
April 14th, 2024 at 8:59 am
Brunette? Brunette?
No sir. Red on the head, fire down below!
April 14th, 2024 at 9:21 am
They are a force to win 8-9 games. They will not be a SB contender until we get a good coach. ( that does not mean one the newb rally around)
Let lovie build the young Bucs and then bring in a real, no BS, coach.
I.e. dingy then gruden
April 14th, 2024 at 9:21 am
Seriously wondering at the Cousins love, it’s like the NFL media world is hyping the Tom Brady move to the Bucs again. He had a VERY QB friendly coach and star players with the Vikings who made scrub backups look good in 2023.
While he was a good QB, he’s not elite. And that was before his injury. Now Cousins achilles heel is really his achilles. Coming back from one of those is difficult for any athlete to begin with. But doing so with a new team and system while playing on artificial turf could be too much for a 35 year old body.
The Falcons took a huge risk trying to capitalize with a team carrying a lot of skill players on rookie contracts. I have my doubts it’s going to work.
April 14th, 2024 at 9:53 am
Maybe Hall will play up to his #33 selection, but I’m not counting on it. I would love for the Bucs to find another DL to match with Kancey for a rush straight in Cousins face. I don’t see it as a priority, but a late round DT who can rush the passer would be great.
April 14th, 2024 at 9:53 am
People are enamored with Cousins because of all the championships he’s won. (The preceding comment was brought to you by sarcasm. Sarcasm. It’s what’s for breakfast.)
April 14th, 2024 at 9:54 am
Btw, happy your day Baker!… And congrats on your newborn….so glad we brought you in and we’re keeping you here….hopefully some serious protection for you is coming right up in 2 weeks….
April 14th, 2024 at 10:13 am
The percentage of players who come back to their pre-surgery performance level from a ruptured Achilles is low single digits.
It is the single worst athletic injury an athlete can suffer.
FWIW: I am 11 days post-op from my Achilles, hobbled with a big honkin’ cast with a “no weight” order, just waiting for 10 more days to pass quickly to get a “range of motion” walking boot.
Pro Tip: if you plan to rupture your Achilles, ensure you don’t have stairs. Or install an elevator.
April 14th, 2024 at 10:33 am
I have a feeling Licht is looking to make this his best draft to date.
April 14th, 2024 at 10:34 am
Cobraboy, sorry to hear that! Prays sent for a quick recovery!
April 14th, 2024 at 10:36 am
MadMax Says
“Btw, happy your day Baker!… And congrats on your newborn…”
That is awesome. I just became a first time grandpa (finally). Last year was a baby-making year…because I know of a bunch being born this year!
April 14th, 2024 at 10:36 am
If we make the right moves in the draft and avoid serious injuries to key players, there is no reason why we can’t repeat.
April 14th, 2024 at 10:50 am
Of all the positions the QB is probably the one that will show the least affect of an Achilles Injury. Howard who would have to run, cut, block 265 pounders and jump in front of a 200 pound man coming at 15 MPH. Running backs have pretty much the same obstacles.
As far as Cousins he would hang in as long as possible, deliver the ball as late as possible, and take the hit. Going forward I see him playing more like Brady and if it’s not there then check it down. With a back like Bijan Robinson and a big body tight end like Pitts he could be more productive than he has ever been.
When you add in a HC that has been up against a Sean McVey offense day in and day out for two full seasons I don’t see much catching him off guard.
Even if the NFL swaps the Vikings and Falcons 1st round picks because of tampering and Falcons end up at 11 it is quite possible they move up and take a QB as a Plan B.
April 14th, 2024 at 10:59 am
JimBobBuc … ‘Maybe Hall will play up to his #33 selection, but I’m not counting on it.’
Logan Hall wasn’t my preferred pick by any means, but it’s still too early to label the young man a dud as a football player. Rookie year he was woefully unprepared for the NFL, but apparently he did improve a bunch last year according to our DC. HOPEFULLY he gets stronger this off-season and improves even further.
Just for kicks looked at the players drafted in his pick (Rnd 2, Pick 1) over the last 10 years and how much they played last season. Interestingly, 7 of the 10 picks were on defense. Doesn’t look like any of them really set the world on fire … yet.
o 2023: DB Joey Porter (Steelers) … 807 snaps
o 2022: DT Logan Hall (Bucs) … 543 snaps
o 2021: DB Tyson Campbell (Jaguars) … 589 snaps
o 2020: WR Tee Higgins (Bengals) … 573 snaps
o 2019: DB Byron Murphy (Cards) … 908 snaps
o 2018: C Austin Corbett (Browns) … 257 snaps
o 2017: DB Kevin King (Packers) … 303 snaps
o 2016: DE Emmanuel Ogbah (Browns) … 246 snaps
o 2015: DB Landon Collins (Giants) … 160 snaps
o 2014: G Xavier Su’a-Filo (Texans) … out of football
April 14th, 2024 at 11:41 am
What Bring back the lawn chairs said.
Red.
April 14th, 2024 at 11:48 am
Congrats to Baker and Bonzai. I hope Cobra, that you heal well.
I am worried about the Panthers, too. They probably have a copy of our playbook, gave us all we could handle last year, (without it) and even got one of our players as well as (3?) coaches. How can we not be worried about them?
April 14th, 2024 at 11:58 am
@D Cone: least effect, maybe.
But still an effect.
It will reduce his mobility, and unless he can totally control his mind, he could have a lingering fear of planting that food hard.
In any event, I doubt he will be the same QB as in years past.
April 14th, 2024 at 1:06 pm
Ridder was a joke of a QB. There’s a legit reason why people on jumping on the bandwagon for cousins/falcons. While yes his Achilles injury is a huge red flag it’s not like he’s a running back WR or LB cough cough like Barrett. He stands in the pocket and slings the rock which he is very good at. If he’s able to plant is foot without any fear and gets protection he will do damage. He’s lit up the Bucs plenty of times. Where do you think you like that comes from. He’s got a TE WRS and RBs for weapons. Honestly he prob has more weapons now than he did in minny. Falcons have a good defense. Not saying they will win the SB but deff could make life hard for the Bucs and keep it a lot closer then last year which they were right there. I’m not writing them off that easy
April 14th, 2024 at 1:12 pm
D Cone
You’re definitely minimizing the acheles injury of cousins. He’s also 36 and he’s not tom Brady. Kirk cousins is a regular season QB who has been in the nfl for over a decade and has one playoff win to his name. Cousins is a good QB. But I am taking Baker in crunch time every time over cousins. The falcons will be tough, and I expect cousins to make them even more formatible, but bottom line is cousins still needs to buckle up his chin strap and win in the POST SEASON, and at 36, he is what he is. Falcons are desperate for a super bowl. Their owner is desperate to see them win before his time on earth is done. And above all, their head coach is Raheem Morris. He’s a coordinator, not a head coach, and that will be shown as time goes on.
April 14th, 2024 at 1:15 pm
D-Cone is right on what I was thinking with the O.J. Howard/Cousins comp.
April 14th, 2024 at 1:21 pm
The Bucs have the talent to be a 10-11 win team, as do the Falcons. If we can solidify the interior of our offensive line, and juice up our edge rush, I think we’ll be good to go. The NFC South will be better from top to bottom this year.
April 14th, 2024 at 2:23 pm
My point is this. Tampa will also be better. Calijah Kancey is the real deal. He missed everything in the pre season, missed some regular season games, and by playoff time was a real force. The NFC South will loathe the bucs for drafting Kancey. He’s the dl we’ve been waiting for since sapp moved on. Yaya diaby is also going to be better. We have vita vea, David, Winfield, whitehead. Zion, izien, merriwrqther, Hall , and We have dudes too and the falcons haven’t done anything yet and cousins, while a good QB, is not clutch, at all. Tampa gets to draft as well. Everyone is acting like Tampa isn’t improving and the falcons adding cousins makes the falcons that much better. Last year, the bucs were not looked at to win. In fact, many predicted the saints to win the division. The bucs were projected to not only not make the playoffs, but pick in the top ten of this years draft, so let’s also stop pretending that the bucs didn’t show that they have the talent to surprise people.
Licht is just getting better at building a roster. He will draft another cornerstone this year and will crush whatever else he does. The falcons are fun to talk about, but they still gotta prove it. Cousins needs to prove he’s more than just a regular season wonder and not a playoff bummbler.
April 14th, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Bring back the lawn chairs Says:
April 14th, 2024 at 8:59 am
Brunette? Brunette?
No sir. Red on the head, fire down below!
***********************************************************
On a deserted island?!?
More like fire all over, as in sunburn!
Fair skinned red heads are not the best choice for island living.
There are, of course, exceptions to every rule.
April 14th, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Cousins is the winner of the NFL FA this year in my opinion. Win or lose or he blows his Achilles in the first game he will make $90 million guaranteed. He is a better QB for falcons but he is a statue compared to Ridder and Heinicke.
April 14th, 2024 at 3:38 pm
Lt Dan the Lt Dan from forrest Gump was smarter than u stealing his name wtf u mean we had no qb u b an idiot! Dude
April 14th, 2024 at 3:53 pm
Are you guys for real with your 1970s sitcom fantasies? Like you’d care one iota about a woman’s (I’m just projecting that y’all are talking women, since you only mention hair color) hair color on a deserted island. Shoot, I’d be happy if she could start a fire and catch fish
April 14th, 2024 at 4:00 pm
As long as we’re reminiscing, is it just me or does Kancy look like Bigfoot from the famous Patterson-Gimlin footage in that photo?
April 14th, 2024 at 4:33 pm
Redhead…. ewwww.. they stink
Blonde……. No thanks, no brains or high maintenance
Dark haired ….preferably one a little cray cray and a crazy eye.
April 14th, 2024 at 5:16 pm
I love them all…but reds with that milky skin,toss in a few freckles…yum. lol
April 14th, 2024 at 5:18 pm
And cograts Bonzai… I know you will be force for them….thats awesome brother.
April 14th, 2024 at 7:40 pm
As I’ve said before in other ways, this all comes down to schedule. Atlanta’s third place schedule gives them two easy wins that realists truly have to mark as losses vs. the first place division opponent for the Bucs.
That’s the BIG reason Atlanta probably SHOULD be favored to win the division.
I predicted Carr would be a bust for New Orleans last year and that Mayfield was the better QB. I’m not feeling so sure about Cousins, however. If he comes back from the Achilles surgery without any major deleterious effects, I expect him to be extremely effective. That said, I think people are far over-valuing the receiving weapons that Atlanta has.
The Bucs absolutely have to be better on offense AND defense this year or they will likely end their streak of division wins.
April 14th, 2024 at 7:57 pm
D Cone and 1#bucsfan got it right. A QB who was already known for not being mobile is going to suffer very little from an Achilles injury. If anything, a year without playing will lead to a rusty start and losses in games the Falcons might otherwise have won.
Buclover1988 talks about Cousins’ poor playoff record but that is not the point. I think most people believe that the NFC South realistically will only have one team make the playoffs this year. If that team is the Flacons (due to their far weaker schedule than the Bucs), I really couldn’t care less whether Cousins wins a game or not in the following playoffs.
April 15th, 2024 at 2:01 am
Wouldn’t surprise me if Atlanta plays the Bucs in week 1 this year.
NO historically starts slow and playing Atlanta twice at the end of the season tells us nothing.
I think we see the Saints twice near the end this time with Carolina somewhere in the middle.
Im with the, “We heard the exact same thing with Derek Carr crowd”.
You gotta prove it and stats and past history means NOTHING.
Will be interesting to see if Rodgers or Cousins return better.
April 15th, 2024 at 4:12 am
Joe, we want no insight into your fantasies. Just Buccaneers football please.
April 15th, 2024 at 8:41 am
Scottymack
The point is to win in the post season. Thats always the point. It’s not even a debate. But keep stroking atlantas schlong. They Appreciate it.