“I Cried On That Field”
September 6th, 2024
About 10 days into training camp, picking a 2024 summer MVP would have been easy for Joe.
YaYa Diaby was looking bigger, stronger and more dominant than any other Buccaneer.
Diaby flashed as a true manbeast edge rusher last year as a rookie, but he was raw and his snaps were limited. Late in the season, he no longer looked special.
Then came a nonstop approach by Diaby in the winter and spring offseason. He grinded daily and looked poised to have that trademark of great players — taking a huge step forward in sophomore year. But Diaby went down hard in early August and didn’t practice again until this week.
“I cried on that field,” Diaby told TampaBay.com. “I thought it was worse because I’ve never had a high ankle sprain. I didn’t know the feeling of it and I cried. I said, ‘Please God, I’m having the best camp. I’m feeling the best right now. All the work I’ve done put in this offseason. I’m feeling so good and feeling super explosive, the plays are easier for me and the concept that coach (Todd) Bowles wants is getting easier for me.’”
Diaby, 25, is a very mature dude for a second-year player, much like 25-year-old right guard Cody Mauch, who also was a rookie last year. They took advantage of extra COVID-related seasons in college and arrived in Tampa more prepared for the ups and downs of the NFL, Joe believes.
Joe thinks that could help ensure an improved season for each guy this year.
If the Bucs get that from Diaby, who is now full-go on that ankle, they’ll have the first bonafide stud edge rusher drafted by the team this century.
Joe has no problem saying that could be the difference between being a true Super Bowl contender or a nice club with an edge rush not good enough for late January.
September 6th, 2024 at 3:14 am
I LOVE the disrespect honestly. I have $ laid in several different areas of our possible success’ this Season
LUV. Expect a call before Sunday.😘
September 6th, 2024 at 4:53 am
I feel for how Yaya felt about his ankle and would cry too. He was so energized, fit, and excited, and then suddenly you have an injury you never had before. The pain plus the mindset can really throw you off. Not Yaya though. Reading on here a few days ago that he practiced on Labor Day says so much. He is ready! Go Bucs!
September 6th, 2024 at 5:15 am
I love his passion! Go for it my man! Imagine if Mauch comes up big as well.
LFG!
Go Bucs!
September 6th, 2024 at 8:36 am
Slow down there joe
September 6th, 2024 at 8:56 am
If we can keep Kancey/Vea/Yaya healthy, we should be able to disrupt the QB without needing to blitz all out.
Each of those 3 are able to be incredibly disruptive on their own in both the run and pass game. Average or even below average players around them should be able to succeed a lot more.
September 6th, 2024 at 9:02 am
Of all the number zero jerseys in the nfl that I see his is the only one that pops, The others look so plain. We have top 5 uniforms easy we need to 5 win loss record
September 6th, 2024 at 10:22 am
He cried on the field? What a wimp. Soft.
Barton’s condition is terrible, too. Ask Joe.
September 6th, 2024 at 1:12 pm
I hope we see more of that pass rush this season. Not just from him either. He’s a very likable person/player.
Starting out with a rookie QB and our track record against rookies, this would be a great time to shine!