Who Should Replace Bryce Hall?
September 10th, 2024
Veteran CB help or novice?
It seems backup cornerback Bryce Hall is done for the year.
That’s the way Todd Bowles talked yesterday about the former Jets starter.
Per Tom Pelisero of NFL Network, Hall suffered a dislocated right ankle and a fractured fibula. Brutal.
So who should the Bucs get to replace Hall. Would AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht be so bold as to bring in a veteran with a lot of experience? Remember, the Bucs are short not just with Hall, but it’s unknown if Zyon McCollum (concussion) will be cleared by doctors to play at Detroit on Sunday.
Maura Carey of GulfView.com offered up veteran options the Bucs should examine. Those names include Pat Peterson, Ahkello Witherspoon and Xavier Howard.
Howard intrigues Joe. He was solid with the Dolphins. But there’s a little speed bump there, Carey points out.
Xavien Howard is a free agent for the first time in his career. Howard was a dominant force on the Dolphins’ secondary for years, collecting 331 tackles, 95 pass deflections, and 29 interceptions from 2016 through 2023.
Howard would have been the perfect option, but recent accusations suggest otherwise. Over the offseason, the cornerback was accused of sexual misconduct. General manager Jason Licht prides himself in bringing in players with strong character, making this acquisition highly unlikely.
Well, Licht does like to have a clean ship, that’s correct. But it’s not like he has suddenly turned puritan. Five months ago the Bucs decided to bring in the notorious Randy Gregory, who apparently wouldn’t put the bong down (allegedly) and get up off the couch to go to practice.
Gregory had more red flags than a May Day parade in Red China, yet someone with some pull in the Bucs organization still thought it was a good idea to sign him. Joe is actually thankful Gregory just wanted to swindle Tampa Bay out of a few hundred thousand of Team Glazer loot.
Joe guesses if the Bucs did sign 31-year-old Howard in their hour of cornerback need, he’d at least show up for work.
Peterson, 34, the eight-time Pro Bowler, was a full-time starter for the Steelers last year. He’s somewhat interesting because he spent two years in Todd Bowles’ Arizona defense.
September 10th, 2024 at 4:21 am
Maybe a younger guy? If available, hopefully. We did the Richard Sherman experiment once before and it was pretty mixed. I mean, he got hurt almost right away, unsurprisingly.
September 10th, 2024 at 4:37 am
We’ve got an awful good defense right now!! Granted we’re a little banged up but we can still play winning football. Todd and Jason and the Scouts are already looking ahead to a draft next year full of Defense. Maybe we get an inside linebacker and an edge rusher who’ll become perennial all pros. But let’s stay in the present for now because we will contend for a Super Bowl title this year. And be wary of adding anyone who might screw up the our team mentality right now. Dig into the practice squad and let’s heal up.
September 10th, 2024 at 5:47 am
Izien looked good filling in this week even if he is slotted as safety. After all our leading lawnchair went another week without a pick. Whats that, 29 games dean has gone without…a pick? Geez, I lost count, I just know it’s more than all the fingers and toes I have.
September 10th, 2024 at 5:49 am
In order for us to be able to use them this weekend they would have to be football ready. The Bucs have no cornerbacks on their practice squad so the would have to sign someone from another team practice squad.
September 10th, 2024 at 5:57 am
Probably one of the guys that they had in camp, or maybe Dee Delaney.
September 10th, 2024 at 5:59 am
Dee Delaney is on IR, never mind.
September 10th, 2024 at 6:00 am
Hard hitting Marcus Banks should move up from the practice squad immediately. The fact that Bucs retained him says that they have a level of confidence in his play and he knows the system.
September 10th, 2024 at 6:19 am
Anyone but Xavien Howard. He’s made some recent terrible decisions. Not a fan.
September 10th, 2024 at 6:23 am
@Joe in Michigan – Delaney was released from the Bills with an injury settlement on 9/2. Once he proves he is healthy he can sign with any team.
September 10th, 2024 at 6:25 am
Kenton Smith … ‘We’ve got an awful good defense right now!! Granted we’re a little banged up but we can still play winning football.’
Love the way you phrased that Kenton, and you’re so right. Sunday wasn’t ‘pretty’ on defense, but it was effective & that’s what matters. Bucs were decimated with injuries (before, during & after), yet we only surrendered 20 points, held the Commanders to under 300 total yards, 25% 3rd down conversion rate, and 26 minutes TOP. We SHOULD win a lot of games with numbers like that.
Several areas on defense are concerning though. We gave up 138 rushing yards on 30 attempts (4.6 YPC) and 3 rushing TDs. In & of itself that’s not good, but Daniels did run for most of that (16 rushes for 88 yards & 2 TDs). Most NFL QBs won’t do that for 1 thing, but also it tells me we need to clean up our contain. For another thing, we really didn’t get much ‘pressure’ on him (2 sacks, 2 pressures). Thankfully Daniels wasn’t that effective throwing the ball, but guys like Mahomes & Goff will eat us alive if we don’t keep pressure on.
On the good news side, our offense looks like it’s the real deal. Our OLine gave Baker good pass protection for the most part, and he took full advantage of it. Our run blocking is still a bit concerning though. We gained 118 yards on 30 runs (actually 28 runs if you subtract the 2 kneeldowns), but what should be somewhat concerning is that the Commanders racked up 7 TFLs for Minus 22 yards (interestingly, all but 1 of those came from runs on the left side). Means that on the other 21 runs, the Bucs gained 140 yards rushing (6.7 YPC). Now we just need to cut down on those TFLs.
September 10th, 2024 at 6:39 am
Once again this team has a ridiculous amount of injuries to start a season.
Whatever they’re doing in practice they’re doing it wrong. Kancey especially is a porcelain doll. Fragile as fuk. If he’s going to miss numerous games AGAIN to start the season then he’s USELESS to us.
Ironic Logan Hall has a foot injury. He’s got one foot out the door in a “prove it” year. We have a pathetically soft team.
September 10th, 2024 at 6:45 am
Peterson is pretty long in the tooth. If he had anything left in the tank, he would be on someone’s roster already.
September 10th, 2024 at 7:23 am
Funderburk runs a 4.39 I say give him a shot.
September 10th, 2024 at 7:35 am
start Funderburk and let him get the experience, only way we can CYA with these issues on D is to have offense scored 50
September 10th, 2024 at 7:44 am
I think they are just going to sign Keenan Isaac. He’s cheap, was with the team all summer, knows the playbook, and I thought he played well in the pre-season
September 10th, 2024 at 7:57 am
Accused not convicted….take Howard
September 10th, 2024 at 8:06 am
No to Xavier Howard.
September 10th, 2024 at 8:11 am
Not a SINGLE injury on offense. Darndest thing
September 10th, 2024 at 8:44 am
I really liked Keenan Isaac. I hope to see him back
September 10th, 2024 at 8:51 am
I agree on Isaac. A long corner with good cover skills and knows the playbook.
September 10th, 2024 at 8:55 am
Keenan Isaac got scooped up by the Carolina Panties.
September 10th, 2024 at 9:18 am
I think 🤔 our practice squad secondary, looked good in the pre season
I say we roll with the young guys. Give them a chance to shine. I agree with Funderburk and Marcus Banks.
September 10th, 2024 at 9:26 am
Good be a good young DB on a teams PS stacked with DB …
It’s going to be interesting to see what they do
September 10th, 2024 at 9:27 am
Baptize the Funderburk. I figure Todd and Jason will collaborate and make some moves today.
I’m pumped to see more of Sirvocea Dennis.
September 10th, 2024 at 9:41 am
Can’t judge Buccaneers defense by game 1. Crazy that they held the Commanders outside receivers in check without two of top three cornerbacks. Detroit a 7 point favorite.
September 10th, 2024 at 9:45 am
No way, no how on Xavier Howard!! Bucs have great locker room chemistry/camaraderie. Big character difference between a pot bong head and sexual misconduct freak. SVD and JTS are forming a partnership which will be a big help Sunday.
September 10th, 2024 at 10:00 am
TF24 will start if ZM27 can’t. The Bucs still need a couple of backups in case of more injuries. Then there’s CI29 starting at free safety because AW31 may be out for up to 4 weeks!
September 10th, 2024 at 10:01 am
Sunday will be tough!!
September 10th, 2024 at 10:02 am
Time to cut loose the offense 😎
September 10th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Crickett Baker Says:
September 10th, 2024 at 8:55 am
Keenan Isaac got scooped up by the Carolina Panties.
@Cricket Baker:
The Panthers claimed Isaac and then released him.
I would think there is a good chance he is back with the Bucs
September 10th, 2024 at 10:23 am
ocala, that’s sweet news. If Carolina released him, that means he’s probably pretty good. That dumpster fire is right next to the Fecal Browns for making the wrong decision.
September 10th, 2024 at 10:54 am
Dave Canales is like a parasite feeding on the blood of the Buccaneers organization.
September 10th, 2024 at 11:03 am
Looks like Lions are coming in pretty healthy, DJ Reader DNP first game but they say he is ready. Suppose to be a big Run Stopper.
Sad. Bucs took it on the chin with so many injuries on Defense. Maybe make this a shootout by keeping it close and win in the waning minutes.
September 10th, 2024 at 11:08 am
A Bucs Fan Says:
September 10th, 2024 at 6:23 am
@Joe in Michigan – Delaney was released from the Bills with an injury settlement on 9/2. Once he proves he is healthy he can sign with any team.
^^^^^^^^
Thanks.
September 10th, 2024 at 11:11 am
Keenan Isaac runs a 4.59 and doesn’t seem to be the next Ronde Barber, IMHO.
September 10th, 2024 at 11:16 am
Need a 40 burger from the offense to have a chance.
September 10th, 2024 at 11:32 am
TOM BRADY REPLACES THEM IN THE SECONDARY! SIGN BRADY AGAIN & MOVE HIM TO CB. He’d be one of the tallest CBs ever.😀
September 10th, 2024 at 11:57 am
Dave Pear. – “ if Carolina released him he must be pretty good “. I believe Canales is wondering why he ever took that job. And that thought is dominating the gray matter between his ears. It’s ringing like a bongo drum in his head. And instead of rolling up his sleeves and figuring out how to beat somebody he can’t get that drumbeat out of his head. And they won’t win a game. He probably won’t be around for the first pick in the draft next spring. Ain’t nothing worthwhile easy. And patience is hard earned. He will learn that probably. He could have learned that from Jason or Todd or Mike or Chris or LaVonte or Baker. But he didn’t-and now he gets to pay for that. Best of luck Dave
September 10th, 2024 at 12:50 pm
orlbucfan Says:
September 10th, 2024 at 9:45 am
No way, no how on Xavier Howard!! Bucs have great locker room chemistry/camaraderie. Big character difference between a pot bong head and sexual misconduct freak.
Not a big difference to some of these knuckleheads – smh
September 10th, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Did you really just compare smoking a plant to sexual assault?
September 10th, 2024 at 1:11 pm
If Zyon can’t play – then its Funderburk time!
Keenan Isaac was here all off season – was said or thought to have been in the running for a roster spot – and was released by Carolina on Saturday…. so he IS available…..
Signing Isaac for more depth and giving whatever snaps are needed this week and moving forward to Funderburk seems the most likely course of action as of now…..
We’ve been hearing all offseason how good this UDFA with the hip/funky name is – time to find out for reals – trust your eval – give the live game snaps to the kid and its sink or swim time…..
September 10th, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Not that Buc fans don’t know this But..Detroit is good…Real good.
September 10th, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Marcus Banks should be signed along with an active Funderburk, and Izien, you are set.
September 10th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
What about JC Jackson
September 10th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
What about JC Jackson he ia available and healthy.
September 10th, 2024 at 3:16 pm
i think they go with funderburk and the other guy …banks rn…and see what they have against a detroit powerhouse type team…
if they get fried up, next week changes will be made with new additions to the room…1, maybe 2 guys
September 10th, 2024 at 3:19 pm
^^^^^^
if dee delaney is out there floating around after a release from the bills – then that’s really the route to go imho
September 10th, 2024 at 5:58 pm
And this why you don’t trade your best corner to Detriot
I have been sayin it all offseason
People had the nerve to say Carlton Davis was always hurt
Well he never blew out his leg and missed an entire season
Also we didn’t address corner in the draft or free agency outside of Bryce Hall.
September 10th, 2024 at 9:05 pm
Jarrett: I heard some of my Lions fans friends that Carlton Davis did the most Carlton Davis-like thing possible: he dropped an interception and got hurt in the process (to what extent was his injury, I don’t know).
September 10th, 2024 at 9:06 pm
*heard from
September 10th, 2024 at 10:38 pm
Sign Isaac and throw him and Funderburk to the Lions. Play an aggressive game plan on both sides of the ball and see what happens. Sharpen everyone up even if it ends up a 2 score loss. Won’t be the worst thing for Lions not to see our best guys on D as long as we are healthy for the stretch run and can win these early games that we are supposed to… aka Denver week 3.
September 10th, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Hold your nose and sign Howard. It’s a one season only deal.