Good Game Jinxed Tiquan Underwood
December 22nd, 2013
Tiquan Underwood has been double-teamed since his breakout game against the Lions.
One of the nicest guys in the Bucs locker room is Tiquan Underwood. Really sharp, really smart, and simply an all around good dude. So it pains Joe to see good guys struggle like Underwood is.
Underwood had a fantastic game against the Lions with two touchdowns, including an 85-yard bomb from Mike Glennon that was simply beautiful. Since that game, Underwood has pretty much been invisible.
One reason is Underwood flashed against the Lions and now every team is game-planning against him, said Bucs commander Greg Schiano.
“I think there are a lot of factors,” Schiano said. “One is the thing you mentioned that people are aware that he is a deep threat and a speed threat. Two, some of it has been just not there. Three, we’ve had opportunities and he’s had a couple drops since then. I think it all mixes together, but that was a career day for him. That day isn’t the norm. We’d like to make it his norm, but that wasn’t the norm or hasn’t been the norm I should say.”
It has never been more apparent how badly the Bucs need a third down receiver or perhaps even an upgrade from solid No. 2 receiver Mike Williams. Perhaps a guy like Allen Robinson in the second round makes sense for Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik?
The fact that Glennon has slipped in recent games very well could be the lack of receivers getting open. Schiano seemed to cast a lot of blame in that direction last week.Vincent Jackson is virtually mauled on every play. Covered like Saran Wrap.
Joe knows that throwing to Chris Owusu five yards short of the first down marker is as big of a waste as watching Lifetime.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:44 am
You can best believe that Schiano will want to give his QB some weapons….his job will absolutely ride with Glennon and the Bucs record next year.
I expect us to trade down and get extra picks….if we don’t trade down we could take Sammy Watkins.
If we do that…MW19 would be our 3rd WR….Imagine that!!!
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:44 am
Sammy Watkins is not at this time and will not be a better wr than MW19. I think he is overrated I have watched some tape and I don’t see it poor route running and shoddy hands but I will say that he absolutely would not unseat MW19 he would be a good addition at the bottom of 1st round wr’s especially in top 10= bust de lb or trade down
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:09 am
Tampabaybucfan Says
“You can best believe that Schiano will want to give his QB some weapons….his job will absolutely ride with Glennon and the Bucs record next year.”
Assuming Glennon is still the starting QB. A lot can happen in the off season. We could draft a better QB or a team could release one. For example, Big Ben might be cut if the Steelers decide to move on. Or we could trade for one.
Anything could happen.
Heck, it is conceivable that if we lose today Schiano could be fired this week. Unlikely but possible.
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:13 am
Underwood does not like going over the middle unless it’s deep. Slight weakness in his play.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:03 am
Underwood was fired by New England.
If you have the best Quarterback to ever play the game and the best coach to ever coach. And this tandem can’t find a way to get Underwood open or throw him open, how can we expect our team to do any better?
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:11 am
Bonzai,
Football owners like to Gamble and win. It’s rare that you have a sure thing entering the draft i.e. Payton Manning.
I am sure the Glazers would love to Gamble with Glennon and for a lessor extent Schanio for next season. If the bucs have a great season, 10-6, 9-7 the Glazers will be Vindicated in their decision to bring him aboard. They will be vindicated in their decision to get rid of Freeman. And they will have a very cheap second year QB heading into his third year. Which will free up space for a real push into the playoffs.
Let’s say we get a new QB and we go 5-11 or 6 and 10 and his stats are worse than Glennon’s. Then what.