Reading Between The Lines
January 4th, 2014
Lovie Smith likes how Jeff Tedford develops “young talent.”
Well, this morning, the Bucs made the Jeff Tedford news official; he is Lovie Smith’s offensive coordinator. Joe already weighed in on Tedford, a curious but bold hire. Who knows if his quarterback magic will work on the NFL level? It will be a fun puzzle to see put together.
Usually, the quotes included in such new releases are boring, predictable and rarely worthy of repeating. If the coach didn’t like his assistant, he wouldn’t have hired him in the first place, right?
So here is a team-approved quote from Lovie on Tedford:
“I have a great deal of respect for the job Jeff did at Cal for more than a decade and I believe he will be a great fit for what we are attempting to do in Tampa. Jeff has a successful and proven track record as a teacher and developer of young talent.”
Props to Lovie for not mincing words there. It sure doesn’t seem as if the Bucs are going to bring in a veteran quarterback, does it? To Joe, that statement seems pretty straight forward. The Bucs are either banking on Mike Glennon to lead them to the playoffs or are going to draft a quarterback.
There’s not a whole lot of young, veteran quarterbacks teams are wanting to unload.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Joe…maybe they are drafting a young QB, in case counting on Glennon to get them to the SB doesn’t work. I think it is both.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
J Football please.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Houston is willing to trade their #1 pick. I know, I know, the price to trade up would be ridiculous. But picturing Bridgewater in Pewter and Red is such a great fantasy. Washington gave up 3 first rd picks to move up and get RG3. I would do it in a second to get Bridgewater. Bridgewater is way better.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Kirk Cousins?
January 4th, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Maybe we’ll find out Monday at 2:00 when Buc’s announce him as Head Coach and reporters ask him questions
January 4th, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Curious if he will dual hat the OC/QB Coach duties or hire someone else?
January 4th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
@MR Patrick
Dont bet on it. Would be really really stupid for Lovie to reveal his hand before the draft.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Also for a later round pick, I like Connor Shaw out of South Carolina. Guy is a gamer and leader and reminds me of a bigger Jeff Garcia. Had a great Bowl game
January 4th, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Why are you guys so wrapped around the axel over a kid that has shown that he is all about money. When he scores touchdowns he rubs his fingers together showing the international sign for “show me the money”. Does he win football games.. yes but money is clearly more important to this kid than wins.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
@ Couch Fan
Agreed. But I hope he gives us some kind of idea about what the offensive philosophy will be
January 4th, 2014 at 12:42 pm
I would be ok with draft Manziel if he is available at 7 (which i doubt). I would much rather see us try to trade up and get Clowney. DE is a much bigger need in my opinion and this kid is going to be a beast.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
There is reading between the lines and there is reading beyond the lines. These are all opinions now as is the one I’m about to make. But I’m in the “benefit of the doubt” mode right now and I think Lovie is making the typical statement of respect and accreditation of a new hire.
I honestly don’t think before the first welcoming press conference all future Buc plans have been put in place or that Lovie has made arbitrary decisions already about who the starting QB will be or other personnel matters.
My best advice is to wait a while, let things start to take form and by action taken or not taken, we will begin to decipher where the Lovie Train is going! Enjoy the playoff games! lol
January 4th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
I’m gonna keep beating this drum, but no drafting a QB. Well, at least not in the first 4 rounds. Bucs have bigger issues to solve. I also think a lot of the people who wanted to draft a QB developed semi man crushes on Sammy Watkins last night. Watkins is the faster version of Wes Welker…who couldn’t use that? I know the Bucs could. In order, the Bucs should be considering OL, DL, WR and CB.
I keep saying it but had Glennon started all of last year the Bucs would have gone 7-9 at worst…strangely that probably means Schiano is still coach. Life is strange like that.
January 4th, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Either way…the statement works….with Glennon or a newly drafted QB…..I do think this rules out an experienced veteran (Vick) from being acquired.
There is no way the Bucs will show their hand regarding drafting a QB….I think they will give Glennon his respect but say they are keeping their options open.
If we trade up…we may need to go all the way…..perhaps even put up a player like Martin in the package.
Oh yea….that will bring some screams…but we have already proven that we can run with James & Rainey….
If we want Bridgewater….we will have to pay dearly.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Pick the highest rated QB at seven or trade up to the number two for Johnny Football.
We’re not going to have this high a pick for awhile. Make the best of it.
Glennon isn’t the answer.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
There still should be some highly rated QB’s available at #7 if that’s the route the Bucs choose to go, so no need to give away the farm to move up for a position that would set the Bucs back years if the pick doesn’t pan out. I admit I have no clue of what Tedford will being to the team at an NFL level, so maybe a QB pick makes sense? Judging by Smith’s NFL resume though a QB at #7 (or higher) would almost assuredly be a wasted pick (only because the potential will probably never be realized) when there are other needs that should be addressed in this draft. Just my opinion of course.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
If they gave up a proven player like Martin for a unproven Bridgewater, everyone from top to bottom should be fired. James is coming off a serious injury and Rainey was good at times. Glennon was by far the best rookie QB last year. We aren’t that desperate at the QB position.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:08 pm
I think you’re reading a little too far between the lines. There is more than just a qb on the offense…
Although i dont see any reason for them not to draft a qb of their choosing. As you and i know, glennon is not worth the time imo. The kid just doesnt have it. Great back up player, but not a franchise qb.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Thank you.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
People aka fans make me laugh! Keep talking about drafting a QB in the 1st…. I only understand the ones making a wish for Bridgewater. Good ol’ Johnny FB is not an answer. And just my opinion, if Glennon did what he did with what he had….. Which was garbage to say the least. I’d give him a shot and go for what holes we really need to fill.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:21 pm
If Houston is dumb enough to trade the pick, I’m all for it. Bridgewater is going to be a stud and top 5-10 signal caller. He just has it. Football IQ is reportedly off the charts. Eats, sleeps, and drinks football.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:25 pm
I fell in love with Sammy Watkins as well last night. The guy was in absolute BEAST mode. However, what scares me is when was the last time a first round wide receiver actually panned out?
January 4th, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Bridgewater is not worth moving up to #1 for. It would by default be more expensive than the RGIII package, as the Redskins went from 6-2; the Bucs would be going from 7-1. So probably throw in another 2nd rounder. So really, here it is.
3 first round picks, a second round pick for Teddy Bridgewater. Now I’ve pointed this out on PFT before, but here’s the full RGIII trade
Michael Brockers, Alec Ogletree, Javadeon Clowney/Teddy Bridgewater/More #1 picks for RGIII…
That is one of the worst trades of all-time. Especially when the Redskins could have had Brockers, Ogletree and the unknown pick/move with drafting Kirk Cousins too. The Bucs would be extremely foolish to move up to #1.
January 4th, 2014 at 1:58 pm
Exactly ^^^
One guy isn’t going to help us. Dont care how good he is, he can’t do it all by himself, and your talking about giving up our whole draft plus something next year. Ridiculous.
January 4th, 2014 at 2:00 pm
That’s only because they weren’t stacked with raw talent like we are. If we trade all that to get Bridgewater I’d b all for it especially if we could keep this year’s 2nd and somehow give em a 2nd from a following year take a wr n 3rd round and our team is stacked for years to come. We have 17 million m cap so that’s more than enough to put the icing on our defensive cake sign Jared Allen for 3 yrs 15 mill and Tillman to go opposite of revis island for about 4 years 20 mill and we good to go I’m sure we can draft some online depth n the later rounds our use our remaining 7 mill or so to patch it up. Who says we need a Gm I’m right here baby lol
January 4th, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Typo wr in 2nd Rd
January 4th, 2014 at 2:13 pm
There’s no way we trade up to #1 and not give up our 2nd.
January 4th, 2014 at 2:21 pm
I think the Bucs should swap 1st rounders with Cleveland (4th overall) to get Clowney. That would leap frog Atlanta and Oaktown.
I believe Houston will draft Manziel, St Louis-Mathews (LT), Jax-Bridgewater, and Tampa-Clowney.
That would make me ecstatic. It shouldn’t be that expensive, to move up a few notches. The problem is that they don’t have a 3rd rounder to trade with. I’m sure some compensation could be worked out.
That wouldn’t effect the Brownie’s selection of a QB too much. Oaktown will select Barr and the Falcons are already set at QB.
The 4th round pick should address the QB, that would make Glennon happy since he was a 3rd rounder.
Aaron Murray in the early 4th round is the steal of the draft. If they miss on him, a very healthy, Connor Shaw is a stud. The draft is so deep at QB it’s ridiculous.
January 4th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
The guy that will be a top-shelf NFL QB no one ever talks about is McCarron. He stands tall and firm in the pocket, has excellent passing form, is an above average scrambler and hits receivers in stride. Bucs should get either DE, OL or WR help with the first pick and then get McCarron in round 2, he’s a winner.
January 4th, 2014 at 2:28 pm
I would really like to see them drop Dan Orvalowski and Draft the best QB available and try to get Brian hover from the Browns . Let them and Glennon compete for the starting job. Then Draft some offensive weapons like an Alshon like receiver and a speedy slot guy or monster TE. Hope this OC can call an offense
January 4th, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Our offense has the biggest issues. If they would draft Watkins with his speed. That would boost this offense to new heights. Can you imagine having Watkins , Demps, VJax, Wright, and Mike Williams on the field at the same time? It wouldn’t be enough balls to go around. Glennon wouldn’t have to do too much but get the ball to the open guy.
January 4th, 2014 at 3:04 pm
Seriously….so Teddy Bridgewater would have taken us to the playoffs last year with that offensive scheme and our cast of receivers?? Please…get Glennon some weapons and go after Sammy Watkins. Give him V-Jax, Watkins, Williams, and Wright and let’s see how much better he looks. The kid is Matt Ryan 2.0. Just give him the same caliber weapons as Ryan.
January 4th, 2014 at 3:21 pm
Remember Tedford uses some spread concepts.Watkins would be perfect.Oh yeah and last years top rookie (Glennon)QB who didn’t play in all games and had All but one of his weapons out,will have a full compliment of playmakers back.In a spread quick release game Gkennon is smart and efficient .I like it.Get some comp in round 4 but Glennnon Will be our QB next year.Sorry Joe I think the kid has a very bright future with this new staff and scheme
January 4th, 2014 at 3:24 pm
There is no bigger need than having the right quarterback if you are building a true lasting contender.. they shud draft one in the 1st and second round every year until they find one. Need proof look at the last 10 first and second round picks any of them worth more to the franchise than a consistent quarterback..and yeah we didn’t always have an early enough pick and I dnt believe in trading your future but Russell Wilson. Colin kap several other 2nd and later picks would been great in pewter vs whomever we drafted those years
January 4th, 2014 at 3:44 pm
If we get Sammy Watkins, Charles Tillman, & either Peppers or Jared Allen, I think Mike Glennon can possibly take us to the Superbowl (playing the Brad Johnson role w/ a stronger arm)… Maybe even as soon as next year.
January 4th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Glennon regressed in December and still was the most impressive rookie QB in the league. He’s made to order for Tedford. Beef up the OL, add a speed receiver to the weapons he already has, and this offense is good to go. This team could very easily be top 10 in offense and defense this year. Tampa Bay will be a very attractive destination for any free agent players and coaches, mainly because of the roster and our new HC.
January 4th, 2014 at 4:25 pm
All of this quarterback talk is silly. No way we draft a QB. If we trade up it would be for clowney. Young Quarterbacks are hit and miss in the draft. Are you telling me anyone we draft can do better than Glennon who had one of the best rookie seasons ever ???
The bucs will draft Sammy Watkins and hire jimmy graham, which completes the offence apart from some free agent additions to the offensive line once they release nicks.
As for the defence they will get Jared Allen and then draft for backups maybe some d line depth and cb depth..
That would balance the team well going into the new season.Drafting anyone other than bridgewater will be a huge mistake and I hope we don’t get caught up in all this media hype.
Schiano may have been a bad coach but he was a good evaluator on talent and I think he got it right with Glennon contrary to what everyone else says.
January 4th, 2014 at 4:31 pm
glennon is no matt stafford. why get a fast receiver when glennon has a hard time with the slow ones we have? lol
as I’ve said before, and eric said above, we need to draft a qb because this will be the highest we pick for the foreseeable future, if you all are to be believed.
if lovie and frazier are as great as you all say, then they can turn Clayborn and bowers around. we don’t need clowney.
January 4th, 2014 at 4:33 pm
ps I heard that bridgewater has a photographic memory.
January 4th, 2014 at 4:41 pm
Lol so you say draft a QB because we have a high pick and not for need ? BTW apparently Tedford runs an offence that requires a very smart QB which we do have. That’s why I said unless it’s a vet or bridgewater the rest won’t make it in his offence. And no manziel is not smart – his off field antics prove so.
Anyway it’s no point arguing I guess. One side of bucs fans think we need a QB and one side thinks we don’t. I guess only time will tell. One thing fans need to remember is if you do draft a QB and he sucks with a high interception rate like most ROOKIES do… Do you then draft a another QB again? Or do what we say we should do with GLennon and give him one more year?
I think before anyone answers that question they should go compare Peyton mannings rookie year stats vs glennon’s, and tell me if the colts should have drafted another QB after Peyton’s first year? It’s takes time and patience for a QB to grow and mature into a role.
January 4th, 2014 at 5:25 pm
I say take a QB. I’d even sink to taking Manziel if the other top prospects are gone. We’re going nowhere with Glennon.
January 4th, 2014 at 5:26 pm
If you don’t have a quarterback you take a quarterback. We don’t have a quarterback.
January 4th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
ummmmmmmm…qb is the biggest need.
you guys are delusional in your assessments of glennon. how is glennon smarter than manziel?
January 4th, 2014 at 6:17 pm
I think it all depends on Tedford & Lovie; if they like Teddy Ballgame or Johnny Football enough to pay the cost of moving up to get either since I think they are the only 2 worth moving up to grab. I say stay at #7; the time to give up the house for QB will be 2015 for Famous Jameis.
January 4th, 2014 at 6:50 pm
I don’t think there’s any reading between the lines at all. He said Tedford is a great developer of young talent. Tedford has never coached in the NFL, he has only been a college coach. Of course the talent he develops is young….not exactly many 30+ year old veterans floating around in college. Really grasping for straws on this one guys.
January 4th, 2014 at 7:36 pm
Everybody saying Johnny Manizel game won’t translate to the NFL !!! Are you guys watching all the plays A.Smith is making with his legs today and him opening up things that way !!! And He is NO Johnny #Football !!! And I’m still a Glennon FAN!!! But we can’t afford to be wrong about a QB with the vets we have we can win now with the right QB . We need to do what Seattle did ,when they had jackson, traded for Flynn and drafted Wilson and have an open competition and best man wins !! Sign a vet tht can start maybe a Vick or Mcown ,we have glennon and draft a top flights qb!!!
January 4th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
It will not matter one draft choice, who we draft if we do not get the Oline play to be much better than we have seen this season. I want to see Glennon with better Oline play and all of our best players playing. I have seen what he did with our less than all of our best players playing.
We could use a scrambling QB, if our Oline’s play of this season is playing the same next season.
It might have been game planing….
January 4th, 2014 at 10:30 pm
Bortles> Bridgewater & Johnny spoiled richkid
January 5th, 2014 at 12:47 am
Vick no.
Mcown yes.
January 5th, 2014 at 2:32 am
Can we say twin spin, Sammy Watkins round one and say Taj Boyd in round two, would that not be amazing.
January 5th, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Boyd looked good to you? Dunno, Boyd didn’t look all that great to me in the game vs Ohio St. Watkins however looked like a guy who could be a difference maker in NFL though (and I wasn’t on board with a WR at #7 with some of our O-line needs, but I might rethink that position if Watkins is best available value in that pick spot).
January 6th, 2014 at 12:17 am
@ Bobby C. & NY BUC: I don’t follow college FB, and the main positive thing I hear about Boyd is that he makes plays at key times & that he’s consistent. If that’s true, I’d LOVE, yes LOVE, to have him on the roster. As for Watkins, I’ve heard people are comparing him to Larry Fitzgerald. If valid, that’s high praise, man!