Sifting Through The Noise
February 20th, 2014
“Easy, Jason. I know you like Khalil Mack, but don’t tip your hand.”
Quick observation from Joe’s first-hand sessions with Lovie Smith and Jason Licht in Indianapolis:
Granted, it is still February. The draft is nearly three long months away. But if anything jumped out at Joe when talking to and watching the body English of both Bucs head man Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht, it is that serious changes to the offensive line very well could be afoot.
The strongest words from Lovie Smith, aside from talking about the off-field stuff Mike Williams found himself involved in (“We won’t put up with it,” Lovie said sternly.) was when Lovie discussed how poorly the offensive line performed.
Licht, though not as demonstrative, also expressed his displeasure with the offensive line. That was the only area where both men said in no uncertain terms must play better.
Now Licht doesn’t have anywhere near the poker face of Lovie. There were times Licht squirmed when asked a question, not because he didn’t want to answer it, but he didn’t want to give away his hand. But when a reporter asked Licht to discuss the merits of University of Buffalo Khalil Mack, Licht couldn’t contain breaking out in a wide smile and talking about Mack like Joe does the attributes of Rachel Watson.
Yes, it is still early, but just judging by what both Bucs franchise leaders said, and how they reacted, Joe would suggests fans start brushing up on top offensive linemen in the draft and learn all they can about Mack.
February 20th, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Don’t tease me like that. I would love to see a revamped line.
February 20th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Joe, Joe, Joe…you must post a hyperlink when referencing Ms Watson. You’re slipping sirs.
Maybe some different pics too? Not the same ones as always. =)
February 20th, 2014 at 5:18 pm
joseph or penn will be gone, nicks will get med clearance and then be cut. we will have @ least 2 new starters and be grooming the 3rd. yeah baby.
February 20th, 2014 at 5:28 pm
It is an older pic but use this one.
http://s896.photobucket.com/user/rickysautos/media/actresses/FHM-Maxim%20Pics/RachelWatson.jpg.html
February 20th, 2014 at 5:37 pm
• Lovie discussed how poorly the offensive line performed.
• Licht, though not as demonstrative, also expressed his displeasure with the offensive line.
Note: That’s two more for the growing list of viewers. Who where discussed, after watching our piss poor Offensive Line Play (Dotson being the only bright spot)
February 20th, 2014 at 5:40 pm
The more i think about Mack, the more I like him. Here’s why: look at the absurd premiums teams are paying for a consistent pass rush. It can be argued that a man who can put the QB on the ground is the most sought-after position outside of quarterback. Look at Mack’s tape on youtube, all he does is sack the QB and tackle for a loss. And besides Mack, after Clowney, Barr, and Ealy (all of which have spotty tape), the dropoff for another DE/OLB/whatever is tremendous.
A lot of these mock drafts have the Bucs taking LT in the first round. I just dont see it. While fulfilling a huge need, the draft is extraordinarily deep on O line and the Bucs can address it later.
But a pass rushing OLB who can also drop back in coverage with the tape that Mack has? Sheeeeeeeit Id be smiling wide if I were Licht as well.
February 20th, 2014 at 5:40 pm
That’s exactly the way you talk when you are seeking to restructure contracts….Unless Matthews it there, I don’t believe our 1st pick will be O-line.
This also could be paving the way for Glennon (0-line excuse)….
February 20th, 2014 at 5:42 pm
the only thing worse than not posting a Rachel Watson pic is teasing everyone into thinking that you’re going to post one only to have the link go nowhere….
February 20th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
@ODB:
It can’t be a tease. There has to be major changes or we end up where we were last year. I seriously doubt your going to get your 1st rd tackle. We need a pass ruch worse than a tackle. But IMO Penn will have a much better year simply bc those around him will be better. Penn is not that bad. The guard play on the other hand was awful – we have to bring in at least one starting guard either thru FA or 2nd or 4th rd pick. Who knows, maybe both FA and draft.
February 20th, 2014 at 5:52 pm
(Just My thoughts) Don’t mean issssh
*Cut
• Donald Penn-$7,066,665
• Davin Joseph-6,000,000
• Jeremy Zuttah-4,000,000
• Luke Stocker-763,172
Not: If the best LT in the Draft is gone (LT Greg Robinson)-Trade back in Draft LT Taylor Lewan.
(Draft):
• Taylor Lewan
• Billy Turner
• JaWuan James
• Spencer Long
Sign Free Agents
• Alex Mack
• Geoff Schwartz
• Mike Pollak
New Rotation
• LT –Taylor Lewan
• LG -Carl Nicks- (Billy Turner)
• C -Alex Mack-(Mike Pollack)
• RG-Geoff Schwartz- (Jace Daniels)
• RT-Demar Dotson- (JaWuan James)
Prospect* Highlights
Jadeveon Clowney vs Taylor Lewan (2013 Bowl)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cpIkjW-CY4
Billy Turner vs Kansas State (2013)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm9_gSO8v6c
Ja’Wuan James
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPeaQ6bMVcM
Center/Guard-Spencer Long coming off of injury would be a good redshirt prospect for the offensive line. Would be nice grab for a 7th round pick.
February 20th, 2014 at 5:53 pm
our line is kind of soft. don’t see much nasty from them short of when penn gets pissed for getting whipped.
bring in incognito, hell bring in martin too!! hehe should make for some camp battles. LOL
made myself laugh. sux martin’s attorney mom ruined his career…..
February 20th, 2014 at 5:54 pm
@BucsfaninChina Says:
“The more i think about Mack, the more I like him…”
I read an article yesterday that was an interview of Mike Mayock. He was quoted as saying he would take Mack over Clowney bc of Clowney’s questionable work ethic, and said Mack’s skills are not that different from Clowney’s. Spurrier is also quoted as not giving Clowney a big endorsement for his work ethic; however, he did say his talent is just unmatched.
It would be interesting if Clowney drops. But I am on board with you. Mack would be a great addition. It would give us the best set of LBs in the NFL
February 20th, 2014 at 5:55 pm
Jason Licht said he felt RT Demar Dotson was the Bucs best O-Lineman in ’13. Will consider working him at LT for versatility.
Lovie Smith said “the way we paid at the position (O-Line) we should’ve been the best team in the league almost and that wasn’t the case”.
Those words should be ringing in Donald Penn’s ears tonight! Carl Nicks is a special case because of his 6mil guaranteed injury settlement. But Davin Joseph should keep a low profile – wouldn’t want to be caught in an O-Line drive by. Jeremy Zuttah should be jumping up and down in somebody’s face describing all the positions he can play and why his versatility is needed. I don’t think a priest is going to be able to help Ted Larsen.
I jest but it’s really not funny. The O-Line needs to get waaay better this year!
February 20th, 2014 at 5:58 pm
I have a question for anyone who wants to address it.
I suggested we sign Incognito yesterday for the reason that he would likely be available for the Vet Min. He is one of the best guards in the NFL and he would be cheap. I know he is a dirt bag. But I also follow the Doll-Fans and when he came to them he was on a one strike policy. Until this thing with Martin, he was on his best behavior. I say if he came here you just keep him on a very short leash.
Thoughts?
February 20th, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Larsen is a free agent. They dont have to bother with him at all.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
The biggest problems with the O-line, ESPECIALLY when it came to cost, was Joseph and Nicks. Penn makes good money, but ALL starting LT do; Penn’s salary is about avg.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:01 pm
Incognito will be a New England Patriot. Mark my words.
I wouldnt want him on my team.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Caption
“You’ll never guess where Lovie’s hand is!”
February 20th, 2014 at 6:08 pm
Thank you for your response BucsfaninChina. The reason I was suggesting it is Incognito is a very good guard and we need that badly. My thinking was it gave us a way to stretch our FA dollars and get quality play (not a quality person, obviously).
February 20th, 2014 at 6:11 pm
@Harry
The thing about Penn even though his pay average (maybe slightly above). His play last year; was clearly below average.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:15 pm
MG8
February 20th, 2014 at 6:24 pm
LMB, I don’t disagree. But IMO our guard play was atrocious. Interesting, I just looked this up, for 2014 the Bucs have the highest paid guard (Nicks – $7M) and the highest combined pay for guards (add Joseph in at $6M). Funny, the 2nd highest set of guards is NO at $12.8M
Anyway, back on track, I think part of Penns trouble last year was the play around him; of course I could be wrong, but that is MO. I personally would not love using our 1st rd pick on an OT; 2nd or 4th rd, fine and groom him for next year. Penn is not getting any younger.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:27 pm
Penn is also such a fat tub of lard that, when he starts to go downhill, it will be fast, and there will be no going back. Better start getting a replacement ready, sooner than later.
And with the rookie pay scale, you can have a big savings on him for 5 years.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:34 pm
hey joe , I would like to thank you for responding to my comments ( even though we obviously disagree once in a while ). I believe you are doing a fine job and I really appreciate the hard work you’re putting in this week and every day. you and your site have a big fan in myself. the fact that you chose to take the time to respond to my comments commands a lot of respect from me.keep up the good work and i’ll try to keep my comments more positive ( even though I know you can take it ). gotta go back on my meds now lol.
February 20th, 2014 at 6:40 pm
@Harry
I hear you
February 20th, 2014 at 6:58 pm
I wouldn’t lose much sleep if the Bucs got Incognito (of course it likely won’t happen). Number one, he is a good O-lineman no matter how horrible a person he is and the Bucs need help there. Two, after the media blew it all up in his face I highly doubt he would do what he did again, especially in a new locker room. Third, people are highly considering Michael Vick to possibly be the Bucs’ QB, and he tortured and murdered animals. Jonathon Martin is a grown man, let alone a 300+ pound NFL athlete. I don’t condone what Incognito did, but we don’t even know the whole story and these are grown men who should be able to take care of themselves, not a story about an 8th grader beating up and tormenting the new kid in school.
February 20th, 2014 at 7:38 pm
@ Harry
It wouldn’t matter so much if he was just a dirtbag. The reason I would say a big hell no is because he is also described as being a cancer that divides the locker room. We already had enough dysfunction around this team last year to even think about taking a chance like that. Also imagine the circus this guy would bring to this team with the media. Besides the Gaurd position is a lot easier to replace then say the tackle position, IF you got the right man drafting players, aka not Dom. A guy even as talented is Nicks was picked in I believe the 4th round. There are capable guards out there, enough so that we don’t have to take a chance of Incognito.
February 20th, 2014 at 7:43 pm
Good. We’ll cut out the dead wood and start winning in the trenches. I don’t need flashy picks, I need wins.
February 20th, 2014 at 7:44 pm
Pre draft GM & HC…blow’n Cheech and Chong……tis the season
February 20th, 2014 at 7:50 pm
@Oahubuc
Now,that what I’m talking about. It aint pretty, but its a winning formula.
February 20th, 2014 at 7:53 pm
@Andrew 1 (Last year convo between me & you)
LB Sio Moore
LB Vince Williams
Had solid season as Rooks (Coulda Been Bucs)
February 20th, 2014 at 8:05 pm
@ LUVMYBUCS
lol cant really remember the convo. Sio Moore does ring a bell though. Yet anther thank you thank you to our beloved Dom.
February 20th, 2014 at 8:05 pm
Joe if you get a chance you should ask Lovie if he ever considered hiring a Madden hero to be the Bucs OC. lol
February 20th, 2014 at 8:07 pm
@Andrew 1
Vince “The Destroyer” Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8cHcGfSXU0
February 20th, 2014 at 8:13 pm
@Andrew 1
Lol, my Linebackers prospect where solid last year (along with others)
February 20th, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Linebacker prospects
February 20th, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Almost time for the uniform announcement
February 20th, 2014 at 8:35 pm
@WalkdaPlank Says:
“…I wouldn’t lose much sleep…. Number one, he is a good O-lineman no matter how horrible a person he is and the Bucs need help there…”
@Andrew 1 Says:
“…It wouldn’t matter so much if he was just a dirtbag. The reason I would say a big hell no is because he is also described as being a cancer…”
I am asking this for two reasons. One, to me Incognito is a bargain and a very good guard. Second is the point Andrew said “cancer”. Joe gave me one of his typical indignant answers when I asked his opinion.
There is perception and reality. Incognito is no doubt a dirt bag; always has been. I have read up on a lot of what happened, and its really very interesting (lots of articles in Miami Herald). The nastiness was actually going on LONG before Incognito even joined the Doll-fans. Without going into all of it, all of Incognito’s teammates (of course not named Martin) LOVE him. They (wrongly) sided with Incognito in the Martin situation. He was one of, if not the biggest leaders on the team. The “cancer” in the locker room, as far as I can tell, is not that he is decisive, but the end result of the Martin fiasco.
LHell, remember when the Eagles signed Vick? THAT was a risky move, especially from a PR standpoint. This I thought was a good idea. I just wanted some feed back, so thanks guys.
February 20th, 2014 at 8:57 pm
@ Harry
I dont know if the cancer comment was in response to the end result of that fiasco or if he was also known as a cancer before the incident, all I know is that an unnamed dolphins players told a reporter that he is a “cancer that divides the locker room.” imo opinion its to much of a risk, but if the bucs feel like they cant find a better guard, which is doubtful in my opinion, then that may be the route they choose, it just all depends.
@ LUVMYBUCS
Got to give you props, you really know your stuff when it comes to draft prospects. I think I would take you over Dom as GM lol.
February 20th, 2014 at 9:15 pm
lets just put it this way, for me personally I would pick up Incognito as a last resort as opposed to a priority pick up.
February 20th, 2014 at 9:25 pm
BREAKING NEWS: Live on NFL Network:
Gerald McCoy, when asked if the Bucs should take a QB with the 7th overall pick:
“Man, let me tell you, I love Mike Glennon…..” went on to give him a GLOWING review for the next 3 minutes.
Says the Bucs should go defense with the 7th pick…what a great interview…NFL Network talking the Bucs for the last 15+ mins straight and new helmet / logo after the break.
It’s like they think we’re a real team again or something.
February 20th, 2014 at 9:28 pm
@Andrew 1
Thank you (Even though I’ve got light years to go), but who couldn’t beat out DOM though..smh
February 20th, 2014 at 9:30 pm
@Andrew 1
lol, we take the good and bad here on JBF
February 20th, 2014 at 9:38 pm
new logo is on the bucs website…http://secure.buccaneers.com/
February 20th, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Did I miss it? I thought it was going to be shown after the break? I stepped away for 2 seconds. No way they already showed it
February 20th, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Looks like this might be the helmet..https://twitter.com/620wdae/status/436671506706206720/photo/1
February 20th, 2014 at 9:39 pm
it hasn’t been shown yet on nfl network
February 20th, 2014 at 9:39 pm
They were supposed to announce it 40 minutes ago, what the hell?
February 20th, 2014 at 9:43 pm
This wait is dumb. Have to watch this entire show just for the reveal. I’m missing curling! Ha
February 20th, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Ridiculous, the logo and helmet better be good if they’re gonna build suspense!
February 21st, 2014 at 12:37 am
@Andrew 1 Says:
“…lets just put it this way, for me personally I would pick up Incognito as a last resort…”
Thanks for your input; at least I know its not a totally crazy idea. And btw, I agree.
February 21st, 2014 at 12:38 am
Love it that my NC Tar Heels beat those nasty evil #5 Duke Blue Devils!!
February 21st, 2014 at 1:49 am
Uh, don’t expect a new LT, that will go to Dotson. Also don’t blame the line for a QB that’s slower and as easy to see as a Buffalo. I remember this horrid offensive line put out a 2nd string RB for over 125yards and a 3rd string RB for a 2 or 3 100+ yards a game. Too bad our qb could not even get away from a extremely obese man in a wheelchair if he wanted too. Its hype people. The people that post on this site are ABSOLUTE MORONS, YOU WONDER WHY THE MEDIA DISSES US.
February 21st, 2014 at 9:54 am
@Drew Thomas
• Lovie discussed how poorly the offensive line performed.
• Licht, though not as demonstrative, also expressed his displeasure with the offensive line.
Note: That’s two more for the growing list of viewers. Who where discussed, after watching our piss poor Offensive Line Play (Dotson being the only bright spot)