A Plea For Michael Vick
March 4th, 2014
The Bucs aren’t that far away. In fact, they’re loaded with talent. That’s the take today from former longtime Falcons offensive lineman and current NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes.
Dukes hosts a daily sports radio show in Atlanta and is a close follower of the NFC South. He’s scrutinized the Bucs and thinks Michael Vick is the answer to replace the Tampa Bay’s “quality backup,” Mike Glennon.
Speaking on WDAE-AM 620, Dukes acknowledged Vick isn’t durable, but says he can do so much more than Glennon and is an X-factor kind of player to challenge defenses and get the most out of the Bucs’ weapons.
Dukes is extremely high on the Bucs’ offensive line and its ability to pass protect. And he’s certain Lovie Smith can make the Bucs defense — as it is right now — a top-10 defense. (You can listen to Dukes’ full interview below.)
The interesting point Dukes brings up is the win-now status of the Bucs. Yes, the Bucs have holes and question marks, but just how far away are they? If you listen to Lovie Smith, he’ll tell you the Bucs’ talent base is what it is — that of a 4-12 team. But in the same breath Lovie will talk about the superstar already pieces in place and his extreme confidence in a quick turnaround to becoming “relevant” in January.
There is a load of talent on the Bucs. Joe surely doesn’t think rockstar general manager Mark Dominik left a bare cupboard, and there’s also a load of cash to go shopping next Tuesday.
Joe’s not clamoring for Vick. Joe would rather see Vick go to the Raiders or another quarterback-needy team drafting higher than the Bucs, in order to increase the odds of Johnny Football or Teddy Bridgewater landing in Tampa. But Joe could see the Bucs inking Vick immediately after the free agency bell rings. Vick represents a significant upgrade — at the most important position on the field.
March 4th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Actual stopped listing when J. Dukes proclaimed the Bucs O line as one the top 2 pr 3 O lines in the league. Gladly Lovie doesn’t agree. Defensively Bucs could be much improved with 1 or 2 key additions. Offensively there’s a lot more work to be done on the O line and the receiver position. Hope J. Tedford has a clue because history shows Lovie’s week spot is on the offensive side of the ball.
March 4th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Dukes, being a former Falcon, I’m sure would have no problem wishing the Bucs the best.
March 4th, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Noooooo Vick!… And I could care less about the dog fighting stuff. He’s over the hill and still hasn’t learned how to be consistent. If they do sign him he better come dirt cheap with the idea of competition and not a guaranteed starting roll. No Vick…. Please!
March 4th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
I would rather not have Vick. It grates my nerves when fans ask for him. He has nothing in the tank and I swear these fans are going by what he did in the distant past, instead of paying attention to the present.
They would cripple the franchise with such carelessness.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:15 pm
no,no,no to vick. has the recent history on vick shown you nothing. he WILL get hurt and he WILL cough up the ball. just because there are no better options than vick does not make him a good option. hell , a fireworks show is exciting , but I wouldn’t want it in my back pocket.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Sounds like somebodies tryna help their homeboy, grab his last contract.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Our offensive line was just flat out offensive this year. Part of that was due to injury but come on, they didn’t play up to their pay grade. I don’t think Dukes even watched any of our games. Both guard positions sucked and we had breakdowns at tackle on both sides.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:21 pm
We have one of the best offensive lines in the league? Maybe in like 2011 or 2012. Not anymore though. If we put a Vick or Manziel back there with this line, we’re sentencing them to IR.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:26 pm
I’m for just about anything that will help the Bucs win….but, somehow the thought of Vick in a Buc uniform doesn’t sit well with me.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:27 pm
He did make some valid points about Revis though.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
I dont see the Raiders or team in similar spot signing Vick as a deterrent to drafting a QB, who better to mentor a mobile QB than a mobile QB who’s been through the grinder already
March 4th, 2014 at 2:36 pm
Oh and no Vick in Tampa, please.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Not excited.about Vick, but I will gladly take him over mike.glennon, hands down. Even though both will probably start 8 games because Vick will.get hurt. I’m.with Joe…raiders browns jags…please pick.up.Vick… Then we get johnny or Bridgewater
March 4th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Philly have been begging for the Eagles to part ways with him for the last 2 or 3 yrs.
Can’t read a defense, sack/turnover prone, always hurt. So why the interest?
March 4th, 2014 at 2:48 pm
More like a “plea bargain” deal for dog killer Vick.
March 4th, 2014 at 2:51 pm
Besides the disgusting aspect of him, he has never been a good passer and his body is old and oft injured. So, with ALL those things said I say, “HELL NO TO VICK!”
March 4th, 2014 at 2:53 pm
The O-Line is in the top 2 or 3 in the league? What has Duke been smoking?
March 4th, 2014 at 2:56 pm
what an embarrassing interview. Just because you have a mic in your face, you should not try to act like you know everything. Just say I don’t know or I have not watched enough tape on the Bucs O-line.
March 4th, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Prefer Glennon over Vick.
The guy just got beat out by a tall lanky guy like Glennon. Brings very little to the table.
Anybody but Vick, please.
March 4th, 2014 at 4:38 pm
I would rather spend my last dime to buy a new Bucs jersey than accept the idea of signing Vick.
March 4th, 2014 at 5:24 pm
An upgrade for maybe four or five games.
Draft Garapolo or Murray.
March 4th, 2014 at 5:49 pm
With the combination of having Michael Vick on the roster and having him wear our new uniforms, many of you guys heads are literally going to explode.
March 4th, 2014 at 6:02 pm
If he gets signed to the roster, I’m out as a Buccaneers fan. Period. End of discussion.
Not that they care, by the way.
March 4th, 2014 at 7:47 pm
If there was a realistic chance of him playing 16 games….then yes I would be excited about the idea of Vick coming to Tampa…..but the guy get’s hurt. Yeah he runs around and brings an electric feeling to the game, but that doesn’t help when he’s on the bench. I think the Bucs are betting on one of the top 3 or four QB’s in the draft being there at 7….which is a possibility. With the uniform changes and coaching change, as much as I think Glennon deserves a shot, I don’t think he’s gonna get it. Not in Tampa. It just feels like they’re gonna draft a rookie and cut him loose opening day which would at least bring some excitement to the stadium that hasn’t been there for a long time.
March 4th, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Sign Vick Then get jonny boy same players and when Vick gets hurt week 4 or 5 jonny can step in and pick up where he left off Tedford could keep same game plan
March 4th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Mick Vick in Tampa?
I really doubt that happening but I’ve read wierder ideas than this…
The Bucs really do need an experienced QB on the roster and frankly I’d rather see Curt Cousins than Vick