High Expectations For Mason Foster
July 26th, 2014
Lovie Smith has high standards for MLB Mason Foster.
For years Joe had joked with Bucs middle linebacker Mason Foster by calling him “pineapple.” Because Joe believes Foster is one step away from eating pineapple.
In the vernacular of the NFL, that means Pro Bowl.
Bucs coach Lovie Smith seems to see something in Foster that a few Bucs fans, for reasons unknown, don’t. One of the first things Lovie did when he took over the Bucs was hand Foster the responsibility of calling defensive plays.
Coaches seeking to replace a guy don’t often do that. Also, notice the Bucs didn’t sign a high-priced free agent to play middle linebacker? Or draft a guy to play middle linebacker? Just two more examples of the confidence Lovie has in Foster.
That doesn’t mean Foster cannot improve. Lovie spoke about Foster in his post-practice press conference this evening.
“We talk a lot about the system and the history of the system,” Lovie said. “Mason knows. He can tell you all the linebackers that have played. It is a pretty special group. But the ceiling for Mason, I don’t know. Not so long ago, this summer, showing some of our past highlights from last year, his interception return for a touchdown last year against the Saints was just about as good as any play you’ll see a Mike linebacker make. I asked him to drop a little bit of weight and he did that. Looks like he’s a little bit quicker.”
Later when asked if Foster could be Lovie’s next Brian Urlacher, Lovie suggested people tap the brakes, but that doesn’t mean Foster cannot elevate his game.
“Now that’s putting a little bit of pressure on him,” Lovie said. “But in time… he didn’t really have to go north to get that pressure. His coach, Hardy Nickerson, played [Mike linebacker] about as well as anyone, and Shelton Quarles is right down the way too. But in order for us to play the way we need to, he’ll need to up his level to that.”
Now Joe mentioned several times previously how he has zero concerns with Lovie’s defense. Joe was buoyed in his opinion by none other than Bucs great and Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who Joe had a chance to speak with Saturday.
Sapp, without mentioning Foster’s name, gave him a vote of confidence when Sapp told Joe that the middle of the Bucs defense, from the front line to the secondary, is set.
Who is Joe to argue with Sapp?
July 26th, 2014 at 10:07 pm
I like that David can now just play the game and not call plays. Hes one of those guys that gets in a zone he doesnt need to worry about calling the defense let that guy do his thing. We will see very soon.
July 26th, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Foster is average at best. I hope he proves me wrong. Unfortunately there were no better options in free agency or the draft. Lovie even admitted today that Foster will need to play at a higher level for the Defense to be great.
July 26th, 2014 at 11:31 pm
Foster has “flashed”, but never shown consistency. When he flashes, he get’s people saying things like “he’ll be eating pineapple in January”, when he doesn’t he’s average at best. If the system, the weight-loss, the quickness, the knowledge of the defense, etc. can help Foster be more consistent for an entire season, I can easily see him being that X-factor that propels this defense to greatness. If he continues his inconsistent ways, he’ll be gone next year.
July 26th, 2014 at 11:45 pm
Foster would be great at SLB but unless he can stop the big running backs up the middle against Charlotte and stop the passes deep down the middle, and call defensive signals as good as David, he will not be able to fend off Fletcher at MLB. I would not be surprised to see him riding the pine this year. If he surprises me and plays MLB as well as Hardy did I will be very pleased.
July 27th, 2014 at 12:49 am
Please these 4 ppl in front of me have obviously not watched mason play and sure as hell have not seen Dane Fletcher play. Honestly anyone who has said they’ve seen Dane Fletcher play is a patriots fan or they just dont like mason foster. I compare mason to a guy like London Fletcher his athleticism won’t stick out to you but he’ll make plays and Masson is going to be a starter in this league for a long time it will jus take a while for him to get recognized nationally.
July 27th, 2014 at 8:45 am
Dane will beat him out
July 27th, 2014 at 12:04 pm
knucknbuc Says:
July 27th, 2014 at 12:49 am
Please these 4 ppl in front of me have obviously not watched mason play and sure as hell have not seen Dane Fletcher play. Honestly anyone who has said they’ve seen Dane Fletcher play is a patriots fan or they just dont like mason foster.
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Uhhh, I’ve watch every NFL game I can. I’ve seen Fletcher play. Most people have, it was last season’s playoffs. He’s good… and a far better athlete than Foster who is very limited athletically. This is why we didn’t draft or spend a ton of money on a Mike… we got a good one, at a bargain basement price.
August 20th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Mason Foster is more athletic than many of you realize. Do you remember the Ochocinco layout bright and early in his career? He led all rookies in tackles in his first season. When was the last time you say a MLB run a pick 6 back 85 yards? He’s money and you will see that this season!