Hitting
July 31st, 2014
Bucs CB Leonard Johnson hopes his physical nature lands him a starting gig.
Yes, the Bucs have broken out the pads in training camp. Started on Sunday. It was what Bucs fans were waiting for.
Wednesday, the first day back for the Bucs from a day off, it seems the players weren’t interesting in keeping their teammates healthy. The hitting finally showed up.
But Bucs coach Lovie Smith doesn’t want guys getting hammered so much in training camp.
Bodies can only take so much punishment and Lovie would rather have healthy players come December, not beat up players when the season begins in September.
Early in practice yesterday, tight end Tim Wright caught a dumpoff pass in the right flat, turned upfield and was blasted by linebacker Danny Lansanah. It was like two rams hammering each other.
The hitting wasn’t finished.
Later, Skye Dawson took a pass, turned upfield along the right sideline near the goal line, and was met by defensive back Leonard Johnson. The pride of Largo High School was like a speeding pickup, running into Dawson with such force it knocked him flying backward. If NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell would have been on hand, he would have fined Johnson for no other reason than it looked like he may have bruised Dawson.
It was all about playing physical football and trying to win a job, Johnson said.
“I’m just trying to compete,” Johnson said. “Just trying to show the coaches I am physical and am the ultimate competitor. “
Johnson is in a battle for the nickel back gig, and to hear some around One Buc Palace, he currently has an edge. That competition isn’t even in the forefront of Johnson’s mind.
“I just handle what I can on the field and let the coaches decide,” Johnson said. “I love [this defense]. It gives you a chance to play fast. It eliminates a lot of thinking. When you are out there thinking too much, [bad] things can happen. The coaches have simplified it for us.”
To hear more of Johnson, click the red button below. Audio courtesy of Joe’s friends at WDAE-AM 620.
July 31st, 2014 at 7:08 am
I would rather it be this way (more aggressive)…..yes there is a gamble of injury…but you can have injuries even with light hitting…I love the agressiveness.
July 31st, 2014 at 7:41 am
All I keep hearing is how they don’t have to think as much and they love this defense… Man Schiano’s blitz happy(barely worked) and prancing defensive line is getting dragged through the mud from almost EVERY returning Bucs player… Couldn’t be happier!
July 31st, 2014 at 8:00 am
Building a tough team full of guys that love football.
Love it
July 31st, 2014 at 8:32 am
It’s a tough tightrope……Lovie wants a very, very physical defense but it is hard to develop that if there’s only light hitting all the time…..sure, it is important that this team gets into the season without any injuries, but at the same time, a better defense won’t surrender any fourth quarter leads, or so everyone would prefer to believe.
July 31st, 2014 at 8:37 am
You practice hard when game days come you play hard there’s no such thing as holding back when your competitive nature is bound for greatness I hope they keep the hitting up so that way they fear no team come September. Shame on the coaching staff to tell them to cut out playing hard and fast, repetition and practice makes perfect.
July 31st, 2014 at 9:49 am
Yes he’s a pro at that…. maybe lovie can teach the guy to make plays on the ball BEFORE the receivers catch it. The league has gone a little soft so who cares if your laying hard licks on a guy if he’s getting good yardage or first downs, more pass breakups please
July 31st, 2014 at 11:57 am
Bucsalltheway Meant To Say:
July 31st, 2014 at 8:37 am
“You practice hard. When game days come you play hard. There’s no such thing as holding back when your competitive nature is bound for greatness. I hope they keep the hitting up so that way they fear no team come September. Shame on the coaching staff to tell them to cut out playing hard and fast, repetition and practice makes perfect.”
–Shame on the coaching staff?! Are you flippin’ kidding me?!?! After living through the last two regimes, you have the gall to call out our CURRENT coaches?! Why don’t you practice learning how to write, (focus on punctuation) get a job as football professional, then, MAYBE, you can call them out. Until then, you are (just like me) simply a fan, blowing hot air.
July 31st, 2014 at 2:49 pm
At 5’10” 202 lbs. Leonard looks to be the muscle hamster of the defense. Love the guy’s aggressive physical style of play, “Go Bucs”!!! 🙂