Squat-Free Doesn’t Cut It Anymore
June 15th, 2009
With a six-year $42 million rookie contract, Gaines Adams was permitted to pass on basic weight room work under the past Bucs regime.
The more that is revealed about Gaines Adams’ first two seasons with the Bucs, the more Joe is downright mystified by the way Monte Kiffin and Jon Gruden handled the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 draft.
And frankly, to a lesser extent, Joe also has to now question the locker room leadership over the last two seasons.
Recent reports suggest Adams was allowed to get away with laziness, bordering on insubordination.
First, a few weeks ago, Adams talked to ESPN about his questionable commitment level during the past two seasons and said, “I didn’t have the strength to rush with anything more than my speed.”
Now, the mighty Twitterer, St. Pete Times beat writer Rick Stroud, reports that until this offseason Adams “boycotted the squat rack” and rarely worked on his leg strength in the weight room.
Joe can’t fathom how a rookie D-lineman in the NFL gets away with boycotting the squat rack and making his own decisions in the weight room. Surely at some point, somebody on the Bucs staff flat out told Adams to do squats and/or work on his leg strength. Did Adams simply say, “No thank you,” to the order?
Regardless of how it played out, it’s unthinkable that Adams was allowed to put out a third-rate effort in the weight room, especially considering the fortune of money Adams is paid as a No. 4 overall pick.
Raheem The Dream deserves major kudos for fixing this situation immediately with new strength coach Kurtis Schultz. The Times reports Shultz has made major strides with Adams.
But after an offseason with Shultz, Adams has added at least 15 pounds, most in his lower body. It will give him the strength to complement his speed.
“When a guy does that because he starts to work his legs with the squats and (do) some of the power moves he didn’t do before, it’s a credit to Gaines,” coach Raheem Morris said.
“But it’s also a credit to Shultz.”
Again, Joe must compliment The Dream for getting Adams to put in the weight room work he’s supposed to do at any high school or college level of football, let alone the NFL.
It’s a crying shame for Bucs fans that Chucky, Monte and his teammates gave Adams two years off.
June 15th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Interesting piece Joe. I think that explains a whole lot about the reason the Bucs fell apart last year. They weren’t strong enough and were beaten down by the end of the season. It has a lot to do with the Bucs always emphasizing defensive speed instead of strength. Well now guys are just as fast as them, but still strong. I bet Bates has a lot to do with the changes as well.
June 15th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
His reaction on TV when drafted set of Keith McCant alarms …find and post that video…..IMO..the FO was sending a message to Simeon….he is the easiest OT blocking assingment…let him go outside the faster the better….cause he’ll never get back inside before the ball is gone…..
June 15th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I was appalled when I read Gaines Adams didn’t train his legs. How can you be a world-class, professional athlete and not work your lower body. What was the last strength & conditioning coach doing? Was he only curling & bench pressing ever day? Was he trying to get his arms right for the club? I wouldn’t be surprised if this new approach pays immediate dividends by making him more stout at the point of attack. Good gravy, what was Gruden’s staff doing?
June 15th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
“What was the last strength & conditioning coach doing? ”
the real deal is what was…..Gaines Dog Chow doing instead…….
like I said….post the video as he was selected
June 15th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I saw picture of this new S & C Coach. The guy is a Beast. He looks a lot like my old friend Bobby Hopkins, 12 time World Arm Wrestling Champion. Gaines will find that this 15 pounds of leg thrust will make a world of difference. Gaines’ picture looks much different. Even his arms and neck have increaded in size. If he continues this for the next 3 months, look out. Gaines will be a force in the South. 10 Sacks or more. Good job Joe
June 15th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
” Even his arms and neck have increased in size.”
how about his heart…….his will….is obsession…to win ?
seems to me if you don’t have that on your own…we that make you another big ,fast young millionaire thinking easy street…..wrong turn Buccaneers
June 15th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Many players didn’t arrive with the level of commitment needed in their first few years. It is process that requires self discipline and a lot of growing up. Defensive Linemen have the toughest job on the field. Not everyone has the heart to be champion. This season should be a good indicator if Gaines has the fire inside to put in the work. It looks like they are off to a pretty good start this year.
June 15th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
One more thing. This is all the more reason the NFL needs a rookie pay scale, that doesn’t give rewards for work that is to be done and has not already been done. Where’s the incentive when your given all the money up front. Nobody’s fault but the owners.
June 16th, 2009 at 6:28 am
I am on board with your last two posts…….
June 16th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I am not shocked Adams does not train his legs. I am shocked he was able to get away with it. No leg strength= no push. Hopefully he works those chicken wings this year. The defense is going to need it.