Mike James Will Play Today; Doug Martin Pass Protection Critiqued
October 5th, 2014
After landing on the inactive list last week (coach’s decision), second-year running back Mike James will wear a helmet today in New Orleans.
Usually, this sort of news is top secret until about 90 minutes before kickoff, but Lovie Smith let it slip during his 1-on-1, pregame chat with Buccaneers.com.
Lovie said he likes the Bucs’ commitment to the running game, and offered that James will be active along with Bobby Rainey and Doug Martin.
Joe thinks the timing, following two bad games in a row by Rainey (two carries for four yards in Pittsburgh), is a factor in the decision. It’s not like Jorvorskie Lane couldn’t serve as a third running back in a pinch.
Also, Lovie offered specific praise for Martin’s pass protection against the Steelers. It was a point Joe overlooked during the week, and worth noting after Martin’s garbage pass blocking against the Panthers on opening day.
October 5th, 2014 at 3:21 am
Glad James is active, he is an asset that needs opportunities. I just hope they are not planning to go full run heavy on all early downs only to put Glennon in a bad position of converting 3rd and long. Saints D is equally bad at defending the pass as it is against the run. The most important key to our victory would be somehow managing some early points and taking the crowd out of equation.
October 5th, 2014 at 5:05 am
Glennon is a back-up QB, regardless of how this season shakes out. The Bucs should draft a QB anyway, if Glennon is so much better than McCown than he would have beaten him out in the offseason or at least the 2nd preseason game. I don’t want a QB that needs the D to be spectacular every game, the o-line to be great, all receivers to be moss and T.O., etc.. That won’t beat this division consistently or beat the 49ers, hawks, broncos, bears, packers, chargers, chiefs, giants, cowboys, cardinals, etc.. you’ll just be blameing the coach and team for everything that’s wrong while going 8-8 every season.
October 5th, 2014 at 5:07 am
I agree, early points would be great. We also need turnovers. I hope the Bowers sighting last week wasn’t a fluke. Long, time consuming drives wouldn’t hurt either.
Go Bucs!
Bob
October 5th, 2014 at 5:47 am
Mike James is a better blocker than Rainey, and at least last year he showed he’s a decent pass catcher. I agree, the timing is right to roll him out and give him another chance. Mike Glennon has not had two full weeks taking starter reps, so I expect him to be in better synch will all receivers today. With Ingram and Lorig (whole starting backfield) OUT for the saints, we can expect some pass blocking dropoff for Brees. This could fare well for the Bucs pass rush on Brees. I give the Bucs a decent shot to win this one.
October 5th, 2014 at 5:54 am
Last year, a lot of us season ticket holders didn’t like the idea of Glennon being the starter going forward (Bucs had worse passing game in the league last year, whether it’s all Glennon’s fault of not), and short of Josh Freeman and Mike Vick, there were not many free agents out there. Lovie’s familiarity with McCown and his performance last year earned him a look. He also is a good mentor/teacher for someone like Glennon as far as prep, reading defenses, role model, etc. So I agree with Lovie’s call to name McCown as the starter right away. But most don’t seem to recall, Lovie also said “someone has to be first up” and he went on to say that doesn’t mean they can’t lose the position. But Josh is the team captain too, which makes this more complicated. That said, Lovie’s got time with the thumb injury to see how Glennon does. If Glennon turns in a good game today, takes care of the ball, gets some TDs, I think he’ll start against the Ravens. Meanwhile, a good “out” for Lovie is to proclaim that Josh is helpful for Arroyo on the sideline, and he doesn’t want to let that drop off given Tedford is going to be out indefinitely. Frankly, this is all good.
October 5th, 2014 at 6:28 am
Rainey didn’t really play against the Steelers so hard to categorize it as a bad game for him. I am hoping with the increased touches Martin starts showing us some of that star quality we know he has again, but he hasn’t yet. Glad other guys (Rainey and James)are going to get touches because there is talent there and either is capable of breaking off a big run. Those have been really few and far in between for Doug.
October 5th, 2014 at 6:30 am
“If Glennon was so much better than McCown he would have beaten him out in the offseason”….
Yeah bud you really must be new if you don’t know that Lovie named McCown the starter without any competition. Glennon’s play speaks for itself and he’s the best we’ve got and that ain’t bad
October 5th, 2014 at 6:43 am
@Newbiesfan, This article isn’t even about Glennon.
Establishing the run will be a key in this game for the Bucs. They can’t get into a shoot-out with Bress & Co. If James is finally healthy, he can be useful.
Go Bucs!
October 5th, 2014 at 6:44 am
This has been talked about ad nauseam. McCown was named the starter in March. He wasn’t going to beat out McCown while playing with 2nd and 3rd string talent.
October 5th, 2014 at 7:04 am
@newbucsfan – talk about a guy with an ax to grind. Couldn’t wait to an article that had anything at all to do with a QB? I’m sure there will be one up in the next post or two.
October 5th, 2014 at 7:10 am
@exterminator – that’s where lovie’s standard of always deferring to start games makes me nervous. Ideally our D will come out hot and get us the ball with a short field. If they get on the board first then we’ll not only be playing catch up but dealing with inspired fans
October 5th, 2014 at 7:36 am
I’m just glad all that ridiculous talk about trading Martin because we have Rainey is over, the water here must really be poison. James is the best blocker of all them probably because he’s just bigger
October 5th, 2014 at 7:48 am
@NewBucsfan are you saying our defense played spectacular last Sunday? LOL
October 5th, 2014 at 7:49 am
None of the backs are particularly special really. Hoping Sims is recovering well
October 5th, 2014 at 7:58 am
Joe if you see lovie before the game tell him if we win the toss RECEIVE the ball. Try to shut that damn crowd up early and put some points on the board. The last thing I want to see is that they receive and march right down the field for 7 and that crowd goes nuts
October 5th, 2014 at 8:19 am
iamkingsu -You hit the nail on the head! I can see the Saints going up 7-0 then the Bucs going three & out followed by a 30 yard punt = game over!
October 5th, 2014 at 9:03 am
@ Patrick in VA,
Are you saying that there has been a post on this site over the last few months that hasn’t been dominated by Glennon v. McCown – If so I must have missed it. Get of the new guys back!
October 5th, 2014 at 9:17 am
All the running backs available, now that’s a positive note heading into today’s game. That bodes well for Lovie’s love to run. Rainey’s earlier big day has been the highlight of the run game. The Bucs should produce a hundred yards on the ground in the dome.
October 5th, 2014 at 9:19 am
Newbucsfan!!! Says:
October 5th, 2014 at 5:05 am
Glennon is a back-up QB, regardless of how this season shakes out. The Bucs should draft a QB anyway, if Glennon is so much better than McCown than he would have beaten him out in the offseason or at least the 2nd preseason game. I don’t want a QB that needs the D to be spectacular every game, the o-line to be great, all receivers to be moss and T.O., etc.. That won’t beat this division consistently or beat the 49ers, hawks, broncos, bears, packers, chargers, chiefs, giants, cowboys, cardinals, etc.. you’ll just be blameing the coach and team for everything that’s wrong while going 8-8 every season.
————–
Different article, same horse manure post.
Winnin’ with Glennon
Bitter Freemanite? Me thinks so..