Biggest Injury Worry
July 26th, 2016
Worries Jenna Laine (and Joe, too).
Entering training camp, there is always one guy either coming off an injury or who is injury-prone — who the team needs desperately to stay healthy.
The four-letter decided to identify who Bucs fans need to work the rosary beads for in an effort to bestow good health. Jenna Laine of BSPN believes Bucs No. 3 wide receiver Louis Murphy needs your good vibes.
Wide receiver Louis Murphy suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 against the Redskins and underwent surgery, effectively ending his season. He also did not participate in any of the team’s mandatory minicamp practices. The Bucs really need a No. 3 receiver behind Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, and Murphy has the versatility to line up in the slot and outside, along with starting experience. Given the nature of his injury, his position and his age (29), this warrants attention.
Yes, yes, yes. Many Bucs fans are not fond of the Lakewood High School product. But Joe is.
Prior to last year, Murphy really didn’t establish himself as any sort of threat or valuable player. He was mostly a No. 3 (or four) receiver on bad teams, including the 2-14 Bucs.
However, last year under Dirk Koetter, Murphy proved to be a key asset. He was on pace for over 500 yards receiving (not shabby for a No. 3 receiver) when he blew out his wheel in the Capitol Collapse in Washington.
With Murphy out along with Vincent Jackson, the passing game struggled, and it was easy to see why. America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, suddenly had to rely on Mr. K-Y and two undrafted rookies, including a misplaced Calgary Stampeder who would have trouble catching a cold in a Wisconsin grade school bathroom in the middle of winter, and a possession receiver who couldn’t stretch the field any more than a lumbering tackle.
If Murphy cannot go, this team is dangerously thin at wide receiver. So, yeah, fans should be worried about Murphy’s health.
July 26th, 2016 at 7:59 am
I would have thought the biggest worry would be the “strength” of d-line the DT’s some of whom have never finished a 16 game schedule in 6 tries!!!!
July 26th, 2016 at 8:00 am
I agree Joe, most fans do not have alot of faith in Murphy mostly because of he’s injury prone, but when he was on the field he was productive for his particular role, and would of had a good season had he not blown out his knee, if he can show that his knee will not be a factor I think he becomes a key contributor in the slot, he’s not real flashy but he gets open and does his job well. There were several big plays last year that he made, but sum fans wish to ignore that and look at his past instead of his current production. You can bet the bucs will be counting on him this year if he’s able to stay healthy. Weither u like him or not, he’s a valuable asset to this receiving corps with guys like Dye, Humphries and Bell being the next guy up. So think about that. We already seen what those guys can do, or not do i should say. not counting Bell wich Joe loves Hatin on because he got Injured during preseason b4 he could show what he’s capable of. Look 4 afro thunder to break out this year. I sure am. And Joe will be hearing it as well as the other KB supporters.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:05 am
Hey Bucs fans, u guys gotta see this pic taken of Kwon yesterday, he’s put on sum weight this offseason!! I feel bad for the guy who gets “McCowned” this year!! I posted it on my Facebook, i couldnt post the link. Check it out @ “Jeremy Loui”. His neck is the size of the thigh! Lol. let me know what u think.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:21 am
Watching him at the Pouncey camp in Lakeland he looked great. I know there is a huge difference between running around with kids and pros but he was planting and pivoting on the knee. Looked smooth no limp no favoring at all.
Props to him as well for sticking around to sign everyone’s camp shirt and taking pictures. Giving kids advice as they walked up, real good dude.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:26 am
Was he given the kids advice on wedding etiquette. Thou shall not pass out at weddings.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:42 am
“With Murphy out along with Vincent Jackson”
Somehow, I doubt it was Murphy who had the impact there, Joe.
I disagree that 500 yards is good for a #3. “Good” isn’t the goal anyway.
The Cards third best WR had over 800 yards. Seems to me the goal should be around 650 yards or better for a third WR.
A Tight end? 550-600 might pass.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:48 am
Some are going to disagree with you Joe, but not me. Murphy seemed to be “resurrecting” his career before the injury. Having him in the line-up would make me feel a little better about our offense.
Realist, don’t stir up tmax with the DT talk!
July 26th, 2016 at 8:49 am
I thought Murphy was a great sign when team glazer picked him up. He beat Pittsburgh in 2014 on a comeback win, and I believe he will bounce back from his injury and produce. I think he has 2 more years of solid production for the bucs.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:56 am
However, I do think Murphy is one of our current best options.
Which is why I wanted Jermaine Kearse (685 yards) or Marvin Jones (816 yards) in free agency. Those are both rising stars, healthy and young. And they both surpass the 650 yard mark.
In the process, we could have gotten a solid option to replace Jackson in the next year or so.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:58 am
Murphy is a fantastic #4 WR. Not a #3.
July 26th, 2016 at 8:58 am
The one guy that needs to stay healthy? Winston.
July 26th, 2016 at 9:09 am
The bucs have a lot of key players that have injury histories that need to stay healthy murohy is not even in the top 5 of that list
Vjax
McCoy
Doug Martin
McDonald
Akeem Spence
Dotson
Conte
All far more important than murphy who is just not very good and is not durable hardly a goodgamble
July 26th, 2016 at 9:18 am
I don’t know exactly what his targets vs. catches was last year, but it seemed to me Murphy caught everything thrown his way. If healthy, he would be a huge asset. With a healthy VJax and a more focused ME, Jameis could have a killer year.
July 26th, 2016 at 9:32 am
My biggest injury worry isJameis, just because of who he is to our team. I have high hopes for this season but it’ll go down the drain if he misses out.
July 26th, 2016 at 9:53 am
I like Murphy too. How can I not? Local guy, good college, made some great catches. A big boost if he comes back healthy. Hey, let me outta here, the Bucs need me.
July 26th, 2016 at 10:28 am
For a part-time player?
Remember: the Bucs last year were not a 1980 San Diego Chargers three-wide set where the No. 3 receiver took 75 percent (or more) of the snaps.
July 26th, 2016 at 12:38 pm
DemBoyzFromDaBay727…I saw that..he’s on fire this year to play..the neck is more like a tree trunk..lol..
I do agree that we are dangerously thin at WR..but I would take Roddy over Murphy..sorry, it’s the injury proneness that scares me..
July 26th, 2016 at 1:50 pm
I thought Murphy was a decent #3 guy but we need another proven receiver in the mix. I’m hoping we pick somebody up soon… I’d rate our receiving corps about a c-. No burners and no depth. I know bell can run but who knows if he can play..
July 26th, 2016 at 2:08 pm
There is not a single team in the NFL that isn’t concerned about injuries.
There are very few teams in this league that are not 2-3 serious injuries away from dropping out of contention.
All I have to post is DUH!
July 27th, 2016 at 8:21 am
Lifeofabucsfan- ya a tree trunk is more fitting lol he was a little undersized last year do I think that will only help him. One guy said let’s hope it’s not PED’S LOL I doubt that. I told him not to confuse energy drink wit PED’s.