How Will The Bucs Use Humphries?
July 22nd, 2018
Pigeonholed?
While there may have been doubt in the offseason whether Adam Humphries was going to return to the Bucs, there was no doubt where Humphries wanted to play.
Humphries told Joe earlier this year he wanted to return to Tampa Bay and was happy that his agent and Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht could work something out.
Now how will Humphries be used? Intelligent Evan Silva of Rotoworld.com had an interesting take.
Adam Humphries has made himself tough for Koetter’s staff to pull off the field as a reliable possession target, last year finishing No. 3 among all slot receivers in average yards of separation (3.4) with a 73.5% catch rate. The Bucs are wholly uncreative with wideout usage, aligning Humphries in the slot on 82% of his routes while no other Tampa receiver ran more than 21% of his patterns inside. This theoretically gives Humphries a defined, perhaps even uncontested role on a team that showed its affinity for him with a second-round tender in restricted free agency.
Joe had no idea Humphries had that high a percentage in the slot. Granted, when a team has Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin, why would you play Humphries anywhere but the slot?
But it would be interesting if Humphries, who led all Bucs receivers in YAC (yards after catch) would get more snaps as an outside receiver, if for no other reason than to mix things up.
It seems Silva is of the mind the Bucs passing game could be a little more creative. Given how the team needs wins and will be without America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, for the first three games, mixing things up might not be a bad idea.
July 22nd, 2018 at 8:19 am
Depends IMO how’s much Koetter uses 2 TE sets.
July 22nd, 2018 at 8:41 am
They really do have too many weapons on offense. I would have made a call to Dallas and tried to move humph or brate . I also would have trades djax for a kicker since they are no smart enough to stic him at punt and kick returns
July 22nd, 2018 at 9:31 am
You don’t trade any of your weapons it’s a long year An injuries happen
July 22nd, 2018 at 10:45 am
Humphries reminds me of Joey J. from years ago…except shorter.
July 22nd, 2018 at 10:48 am
He’s done fine as a punt returner too, and should continue to be used in the slot along with Godwin. I think Godwin is really #3, and may replace DJax in the next year or two, but Humphries still brings depth and versatility. I remember when it was hard trying to figure out who would start at WR; so it’s a good problem to have…figuring who they have to must take off the field for backup/#4.
July 22nd, 2018 at 10:49 am
BucEmUp Says
“They really do have too many weapons on offense. I would have made a call to Dallas and tried to move humph or brate.”
In no way should they trade either one of those guys. And they would not, since they only just signed new deals with them.
Desean Jackson is about to play his last year for the team. Once he is gone, Godwin will take his spot and Hump will remain the slot guy.
People seem to forget that we went years and years with horrible WR depth. Why trade it away now?
And as far as Brate, why would we trade the guy who just got a contract because he has proven himself? OJ might have potential, but he has proven nothing yet. Brate has. He’s one of the best.
July 22nd, 2018 at 10:52 am
But I would trade DJax in a heartbeat…this year or next. He’s more disruptive than a help at this point, not because of behavior, but because they are so focused on forcing chemistry between him and Winston that all of the other pass catchers are getting a lot less opportunities.
Trade DJax, take a chance and promote Godwin. That I can get behind.
July 22nd, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Another mediocore low ceiling player bucfan fails in love… trade lol hilarious.. he has no trade value probably could not even make half of the other nfl teams. But make no mistake about it he is certainly qualified for the bucs ring of underachievement
July 22nd, 2018 at 12:07 pm
My only major with this team is the lack of creativity of this coaching staff. What I take away from this article is I see each week with both Koetter and Smith, PREDICTABLE! How about run Evans inside or Godwin, or DJax. How about run some concepts that clear out the d for DJAX to use his speed underneath? I understand players knowing their roles but if you are as predictable as us even if you more talented it is hard to win. Why do you think teams study so much, to give a leg up on the opponent of course. Well with us they don’t even need to study cause everyone knows what we’re going to do already which makes getting open harder, fitting the ball into windows harder, which blocking harder, which makes running harder. And all of this makes winning harder. Get just a little more creative and this can be really good keep being predictable and we will continue to struggle.
July 22nd, 2018 at 4:47 pm
It’ll be something to watch in training camp. Will they cross train more—like they do with the oline? Will they give DJax reps inside? Is he willing to do the hard work to learn the system? Is he willing to block or at least seal linebackers and safeties and do the other things we need him to do to spring Rojo? Knowing others players responsibilities might help him understand his role better.
With the QB situation I’d be tempted to use a kiss system and focus on basics.