Lauding Vita Vea
December 25th, 2018
Bucs DT Vita Vea.
He’s “Velcro” no more.
For the first half of the season, Bucs first-round pick Vita Vea was pretty much a no-show. He played his first game against the Bears and for the first few games showed very little as to why he was a first-round pick.
Vea was playing so passively that former Bucs guard and popular podcaster Ian Beckles remarked that Vea should be called “Velcro” because he can’t get off blocks.
Then about a month ago, Vea had a sitdown with Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and whatever Licht told Vea, a light bulb (Licht bulb?) went off in Vea’s head and the guy has been on a sharp incline in his play since.
Vea’s solid play continued Sunday in Dallas with a sack and a quarterback hit on Dak Prescott. Yesterday in his day-after presser, Bucs Bit-O-Honey-snacking, Ozark-watching, yams-eating coach Dirk Koetter raved about Vea’s play.
“Well, Vita’s just improved across the board as he’s really gotten into his groove of playing,” Koetter said. “I thought Vita was our most dominant defensive lineman [Sunday]. I thought he consistently got knock-back on the line of scrimmage. I just think he’s gained confidence. I’d say the last five weeks, he’s improved every week.
“He’s kind of got things where he understands, he knows what to expect now. He’s cutting it loose, he’s not playing tentative, he’s not on the ground as much. Most of his pass-rush comes with power, although he is quicker than he might be thought of for a guy his size. When he’s got good rushers around him, like he does now, and he’s singled up – most people are going to single the nose [tackle] and slide to the three[-technique tackle] – that’s going to give him a consistent one-on-one.
“He had a good day yesterday pushing the pocket back. If we’re playing with a lead more, that will show up more. When you’re playing from behind, that’s going to show up less.”
Joe was almost willing to write off Vea’s rookie season as a mulligan. Why? Dude missed all of training camp and preseason with a calf injury suffered on the first day of full-padded contact in training camp.
It’s tough for a rookie to hit the ground running as it is. Not having a training camp or a preseason and expecting a rookie to play solid football by being thrown into the fire is a tall order.
December 25th, 2018 at 11:17 am
The thing I like about him is that he doesn’t give up when the play is away from him. He’s running across/ up the field to where the play is looking to make the tackle. He doesn’t quit till the whistle is blown. Dude has heart. I was excited to see him match up against a good oline in Dallas. Really happy for him, hope to see him get even better!
December 25th, 2018 at 11:21 am
Yep he will fit right in with this Defense…. play your best when the season is over and nothing matter! GMC taught him well!
December 25th, 2018 at 11:23 am
Hopefully McCoy offers to restructure his deal next season.
McCoy has been paid filthy money and has missed quiet a few games. I’d like to see “year 2 “ Vea next to McCoy next year. They have so many holes not to keep McCoy. However 13 mil per year seems a little high for guy producing what he is producing
December 25th, 2018 at 11:32 am
One more year with cancer93 and vea will learn how to give up, lose quality and order custom super hero underoos all by himself. Only hope for those young kids is for leader of losing culture cancer93 to be eradicated once and for all. Send cancer93 sorry arse packing after atl…
December 25th, 2018 at 11:34 am
Buc believer Says:
December 25th, 2018 at 11:21 am
Yep he will fit right in with this Defense…. play your best when the season is over and nothing matter! GMC taught him well!
Dude that’s a bit harsh don’t you think? He’s a rookie who got hurt in training camp for goodness sake. And by the despite that his number match those of one Warren Sapp.
December 25th, 2018 at 11:35 am
I kinda watched the game in live time Sunday….So with that being said, every time I saw him the C and RG were double teaming the dude every snap and he still looked legit.
Doesn’t say much for his peers on the D Line.
Pistol
December 25th, 2018 at 11:39 am
This is a decent draft for d-lineman and OT’s hopefully they can bring in some help for him and keep McCoy at a reduced salary as a rotational player.
December 25th, 2018 at 11:42 am
I was stoked when we got Vea.
Keep Spence.. maybe the next regime can bring the Spawn back out. Beckwith back also. Keep David too. Gmc for me is a no go, but I’d be ok on a restruct. Grimes… bye bye. Keep VHlll. Conte, Stewart bye bye. Start there and I’ll feel better
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Go BUCS!!!
December 25th, 2018 at 11:46 am
Derwin had no problem playing great right out of the gate… pro bowl rookie season.
December 25th, 2018 at 11:48 am
Vita “My only path is forward” Vea!
I might stop calling him cupcake
December 25th, 2018 at 11:55 am
Derwin didnt miss all of training camp and preseason, idiot.
December 25th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
@WatDaBucIsThis The kid can only improve (Vea.) But one thing I do want to see no matter who the coaches are next season is keep JPP & Nassib! Those 2 did a great job in the pass rush for their first year together and once Kwon gets back alongside LVD the pass rush will be lethal. I’m all in for releasing Grimes and picking up a BIG NAME CB. As.for the offensive side of the ball,well let’s start by releasing DJax or better yet,TRADE him. Someone who is missing that key piece to be an offensive threat would be desperate enough to trade a 3rd rounder….KC,New England,Houston,Heck even the Browns. Don’t just release him and save the $10mil,Trade him AND the $10mil. Then we could get another great CB,DE, or dare I say……. QUARTERBACK?!LOL
December 25th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Lauding Veta Vea? Give me a break..PLEASE! There are only 3 or 4 players on this team who deserve lauding. Humphries, Evans, JPP and You..fill in the other. Vita came in this league chilled..thinkin this was college ball. He foundf out though..Quick..he was playin with the big boyz now.
December 25th, 2018 at 12:29 pm
@Ndog…. yeah you may be right on being a bit to hard on the kid especially at Christmas… it is the cynical Buc fan in me coming out. Let’s hope next year (so damn tired of saying that) he starts and ends the season with solid play.
December 25th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Can’t wait until I see Vita Vea in the next hot muggy game in Tampa.
December 25th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Another dumb 1st round pick by Licht, aside from the QB every one of lichts 1sr round picks were not the right building blocks for a championship team and onv he has done great building a 5-11 franchise
December 25th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
@Jerry Jones James doesn’t get double teamed like Vea does either so how can you compare the two. Vea has a way more physical job than James by the way.
December 25th, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Hey Joe nothing on the Glazers and the coaching search? What’s going on? We need a dose of daily “hope.”
December 25th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
I wanted Derwin James
But the Bucs decided on Vita Vea
It is what it is, time to move on
With that said, I Vita do well in Tampa
Go get Grady Jarrett
And play him at 3 TECH, next to Vita
I doubt the Falcons will be able to sign Grady
Vita Vea could have the impact of Derwin James
If the Bucs add a 3 TECH like Grady Jarrett next to him
December 25th, 2018 at 12:57 pm
**I hope Vita do well in Tampa**
December 25th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
He’s doing well recently, I’m happy about that. With his mix of size and athleticism he really could do into one of the most dominant interior rushers in the league, I’m talking Haloti Ngata 2.0
December 25th, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Vea is okay
December 25th, 2018 at 1:12 pm
@lakeland and Jerry jones. …the Derwin stuff is old. obviously a FSU fan. Never Sign anyone from Falcons defense. they are presently the worst tackling defense in the league.
December 25th, 2018 at 1:19 pm
mickman
Grady Jarrett is one of the top tackling DT in the NFL
December 25th, 2018 at 1:21 pm
He’s like his dad, Jesse Tuggle
December 25th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
You always write off a DT’s rookie year, always – they almost always do nothing – and rookie production almost always has nothing to do with future production. But what you want to see is progress through the year and hopefully a guy that looks better as the year goes along, and Vita certainly has shown that over the last few games. The big thing to me is in this last game Vita was finally getting deep presentation, finally getting in the backfield to disrupt things. It’s a great sign heading into year two.
December 25th, 2018 at 1:27 pm
Yeah Rod Munch
Aaron Donald is the only DT I can remember that dominated from day one.
December 25th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
Jr Sweezy, May make the pro bowl.. as an alternative. Crazy what real coaching could do.
December 25th, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Did somebody here mention..Aaron Donald? Bucs passed on him right?
MERRY XMAS!
December 25th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Ed Oliver at #5. You ever try to double up Vea with Oliver next to him and someone is getting sacked or loss of yards.
Nassib/Vea/Oliver/JPP. That’s a fast a$$ powerful d-line.
December 25th, 2018 at 2:23 pm
This is pure propaganda. Dirk doesn’t know a thing about defense. Can Koetter! Fire Licht!
December 25th, 2018 at 2:44 pm
El_Buc941 Says
But one thing I do want to see no matter who the coaches are next season is keep JPP & Nassib!
JPP is under contract for two more years at a good price…almost too good a price. I’m slightly concerned he might hold out for a little more money. He deserves it too.
I’m all in for releasing Grimes…
Won’t have to. He’s only on a one year deal.
December 25th, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Buc Believer? What an irnonic name considerning your ignorant comment.
December 25th, 2018 at 3:07 pm
SOEbuc Says:
December 25th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Ed Oliver at #5. You ever try to double up Vea with Oliver next to him and someone is getting sacked or loss of yards.
Nassib/Vea/Oliver/JPP. That’s a fast a$$ powerful d-line.
This message had been approved…
December 25th, 2018 at 3:18 pm
Ed Oliver stock is dropping big time
A lot of GMs will stay away from him
Character issues and he can be lazy at time
He looked real bad during his sideline blowup with Major Applewhite
That’s a no no in the NFL, going after the Head Coach
And this wasn’t an isolated incident
December 25th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
I wouldn’t rule out the Bucs drafting QB Dwayne Haskins
He’s the real deal, he can make all of throws
He has been in pro style offense most of his career
He make good decisions, don’t turn the ball over often
His accuracy is off the chain
I’m not saying that they will move on from Jameis
But Haskins is a talent that you have to consider
December 25th, 2018 at 3:23 pm
The next great DT
https://youtu.be/hKaBG_Kr-GU
Bama 92
December 25th, 2018 at 3:35 pm
Vea was owning Sua-Filo. You can definitely see the power. He’ll be fine.
Next to the right 3- tech, he’ll be a monster.
December 25th, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Bucsfanman
That’s why I mention Grady Jarrett
He create havoc on the line, pushes the pocket
That’s the type of 3-Tech you want next to Vita
It don’t have to be Jarrett, but a similar DT
December 25th, 2018 at 4:38 pm
I’d like to see VV play well in 90 degree weather then I’ll stfu.
December 25th, 2018 at 4:40 pm
All I want to see in the draft are OL and DL. If we take a QB in round 1 I guess I understand, but Jameis isn’t exactly Brandon Weeden. I’d be OK with giving Winston the “prove it” year with a new coach, just beef up the O and D lines. Winning starts with the players closest to the QB, on both sides of the ball.
December 25th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Lakeland,
You sure you’re looking at the right guy? I’m asking because Haskins is a redshirt sophomore and this season is his only season starting. There’s no most of.his career, his career is 13-14 games. Ohio state isn’t a pro style offense either so
Are you thinking about another player.
December 25th, 2018 at 7:15 pm
Mobility, accuracy and quick decision maker, if there is a QB in the draft like that get him. 4 years in and Jameis only has the mobility factor as a strength, he certainly is good at extending plays, throws well running to his right. On the other hand he has a slower release than most better QBs. Decision making is below average. Jameis arm strength is above average. His best throws are made when he can see a receiver flash open for a moment and gun it to them. If he had a shorter throwing motion and knew how to look off defensive backs and lbs he’d be the QB the Bucs need but he usually holds on to the ball a little longer and when you combine that with the slower release the ball isn’t always thrown to the right spot. I’m a all in on them bringing in serious competition for him maybe he needs it to up his game.
December 25th, 2018 at 8:21 pm
It seems people forget this guy entered Washington as RB? A giant RB now playing DT can’t wait to see what he is able to do with a full camp & preseason. Plus if next coach goes to a 3-4 what a beast of of a NG, could even move him outside on passing downs. As all true Bucs fans say “Can’t Wait For Next Year”
December 25th, 2018 at 9:23 pm
Lakeland
“Character issues and he can be lazy at time.”
Lazy at times? You’ve apparently fallin off your rocker. Absolute opposite of lazy. Guy guns it all over the field to make the tackle. Don’t know where you get your supposed GM specs on the guy, but he’s no doubt a top 10 pick.
December 25th, 2018 at 11:28 pm
Ohio State molded it offense to suite Dwayne Haskins ability. They was running an option offense before Haskins. In 2018 they went to the pro style, pass happy offense. And these are the numbers Haskins put up.
Att-496, Cmp- 348, 70.2 Pct, 47 TD, 8 INT, 4580 Yards
Haskins was a one year starter
He was behind J T Barrett
His situation is similar to Mitch Trubisky of the Chicago Bears
December 25th, 2018 at 11:39 pm
SOEBuc,
I’m speaking of the game I seen earlier this season between Texas Tech and Houston. Texas Tech QB had a field day against Ed Oliver and the Cougars defense. Texas Tech beat Houston 63-49, he was pressured only once and sacked once. Yet he attempted 59 passes and completed 43 of them. He also passed for 605 yards and 5 TD.
I seen some loafing from the Cougars D-Line players ( including Oliver)
I’m not saying this happens often, but it did on this particular Saturday
December 25th, 2018 at 11:56 pm
Lakeland,
Ok, I see where you’re coming from. Youre defining pro style as pass happy.
Btw, I agree with you on Haskins the kid has all the tools. Correction, He has all the right tools to really excel in the league.
December 26th, 2018 at 12:04 am
Yeah D1QB
I wasn’t sold on him until they played Michigan
Jim Harbaugh had everything to win in that game
Dwayne Haskins threw 6 TD and 0 INT against Michigan
December 26th, 2018 at 12:11 am
And Michigan was giving up only 13.5 points a game
Ohio state scored 62 points against them
December 26th, 2018 at 2:03 am
I watched it, hellva a game.
There’s so much upside with this kid and if He declares I’d love to see him in Tampa.
December 26th, 2018 at 2:07 am
You mentioned the points allowed by Michigan and I automatically think about all the cries of support for hiring Harbaugh and the fact that Meyer has owned him since he took the job. Yet not a single call for Meyer as the next HC.
December 26th, 2018 at 3:03 am
Good article here Joe. I was the main one dogging this kid when he was drafted. The coaching from the GM of all places, a GM everyone wants fired, helped this guy’s technique. I wonder what Licht could do for the oline. I’m loving Vea and I’m loving the draft talk for another DT and a guy I like is another big hole clogging DT is Dexter Lawrence from Clemson. I think the guy stock is falling right now too he’s pegged as a late first round pick right now and guess what we have the kind of pick in the second round to trade back into the late first too. I really pray we don’t draft Ed Oliver. He’s kind of like McCoy to me nothing against McCoy I just don’t like passive football players like him and I thought Vea was passive. Man McCoy is b*+(!? compared to Vea. I’ve been watching the last few games man his hustle and swag is really what we need. A big guy like Dexter Lawrence and McCoy back and playing a rotating spot along the Dline could be special with Duff at the helm. I’m just not sold on letting McCoy walk just yet the guy gets big time pressure still even at this point in career. We need some more DE though I feel as well. We need two speedy edge rushers and one early at that. It’s not hard a defensive end that runs a 4.6- 4.8 range. By what Koetter that is their plan this offseason if they are retained and I sure hope on Black Monday the only peep that is out of Tampa is George Warhop. There needs to be an article for him to be fired tommorow
December 26th, 2018 at 7:45 am
LakeLand- Yea, no offense to GMC, but he gets sideways far too often. That creates holes for runners and passing lanes for the QB. I think just a solid, sound, 3-tech is what Vea needs.
Jarrett doesn’t excite me, but that’s the point. He’s solid.
Where does Haskins fall in the draft? 1st? 2nd?
Do you draft a QB in the 1st if you’re the Bucs, even if you’re not sold on Jameis?
I don’t know.
December 26th, 2018 at 8:57 am
Rick Says:
“The thing I like about him is that he doesn’t give up when the play is away from him. He’s running across/ up the field to where the play is looking to make the tackle. He doesn’t quit till the whistle is blown. Dude has heart.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Perfect comments, Rick. AGREED 100%.
December 26th, 2018 at 9:06 am
Buc believer Says:
“Yep he will fit right in with this Defense…. play your best when the season is over and nothing matter! GMC taught him well!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow man, tough words for a kid who was hurt and starting behind the 8-ball, who is playing his ASS off, like his hair is on fire. (which is a hell of a lot more than we can say for a LOT of guys on this team)
December 26th, 2018 at 9:38 am
^ yep! Big V will be around for a long time….he was a good pick and showing up now.
December 26th, 2018 at 10:14 am
Jameis haters should stop playing yourself with all this QB in the first non sense. So many better position players to fill in so many holes we have. QB is not one.