Elite Bucs Receivers
March 24th, 2020
Dominant duo.
In a stat geeky breakdown of new Bucs quarterback Tom Brady (reading so many made-up stats before morning caffeine kicks gives Joe a headache), something jumped out that had nothing to do with Brady.
Never mind if Brady is over-the-hill or still has elite skills. He’s walking into a dream situation for just about any quarterback, even Stewart McClown.
Bucs receivers had some of the best numbers and not just the obvious ones like yards. Per numbers peddler Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic, the Bucs receivers are so good, they could carry Brady and the offense.
There’s no overstating just how bad the Patriots’ wide receivers were last year. Next Gen Stats tracks average separation at time of throw. New England’s wide receivers ranked 32nd. The Patriots didn’t have a single player rate above average in Next Gen Stats’ yards after catch metric either.
Brady’s best years statistically came when he had a great supporting cast. If there’s hope that Brady can perform like the 2012-2014 version of Peyton Manning in Denver, it rests with the great players he’s going to be throwing the ball to.
Bucs receivers, Kapadia documented, were first in yards-per-catch, first in percentage of catches for a first down, fifth in lack of drops and fourth in yards-per-targeted pass.
Depending who you talk to or what article you read, Brady either played like a 40-something quarterback last year or still has magic in his arm. But one thing seems clear:
The Bucs receivers may help Brady find the fountain of youth in Florida.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:12 am
And in 2-3 years we’ll be looking for another QB to throw to our awesome receivers…. do the Glazers ever have a legit plan for this team?
March 24th, 2020 at 11:16 am
Cool article. I haven’t been this excited about the team’s chances in a long time.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:19 am
We knew this years ago when Fitz-magic was lighting the league up!!!!!!!!! Coach Koetter was correct all along!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 24th, 2020 at 11:21 am
So you’re saying that Brady made his bad receivers look good and get to the playoffs whereas our receivers made our former QB look good? I would agree with that. Can’t wait to see what happens when a good QB and good WR’s get together.
Still hopeful we will have a season.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:31 am
And that’s basically on our top 2 although Perriman balled out when given the opportunity.
But for a variety of reasons…offensive style..and quite honestly just poor performances from out two TE’s…we haven’t been able to take advantage of their talent. Both of our TE’s have proven that talent…certainly Brate before injuries and I honestly do not know what caused OJ to lose his concentration…but hopefully the figure it out.
We have one football and a LOT of targets. Brady will not be concerned if any “friends” on the team get their numbers. He will hit the right guy.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:31 am
@sk our receivers numbers will drop this year book it. Stop pretending jameis had nothing to do with their numbers. The stupidity in this room is startling. Its like mike and chris threw themselves the ball last year.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:33 am
If they keep ME, the offense will be scary!
you can say goodbye to Suh though and look for DL draft early.
still big holes for DL, OT, S, and need a backup QB
Perriman or AB could fill ME’s shoes for much less and gain draft picks.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:35 am
Kansas95
You, me and everyone including Tom know this. So it’s not like anybody is surprised.
BA’s taking his last, best shot at the ring. Hopefully we draft or sign a competent backup and a good prospect. Such is life in then NFL.
Everybody is watching, so Shirley they have a plan.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:35 am
just curious as to why I am in moderation, I know you don’t need the hassle, so let me know for future reference.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:41 am
Look… if we win super bowl this year or next ok it was worth it. We restart again… and in 15 yrs when mahomes is available we sign him !
That’s the plan …
suck for 10-15yrs and then win for one or two years. Over and over.
Finally the glazers have a winning formula.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:41 am
jmarkbuc
I hope so friend because the Glazier boys have shown us they have 0 idea on how to put a winning team together. Unless they address the multiple issues on the team, Tampa isn’t getting far even with Brady
March 24th, 2020 at 11:41 am
Sadly, Joe could ask the WordPress software why “Robert” is moderated. Thinking like usual, the software would not respond.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:43 am
all mike evans has done his whole football life is make QBs better. He basically made Johnny Manziel’s sandlot style possible, and then he bailed Jameis Winston out in similar fashion about 25 times a season by turning an uncatchable throw into a circus catch
can’t wait to see him play with a QB that was great without him
March 24th, 2020 at 11:44 am
Mike Evans is the reason Manziel was a first rounder and heisman winner, and he’s the reason Winston got 5 years under center to rack up stats like no QB his age ever did.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:01 pm
First Manziel, then Winston. Evans has consistently made the guy throwing the ball to him look like a star. Now he finally gets to be the less good side of the partnership.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Wow, Joe! Are you saying analytics mean something?? I thought they weren’t worth bullspit? Hmmm….
March 24th, 2020 at 12:05 pm
In the modern era of football with few exceptions (I.E. Patriots) winning and
losing fluctuates from year to year and unfortunately for the Buc’s they have been on the short end for a long time. Maybe if the the Football Gods look favorably on us it will be our turn to Win. Buc fans are trained to start optimistic and finished looking forward to next year. We can provide the receivers, Brady can provide the experience. Is that enough or will 10 other factors influence the final outcome?
P.S. For me personally for the last year, Moderation has become a way of life. No big deal, learn to live with it. It has little to do with your posts and more to do with the age of technology. Still the best Web Site for Buc’s news in Tampa.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:10 pm
I’m also excited about having healthier receivers! They will no longer be sacrificing their bodies having to make those dangerous catches Winston forced them into on a regular basis. Not to mention improved YAC as Brady hits them in stride more often.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Why do people mention the possibility of trading ME (Mike Evens). You don’t trade your best players when you are trying to win a championship. Secondly, ME had his contract reworked twice last year – it was converted to a signing bonus meaning their would possibly be dead money if we traded him.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:19 pm
This will be fun to watch folks. Anyone remember when the Patriots had a game-changing WR named Randy Moss?
Could it be? Could Bucsfanman’s premonition actually come to fruition?! SIXTEEN-DASH-ZERO/16-0?!!!
Yeah, I said it! So….
March 24th, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Hey Nashville, the injury that ended Mike Evans season was a beautifully thrown bomb for a touchdown that hit Even in perfect stride and he went to the endzone untouched. You sir a just being a hater!
March 24th, 2020 at 12:28 pm
For those in the “no plan” camp by having Brady…let’s wait to see if we draft one this year or next. I truly believe we have a plan long term at QB and that includes Brady winning now while mentoring the future! It’s Win Win!
March 24th, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Grades, especially coming from dudes who prop themselves up as inventors of the game, are “bullspit.”
Analytics is just information. Nothing more, nothing less.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:36 pm
Kansas
that really falls on Licht and the G boyz decision on what to do with him.
For now he’s gotten a little reprieve and, slithered off the JW hook, but that may not last.
Tom knows what a real organization is…maybe he’ll push Licht too…..
March 24th, 2020 at 12:36 pm
N.E. had a just plain bad team last season. It is one of the reasons that Brady ended up here.
Brady had downsized his salary to have a better team around him. The coaching staff didn’t do it, so he moved on.
The Bucs receivers are going to have a blast this season. Accurate passes with room to run will explode their stats.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:39 pm
@JustBucNWin
Tampa has shown that they cannot develop a rookie QB, why should we expect them to do so now?
March 24th, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Kansas
Hopefully Tom Moore, Clyde Christensen and the you know, QB whisperer.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:44 pm
TDTB
One or two in stride, does not an accurate QB make.
March 24th, 2020 at 12:59 pm
Kansas95, We never had a QB like Brady to mentor…
March 24th, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Has anyone thought that if Brady can win a Superbowl here in the next two years, the Glazers might sell the Bucs? Just a thought. They seem to be setting up success for a two year run and make top dollar with a Superbowl winning team? Just saying!!!
March 24th, 2020 at 1:04 pm
JMark, he led the league in passing yards for a reason. We all know how you and the other haters feel, but you should just give it a rest now. He was excellent last season with the deep ball. He is gone now and we will see if those receivers have more a less yardage with Brady throwing the ball. I don’t think they will and I wont mind because hopefully we can develop some type of a running game.
March 24th, 2020 at 1:15 pm
@JustBucNwin,
Then when Brady leaves, we’re back in the same situation.
@LJS4th
God I hope they sell the team
March 24th, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Instead of comparing overall receiver yardage this season (if we have one) to last years isnt the more important stat is increase in wins???? If we throw for 1400 less yards and end up with 11-12 wins wouldnt that be considered a success. I think too many times the focus isnt on what it should be. Just my thought.
March 24th, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Lis4th Where have the Glazers or anyone else indicated that they wanted to sell the team Why would they? Owning an NFL team (and a Premiership team: Man United) is a very exclusive club. They, for the most part, have done everything in their power to hire the best talent available and stayed in the background and let their hires run the club. They don’t choose the personnel, they don’t make the game plans and they don’t win or fail on the field.
March 24th, 2020 at 1:56 pm
“20 years in the NFL
Every year TB12 always had a go to , hot reciever when the blitz breaks thru
We do not have that reciever
Is Julian Edelman heading down?
TB12 works short than deep
TB12 forces the defences to come in to defend the precise short passing and than take shots deep ”
Kobe Faker
March 24th, 2020 at 1:59 pm
lamarcus……
above average WRs?….lol…..
the #weaponsforwinston masked JWs flaws for years….
JW got 5k because of elite WRs and BL calling great plays….
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 24th, 2020 at 1:59 pm
@13frain
That the problem, they aren’t hands on with the team. We(JBF’ers) have been saying for years that our team need a decent run game, defense and kicker. If they have no idea on how to put a winning team together then go hire someone who can
March 24th, 2020 at 2:44 pm
“Bucs receivers, Kapadia documented, were first in yards-per-catch, first in percentage of catches for a first down, fifth in lack of drops and fourth in yards-per-targeted pass.”
Wow, sounds like some good QB play there. If guys aren’t dropping the ball, and the the yards per target is high, it’s generally because the QB is throwing catchable passes. If guys are first in yards per catch, it’s generally because the QB is throwing to them deep.
We saw the best offense the Bucs have ever produced last year, and it wasn’t even close. Points and yards, the Bucs offense was a monster.
With Brady I don’t expect that — but it’s not all bad. I expect less production, and obviously less turnovers. But then again that’s exactly what you’d have expected from Winston this year as well – that he’d progress just like every other 2nd year passer that Arians has ever had.
I did say I’d be excited about getting Brady, and I really am, but I can’t stand this non-stop BS bashing of Winston. It’s fake news. People are pretending that Winston, with the #3 offense and #3 scoring offense was the issue – and not the fact he’s had the worst defense in football since 2015, the worst kicking game in football since 2015, all while playing the hardest schedule since 2016. I expect Brady is going to do well, but, as stated early this offseason, I also expected Winston to go 11-5 this year with the Bucs since they were a kicker and a blown call away from being 10-6 this year.
March 24th, 2020 at 3:05 pm
I have already issued my welcoming statement to Mr. Tom B …that being said and on this subject ….I have always heard how the great ones make everyone around them better … last year that didn’t happen with Mr. Tom B …maybe his skill set was beginning to erode … we will soon see!!!! And to you people who want to continue to kick dirt on Mr. 5,000 who is no longer a part of the organization….just know that Mr. Tom B. has not made it through a pre-season game with this team!!!
March 24th, 2020 at 3:18 pm
Yeah I can totally see a Bucs collapse ending with BA & Licht heads set up on pikes in front of Ray J
March 24th, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Let me see……Brady threw 22 less ints and 6 tds than Winston with only 1 pick 6 and some people think last year’s win column would not be significantly been better??? Brady would have given us easily 4 more wins. Guarantee it wouldn’t have been over 14 even if he slung it around like Winston.
On the other side of the coin how did Evans make Winston look good last year??? Winston had his most prolific and accurate passing of the 5 years he was here. He threw right around Brady’s completion % of 60.7 . When ME13 & CG12 went out Winston didn’t miss a beat do please stop the nonsense! The problem with you people who say these things plus with your personal attacks on him is because your hate goes beyond the football field you’re just not men enough to admit it. That’s why NONE of you ever give him the props for the good things he did. You ONLY focus on the negative stuff …….. which yes was a lot . You’re no different than the ones who refuse to look at the negative stuff and realize he’s not Neo, ther one. He has the gift but can’t utilize it because what’s inside his head. You people remind me of conservatives and liberals, such extremism always thinking you know what’s right.
March 24th, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Winston will be a winner when he gets on a complete team. He will lead some team to the playoffs year after year. The Bucs will spend the next decade plus looking for a QB. Here’s hoping Brady can stay healthy and effective enough to win another SB with the Bucs. One thing for certain, Winston’s franchise records are safe. Hope to see Evans set a league record for consecutive 1,000 yard seasons to start a career.
March 24th, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Rod Munch – I am no Winston basher, but you can not erase the fact the Winston was RESPONSIBLE for putting the Bucs in a hole in many many games last year. You can not erase the fact the Winston cost us opportunities in games due to turnovers. Winston was much more accurate last year, especially with the deep ball, but he was not for the past 4 years. Brady may not put up the stats that Winston did for yards, etc., but you are missing the point. Winning games is all that matters. Do you really believe Winston gives us a better change to WIN than Brady? 2 years of a better chance to win – I’ll take it.
March 24th, 2020 at 4:50 pm
One year at a time.
March 24th, 2020 at 5:13 pm
” the Bucs offense was a monster.”
Except when it counted. Two winnable games…at home for a shot at a rare winning season..and how many points did we put up with that “monster” offense in the final four quarters of those two games. THREE POINTS is not “monster” performance especially when so much…at least in Buc terms..was on the line.
Stats are for losers according to Brady’s former HC.
“Stats are for losers,” Belichick said. “The final score is for winners.”
March 24th, 2020 at 5:14 pm
BTW On the Jensen thread he gets it…he said he wants the team to improve in the THIRD quarter and not wait until the 4th. He understand the Bucs offensive failure those last two games.
March 24th, 2020 at 5:50 pm
I just hope ME and CG’s hamstrings are up to the task this year. Stretch boys stretch!
March 24th, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Not a hater at all. I rooted for JW every game- but I winced when I saw receivers repeatedly reach behind themselves or go to the ground awkwardly or sky in the middle of the field to catch an inaccurate pass knowing they’d get creamed. It happened repeatedly almost every game.
You’re right about that pass where Mike pulled up with the hammy, no doubt, to be fair.
TouchDownTampaBay Says:
March 24th, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Hey Nashville, the injury that ended Mike Evans season was a beautifully thrown bomb for a touchdown that hit Even in perfect stride and he went to the endzone untouched. You sir a just being a hater!
March 24th, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Fifth in Lack of Drops while making CIRCUS CATCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 24th, 2020 at 8:14 pm
@DavidBigBucsFan
“On the other side of the coin how did Evans make Winston look good last year???
………..
Bro do you even watch Football?
Did you SEE the circus catches ME and CG had to make to get Jw’s % to a Paltry 60%???
I hope so because every informed football mind in the country did.
ME did the same thing for JW that he did for Joe’s man crush.
March 24th, 2020 at 8:22 pm
JMark, he led the league in passing yards for a reason.
…………
Could be because he threw it more than any other QB in the league and had Two Pro Bowl WRs. Goff threw Exactly as many attempts but didnt have ME and CG.
March 24th, 2020 at 8:34 pm
Bro yes I do. I see just add much add you all see but you guys like to take things to extreme measures. Winston made some inaccurate passes but also made some beautiful ones as well. You like to cherry pick things
March 24th, 2020 at 8:52 pm
David. I can make some accurate throws and some accurate throws.
That’s why I am a contractor and not an NFL QB. Dude we gave him 5 years.
People WAY above our pay grade decided to move on because he put too much stress on our TEAM. Time to move on.
March 24th, 2020 at 8:52 pm
*inaccurate
March 24th, 2020 at 11:12 pm
Jameis had five years with the worst defense in league history, no ground attack, a questionable OL, and putrid special teams. Obviously the coaches sucked too. Tom Brady would not have done much under the same conditions.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:47 pm
“stpetebucsfan Says:
March 24th, 2020 at 5:13 pm
” the Bucs offense was a monster.”
Except when it counted. Two winnable games…at home for a shot at a rare winning season.”
The kicker lost one of those games, and missed a FG in the other game we lost by 3 points. In the Houston game Winston drove them right down the field on a winning drive, then on 4th and 2 with 3 mins left, Brate drops the easiest pass of his career — not to mention on the previous drive OJ couldn’t catch an easy huge play. That’s all on Winston?
Winston was missing two pro-bowl WRs, he made Perriman look like a star, but both Houston and in particular Atlanta figured out, just scheme Perriman out of the game and there is no one to throw the ball to. Arians didn’t use the TE’s barely at all, and even when Winston threw to them they weren’t catching the ball.
I like getting Brady, I was for it before we did it, but getting the best QB in the history of the NFL doesn’t mean we had a bad one. This piling on and pretending Winston isn’t any good is some fake news garbage.
March 24th, 2020 at 11:53 pm
1sparkybuc – Jameis did great. He lead a top 5 offense in 3 of his 5 years, for a team that has never had a top 5 offense. He set all the teams passing records (except for INTs) and he set all the teams scoring records. Jameis has been a great success as a player, but he’s had the NFL’s worst defense and worst kicking game since 2015, and played the hardest schedule since 2016.
If Tom Brady was in that same situation he probably would have done better, but he’s literally the best QB to ever play the game. Saying Winston isn’t as good as the best QB to ever play the game should not be an insult.
I’m still holding out hope that the market is so weak that the Bucs sign Winston as the backup. I mean why would you sign anyone else? He knows the system, he’s a proven guy. From Winston’s side he shouldn’t take offense from being benched for the greatest ever, and if he actually did sit on the bench for a year or two, so what? He’s built like a guy that will play until he’s 40, so if that’s the case he’s played what, only a quarter of his career?
Worst thing possible would be Winston signing with the Saints… That idea just kills me. We finally get rid of Brees, maybe after this season, then Winston steps into Payton’s offense. Ugh, makes me sick to think about him killing our D for the next 15 years.
March 25th, 2020 at 12:21 am
1sparkybuc Says:
March 24th, 2020 at 11:12 pm
Jameis had five years with the worst defense in league history, no ground attack, a questionable OL, and putrid special teams. Obviously the coaches sucked too. Tom Brady would not have done much under the same conditions.
I see. Teams must be camping out in his yard to sign him.
March 25th, 2020 at 12:27 am
Hated JW in College being a Gator going through horrible coaches since Meyer left at that time. Once he put on Pewter and Red he was my QB (sniffle) . I supported him the whole time and Really wanted him back one more yr. TB GOAT to pilot the ship!?!?]
I don’t know how to process Winston to Brady right now. Excited? Yes! OL? Wait.
I mean…I know Tom gets the ball out faster and………yeah……….gets the ball out faster. Wow. Two pro bowl WRs that will get the ball as he throws them open constantly instead of circus catches.
Licht and Brady…………Do the right thing and draft OL OL and FA OL
March 25th, 2020 at 5:59 am
Brady, more accurate? Yes. Brady faster? No
March 25th, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Those stats make total sense and explain how Pats still made it to the playoffs with the worst WR separation in the league (Brady) and how the Bucs still missed the playoffs with the best passing game in the league (Winston).
We saw what an impact upgrading GMC to Suh had on the D… we’re about to see the impact of upgrading JW to Brady… and I can’t wait! The reboot can last much longer than the next 2 years if the culture infusion sticks and we have a few more solid drafts like last year.