Targeting Shady
August 4th, 2020
New toy. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)
Joe was absolutely stoked last week upon learning the Bucs broke down after having an epiphany that they needed a running back and landed future Hall of Fame running back Shady McCoy.
Now Joe doesn’t care what you believe, whether Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht pulled a fast one on the league or if Bucco Bruce Arians was hollering at Licht to find a running back, or Licht got tired of park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring Bucs quarterback Tom Brady spamming him with texts in the wee hours of the night for a running back. The key here is that Licht got him!
Like just about everyone else who pays attention, the co-hosts of “Movin’ the Chains,” former Bucs quarterback Jim Miller and former Bucs scout and Jets player personnel man Pat Kirwan, said over and over again that the only week spot on the Bucs was running back (though they argued the secondary could use a veteran backup).
After news broke about Shady in the middle of their show last week, Kirwan and Miller reacted, heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Jim Miller: Your thoughts on the Bucs signing Shady McCoy?
Pat Kirwan: Good move for them. Between him and Jones they will be fine at running back. I asked you off the air how many balls you think LeSean McCoy will catch from Tom Brady? All you have to do is look at James White [with New England] and see how Tom uses that running back and always likes to have one. Would you be surprised if McCoy caught 60 balls?
Miller: Ah, no.
Kirwan: Me either.
Could Ronald Jones have boosted his cause by physically remaking himself this offseason? Jenna Laine of ESPN claims RoJo looks like a different man but noted football analyst Warren Sharp believes that a new RoJo image won’t mean much on the field.
Here is what Joe knows: RoJo has been working with Brady quite a bit. And Brady loves to throw to running backs.
While Arians has scoffed that RoJo is not a third-down weapon, the guy has really good YAC, just under 10 yards a catch. If he can just be more effective catching the damn ball …
Rest assured, RoJo or no RoJo, Joe cannot believe the Bucs’ good fortune landing Shady.
That birthday connection 🏈🎂
HBD, @TomBrady & @rojo! pic.twitter.com/HN9lhFB9pg
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 3, 2020
August 4th, 2020 at 3:00 am
Yea , an over-the-hill slow as molasses retread …I’m stoked <— meant sarcasm
August 4th, 2020 at 3:28 am
About time this clown show got a legitimate RB
August 4th, 2020 at 3:32 am
I’m starting to like much of the roster- have to give credit where it’s due.
Congrats to Mr. Licht. I think he is finally realizing what the point of his job is, and how to achieve it.
August 4th, 2020 at 3:34 am
Brady knows what he’s doing and is not messing around- hopefully Old BS won’t get in his way with his senility and stubbornness.
August 4th, 2020 at 6:12 am
Agreed Clean. The roster is shaping up nice. If Rojo is really putting in the work like we hear, it could make for a fun showing at a position that has claimed more TV remotes than I can count.
Shady gives us proven talent, even at his age. Yeah, give me Shady in space. I like those odds!
August 4th, 2020 at 6:18 am
I’m more surprised that we signed an actual threat at running back than Brady. Maybe Arians or Brady chastised Licht for his sheer ineptitude at acquiring good running backs? Regardless, it looks like he is growing as a gm and his arrow is definitely pointing up.
August 4th, 2020 at 8:11 am
Running backs tend to degrade quickly, lasting only 5-6 years but a few go on to have long careers. McCoy definitely is not like he was in his 20’s but for league minimum, he going to be a great asset and mentor to the young guys. I think he going to thrive as a 3rd down back. Rojo and Vaughn will be the workhorse on 1st, 2nd and short yardage.
August 4th, 2020 at 9:11 am
We’re entering Rojo’s third year, his prove-it year. He’s s been building muscle, working on his pass catching, and spending a lot of time with Brady.
Everything is pointing to him being hungry for a big year.
Barring sickness or injury? 1500 all purpose yards.
August 4th, 2020 at 11:33 am
The best part of Shady may be his ability to pick up the blitz!
I have seen him take out the legs of pass rushers when he was on other teams to protect his QB.
He can still Fly, and is still a very real threat to take it to the house, on any broken tackle.