After Further Review

January 3rd, 2022

Rob Gronkowski (left) stops to celebrate rather than block on this key third down catch-and-run by Le’Veon Bell. O.J. Howard jogs over to help.

Joe watched yesterday’s bizarre but thrilling win again and has a handful overlooked nuggets to share.

*A missed tackle for loss (a 7-yard loss) by Pierre Desir late in the first quarter led to a 14-yard run by Austin Walter, a critical play in the Jets’ second touchdown drive. Lots of good plays made by the Jets in that drive, but Mike Edwards appeared to get outhustled by Jets receiver Braxton Berrios on the touchdown catch-and-run. Later in the half, Edwards stayed stride for stride with Berrios on a deep shot, so Joe knows Edwards had it in him yesterday.

*Tom Brady’s 33-yard touch pass to Mike Evans early in the second quarter was one of his prettiest throws of the year. He later fired a 32-yard laser to Rob Gronkowski on the final drive of the second half. Brady still has the touch and the zip. Amazing.

*Ryan Succop, who is getting hot at the right time, drilled his 39-yard field goal and it had a sharp left hook on it. Nothing wrong with that. Good kick. But Bucco Bruce Arians last week told the Buccaneers Radio Network that Succop’s challenge is to stop pulling kicks to the left. So Joe was paying attention.

*Linebacker Kevin Minter’s backup-caliber speed cost the Bucs twice in the first half. Lavonte David is a major step up when it comes to hunting in open space.

*Joe really loves the game outside linebacker Anthony Nelson delivered. He doesn’t have the juice of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, but he’s far more consistent. Nelson picked up his fourth sack of the season and really stepped up with all the playing time (95 percent of the snaps) he got in Shaq Barrett’s absence.

*On the Jets’ 1-yard touchdown run to put New York up 23-10, running back Ty Johnson was squirming on the ground over the body of an offensive lineman while Antoine Winfield tried to pull him back from wriggling into the end zone. Tryon-Shoyinka and Nelson literally were standing and watching. Play to the whistle!

*3rd-and-7 with 8:49 remaining and the Bucs trailing  … The blitz comes at Tom Brady and he makes the hot read to LeVeon Bell. Rather than blocking, Rob Gronkowski stops to celebrate the first down as Bell is still running. (See screenshot above) O.J. Howard jogged over toward Bell to block. Bizarre scene. If both those tight ends are dialed in, Bell possibly could have broken a longer run or a touchdown. Instead, it’s first down Bucs at the Jets 11 yard line. The Bucs settled for a field goal after Tyler Johnson couldn’t handle a TD pass in his hands.

*The game-saving tackle by Winfield on Berrios with 6 minutes remaining, with Winfield coming off his ass after losing his balance, was a special effort. Then Winfield comes back 3 minutes later to make another game-saver on Ty Johnson, this time a sure tackle to close out a 23-yard run. Somebody give Winfield a game ball.

*Lots of deserved love for receiver Cyril Grayson catching the game-winner, but Tyler Johnson’s three catches on that drive shouldn’t be overlooked.

50 Responses to “After Further Review”

  1. freadity Says:

    look we will forget all these bits once we have SB

  2. Tye Says:

    Watching that last drive, I was hoping we are seeing the beginning of the Bucs new play makers…. Johnson’s critical catches helped them move into the position for Grayson to catch the game winner!…

  3. HomerSimpsonRocks Says:

    I saw that one tackle by AWJ. If everyone on the D hustled like him that would be great.

  4. LJ'sDaddy Says:

    *On the Jets’ 1-yard touchdown run to put New York up 23-10, running back Ty Johnson was squirming on the ground over the body of an offensive lineman while Antoine Winfield tried to pull him back from wrigglin into the end zone. Tryon-Shoyinka and Nelson literally were standing and watching. Play to the whistle!

    When I saw this, I knew Joe wouldn’t miss it. I HATE the loafing and Joe does too. We better develop some desire if we want to win again. It seemed like the first three quarters were a group loaf. We have got to be killers!

  5. BradentuckeyBuc Says:

    What’s with the 2 point conversion on that last TD? We miss that followed by a good return on our shoddy special teams and a field goal beats us. I didn’t get the decision making there.

  6. VA Tom Says:

    The Jets are a 2 win team? They simply make our 3rd string look good. They won’t Lok that way against playoff teams unfortunately. I’m hopeful… but realistic.

  7. Caleb lee Says:

    When Brady gets pissed it’s like unlocking a Madden cheat code.. Watching him do what he did to the Jets with that Bruce Wayne scowl on his face had me envisioning players on NBA Jam catching fire and just throwing it down the other teams throat.. In Gotham too, huh. 😄

  8. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    We’ve got a full set of safeties…..that’s for sure!!!

    And, Tyler Johnson is a bit inconsistent…..but still very good for a 5th round pick,

  9. Caleb lee Says:

    Sorry, but just realized Grayson was actually one of Robin’s real last names too..lol. Go Robin!

  10. Jaymiss Pick6 Again Says:

    Gosh what a bizzare game from whistle to gun. I’ve been watching the Bucs since 76 and like probably all of you couldn’t wrap my head around any of what I was seeing.

  11. Bird Says:

    Its the gang green jerseys. Like camou on the field. Plus gronk had a few beers at halftime. Puts in Gatorade bottle

  12. Bird Says:

    Gronk could have lit that guy up. Guy looking other way until he hits a brick wall. Sapp against green bay that one year

  13. Mike pizzoli Says:

    Hey Joe, gronk couldn’t have blocked on that play if he wanted to because a player cannot throw a block toward their own goal line. They changed that rule a few seasons ago so defenders weren’t getting completely destroyed while chasing a ball carrier. No excuse for Howard though

  14. Steve In Mad Beach Says:

    We went for 2 so that they couldn’t tie it with a field goal. They’d have to go the entire length of the field in about 12 seconds.

    I liked the call! Otherwise, they could throw a Hail Mary and potentially be in field goal range

  15. Captain oblivious Says:

    I didn’t get the game in my viewing area so I haven’t seen the video. However, in that screen shot it doesn’t look like Gronk has an angle to block the defender. If he tries it’s a certain block in the back penalty.

  16. allbuccedup Says:

    Judging from the position of the Jets defenders Gronk would have called for a block in the back.

  17. Rod Munch Says:

    I don’t know how I missed this, and maybe it’s common knowledge, but I didn’t realize SMB and Dean both missed the early part of the game because they only got in NJ at around 12:30p because it wasn’t sure if they’d play or not, and then the charter flight they got had to divert as far as Ohio because of weather, they then got a police escort to the stadium and only got to the sidelines and warmed up as the Jets scored their 2nd TD.

    I HATE the TV broadcasts and generally just turn the sound off, or have Red Zone for audio, so maybe they said this on the air and I missed it, but it seems like that should have been a bigger story. Also missing your #2 and #3 corners and 3 starting LBs, no wonder the Jets got off to a fast start.

  18. Kentucky Buc Says:

    Yeah Gronk. Hurry down there and block in the back.
    Man, what is with you guys today? You can get in the way/pick/clear space without hitting anyone. Or you can turn around or dart toward where the runner is going to give him a cutback option. –Joe

  19. Coburn Says:

    I’ve really feel winfields sounds tackling has been on display for several weeks at least. Not very many people get past him in the open field. He’s just so fundamentally sound and doesn’t overpersue often… Takes great angles and wraps up the leg. Schiano would be proud.

    Tyron won’t be doing much until he learns to shed blocks. Needs to learn to use his hands better and some rush moves. Once he has hands on him he’s done

    And yeah Desir definitely can’t tacjle in the run game like dean and SMB. Made a huge difference early in some of the but runs.

  20. JimmyJack Says:

    Rod SMB didnt play the 1st 2 drives and both were Jets TDs. After they got in the game the defense played better and gave up 10 in the last 3 Quarters.

    Another thing not metioned much is that the Jets lost their LT midway in the 2ndQ and our passrush was barely able to exploit it(1 sack). I think that is a different story if Shaq plays but was pretty pathetic yesterday……we barely got any pressure off that edge.

  21. JimmyJack Says:

    Overall I am very dissapointed in Tyler Johnson. Since Godwin went down Ive been looking for him to step up and he has done nothing.

    Going into that last drive it was another horrible day for Johnson with a terrible terrible drop that could have cost us a Win.

    To his credit he redeemed himself on that last drive. Maybe thats a sign of things to come but for the meantime Im looking more for Grayson and Perriman to step up……I might even look for Brate and Bell over Johnson.

    Ill put Johnson in the group with Miller and Howard of guys Im not counting on. Hope Im wrong.

  22. Winny Testaverde Says:

    As far as Gronk is concerned…what stands out to me is how he’s genuinely happy for the team/new teammate Bell. What a cool character…called it one of the best games he’s ever been a part of…which is saying a lot!

  23. HeyItsAdam Says:

    My buddy Toby said it best as we watched the game on Sunday – the Bucs were playing NOT to get INJURED.

  24. firethecannons Says:

    Joe should get to critique each player personally as mandated by Bucco Arians

  25. Listnfrmafar Says:

    Joe did you notice AB coming out on 3rd downs with a confused and frustrated look on his face?

  26. Hoops Says:

    What a great win to come from behind like that. Let’s hope that Grayson n Johnson continue doing what they did yesterday.
    Maybe overlooked is Cam Brate’s 3 TDS in the last 4 games. Not sure why he’s not getting more snaps. Go Bucs

  27. LongSeason Says:

    Cyril Grayson on the final drive.
    5 targets, 4 receptions, 52 yards, 2 first downs and game winning TD.
    It wasn’t just Graysons TD catch. He really had great plays on the drive. His game total is 8 for 81 1 TD
    Tyler Johnson also did great on that drive.
    4 Targets, 3 receptions, 41 yards, 2 first downs
    Both Grayson and Johnson get game balls. At the beginning of the season they were both 2nd team or lower on depth chart. Grayson is the biggest surprise the last two weeks with 10 rec 212 yards 2 TD

  28. HC Grover Says:

    Plan 9 has invented a new position. Edge observer.

  29. Stone crab sam Says:

    Gronk would have got lit up for a blind side block if he would have engaged in that play.

  30. Darin Says:

    Grayson > ab.

  31. Joseph C Simmons Says:

    What’s absolutely shocking about Grayson is he never played college ball. Usually track guys are in and out of the league in a hurry because ALL they know how to do is run fast. Grayson has done a great job working hard to learn the nuances of the position.

  32. Doctor Stroud Says:

    Yes, Berrios was hustling all over the field yesterday. Every time he huddled up, however, he was limping and hobbling as if he had just ruptured his Achilles. Yet, he was blowing past Bucs CBs left and right. My diagnosis: he was playing possum.

  33. mg Says:

    Winfield is the best thing to come out of Minnesota since Paul Bunyan.

  34. mark2001 Says:

    Joe…answer to your question, “what is happening today”?

    A number of folks have lost their marbles, because they thought with AB, we could start polishing the next SB trophy in a few more weeks, and without him, we don’t have a chance. And they are taking it out on you.

    Neither is reality, but I settled into the “longshot” category after the Saints games. So I am sitting with the hope that the D will metamorphasize into what it was last year in the playoffs, that Grayson and Johnson will adequately replace our injured receivers, our RB’s will miraculously get healthy, and that Brady will be Brady,

  35. Kentucky Buc Says:

    What’s with u today Joe ? Gronk made numerous great plays but u pick out this garbage to plaster a pic of. Literally no chance for him to get in anyone’s way. I watched the replay to

  36. Oxycodoms Says:

    Gronks a pro he knew bell wasnt getting a td

  37. Drunkinybor Says:

    That Winfield tackle was awesome. If he doesn’t fight scrap claw and give every thing he’s got that’s a touchdown. What a amaxing tackle

  38. David Says:

    I saw that when Tryon and Nelson were standing there as Winfield was trying to prevent an extra half yard I thought the same thing… Has the whistle blow!?! WTH.

    The whole game looked like most the team was really going through the motions trying to get to the playoffs. I hope Brady lays into them this week because someone needs to light a fire under them

  39. David Says:

    JOE

    Have you jumped on the bandwagon and started watching MNF
    with Peyton and Eli yet?

    Listening to their stories and breaking down plays is the best thing to happen to MNF since Madden

  40. Pete Says:

    Antoine is a football player. Already playing at Rhonde Barber level.

  41. Swampbuc Says:

    After further review – Baker Mayfield is awful. He’s a soberer version of Johnny Manziel with better endorsements. But man does he suck at football.

  42. David Says:

    SwampBuc

    I like Mayfield but was thinking the same thing after Peyton and Eli said for the fifth time “what was he doing here?” LoL. They are rooting for him but man he has no idea how to stay in the pocket and go through reads. That team could be real good with a different quarterback

  43. stpetebucsfan Says:

    It’s not diving or figure skating there are NO style points. We won despite waiting an entire half to get started and spotting the opponents a two TD lead.

    That’s not the way you do it in the playoffs…but in a 17 game season these kind of games will rear their ugly heads where guys don’t get inspired until late in the game.

    Again it’s a WIN..we have a shot at 13 wins…since when do Buc fans get to turn their noses up at 13 FREAKING WINS?

  44. Swampbuc Says:

    In other news – no paperwork was filed by the Bucs on Antonio Brown’s release today.

    I say don’t – just make him inactive, non-football injury related list, and don’t let anyone we’re going to play in the playoffs sign him.

  45. Swampbuc Says:

    David – spot on.

  46. David Says:

    Swamp…
    I think they’re trying to figure out how to get out of paying him or maybe even recouping some cash, and they should. And while they’re at it make darn sure he does not sign with another team.
    I don’t believe a playoff team would bring that distraction into their locker room a week before the playoffs but I think they’re weighing all those options

  47. Rod Munch Says:

    This won’t happen, but boy, wouldn’t it be great if Brown and Arians spoke, and if it turned out Arians didn’t know Brown was injured when he demanded he return to the game, Brown says, gee coach, that’s why I got so mad, I thought you were saying screw my injury, get back in the game anyways… Then they can both say, wow, we really messed our communication on that and then they both hug it out and we win a Super Bowl…

  48. Ed Says:

    Please, forget this talk about Brown’s return to football. He broke the brotherhood code that NFL players have that when you are on the field for the 3 hours on Sunday, you leave your problems and regular life behind and just focus on the game at hand. Its an “all for the team” code, not “an all for me”.

    Brown broke the most basic rule these players have. He disrespected Mike Evans who tried to talk sense into him. He disrespected Tom Brady who saved him from himself last season.

    He has let too many teamates down and has been kicked out of the fraternity of NFL players. No players will want to go to war with him ever again.

  49. Steve Lahey Says:

    REMEMBE4 Y’ALL STILL HAVE BRADY! DID WITH LESSER RECEIVERS W/ PATRIOTS. GET BELL GOING AS 3RD DOWN BACK SCREENS

  50. daniel Da Man Says:

    We all love football. We should love the players more than the game. It’s time we all pray that AB gets the professional help help he needs.
    Forget football just think about a human needing help in his life.