“You See The Quickness Factor”
September 20th, 2023
Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett
Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett was good in Week 1 and a true game hero in Week 2, but how healthy is his surgically repaired Achilles?
Insight came from One Buc Palace yesterday but it wasn’t completely clear.
Head coach Todd Bowles was talking on the Buccaneers Radio Network (at Buccaneers.com) and gave a very encouraging take about Shaq and his health.
“You really like the way he’s playing because you see the quickness; you see the quickness factor in him laterally and vertically, so he’s helping us a great deal,” Bowles said.
Joe sees greatness back from Shaq. On Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s first sack, it was Shaq busting a double team, drawing a holding penalty and hitting the quarterback first before Tryon-Shoyinka cleaned up.
However, inside linebackers coach Larry Foote also told the Buccaneers Radio Network Shaq isn’t back to 100 percent health. “He’s not quite there, the Shaq Barrett that we know, but he’s close.”
Foote was Shaq’s position coach in past years at outside linebacker and is a great personal friend of Shaq. Interestingly, he told the Buccaneers Radio Network that he didn’t think Shaq would be ready to play Week 1.
“That just speaks to our training staff and just his resiliency,” Foote added.
Joe can atteest to seeing Shaq five weeks ago in the Bucs’ team hotel lobby in New Jersey. The first practice in pads against the Jets had been that morning and Shaq was walking like an old man. Joe asked Shaq about it the next day and he acknowledged being sore and still in the grind of getting healthy.
What a warrior Shaq has been.
September 20th, 2023 at 8:26 am
He does play great but he does not look quite as fast yet. Not sure that will ever come back but he’s been huge this season with the adversity from his injury and personal tragedy. No one better to root for this season. I hope he gets 20 sacks 8 FF , 3 picks and multiple TD’s on his way to earning come back player of the year and help lead this team deep into the playoffs.
September 20th, 2023 at 8:41 am
Love Shaq. I weep for him and his family’s loss but he’s one resilient son of a gun. Physically and mentally. God bless!
September 20th, 2023 at 8:45 am
If you can’t root for Shaq…..you aren’t a Buc fan…..probably not even a football fan. Perhaps….not a human being….
September 20th, 2023 at 8:45 am
One of our top free agent signings of all time. Up there with Rice. Just a great pickup for us.
September 20th, 2023 at 8:49 am
JBM, don’t forget JPP. But agree, Shaq is a beast and someone everyone can root for.
September 20th, 2023 at 8:51 am
Sack Barrett!!
September 20th, 2023 at 9:02 am
Once upon a time I was a USTA ranked tennis singles player at the national level but not a paid touring pro. A partial Achilles tear restricted me to doubles tournaments for a bout a year until the pain and discomfort went away. I am amazed that Shaq is already playing at such a high level. I chose not to have surgery which delayed my recovery. But although tennis stresses the feet, ankles and knees due to constant rapid changes of directions football also has a high degree of violent impact between large and heavy opponents. I am very concerned that he may reinjure his foot at almost any time. He is such a dynamic player who makes a huge difference for the Bucs defense!!! I would like to see the team sit him whenever the team has a substantial lead especially late in the game. But then who am I to tell the Bucs organization what to do. But it is a very long season and Shaq is such an impact player!
September 20th, 2023 at 9:32 am
Wild Bill makes a good point about Shaq. I’ve been happy with the way that the defense is rotating players in groups, and bringing in YaYa and Nelly to sub for Shaq. JTS is better this year but still has a long way to go and needs to be more productive and take some pressure off Shaq.
September 20th, 2023 at 9:52 am
God bless Shaq B. Really pulling for him and his family. I’ve buried two children, that tragedy can devastate anyone and to see him bounce back from not only injury but family devastation and to hear him talk about week 1 and the support he received, is truly awesome. Wishing he and his family the best!
Go Bucs!
September 20th, 2023 at 10:08 am
@ jbbucs
I lost my children during a divorce.
I can’t imagine burying your children.
I’m really sorry bro.
And God bless Shaq. He’s an amazing human being.
September 20th, 2023 at 10:57 am
Co-comeback POY.
September 20th, 2023 at 2:11 pm
You coulda fooled me that Shaq ain’t all the way back. He looks better than last year already.
September 20th, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Agree Jack Burton and PSL Bob. Two of the greatest free agent acquisitions in recent years (besides Brady).
But Shaq it’s more special, because he was just a rotational depth guy when we signed him. His career trajectory instantly changed when he joined us, became a starter, and subsequently took the league by notice!
@jbbucs – so sorry to hear. Can’t even imagine.
September 21st, 2023 at 2:39 am
Pretty darn good for a guy coming off injury and not 100%.
Way better than I had hoped for or expected!
Go Bucs!
September 21st, 2023 at 12:16 pm
So sorry to hear that JBBUCS. No parent should ever have to bury their children. Hope god blesses you and everyone else who has gone thru that kind of tragedy. Break the sack record this year Shaq help take this defense over the top. Either way you got a fan base behind you Shaq. We’re all rooting for ya.
September 22nd, 2023 at 11:51 am
@teacher, @unbelievable and @#1BF appreciate the sentiments. They were young like Shaq’s and in most cases it devastates a family as the blame game kicks in. I’m amazed he’s kept it together w/ his family AND went thru the mental challenge of the injury, restructure, and playing again! Nothing short of a miracle. Think I’m going to order my Shaq jersey now. Keep supporting him and his family Buc Fans; life’s so much more important!
Go Bucs!!!