Michael Bennett: Starting Left End
August 8th, 2011
Allegedly healthy manbeast-in-waiting Da’Quan Bowers, the man many say would have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, might be playing behind Michael Bennett come opening day.
Perhaps it’s just Raheem Morris lighting a fire under Bowers, or there’s real concern about his health, or Bennett is just looking damn good, but the head coach said he sees Bennett deserving of the starting gig on the left side of the line.
Speaking today on The Steve Duemig Show on WDAE-AM 620, Raheem talked about the competition between Bowers and Bennett, the man former Bucs DE Steve White said was loaded with talent and wished he could coach up last year.
“Michael Bennett finished the season as our left end starter last year. And I believe he deserves the right to be there right now until it’s taken,” Raheem said. “I’m gonna make [Bowers] take it. You know, Adrian Clayborn has shown some stuff here practice where he’s the starting right end. And he’s got the ability to go out there and play those roles.
“I look forward to Michael Bennett and Da’Quan Bowers absolutely pushing each other to the limit. As you know I’m going to make packages for them where they’re all going to play anyway. But I like the competitive edge of the two of them right now.”
Joe’s glad to hear Bennett is fired up and looking strong since returning with the rest of the free agent re-signees Thursday.
Bennett also showed ability rushing inside last year. Joe’s going to looking to see if he does any of that Friday night in Kansas City.
August 8th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
should be exciting Friday night even though its preseason. I plan on goin to Roosters with sum buddies to watch. Love the competion between bowers and bennett
August 8th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Bennett is just looking really good…as he should at this point in his development…at the same time letting Bowers digest and adjust…
we are talking DL first with a cast of very promising players..
August 8th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
This isn’t suprising, I was just happy to see Bowers cleared to participate in camp. I never expected him to be %100 and declared the starter for the opening game. Its already known that Bowers is still getting back into shape and that the staff is limiting his practice reps. With his reps limited, he is going to develop slower than Clayborn. I imagine Bowers will rotate in and get some reps here and there early in the season with an eye towards becoming the starter in the latter half of the season.
August 8th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
I like this move and it makes a lot of sense. It’s a long season and I like how the Bucs have always broke it into 4 quarters or mini seasons. Longevity and quality of depth are crucial. This is where having a Big Stockade of Defensive linemen is an asset. Having a QB with the drive that JJ has to fill in at times, and I believe there will be times when Freeman blows teams out of the Stadium and JJ will get his plays. This is a very good coaching staff that understands how long and tough the season is, and you have to be able to endure it. So if Price spends 6-8 weeks on PUP and loses 30 lbs, gets stronger, and then plays the second half of the season, it’s like dropping a fresh motor in you Pic-m-up Truck, ready for the long haul. Bowers and all these players need to be aggressively patient because week 18 is when it all starts. I don’t care if Bowers has 1 sack during the season, but if he and the rest Sack Out in the Playoffs, that’s where it all counts. First you gotta get there, but once you’re there it’s time to ball out, because you may not get another chance. The refs took it from them last year and they all know it. That won’t happen again, Free won’t allow it. Best QB in the league, IMO.
August 8th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Its all going to come down to his knees. The coaching staff isn’t going to rush him. If his knees hold up under limited reps early in the season then they will probably, gradually, increase his workload until it becomes evident one way or the other that he can handle being an every down player. I’ll bet he sees most of his time early on as a 3rd down pass rusher only.
August 8th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
I think the Bucs will handle Brian Price early in the season much the same way-letting Roy Miller handle the first two downs while bringing in Brian Price as a pass rusher on 3rd downs. Then at some point if Price gets back to optimum shape and proves he’s fully overcome his injury, he will undoubtedly take the starting spot from Miller.
August 8th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
May the best LE win.
August 8th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
What happened to the great Kyle Moore who many of you were arguing this summer that we dont know if he is a bust yet? Chalk him up in the Xavier fulton, brent bowden category. We still have the entire 2011 draft and Price in the to be determined category. With GMC and Roy Miller in the “much less than advertised” (at a minum) category to date.
If bowers turns out to be damaged goods that will be a major misstep when you only build through rookies, except for the critical punter position of course.
August 8th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
I like this approach by Raheem also because no matter what talent or status you think you have, you will earn it. Or this could push an angry player into a insanely driven player that wants to kill QB’s every time he sniff’s the field. I tend to think this guy has greatness written all over him but to pull it all the way out a big competition from an underrated player will help. It’s a win-win. The Bucs defense will be in mid-season form I believe. Not great against the run but not giving up big gashes until the light bulb goes off for Foster and then the run stuffing and the fire will spill all over the field. I am so excited for this journey with my team. The Glazers made the best move by having the courage to go against conventional wisdom and we have the making of a perrenial contender growing right before I very eyes.
August 8th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Bigmac:
If the team benched freeman in favor of jonathon crompton you would applaud the genius of the move. I respect your loyalty while at the same time dismissing your comments as pure fanaticism. I continue to be entertained by your narrative.
August 8th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I would expect 6 or 7 defensive lineman to see action in a regular season game with this unit anyway so this is minor news. Whoever starts, they both will play.
August 8th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
clayborn, bennett, mccoy, and bowers sounds like a damn good nickel rush package to me.
August 8th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
I’ve haven’t been to the Bucs training camp this year, but since he got here, what has Michael Bennett ever done on the field? I’ve never seen him do anything spectacular to excite me about him being the starter that’s supposed to improve our bad D line.
August 8th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Thomas, I can’t argue with anything you have to say because it’s true. Your perspective is that of a pessimist though, which is mighty different than a realist and on the opposite of the spectrum of an optimist (which is different than one who is fanatically and ignorantly blissful)
You just seem so dire. If you can see both sides of the fence, why not be positive about what we have brewing instead of what we have stewing?
August 8th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Damn Thomas, you are at it again. Only you could take an article about the competition between two players, then spin it to talking about Kyle Moore and GMC. Whatever happened to all that “constant praise” you heap upon the team? I’m still waiting for it.
August 8th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Thomas 2.2 inches fails to satisfy again
August 8th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
People who havent heard or said Michael Bennet hasn’t done anything obviously didn’t watch the rest of the season after GMC got hurt. Watch the skins game. Dude damn near carried our whole defense that game. Dudes got a chance to be good. Competition never hurt anyone and with Bowers and Bennet that LDE spots gonna be interesting this year.
August 8th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
I’m sorry, but this is all smoke and mirrors. This is the first preseason game. Starters barely play. So in order for Bowers to get more time on the field, he has to be in the position of backup.
Morris won’t say so because he wants Bowers to stay hungry. Plus it makes Bennett happy.
Come opening day it will be Bowers that starts…watch and see. At least that’s how I think it will play out.
And Morris will say Bowers earned it…even though it was the plan all along.
That wasn’t this summer, it was the summer before.
Somehow I suspect Bigmac would only to that if Crompton were the better quarterback.
I’m finally on to you. You try to get people mad so that they don’t realize how idiotic your comments are. And failing that, you make the “claim” that you are a lawyer…and because you told that one little lie, you have to stick with it.
August 8th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Thumbass, Freeman was drafted to be THE QB for the team, and while the jury is still out on whether you have half a brain or not, Freeman has proved his worth. You have proved to be a hater of the team, of the fans, of anybody with a brain or logic. You’re just a freakin idiot and I’m sick of your BS, sam BS everyday, nothing new, not a Buc Fan, just a spoiled little hater brat. Mommie this, Mommie that, me, me, me, wah, wah, wah.
August 8th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Obvious troll is obvious.
August 8th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@Pete Dutcher,
My Pete you still have not let him off the hook for his attorney proclamation? (TOO FUNNY) I remember when he said that and the board went nuts! Wow, dude you are way too funny and you picked this particular moment to gut punch him in the middle of a topic about Bennett and Bowers. Classic! I don’t mind his personality so much but I just ask that he make an argument that has some sort of validity or supporting facts. But hey, I am no attorney so what do I know…I could be a janitor for all we know and so could he. 🙂
August 8th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
@ pete ditcher: lol
@thomas2.2: I appreciate your opinion, and lighting a fire on this forum lol, but c’mon man see the light…
Bucs will win 11 games and a playoff berth this year. I know, I know, your beer is half full, but you can put on your big girl panties and drink the rest.