Okam Still Hurt; Haynesworth To Start?
November 9th, 2011
Amid the euphoria/hysteria/disbelief over the Albert Haynesworth signing today, Frank Okam remains a glaring name on the Bucs’ new injury report. He’s still listed with a calf pull and didn’t practice Wednesday.
Given Okam’s mountainous size and his position, this doesn’t bode well for his availability Sunday. And for Joe that means one thing: Haynesworth is going to start on Sunday, assuming he’s not cut before then.
Speaking on WDAE-AM 620 tonight, Mark Dominik said Haynesworth’s evaluation is a week-to-week process, meaning he’s not necessarily in Tampa for the whole season.
It’s pretty darn clear to Joe that as long as Haynesworth doesn’t go all mental patient in the next 48 hours (Joe wouldn’t bet against it), then he’ll have a chance to play hero for the home crowd if the Bucs can slow the Texans’ stunning running game and generate some pressure off the edges.
Joe’s still stunned. Who could have imagined that fans might be running to buy Haynesworth Bucs jerseys by Monday. On that note, Dominik said the Bucs’ newest manbeast is likely to wear No. 95 and not have a special number request before he hits the practice field tomorrow morning.
November 9th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Let’s face it…setting aside the behavioral issues for a second, what DT on the market has as much talent as Haynesworth right now? Not McCargo or Woods, that’s for sure. Pat Williams is an awesome two-down run stuffer but he can’t do the things Haynesworth can do in the backfield (and he’s 38). Who else? No one…that’s who.
Yes, this is a risk, but it’s one that the Bucs pretty much had to take to give themselves the best shot to finish at or above .500. If the signing backfires, let him go. Simple as that. Desperate times call for desperate measures and I just don’t think Dominik wanted to roll over the rest of the season and give up. This move was necessary.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Like always, I’ll wait until i judge. The move is not bad considering the downside. Haynesworth know’s the 4-3 and he will be most comfortable there.
Could end up being a good move. Lets say that Haynesworth, liking the 4-3 returns to some for of dominance in the middle. It could just give our linebacking core a rest from all the hard work they have been putting in. The last comment was tongue and cheek.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
This is a desperate move for sure. Low risk high reward. But wait a thought Dom was building with the draft. Somebody broke procedure.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
He should wear the number “00”.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
…and Go Lightning!!! Flyers in town tonight.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
He costs next to nothing, he fills a glaring need at the moment, and the minute he starts his antics the Bucs can cut him with little – if any – harm.
It’s a good move.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
I like this signing.
@JOE
what player did we cut to make room for him?
November 9th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
If I am reserving judgment and am not being critical, me mr negative, I am a little surprised that this bothers anyone.
2 of your 4 defensive tackles are injured. From a talent standpoint this guy is a top 3 tackle. From a cost standpoint he will be paid next to nothing. Our defense is almost at the very bottom of the league – what can he do make us go from 29th to 32nd. Yes are defense is ranked 29th overall.
He can’t be any worse of a head case and liability than Talib – who are head buddy defends repeatedly while throwing other players like Blount and Hayes under the bus for less serious infractions.
I am much more excited for the game now, just trying to figure out how I am going to watch it if I can’t go. I don’t think I am welcome on the blackout tour.
November 9th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Joe here,
Take the tour, Thomas 2.2. Nobody has to know you’re infamous.
November 9th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
I wasn’t sure if I was going to the game Sunday but I am now. I think Albert will surprise a lot of people and if he falls in love with Rah like all the other players then he could be back next year. Go Bucs
November 9th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Problem is Joe, it would be pretty obvious to spot Thomas on the Blackout Tour. He would be the only one wearing a Suh jersey.
November 9th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
LOL it’ll be kind of awkward when you guys first meet Thomas on the bus. It’ll be like “wow this is the guy we’ve been blasting through the internet for the last couple of years” haha
November 9th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Patrick, they cut John McCargo
November 9th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
God, I am going TO the game now, just to hear us Tampa Fans cheer when Haynesworth’s name is called.
I can just hear Tampa Stadium erupt when the PA says ” The Tackle by number 95 Albert Haynesworth” !!!!!
OMG, I just can hardly believe we actually have Haynesworth.
I don’t blame him in Washington, who wants to play for Mike “Control Freak” Shanahan ?
Albert can be the messiah here in Tampa, and I bet Raheem will listen to him, and play to his strengths, unlike the unyielding Belichek and Shanahan.
Imagine the effect he will have on Price and our rookies, who will learn much from him.
I am going to the game because of Tampa signing Haynesworth. I would not have went otherwise.
November 9th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
@Apple
It’s Raymond James Stadium, not Tampa Stadium. That place has been gone since 1999.
November 9th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@Apple, are you being sarcastic or serious? lol
November 9th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
i must say i dont like the move. but fat albert imo is better than mccargo, plus he is cheap so it is kind of a win-win.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:02 am
the dream coaching fat albert.
just doesn’t get any better than this.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:06 am
This just speaks to the position we’re in now. Sadly, if you look at just filling the stupid spot in the interior, it’s… the right move…
God I’m depressed.