Sapp Says 2012 Bucs Will Not “Contend”
May 16th, 2012
The Man Channel, aka NFL Network, zeroed in on the Bucs last night. For those who missed it, or are held hostage by a cable TV provider more concerned about new sandboxes in Safety Harbor than NFL fans, here’s the link to the segment.
There’s some fun stuff in the video, including cuts from yesterday’s practice. Highlights include a very fiesty (for no pads) trenches battle between Davin Joseph and Gerald McCoy, plus Arrellious Benn, Sammie Stroughter and (gasp!) LeGarrette Blount catching passes.
The video concludes with analysis by Marshall Faulk and an aghast Warren Sapp, who says the Bucs will not “contend” in 2012. Sapp seems unsure how the Bucs will rectify a historically ugly defense so quickly.
May 16th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
It is called coaching Warren, and that’s how we will fix our defense.
I think Tampa will get in the playoffs as a wild card this year.
May 16th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Sapp would know! Right? Not! LMAO on the D commentary.
May 16th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Who is this clown on NFL network hosting this segment?
“They like to say in Tampa Bay, its a new day in Tampa Bay.”
-Who likes to say this? People stuck in the 90s?
“Green Jerseys, very interesting!”
-Can’t put a red jersey on the QB when the whole team’s in red tough guy
May 16th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
How to rectify a horrid defense??? Its called fire the completely clueless worst coach in Buccaneer history Warren!!!!! Raheem is gone, let the healing begin!!!!
May 16th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
The defense will be improved, just by the sheer impossibility of it being worse. I think the offense should make some good progress this season. However, we just can’t fix everything in one year. We will win 6 to 8 games this season imo.
May 16th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
LOL funny how Sapp is getting bashed fort this.. its not like he is telling a lie or bashing the team.. everybodies cup if full of the Kool-Aid when a new regime comes in but lets be real and honest with ourselves we all know TB will most likely not be contending this year.. they will be a better team but they will not contend no news here carry on
May 16th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
If he had any money left, I’d say we should sue Sapp?
May 16th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Chris, I agree. I think it’s really difficult to tell how bad players are, compared to how bad they were coached. You can make a pro bowl player appear pretty bad with the wrong coaching. I expect the coaching last year was pretty poor. You could probably say the reason the Bucs went 10-6 in Morris’ first year may have been because of lessons carried over from the previous staff. That would explain the following collapse.
Right now I’m saying (hoping)… 9-7
May 16th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
The Bucs have been the youngest team in the league the last two years and if it had not been for Ronde, they would be even younger. The team D should improve by virtue of experience, but the O will carry this team until D gets to full strength. Sapp knows what it takes for the D and he doesn’t see that nastiness yet.
May 16th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
When Sapp has said we will do well, we don’t and we he says we won’t do well, we do….or so it would appear.
So it’s welcome news. 🙂
May 16th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
Sapp knows you have to be able to stop the run & this team hasn’t done that for years now. I’m very optimistic that the new coaching staff will get the best out of these young guys, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. The only reason this team was competitive even in 2010 was the last minute heroics by Freeman and Company. Get rid of the finesse players, the slow starts, and bring in some nasty players who can tackle and I think we’ll see a vastly improved team.
May 16th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Sapp doubted us in 2010, believed in 2011, and is now on the record doubting us for 2012.
I like our chances.
May 16th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Sapp I would bet you $1 we will be a contender.. O wait you dont have a dollar
May 16th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
I got to speak to Mark Dominick for a minute today at 1 Buc, and I can tell you he is fired up about this team. I complimented him on his awesome Draft. Sapp may have his doubts but I don’t think “The Dom” does. I also got to talk to Jeremy Zuttah for a second. The players I saw today appear to be in great shape, and there were a lot of them there working hard on their day off. This team wants to win. This team is going to win. Everyone else can just pound sand for all I care.
May 16th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Bennett also looks good. He is another one that you can easily see has been slamming weights around and working hard. Even if Bowers was healthy, it doesn’t look like Michael Bennett was ready to just roll over and hand him that starting left end job. The guy is a beast.
May 16th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Sapp didn’t think we would contend but Faulk did. I’m not worried about either assessment. There opinions and no one should’nt get worked up one way or the other . It’s like the draft..no one has a clue. I know just improving the coaching staff will have a huge impact on how much we improve. I do think Dominick is letting everyone down by not adding more pieces on D side of the ball. But I guess since he’s back to getting praised for a good draft he’s done working and likes to be in front of the mic more instead of actually working.
May 16th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Brad,
I too hope Dom can pick up some D-Line Depth, IDK if it is niavity, or arrogance, but Poop Star needs to get some D-Line depth, yesterday.
May 16th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Price? McCoy? Bowers N/A
D-Line has some question marks, we better not “have to” pick up a Haynesworth type player again.
Forecast for that, and add some depth. Please.
May 16th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
2 years ago they won 10 games with less talent and poor coaching. If they could do that, 10 wins is certainly possible this year. I’m not predicting it, but crazier things have happened.
May 16th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
I think Sapp’s analysis is dead on. All he said is that we can’t contend if we play defense like we did last year (or lack there of). In the grand scheme of things, he knows that if we can play better defense by stopping Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton and get better against the run that we will be a much improved team. Schiano is bringing a lot of discipline and accountability to this organization and that always bodes well for a young team. As we all know, our draft was spot on and there is no where to go but up in our situation. Sapp just spoke the truth and really didn’t make much of a bold statement other than, we won’t contend playing defense like we did last year. How can anyone not agree with that statement???
May 16th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
and another point to add…it’s all about hope at this point. We’ve proven nothing so far except some new and exciting players in a Bucs uniform and a new coach that excites everyone. The proof will be on the field but looking at our new roster and the coaching staff behind them, I like our chances. They is no way we allow more than 6 yards per play next year on defense and Freeman won’t throw more than 10 picks next year…
May 16th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
didn’t sapp say last year that freeman would contend for the MVP of the league?? just sayin…
May 16th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Sapp said last year that Freeman would be the league MVP so forgive me if I don’t take stock in anything he says.
May 16th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Too early to tell for me, but I like what we’re doing to give us a chance. There is a lot of enthusiasm going around and it’s not just Buc fans that think the Bucs could do it. 3 out of 7 writers at NFL.com believe the Bucs could shock the world!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82915a4d/article/firstyear-head-coaches-have-uphill-climb
May 16th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Could be correct or, maybe not. A lot depends on how quick maturity comes about. Having said that if you just run the numbers, Sapp is probably correct.
May 16th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Funny Sapp had nothing to say about his young prodigy, GMC. Sapp is a eternal Buc fan, but reality slapped him in the face last year, he can’t afford to be a fan in his line of work.
I’m glad to see Warren is successful as a NFL media analyst. Who would of thought that his nasty demeanor as a player would blossom into a multi-media darling.
May 16th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
“I’m glad to see Warren is successful as a NFL media analyst. Who would of thought that his nasty demeanor as a player would blossom into a multi-media darling.”
———
You do realize that Sapp is not coming back to NFL Network after his contract expires, right? Many were calling for him to be fired immediately after the whole Jeremy Shockey thing. He also faces legal ramifications for that, except he has no money (allegedly). You can call Sapp a lot of things, but multi-media darling is not one of them.
And why would Sapp say anything about GMC in this regard? It’s not like this was some sort of detailed player by player analysis by either of them. You are reading way too much into this, but then again, that’s what we all do in May.
I have no problem with his concerns, mainly because they are legit. Our defense is a huge question mark, but I am of the belief we will be much much better on both sides of the ball this year. We will see who is right.
May 16th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
The 49’rs so totally sucked in 2010′ and Harbaugh turned them into contenders overnight. Alex Smith was a bust for several years prior to that change. It was cool watching the 49’rs beat the Saints and Alex Smith is no bust anymore. I think this Buc team is much more talented than the 49’rs, with the exception of Patrick Willis. He’s just awesome. But I don’t see why David can’t be as good as Willis, or why any player on this team can’t be great for that matter. It is not far fetched in my mind, why Schiano can’t do the same thing with the Bucs that Harbaugh did with the 49’rs. I just have to believe that he will elevate them to another level, and become the class of the NFC. They are an unknown commodity at this point in time, but I’d say they’re a team you better keep an eye on and not take for granted.
Did I mention that I hate the Saints? Well I do, and Cammy will get Neutered as well this season.
May 16th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Last year many went on and on about Keith Millard being brought in as DL coach, that he previously coached Warren Sapp, and great things would happen.
Had a new stance for McCoy etc.
Thus, I take the predictions of a huge turnaround by the worst defense in Bucs history ,simply on the basis of coaching change, with a grain of salt.
And, of course, who could forget the Bates fiasco
But we can dream and pretend we got some great defensive players.
May 16th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
What a bunch of dreamers we have here!
People coming 2010 to this year dont take into effect that the Bucs schedule in 2010 was MUCH easier than the upcoming 2012 schedule.
In addition new coaches dont’ usually turn pretenders into contenders.
Stop hating on Sapp for telling the truth as he and others who don’t wear Pewter glasses see it.
May 16th, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Mr. Lucky,
I know you weren’t talking to me, but I would like to point out that we don’t have any idea how tough our schedule is going to be. I, for one, don’t think it’s that bad. I know Carolina is greatly improved, but they were 6-10 last year, so it’s not like they lit the world on fire. They beat our arses because we played them late in the year when everyone beat our arses. They only had 4 other wins. I don’t see any way NO is going to be a contender this year with everything that’s happened to them (please please please hold out Mr. Brees). Atlanta will be tough, but they are weak-minded and beatable. The AFC West isn’t exactly the best division in football either. The NFC East has some tough teams, but at least they still have the Redskins. Besides, I think if we stay healthy (big if there I know), we can compete with most teams. Problem for us is that we’ve had bad coaching and some bad injuries. Hopefully that won’t be the case this year.
May 16th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
There are many reasons the defense could and should be better this year. First, if the offense can possess the ball longer, gain first downs and sustain drives, and put points on the board then the defense should be better rested with a lead and able to concentrate on pass rush instead of run stop because other teams will be playing catch-up, not “run out the clock”. So, better offense should greatly increase the defenses numbers. Second, if we can win the turnover battle (we were worst in the league last year) we put ourselves in better position both offensively and defensively. Of course, that depends on whether Freeman progresses, Martin is better than Blount or Blount and Parker hold on better, but overall should be better, especially if the first instance is true. Third would be health, and although Bowers has already suffered an injury, there is no reason to think any player will be injured this year. Injuries are freak occurences, so the chances or certain players being injured again this year (GMC, Grimm, etc) is less likely rather than more likely. Of course, there’s also the potential for better coaching, the addition of talent on both sides of the ball, division rival Saints suffering setbacks of suspensions and lost draft picks, etc. All should help improve the D, the team and the record. Now it’s up to the team to follow through.
May 16th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Some you guys are just idiots. Go re-read his stance. He is not coming down on the team but the defense has a lot to prove.
May 16th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
“In addition new coaches dont’ usually turn pretenders into contenders.”
——-
Harbaugh did a pretty good job of it last year. Rex Ryan did a pretty decent job a few years back. It could even be argued that Jon Gruden did it in Tampa as well.
May 16th, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Some of you guys are clueless. Sapp is 100% correct. Some of you same cluesless people were praising sapp when he said josh would be a mvp contender and the bucs would make some noise. Now he is all of these names and things because he said we sucked on defense last year? News flash!!!!…..WE DID!!!! Barron, a good pick, David, an intriging pick, Goode, who knows???? The point is, the defense has a lot to prove and if anybody knows anything about defense, its Sapp. Oh yea, Sapp may be fired of NFL Network, but he is still on Inside the NFL.
May 17th, 2012 at 12:30 am
I don’t see anyone really arguing that our defense is going to be lights out. However, some of us think we will be better than last year, which really doesn’t say much. We were very poorly coached last year. Anyone want to argue that? We suffered many devastating injuries on defense last year. Anyone disagree? If we can stay healthy and our coaches are at least competent, we should greatly improve. Yes, they have to prove it on the field. No one I arguing that. Sapp brings up a legit concern, and he shouldn’t be criticized for it. But I don’t think us thinking we may be considerably better makes us “clueless”, just optimistic. We will see what happens.
May 17th, 2012 at 1:00 am
This coming from the man who said last year (around this time). That Josh Freeman was going to be league MVP.
May 17th, 2012 at 1:24 am
We were not poorly coached in 2010, but poorly coached in 2012 with all the injuries??? Interesting. Can we blame it all on coaching? No. Can we blame it all on injuries? Certainly not. You had to let Raheem go because of the finish, but you can’t blame it all on Raheem either. The front office and ownership were happy with the status quo of being cheap with draftees since it worked the season prior. A couple of vets might of held the team together last year and maintained some discipline, who knows. Hindsight is 20/20
May 17th, 2012 at 1:34 am
We had injuries in 2010 as well, possibly even more. They quit on Raheem last year, which ultimately falls on the coach (fair or not). I supported Raheem, but even I know he had to go. No way was it all his fault, but no one could make the claim that he did a good job either.
May 17th, 2012 at 7:09 am
Had we drafted Trent Richardson <— he'd be signing a different tune
May 17th, 2012 at 7:39 am
Joe you call that fighting?
That is called “a lineman owning and dominating a defensive tackle!”. Watch it – Gerald gives up pre-release bc DJ is destroying.
If you watch Gerald play-by-play this is exactly what happens to him 90% of the time.
May 17th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
No the Buccs did not sustain as many injuries as 2010 (and a lot of the 2010 injuries were sustained late in the year post week 12), but it was when the injuries occurred and to what players. A lot of the success in football stems from running the ball and stopping the run, so when you lose your starting running backs, and then your anchor in GMC and cody grimm fairly early on, as well as suffering other injuries it’s going to effect the team. Factor in that there was little depth on the roster (is this all Raheem’s fault?), and even your best coaches would be hard pressed to win 8 games let alone 10. Yes, I agree that Raheem had to go, but to say it was all his fault is a bit ignorant on our fans part. Raheem can coach, but just lacked experience, and the resources.
May 17th, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Again, it is absolutely not all Raheem’s fault. You are talking with probably the biggest Raheem supporter on this board. However, he did a poor job in 2011. It is not unprecedented for a coach to coach very well one year, then very bad the next. In fact, it happens all the time.
As for the injuries, I completely disagree. We lost our starting safety (T-Jax) immediately, GMC didn’t play much at all in 2010 either (plus he had the rookie learning curve), EG was also injured. The only difference was the players didn’t quit on Raheem in 2010. That point simply can’t be argued with a straight face. My assumption is that he gave even more slack in 2011 as a result of the success of 2010 (he was probably already giving too much to begin with), and the players took advantage. You have to remember, a head coach’s main responsibility is to know how to manage his players, not X’s and O’s. He did a poor job last year, and that’s putting it lightly. A few injuries don’t put you down 42 halfway through the second quarter.
May 17th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Sapp has to play by the NFL Networks rules to attempt to keep his job (HA HA) so I think he is riding the fence. After last years D he could have really ripped us, so I think his comment was tame and non-Sapp like at all.
May 17th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
I’m not defending their play in 2011, and Raheem had to go, but Raheem went 3-3 down the stretch in 2010 when he started losing key guys (Grimm, Talib, Joesph, McCoy, etc.) and missed the playoffs by a game. They simply packed it in during the last game of the 2011 season. Perhaps some of the players wanted him fired, perhaps some checked-out and were looking forward to vacation. If you quit in the NFL, the tape doesn’t lie, and you won’t be around for long regardless of who your coach may be. There is no one to blame but the player who quits.
May 17th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Last game!!!! Are you crazy, they quit the last 6-8! Other than a nice showing at GB, when did they even compete? 41-14 to Jacksonville! Giving up 40+ to the Panthers, twice! I’m not sure what you were watching, but they packed it in a lot earlier than that.
And obviously the player is first to blame when they quit. However, to not blame the coach is extremely naive. I’ve been around sports my whole life. My father was a coach for 30+ years in college and high school. When that many players quit, the coach is absolutely, positively to blame, especially in the pros. I guarantee you Raheem would tell you the same over a beer. You think anyone would quit on Bellicheat? Tom Coughlin? Rex Ryan? Sean Payton? Tony Dungy? Should I go on? It’s one thing if one or two guys quit, but we are talking way more than one or two guys. If a coach is not preparing his team properly, as well as failing to motivate, they will stop playing as hard. It’s human nature. If you don’t believe your coach is putting you in a position to win, you are not going to play all out.
May 17th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
I know the retort will be that they are pros and they should play hard regardless, but it just doesn’t work that way. You can hope it is, but it just isn’t.