“One Of The Best Team Players I’ve Seen”
May 30th, 2012
Taking a break from dredging up anonymous sources that paint Greg Schiano as a temperature- and pasta-obsessed dictator, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging Peter King of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports fame found time to share some love for Dallas Clark.
In his recent column for SI.com, King quoted Bill Polian talking about how the new Bucs tight end is the ultimate teammate.
I think the signing of Dallas Clark by Tampa Bay — which I wrote about last Tuesday — could pay some dividends even if Clark mirrors his last two years. Combined in 2010 and 2011, he played only 48 percent of the offensive snaps in Indianapolis because of injury, including the 2010 wrist surgery that plagued him some last year. “Will there be a downgrade in his hands, which were superior?” said Bill Polian. “Even if there is a bit of that, he is one of the best team players I’ve seen in football. There is nothing he won’t do to help the team get better — regardless how it affects his stats or his role. He is absolutely unselfish.”
Hopefully, Clark’s team-first ways will rub off on many Buccaneers. But Joe is more concerned about Clark’s health and what he has left in the tank. He’s not here to be a cheerleader. And while Joe likes Luke Stocker, the Bucs very likely need a strong season from Clark to get the most out of their offense.
May 30th, 2012 at 10:17 am
If healthy (I know big IF), I think Clark should be good this year for about 35-40 catches, 2-5 TDs, which is a downgrade from K2, however he should really be a great role model for Stocker (something K2 was NEVER going to be), and if Stocker has a similar season to Clark stat wise, then next year (and years going forward), Stocker, after Clark’s influence, should start putting up Winslow like numbers (assuming Sullivan’s offense calls for the TE to get the ball that often), 65-75 catches, 4-7 TDs.
Not stellar, but solid, and he won’t call out his QB either.
May 30th, 2012 at 10:35 am
There is no doubt neither Clark nor Stocker will have K2 like numbers, but combined, they will get much better production from that position, major reasons being they wont fall down after a catch and run for extra yards.
May 30th, 2012 at 10:53 am
The good news is that Clark has been injured in his wrist, not his legs, so his legs should be in relatively good shape considering his age.
May 30th, 2012 at 10:55 am
Ok, let’s stop with all the “we’ll be better off at TE without Winslow”. If he was let go because of his “me-first” attitude, then that’s one thing and I can accept that. In fact, indications are what has happened.
But 80 catches with 7 or so TDs in a horrible season are fantastic stats.
May 30th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Too bad that was 2 TD catches @BigLebowski…..2! Which is as many or less than the 2004-2008 leading TEs for this team. Ken Dilger, Alex Smith and, yes, Jeremy Stevens all had 2 or more in those seasons. Dallas Clark will have less penalties more than likely so if we really look at more than just catches its at least a wash. However, my money is on 3-5 TDs for Clark… that’s more than 2 🙂
May 30th, 2012 at 11:15 am
Let me add that 2 TDs by Winslow is tied for the least number of scores by a TE (Starter or backup who caught the most TDs in the season) since 1995 (Orange creamsicle uniforms, and the Old Sombrero were still in regular use then) …even in a horrible season that’s pretty bad.
May 30th, 2012 at 11:17 am
@Jonny 3.3
Agreed, nor will Freeman throw the ball 111 times to either Clark or Stocker.
May 30th, 2012 at 11:17 am
I will miss all the disparaging comments about K2, as he is now dead to us. We are quickly running out of excuses.
May 30th, 2012 at 11:30 am
not we… Freeman is quickly running out of excuses.
May 30th, 2012 at 11:57 am
I am predicting the “he’s learning a new offense and it takes time” to soon be trotted out……..if things don’t go as planned.
May 30th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
I don’t know why people on here feel that we have downgraded the TE position by signing D Clark in place of K Winslow….in the words of Chucky-That’s hogwash! Dallas Clark has a much more decorated career than WinSlow, and if he hadn’t bounced back from the injuries that helped drop his production, I believe the Bucs would’ve never signed him to begin with. I think those that see the glass half full will be pleasantly surprised by the addition of Clark, this guy just doesn’t miss catches, he’s got a very high football I.Q. and is a demon of a competitor, with the coverage bound to loosen up because of the addition of Jackson, I guarantee you that Dallas Clark will routinely find those open spaces in the middle and take those vicious shots in order to get those first downs! To me, Clark is our dark horse that will totally end up being one of the best signings of the year, take it to the bank!!
May 30th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Miguel,
There was only one disasterous excuse for a coach and he has left the building. The new regime is only clearing out the leftover CRAP that was left behind. I’ll stick with the glass is half full crowd and support the new head coach and staff. New day and a new attitude! Even the staff at One Buc is more fan friendly and stoked about the upcoming season.
May 30th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
I believe there is going to be a lot of crow to eat when it comes to Clark’s play and production. Let’s say 2 TD’S in the first 3 games. Will that silence the naysayers ? Go Buc’s!
May 31st, 2012 at 4:40 am
Just when I think peter king is a tool, i read circle-jerking.