Defensive Line, Even With Injuries, Shines
August 24th, 2012
When injuries hit the Bucs on the defensive line tonight, Michael Bennett took over.
If Joe was in a bar or at home watching the tape-delayed broadcast on WTSP-TV Channel 10, on his leather couch, Joe would be standing and applauding the play of the defensive line.
The front four jostled, mocked and stung Patriots quarterback Tom Brady all night.
On the defense’s third play from scrimmage, Gerald McCoy went down with a borderline dirty low hit that appeared to take out his knee. Then Adrian Clayborn went down.
It didn’t matter. Michael Bennett stepped up and played like a monster.
But now, here come the injuries. It was heartwarming to see the Bucs defensive line play so well, but this is a unit that had about as much depth as wet toilet paper. Now it could be even thinner.
No word (yet) as to the extend of GMC and Clayborn’s injuries.
Good thing for Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik that there will be a glut of players hitting the open market in the coming day. And if so inclined, Dominik might be able to purloin a salary cap casualty for a mere seventh or sixth round pick.
It just might be time for Dominik to start shopping.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:15 pm
If McCoy doesn’t work out and ends up getting traded off, Dominick is officially a failure as a GM. All that time and money invested in the defensive tackles and this is all we’ve gotten. Price traded, and McCoy now on strike 3 with injuries.
But at the same time Dom has some pretty bad luck.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Looks like the only serious injury was Joseph according to Schiano.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:32 pm
I saw McCoy jogging in place for a short time on the side line after the injury. He seemed alright. Clayborn looked like he hyper extended his elbow maybe.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:39 pm
There were some real greaseball tactics going on in this game some chopblocking and cutblocking by newenglands oline
August 25th, 2012 at 4:12 am
They were doing their jobs. It was a treat to watch. Ronde and Barron were in Brady’s head many times and Bennett was in his face. How about that TFL by Miller too? Not worried about Clayborn; he’s a legit oldschool footballer. He’d probably chew his arm off to be able to play.
August 25th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Also saw Gary Gipson get block from behind on the knees, that’s dirty play, is there a bounty gate by the pats, mmmmm?
August 25th, 2012 at 10:38 am
The Pats under Belichick have always been known as a borderline (and sometimes beyond borderline) dirty team when it comes to blocking. Nothing new last night. But since Schiano and he are friends I doubt you’ll hear of any complaints to the league office. Just the way it is.