Did Adam Hayward Win A Starting Job?
August 24th, 2012
In the heart of the punishing Bucs first-team defense tonight was veteran linebacker Adam Hayward.
Always a physical cat, Hayward played downhill. He led the first team with seven tackles. He showed quickness on a blitz and sacked Tom Brady as the Bucs jumped out to a 20-7 halftime lead.
Joe has to wonder if maybe, just maybe, Hayward won a starting job from Mason Foster, who was scratched last night with a hamstring injury.
Ronde Barber has talked about how much he appreciates the win-now urgency of the New Schiano Order. Perhaps Schiano is ready to make Hayward, 28, the first supposed backup to earn his way to a starting job?
Joe still has to review the film, but Hayward looked like he played a better game than Foster ever has.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Agree Joe. Hayward, while not much of an athlete has always been a solid tackler. From the small sample size we do not know anything about his instincts yet, but he at least will be a guy that will push Foster hard for his job.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
It was the best Hayward has looked in a Bucs uniform. Playing hard, going down hill, he seemed very comfortable out there, whereas Foster is still having to think a little too much.
I don’t know that means Hayward becomes starter, though it just might start a little position battle going into week 4.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Shake it up Schiano. Take the thumper over the Pac-12 project.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
I was never fond of us taking Foster, though I lived in Seattle, and he is from the University Of Washington.
He has been a big disappointment so far.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Perhaps you guys missed what Foster did in the first 2 preseason games. Hayward played great and will get playing time, but I doubt enough to bench Foster.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Some of you guys are so incredibly dramatic. “He’s been a big disappointment so far”. Really? One season, changing positions, no offseason, crappy coaching, yet nearly led the team in tackles. Yet he’s been a disappointment? He should have played like Ray Lewis last year I guess. Please think before you type.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:50 pm
I think Foster has been playing great the first two games. I just think it’s good that we have depth at the position with Hayward. I doubt that Hayward gets the job after one game. He’s had the entire training camp to win the job prior to this.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Yeah, just like Tyrone what’s his name got a real shot last year.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:09 am
I’ll be surprised if Hayward doesnt get the starting job after that display against the 1st team 2011 AFC Champions. I just hope he keeps playing like that and stays healthy. I was impressed with DE George Johnson.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:10 am
Last year was not Foster’s fault. No offseason, a position change, and he was charged with calling the defense. There was simply too much on his plate.
Either way, with the perceived lack of depth on the team, Hayward’s play, along with Watson, has to at least give a glimmer of hope that the situation at linebacker won’t be as bad as feared this year.
August 25th, 2012 at 1:30 am
i was very impressed with hayward tonight. i’ve seen some bad play from foster in the first 2 games. i think the door is open for hayward.
August 25th, 2012 at 4:07 am
The secret’s out.
August 25th, 2012 at 9:47 am
Insanity. Foster has played well so far this year. Hayward has one good game and people think he should start? Lol. Fans are crazy.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:04 am
Why not play Foster, Hayward and David? Black is the real sucka.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:32 am
I would love to see Hayward take over MLB after playing like that and move Foster to the outside and sit Black.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:33 am
For those piling on Foster… get a grip. The man was one of the bright spots last year. He is good.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:33 am
And Miller played like Warren Sapp last night. Should we be inscribing his name on the Pro Bowl list already while we’re at it?
August 25th, 2012 at 10:34 am
*sarcasm* for those less-than-bright ones who might take that literally