Will Jackson Deal Get Bucs’ Attention?
March 15th, 2013
Joe finds it troubling that the Bucs just let their formerly beastly run-stuffing defensive end, Michael Bennett, leave town for the NFL equivalent of a good lunch at a nice restaurant. And ironically, that all went down while the rival Falcons jacked up their rushing attack signing Steven Jackson.
Michael Turner had fallen off last season and Joe believes Jackson is a massive upgrade. He’s a tougher runner and far more dangerous in the passing game.
Obviously, with Tony Gonzalez in what’s sure to be his final season, the Falcons are going all in to win now.
If the Bucs are pushing to trade for Darrelle Revis, one has to think the Bucs regime believes it can win right now. Joe wonders whether this Falcons upgrade will put more pressure on the Bucs to get that deal done and, potentially, move to sign Brent Grimes and keep him from returning to the Falcons.
March 15th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
maybe were setting our selves up to get the 1st pick in next year’s draft
March 15th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
joe about waiting a few days to a week before bringing back the chicken little sky is falling tired crap? I know it appeases the mouthbreaters in the comment section but its ridiculously boring to anyone with half a brain.
The notion that the Bucs better rush out and sign someone just because the Falcons signed Steven Jackson?!?! That’s not how the NFL operates.
Dude, you’re being a dick. What sky is falling commentary is here? None. When teams make moves other teams in their division take note and have been known to have them affect their reactions. Hell, the Bucs all but said they needed to draft Mark Barron to match up to the elite, basketball tight ends in their division.– Joe
March 15th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
well now keller is going to miami 🙁
DAMN!!!
March 15th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Is he better than Turner? Yes, but he’s still a 30 year old power back with 10k yards on the odometer who loses almost a full yard off his YPC after his 10th carry of a game.
March 15th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
I agree with flmike, Jackson is likely an upgrade from Turner last year, but I don’t think Jackson is that much of a difference maker compared to Turner from ’08 thru ’11, so it’s not like that offense is suddenly going to be astronomically different/better because of Jackson. The biggest difference is Jackson’s ability as a pass catcher, which means the Matt Ryan’s 4th or 5th option just got better.
March 15th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
i just heard the bucs signed tebow to a 2 year deal….anyone else hear that rumor? what about you joe?
March 15th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
kh is a sheep fan I referenced before. Old Bucs fans have been through this before, they let good players walk, and quality FA’s aren’t even given a thought all while being leagues under the cap. We’re forced to watch mediocre talent that should be in the UFL. Where has it gotten us?
March 15th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Get off the Michael Bennett is a beast routine. He’s a player virtually nobody wanted. In nine games last year, he was virtually invisible, getting nearly half of his sacks in two games. He is rumored not to like to practice and was a game-time decision in two games. It is clear that he was not going to start next year. If he’s so great, why didn’t Tennessee want him, since you made such a big deal about how our former line coach thought he was the next coming of Simeon Rice. Watch the tape and you’ll see that McCoy made more than half of his sacks possible. Why go ballistic over a guy most “experts rated no higher than the 30th available free agent, a guy guy who may have trouble seeing the field next year. The teams who go all in on Free Agency rarely make a splash during the following season and that goes for the Bucs last year–lso see the Eagles and Redskins. I agree that the Falcons are doing what the Bucs did in 2003, picking up what they thing is the missing link–though in this case I think they’re wrong. Their problems are on defense and they’ve done little to address that for one good reason–the pickings are slim this year. One of ESPN insiders had an interesting article this week on how the best bargains in Free Agency come in the second and third week, when the players who are decent but haven’t yet signed start to panic and it becomes a buyer’s market. Except for Grimes and Revis–there were really no stud cornerbacks available. That’s the breaks. It takes courage not to just go after mediocre players in the hope they will develop. The Dominator did the right thing last year and so far this year–he targeted three players who were pro bowl caliber. Personally, I don’t care for Wright, but I see most of the cornerbacks available this year as in the same class as him. If we can get Revis or Grimes, we will go into the draft as a much better eam than how we finished last year, especially considering the players coming back off injuries.
March 15th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Every time I see a picture of Steven Jackson like that one, I remember Gruden and Allen passing on him so they could draft Michael ‘Board Hands’ Clayton instead. Then I throw up in my mouth a little bit.
March 15th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Watch out for us picking “I-just-wet-my-pants Kolb” to “compete” with Freeman. Sounds like a Rockstar move to me!
March 15th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Good Post Joe!
There seems to be a “mentality” present that if you are the least bit critical or questioning of the Buc’s latest moves, or lack of same, you are not a “loyal Buc Fan”.
I sure hope there is a plan in place, but I can’t imagine what it will be, unless we get Revis, and hit a grand slam home run on all our draft picks.
Perhaps Tampa feels that with the addition of Revis and Goldson back there, our pass rush will improve, because all the receivers will be well covered ?
March 15th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
“In nine games last year, he was virtually invisible”
This is a good and unbiased article for you to read, since you aren’t good at watching football:
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/03/15/michael-bennett-something-to-prove/
1yr/5mil for insurance against Bowers, Clayborn. IT WAS A BLUNDER LETTING HIM WALK!
March 15th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Also, nobody likes to read a big wall-of-text.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
I wish the media would do their jobs and demand an answer from the Buccaneers front office. Did they not say every move we make is to make our team better. Are we better with 1 less pass rusher? Are we better with same CB’s as last year minus Biggers. I have to believe Dominik is taking an unnecessary risk in signing no other FA. Every fan of the Chiefs, Dolphins, Eagles, Browns believe their team is doing everything they can to improve their teams. Mark says that is his plan but his actions say otherwise. God help him if he doesn’t land Revis. The pitch forks will be storming 1 Buc palace and frankly I agree.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Both Atlanta and Seattle offer a winning organizations. Dominick and the Bucs ownership does not. Free agents are willing to take less to pay to play for legitimate contenders. Dominick has to over pay to pull in free agents. It an environment that Dominick cultivated over the last 3 years.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
I openly admit Jackson is way better then Turner but I think there is still some magic to be had during this FA period.
Why wouldn’t is be possible for Dom to get the Revis trade done and sign Grimes? That could certainly happen. Who would be laughing then?
Still a long way to go to the finish line; chill out everybody.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Elvis Dumervil anyone?!?! he should become available today and I think that might be an upgrade over Bennett. will be interested to see what happens.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Actually Joe, KEEP THE rockstar label. Because Dominick is obviously smoking something up in his One Buc Place office. Maybe Talib left some of his grass back in Tampa?
March 15th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
if I have to remind you guy then I will. beware of the “offseason winners” because they hardly to anything once the season roles around.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
There seems to be a “mentality” present that if you are the least bit critical or questioning of the Buc’s latest moves, or lack of same, you are not a “loyal Buc Fan”
Don’t worry, dude. Those guys are ez to shred.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Andrew… Nothing is going to happen. Dominik is obviously done with FA and has shifted his attention to the draft. Buc fans forget about any more signings and anything coming out of 1 Buc Place. Dominik has gone on vacation.
Goldson has to be thinking what in the hell have I done.
This team sucks and the GM doesn’t care.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
@Brad
The media can’t really do much if the Bucs don’t really want to talk. They can basically not say anything until after the draft if they want.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@Buddah: It’s hard to put pressure on when the QB is throwing for 500 yds on a 3 step drop back. Hate to see him go but this decision might not have been the Bucs to make.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
There are a lot of angry people on here. I guess I was a little upset over the Bennett move, but I don’t think it’s that serious to start calling for pitch forks. Eagles were offseason winners for 3 years straight and look what that got them.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
@Brad how the hell would you know that. For all we know they are waiting on dummerville to make the rest of their moves.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Why is everyne ready to jump off a cliff because we didn’t sign Bennett?
Time will only tell if this was the right move. Yes it’s a gamble and they probably could (or should) have kept him. Let’s keep in mind that we don’t know what their plan is for this team. We all are speculating just like the media. I suspect Revis will happen and in the draft we target DE and CB early. We’re not done making moves…let’s watch and see what happens.
Everyone breathe.
March 15th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
@ Brad
yea Douche because you are directly involved with the bucs organization. your nothing more than a depressing person looking for the bucs to fail so it can make your life more bearable. misery loves company.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@ Brad
if you think the team sucks then go root for the falcons or something. nobody’s forcing you to root for the bucs.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Well not being a GM I do see some problems they may face anyway. We know they are after Revis. You may not have as much cash you want because of Wright and being stuck with him to use. That is 1 CB less you need. Barber won’t get off his ass and answer. Do you kick him to the curb and move on? Replace him with Grimes or someone? Maybe someone who has not been cut yet? With Wright, Revis , Barber and what we have they may not want more. Maybe that is why they are not after someone else . Draft a CB that can start NOW or work in quickly?
We can guess and guess and talk all we want . But yesturday Dom said in public they have a plan and are staying with it.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
If Dominick can reward bums like Clayton and Eric Wright, why can’t he reward productive players like Bennett? HUH???
March 15th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
I too am a bit down with FA so far, mostly because I was excited for the NFL “HYPE” machine known as the off season to start. I’ll trust DOM and Bucs on this, it’s always been the way. Even during the coaching search, was all cloak and dagger, the draft was the same. I don’t think Richardson was ever the pick, he played the draft masterfully last year. All that being said, I’m happy we singed Goldson, but we did over pay him, but if he was the guy they wanted and had to get then the paid him to what they were willing to pay. The part I can’t get my head around is the Revis trade, forget about it, move on. We could have signed Cox+Smith or Lewis+Cox and any variation and still be cheaper than Revis. I will leave the moves up to the people who really know whats going on and not me “wishing” and specualting every move or non move. Just really would of like Keenan Lewis or Derek Cox and both 26, oh well. Draft Trufant or Ziggy Ansah and please sign Brandon Meyers and/or Antoine Winfield, Michael Huff, Adam Jones, Antoine Cason any 2nd tier CB in the range of 3.5-4 Million per season would be excellent. WE STILL NEED A CB HELP!!!!!! What does BucsNation think????
March 15th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
@Buddha. You bring up great points but Grimes could be had on the cheap and he was great. Fantastic in fact, but despite all the blinded optimism, the reality is the odds aren’t in his favor returning to pre-injury form. I don’t fault the Bucs for not moving on him but putting all of our eggs in one Revis basket is a dangerous proposition. The Bucs, and more specifically, Rockstar will be defined by the moves made from this point on especially after giving Bennett the ass-kick before the door. For the price, that could be a regrettable decision.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Brad, year after year we see this. Fans panic. Even last year, after the Bucs got Nicks there were some fans who panicked when more moves were not made within hours.
There are more signings coming.
I hope they get Grimes…and I agree that Dumervil would be at least equal if not better than Bennett.
And…of course…there is always the draft and part 2 of free agency (post draft). There really is no need to panic. Of course, it is always the same people..year after year…that do panic.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:33 pm
As to Steven Jackson…I’m more worried about Matt Ryan at this point.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Jackson and A. Rogers, instead of Caddy and Clayton? What? Playoffs, PLAYOFFS…..!!!!!
Our team needs serious upgrades on the D, we have some of the greatest cap space in the league, and we accomplish this?
It does have to make you wonder what these guys are thinking.
But wait…one name player and some “known by few” draft picks will fill up the stands and make the fans believers, right? Glad the Glaziers are made of money.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Well I can now see us going after some veteran DE’s now that Bennet is gone. Freeney, Abraham, Osi and a couple others are still out there for their services to give depth on the DL. Wouldn’t mind seeing Osi or Freeney in the mix.
I was upset about Bennet because he was still young and could of had him for a reasonable price it seems now. But that’s the way the NFL works, time to move on and see what else will happen.
March 15th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
@Joe
Wright Contract is now void via the NFL
March 15th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
how am i being a dick? I’m just saying the fact that the Falcons signed Stephen Jackson doesn’t force the Bucs to make any moves with Revis or otherwise, thats not how the NFL works. It’s chicken little to suggest that if they dont get Revis under contract soon we’re doomed. It might take another week before we’ve added more players, Stephen Jackson has zero effect on that whatsoever. On top of that, you’re overrating Jackson, his career is on the decline, I think of him as being slightly better then Turner but not by that much. If anything Jackson has more wear and tear.
PS- f’ off Paul, love how you think that being critical of every move they make equates to being informed and anyone who tells you that’s ridiculous makes them a sheep. I’m just a reasonable fan who is not a moron that thinks a season is decided in the first 5 days of free agency like you apparently do. Plus, I’ve been a Bucs fan for as long as any “Old Bucs” fan so spare me that tired crap.
March 15th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Such a love/hate relationship with Dominik, so frustrating at times. Done so many great things for this team, but at the same time so many horrible things. Bring in some competition for Freeman, ( Carr? he’s definetely better then Orlovsky) Try to trade Blount because next year will probaly be more of the same and he wont touch the ball enough. Find a true #3 WR, Ogletree or Underwood wont be that. What is happening with our TE position? do they think Stocker can be our guy? I think thats a possibility but he has to work on his recieving skills, hes already a solid blocker. Find competition for Dotson. WE NEED ANOTHER DE THAT CAN RUSH THE PASSER! bring Roy Miller back. We need to get Quincy Blacks replacement cause Casillas and Watson are simply not good enough for a starting role. and then finally, WE NEED 2 NEW F-ING CB’S! 2 NEW STARTERS! anyone disagree or agree with anything I said? GO BUCS
March 15th, 2013 at 3:11 pm
“Wright’s Contract is now void via the NFL”
The Buccaneers are the ONLY team inthe NFL to get RICHER during free agency. Sheesh.
Quincy 5.5 + Wright 6.5
March 15th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Jackson sucks now anyway and so does the Falcons D. We’re going to kick their ass twice this year and send Gonzo home crying like a little biatch.
March 15th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
To clear this up, every fan has the right to be critical of the decisions of the team. That’s part of what makes sites like this so much fun. To be honest, I would probably never comment if everyone was a homer like me. There are a bunch of great and knowledgeable fans that don’t feel very good about our direction, and I completely respect their opinions, even if I disagree. So far, they have been more right than me, because we haven’t sniffed the playoffs in what seems like forever.
However, I do think some people take it way too far. For example, there were idiots yesterday saying we were going 4-12 next year! Give me a break with that nonsense! You have no idea how we are going to look in September, and you need to just chill out and drink a beer or something. Other morons were saying we should fire Dominik right now. Yeah, that’s genius. Fire your GM at the beginning of free agency and a month before the draft, despite the fact that he hit a home run in the draft last year. Comments like this are beyond moronic, and I seriously wonder how these people function in society. Another thing that just drives me crazy is people pretending as if they are smarter than Dominik, and saying with conviction who we should pick up in free agency and who we should draft. The problem with this is that you have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. Dominik watches more film before lunch than any of us have in our lives (coaches film that is). It amazes me that people truly believe they are capable of doing the job of a GM. I promise you the job is a million times harder than what you think. Always remember that before you run your mouth and make yourself look like an complete idiot.
March 15th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
you’re too polite Hawaiian – they’re morons – they knew full well we weren’t going to sign every free agent under the sign yet cry that we dont. They knew full well we likely wouldnt bring back Bennett but cry when we didn’t. We sign an all-pro safety and then cry that we overpaid for him, as if the deal would’ve been awesome and they wouldnt have complained if he was given $1m-$2m less per year! Moral of the story is that regardless of what happens the same set of clowns will cry about it, no matter what. Its like the boy who cried wolf, cry so much that they don’t even deserve any merit when the cries are legitimate.
March 15th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@kh,
The amazing thing to me is that these same geniuses that are upset we don’t sign every available free agent complain that we are going after the top CB in the game. The same guys that have been complaining for years that we are cheap are now complaining that we are going to spend too much money. I don’t know about you, but I trust Dominik to handle the salary cap a helluva lot better than I trust anonymous people on JBF.
March 15th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
@Hawaiian I couldn’t have said that any better man. Bravo!
March 15th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
I don’t see Jackspn as an upgrade to Turner. Maybe a wash but as stated above Jackson is high mileage, been in a few accidents and about ready for the scrap heap. I’d say he’ll be in the pile by week 4.
Just my opinion, don’t care if others think differently. Go ahead and shoot me, but good luck finding ammo, or paying less for it than Revis will cost.
March 15th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Yes good post HawaiianBuc, just read comments. And not to mention, Dom also has an army of minions watching players and film for him as well. I have a feeling he will nail Revis by tomorrow without giving up that #1 pick. I hope we get Revis because it can only help our chances, 100% or not. I also think that Leonard Johnson is going to be a stud CB for us. I like that kid and have faith on his abilities. Rookie CB’s rarely stand a chance against today’s receivers and QB’s.
I’m more concerned about Josh choking than anything else. I am tired of watching him blow games. My wife says that he throws the ball better to cameramen in the end zone than any QB ever.