“Pieces” May Be In Place
September 4th, 2013
It was difficult, but Joe chose not to jump off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge after the listless effort the Bucs produced in the preseason. Why? Because the preseason is a bunch of bunk, to be polite.
In a mere four days, the Bucs will face the Jets at the New Jersey Swamplands to kick off the 2013 season.
What can Bucs fans expect? Joe’s not sure because, in part, the preseason is like watching a magic show. A lot of stuff you see isn’t real. Bucs defensive end Adrian Clayborn believes the Bucs finally have their defensive puzzle together, which will confuse if not overwhelm Jets coach Capt. Lou Albano and rookie quarterback Geno Smith.
“We’ll see Sunday, but we’re going to have all of our pieces finally and it should be good,’’ Clayborn said. “We’ll see. It’s all about getting all 11 guys who are supposed to be starting on the field at once.’’
One of those pieces, obviously, is Darrelle Revis. But so too is Clayborn, coming back from knee surgery. Dashon Goldson will be another puzzle piece.
Joe knows the Bucs braintrust stayed up at night the past eight months trying to figure out how to breathe on a quarterback without signing a proven pass rusher. Perhaps, Sunday Bucs fans will see what type of riddle or concoction Bucs commander Greg Schiano has in store to accomplish that.
September 4th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
I always thought this picture of AD being carted off the field after his injury looks like he is saying “Alright, I see how this is gonna be – just wait til I get back for next season…”
September 4th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
4 more days!!
September 4th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
A Jets beat down coming right up! We took Revis from them, and now start them off 0-1. Love it.
Talk about hand ringinig and sky if falling, all the NY media is about blow up Ryan for how his team is doing so far. Love it.
September 4th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
We have a great….not good…not above average….great player at each levei of our defense.
GMC
LVD
Revis
Gholson
Depth may be a question mark but that won’t be challengee until there is injury or later in the season, The addition of Revis and Goldson changes the dynamics of our defense.
We are ready!!!
September 4th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Sorry…..GOLDSON…..i keep getting the spelling mixed up on those two….
September 4th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
When healthy, Clayborn was arguably our best D lineman. I feel like he’s been overlooked this offseason…good! He’s our Ace in the hole.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
too bad Free is the 24th ranked QB. hell even Geno Smith almost beat him out.
the QB play will be the X factor. on BOTH sides.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Oh man, I CAN TASTE IT!
September 4th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@tonytwocents
I agree but because of the injury I went with GMC….but it could be argued that we have two great players on the DL…
Same thing with OL….have a great RB & WR……only place were we are lacking is TE & “possibly” QB
September 4th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
GMC, AC, LVD, Revis, Goldson=BEASTS
and if Barron and Bowers can somehow come along. This D might turn out to be downright NASTY!
Mason Foster is another if too.
Let’s not forget about the rookie Banks as well.
Anybody psyched up as much as me yet?
September 4th, 2013 at 1:31 pm
@Buc 1987
Yes…we have a good supporting cast…
Surely if we had this defense last year we would have won at least 3 more games NYG, WASH & PHIL…
Perhaps more.
This year’s schedule is tougher…but I think we can hang.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
I’m fired up to see Predator back in action. Hopefully he’s good to go and improves upon that 7./5 sack rookie year.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
tonytwocents ….I hate to say it but I think what this site needs is for you to bring back Scarface. Bring it, Tony bring it.
September 4th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Im excited to see what this defense can do. I’m glad Revis didnt play at all in the pre-season. It makes perfect sense. When we beat NY all eyes turn to the home opener and first time Buc Fans get to see him in person anticipation and excitement will HUGE and if we can somehow manage to beat the Saints and go 2-0…. Lots of momentum going forward to hopefully a GREAT season. I cant wait!
September 4th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Tony,
The dude has a relentless motor. I just hope the knee is 100%
September 4th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
I think we are overlooking Spence. He is truly going to be a monster when he is allowed to rush. I’m super excited Must Win Game
September 4th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Hate to break it to guys but there is just no way, none, that you can compare Clayborn to GMC.
Love his motor, but his get off is simply average and rush technique is lacking. He was non- existent last year before going down.
Joe has waxed poetic the virtues of Brian Cox….. I’ve yet to see anything.
September 4th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
^^ I agree. He needed to improve technique. If our coaches are as good as advertised, Clayborn should be a breakout candidate.
September 4th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
lol at That pic of Clayborn. He looks like a country girl that’s getting flirted with
September 4th, 2013 at 3:19 pm
this is an absolute must win game. This team and most fans including myself have extremely high expectations for this season, but you can kiss those high goals good bye if we aren’t capable of being the jets with a rookie QB who only played in 2 preseason games.
September 4th, 2013 at 3:21 pm
beating*
September 4th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
have to win the non-division games that you are supposed to win and win your divisional home games. Then try to steal a couple on the road
September 4th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Have to win this one, and beat New Orleans in the home opener. Hate to say it, but I want the Saints to win against Atlanta Sunday. Bc they will play like a team possessed to avoid 0-2
September 4th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
@ ’87,
Fu(k Rex Ryan! Fu(k Geno Smith!! and FU(K the motherfu(kin NY Jets!! Fu(k em all!!! We bury those cockroaches!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz5E0SQ9dGQ
September 4th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
^^^Thank you!
September 5th, 2013 at 12:34 am
I thought I could go one article without seeing Free’s name dragged through the mud (ricardo). I guess not.
Any case, I’m glad to see bucs fan excited. Just like you, I feel the bucs should win, but you never know. And if they do generate pressure to the QB, it means nothing but one game because Brees is on the horizon. That will be the “real” test. In the words of Gene……….I can’t wait til toe touch leather!!!!!!