The Ogletree Issue
September 16th, 2013
Joe’s been hard on No. 3 receiver Kevin Ogletree since the preseason. Why? He drops passes and lets balls through his hands. And what good is a receiver that can’t catch?
Ogletree caught a five-yard touchdown pass yesterday, his first and only catch of the season. He’s now on pace for eight on the season.
The Bucs have lost production from that No. 3 slot. Either they don’t trust Ogletree (understandable) or he’s not getting open.
But given that the Bucs also have lost quality and receptions from their tight ends corps, Joe’s not liking how limited the Bucs’ offense looks. The Bucs need more production from those positions.
Josh Freeman talked on his radio show last week about the superior route-running of Ogletree, and about how Freeman got a great endorsement of that Ogletree skill from former Ogletree teammate Dez Bryant during the offseason. So what gives?
There’s no question in Joe’s mind that the Patriots will make Josh Freeman beat them on Sunday. Freeman’s going to need more than two pass catchers to pull that off.
September 16th, 2013 at 7:31 am
I say they go grab Underwood back. He may not be a barn burner but he served fairly well in the slot last year.
September 16th, 2013 at 7:32 am
You try to drump interest for your website with posts like this. The Bucs wont beat the Patriots. You know why you pea brained moron? Because the coaching stinks.
Umm, Joe’s not sure what “drump” means, but there is a problem with production at No. 3 receiver. So Joe write about it. Joe hopes you fly to Vegas and win lot of money next week. –Joe
September 16th, 2013 at 7:35 am
“The Bucs have lost production from that No. 3 slot.”
The Bucs have lost production from everyone, because Freeman has been putrid the last 2 weeks…..
September 16th, 2013 at 7:43 am
I remember when this position was suppose to be our deepest…..sigh
September 16th, 2013 at 7:45 am
How come nobody blames Lindell like they blamed David last week??
September 16th, 2013 at 7:48 am
The number 3 receiver should not be there biggest concern. The lack of receptions from there 1 & 2 receivers should be. VJ and Williams should have more catches with Martin in the backfield. The offense should be posting big numbers and why its not addressed is disturbing.
September 16th, 2013 at 8:03 am
He may be a burner, but Ogletree has the hands of a DB. Heck, he makes M. Clayton look like a “posession” receiver. Poor Freeman. Not only did he have 2 drops by VJ yesterday, but that bomb he threw to Ogletree was PERFECTLY on the money -it went right thru his hands!
September 16th, 2013 at 8:03 am
He may be a burner, but Ogletree has the hands of a DB. Heck, he makes M. Clayton look like a “posession” receiver. Poor Freeman. Not only did he have 2 drops by VJ yesterday, but that bomb he threw to Ogletree was PERFECTLY on the money -it went right thru his hands!
September 16th, 2013 at 8:03 am
Defense’s have to only guard Tampa 1 and 2 receivers, because this team does not run plays for the tight end,or the back out of the backfield. No screens,one pass to the tight end,two passes to the Mike Williams. Look at what the saints did with their tight end. Go get a tight end that can catch the ball. Coach stop fighting with player’s that disagree with you and do not cut football player’s to prove you or in charge It will cost you your job. think about all the players you cut or did not resign,sure could have used them on Sunday.
September 16th, 2013 at 8:03 am
Defense’s have to only guard Tampa 1 and 2 receivers, because this team does not run plays for the tight end,or the back out of the backfield. No screens,one pass to the tight end,two passes to the Mike Williams. Look at what the saints did with their tight end. Go get a tight end that can catch the ball. Coach stop fighting with player’s that disagree with you and do not cut football player’s to prove you or in charge It will cost you your job. think about all the players you cut or did not resign,sure could have used them on Sunday.
September 16th, 2013 at 8:05 am
MTM: When Freeman completes 9 passes, there is no chance for anyone to catch more passes. How do you propose we get them more catches?
Joe: If we got “more production” from Ogletree, then VJ and Mike would have 0 production. Maybe we should get “more production” from Freeman? Its a trickle down effect that starts with Freeman, it has nothing to do with Ogletree.
September 16th, 2013 at 8:07 am
Draft Teddy Bridgewater!
September 16th, 2013 at 8:16 am
Or it could be because our quarterback completed a grand total of NINE passes yesterday. Get ready for a week full of trade talk, folks. Here a hint where i think he would go – There is one team that has the talent everywhere but one spot to make it to the playoffs, and that team would be the Vikings. Ponder and Cassel aint gonna cut the mustard
September 16th, 2013 at 8:18 am
Joe,
You asked this question back in July. Can you now answer the question? Can anyone? You don’t need a watch to know time it is.
https://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=90782
September 16th, 2013 at 8:29 am
Not sure what to say other than what has already been mentioned. A slightly better game by our O and we are 2-0. Crazy that our O can gain such few yards and nearly win a game.
September 16th, 2013 at 8:33 am
I am being real not trying to promote Freeman, but want to look honestly at the game.he may have only completed 9 passes but threw only 22 and had 6 yes 6 drops, or not getting feet down on a easy catch,not counting the one deep pass to ogletree. So if only half are caught that is over 50%, he threw 2 away cause no one open, so except for about 2 all Free’s throws were really nice throws. not his fault that they have so many 3rd and long hard to play that way.
September 16th, 2013 at 8:43 am
The bomb went right thru his hands!!!!
September 16th, 2013 at 9:04 am
Think maybe it’s because Freeman locks on to his target and doesn’t go through the progressions? Watch his eyes (every DB does) he doesn’t even look to see who might be open he tries to force it in to his primary target. Makes it hard on the number 3 receiver when your QB doesn’t even look your way.
September 16th, 2013 at 9:26 am
Ogletree is garbage. Bring back Underwood
September 16th, 2013 at 9:33 am
Wait a second, Joe… the Bucs don’t NEED a pass catching tight end in this offense, REMEMBER??? That’s what the fans were FORCE-FED this season.
September 16th, 2013 at 9:36 am
Ogletree has been underwhelming. The offense relies too heavily on Martin, Jackson and Williams. A more dynamic slot receiver would help open up the offense, as would a TE. It seems the tight end is an after thought at this point.
September 16th, 2013 at 9:45 am
I think Ogletree might be in jeopardy if Demps shows any kind of promise at all. No one in there right mind, not even coach can say Ogletree has been what they were looking for in a 3rd receiver. And why do we have so many RBs if all were going to do is use 2 of them?