2006 Tampa Bay Bucs thread (1 Viewer)

[MrPhoenix]

The Bucs cutting Toniu Fonoti was a little suprising, although their O-line depth looks better than it has been in recent years.

Any news on exactly why he was cut? Weight issues? Performance?

 

[gump]

Regarding Fonoti, his performance was not good during the preseason.

Edell Shepherd signed by the Texans.

 

[gump]

Booger is hurt again!

http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/MGB6LWNSPRE.html

"INJURY UPDATE: The status of two starters remains uncertain as the Bucs prepare for Sunday's season opener against the Ravens at Raymond James Stadium.

LG Dan Buenning is still dealing with the effects of an ankle injury suffered in Thursday's preseason finale at Houston. DT Anthony McFarland hurt his groin at Jacksonville and left the Aug. 26 matchup early.

McFarland, who has missed 15 games since 2002 because of injuries, didn't make the trip against the Texans. He remained on the field after Monday's practice for some light running and declined to assess his progress.

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin indicated McFarland's availability is a legitimate concern. Veteran Ellis Wyms, who has started only one NFL game, would replace McFarland in the starting lineup if necessary, while Jeb Terry figures to be the first option behind Buenning."

Not good considering we only kept 7 DLs.

 

[MLBrandow]

I am a bit saddened at the release of SS Donte Nicholson. I was really hoping that he'd be able to push Phillips.

I'm also interested in who the Bucs plan on replacing McFarland next year with. I'm fairly certain him and his enormous contract won't be back after this season.

 

[gump]

Looks like starting Guards Buenning and Joseph will not play, being replaced by Jeb Terry and Sean Mahan (both of whom played last year).

MLB Quarles is also not practicing...may be replaced by Ruud.

Booger was back at practice yesterday and looks like will play.

 

[Gargoylez]

Looks like starting Guards Buenning and Joseph will not play, being replaced by Jeb Terry and Sean Mahan (both of whom played last year).MLB Quarles is also not practicing...may be replaced by Ruud.Booger was back at practice yesterday and looks like will play.

Excited to see Ruud Play, I think he could be a monster.

 

[Franknbeans]

I think it's fairly evident that Gradkowski is #2. Rattay is an experienced #3, not a bad thing to have.

As little as Rattay played in the preseason, don't you think it's possible he has the #2 wrapped up and Gruden wanted to give his young #3 some PT?

No, I've read elsewhere that Gruden is very high on Gradkowski (he reminds him of Gannon supposedly) and if Simms struggles for a significant stretch he might even get the call.

I haven't seen Gruden say anything like that. People are assuming, but nothing from Gruden on what QBs are playing in what spots...unless you have seen something?

I swear I did but I have reading a lot this week boning up for a draft tonight so I can't give you a definite link. Sorry but I'll try and track it down.

 

[gump]

Gradkowski looked terrible as well on Sunday.

It was mentioned on the radio this morning that the Bucs worked out Todd Bouman over the weekend. It doesn't look like Gruden wants to stand pat with Grads or Rattay as backups.

 

[gump]

Bucs brought in Stefan Lefors also. Gruden is obviously not going to sit pat with his current QB situation.

Also, Buenning practiced on Wednesday...

http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/related/C546/

 

[gump]

Notes from TBO.com LINK

Rattay's Days Numbered? - Rattay likely gone when either Feidler or McCown get healthy...or the Bucs bring in someone else. Gradkowski is obviously not ready...THEREFORE WILL NOT BE #2!!

Boston may be back - when OL health improves, and Boston's health improves (?), he will likely be brought back in

 

[gump]

EDIT to add: Shelton Quarles is also supposed to be back in the starting lineup this week.

 

[MLBrandow]

I am also concerned about the safety position. I used to intern at a local Bucs radio station, and one of the questions asked to Jermaine Phillips was who he'd most like to get a clean hit on. He picked Kevan Barlow. To me, this defines Phillips as a safety. He sucks and gets runover way too much.The Bucs have a lot of young guys at Safety and don't really need to spend a Day 1 pick on one, but whether those guys are ready to play will be one of the bigger questions heading into next season.Personally, I see our secondary like this:FS - Will Allen, RookieSS - Jermaine Phillips, Kalvin Pearson, Donte Nicholson.Phillips has been under-performing for most of his four-year career, but now in his 4th year, that potential that the Bucs organization saw in him has still yet to materialize, and he's really just showed that he is capable of being an adequate backup. One reason he stayed last year was because he only made $450k. This year, his salary jumps to $1.35M. He likely won't be released because the net savings would only be about $500k, and that's not really enough to do any damage anywhere. In 2007 though, he will have a replacement lined up and releasing him would save roughly $1.25M.

21 missed tackles in 3.5 games....I hate you Mr. Phillips

 

[QUEZILLA]

Someone on the PR red board is saying a Booger for Nate Clements deal is being worked. This would work well for both teams.

Bills are weak at DT, and might as well get something for Clements while they can.

Brian Kelly may need surgery on his toe, and the Bucs were already in the market for a CB (Woodson).

Clements can also return punts.

Clements is 26 and is probably expecting BIG money, so far the Buc's have been reluctant to hand out a ton of money to one guy.

 

[MLBrandow]

So I've been thinking about who the Bucs might target in April's draft....

I don't expect them to win another game with the amount of injuries they've had so far. If they do, they won't win more than one (@CLE or v.ATL), and that cements them in either the top-3 or top-5.

1. Joe Thomas, LT Wisconsin - To replace Anthony Davis and hopefully complete an OL unit that has the potential to be elite in a few years.

2. Michael Griffin, SS Texas - To replace Jermaine Phillips, who is quite possibly the worst SS in the league and who will be out the door in March.

3. Jay Alford, UT Penn State - Hopefully provide that inside pass rush that has been lacking since Sapp left.

4. Andre Caldwell, WR Florida - Would like to see him replace Galloway. He's bigger and faster than his brother, and also was a very good QB in high school.

Projected Cap Room: (Under $15M)

COMING IN:

Cato June, WLB Indianapolis - Brooks will either retire or be cut, and June will fill this role just fine.

Dwight Freeney, DE Indianapolis - Expect the Bucs to land both or neither.

Jerry Porter, WR Oakland - The Bucs will likely trade a conditional day-2 pick for Porter.

GOING OUT:

Shelton Quarles (released)

Brian Kelly (retired)

Derrick Brooks (retired)

Mike Alstott (retired)

Jermaine Phillips (released)

Simeon Rice (released)

STAYING PUT:

Chris Simms (re-signed)

Dewayne White (tendered)

Michael Pittman (re-signed)

 

[Gargoylez]

So I've been thinking about who the Bucs might target in April's draft....I don't expect them to win another game with the amount of injuries they've had so far. If they do, they won't win more than one (@CLE or v.ATL), and that cements them in either the top-3 or top-5.1. Joe Thomas, LT Wisconsin - To replace Anthony Davis and hopefully complete an OL unit that has the potential to be elite in a few years.2. Michael Griffin, SS Texas - To replace Jermaine Phillips, who is quite possibly the worst SS in the league and who will be out the door in March.3. Jay Alford, UT Penn State - Hopefully provide that inside pass rush that has been lacking since Sapp left.4. Andre Caldwell, WR Florida - Would like to see him replace Galloway. He's bigger and faster than his brother, and also was a very good QB in high school.Projected Cap Room: (Under $15M)COMING IN:Cato June, WLB Indianapolis - Brooks will either retire or be cut, and June will fill this role just fine.Dwight Freeney, DE Indianapolis - Expect the Bucs to land both or neither.Jerry Porter, WR Oakland - The Bucs will likely trade a conditional day-2 pick for Porter.GOING OUT:Shelton Quarles (released)Brian Kelly (retired)Derrick Brooks (retired)Mike Alstott (retired)Jermaine Phillips (released)Simeon Rice (released)STAYING PUT:Chris Simms (re-signed)Dewayne White (tendered)Michael Pittman (re-signed)

I Love Chris Simms. But I just dont see him coming back. BGrad is doing fair... and he is learning, and he is CHEAP. I am not sure how much of a drop off there is with Simms and Gradkowski... Simms will want big money I am sure and there will be a few teams looking to give it to him too.

 

[Capella]

So I've been thinking about who the Bucs might target in April's draft....I don't expect them to win another game with the amount of injuries they've had so far. If they do, they won't win more than one (@CLE or v.ATL), and that cements them in either the top-3 or top-5.1. Joe Thomas, LT Wisconsin - To replace Anthony Davis and hopefully complete an OL unit that has the potential to be elite in a few years.2. Michael Griffin, SS Texas - To replace Jermaine Phillips, who is quite possibly the worst SS in the league and who will be out the door in March.3. Jay Alford, UT Penn State - Hopefully provide that inside pass rush that has been lacking since Sapp left.4. Andre Caldwell, WR Florida - Would like to see him replace Galloway. He's bigger and faster than his brother, and also was a very good QB in high school.Projected Cap Room: (Under $15M)COMING IN:Cato June, WLB Indianapolis - Brooks will either retire or be cut, and June will fill this role just fine.Dwight Freeney, DE Indianapolis - Expect the Bucs to land both or neither.Jerry Porter, WR Oakland - The Bucs will likely trade a conditional day-2 pick for Porter.GOING OUT:Shelton Quarles (released)Brian Kelly (retired)Derrick Brooks (retired)Mike Alstott (retired)Jermaine Phillips (released)Simeon Rice (released)STAYING PUT:Chris Simms (re-signed)Dewayne White (tendered)Michael Pittman (re-signed)

I agree with a lot of this, especially the FA targets. I personally would rather not see them spend another early pick on the line -- that would be four early, valuable picks now in the past three drafts and that's simply too many for a team with this many holes. Davis hasn't been terrible at LT, in fact, he's been the best lineman they've had this season.As for who they pick, you, I and everybody else know Gruden will take Brady Quinn if he's available to them at whatever spot it they're drafting from. He'll sit behind Simms for a year and then take over in 08.I'd personally like Gaines from Clemson, but that's not going to happen.

 

[Capella]

btw, Brian Kelly is not going to retire. He'll be picked up somewhere else.

As for 07, this team has MASSIVE holes on the dline, in the secondary (may have to replace 3 starters, Allen and Phillips have been hilariously bad), will need another wideout or two, if they don't sign Simms they'll need another QB and some depth on the line wouldn't suck.

What a trainwreck.

 

[Sabertooth]

btw, Brian Kelly is not going to retire. He'll be picked up somewhere else.As for 07, this team has MASSIVE holes on the dline, in the secondary (may have to replace 3 starters, Allen and Phillips have been hilariously bad), will need another wideout or two, if they don't sign Simms they'll need another QB and some depth on the line wouldn't suck.What a trainwreck.

It's like Detroit south.