2006 Tampa Bay Bucs thread (3 Viewers)

[Hobbes]

I'll be curious to see who doesn't make it. They're not going to keep 11 guys on the line.

Wouldn't shock me to see Mahan take nothing but center snaps this summer, and Wade to be shown the door.

I get the feeling that the odd man out may be Fonoti...if he doesn't get his weight down he'll be shown the door. I can see us keeping 10 OL as they shift the philosophy towards protecting Caddy and Sims...I think it shakes out like this:T - Davis, Walker, Colmer, Trueblood

G - Buenning, Joseph, Terry

T/G - Tucker

G/C - Mahan

C - Wade

I think we added a lot of versatility and talent to a position of weakness from last year.

 

[Capella]

Like the corner pick in round 4. Can't even count how many starters Monte has unearthed in the second day of the draft...which is why I don't understand why people complain when they go offense early.

Zemaitis is a very talented cornerback, who has all the talent to be a very good NFL cornerback, but is going to need to greatly improve his backpedal and footwork in order to consistently play up to his athleticism in the NFL. He has very good size for a cornerback, and consistently has shown the toughness and competitiveness to make plays -- he flies up in run support and makes hard hits. He has the talent to stay on a receiver's hip in tight man-to-man coverage, and the body control to reach in front of a receiver and break up the pass without committing the penalty. Additionally, he has shown the willingness to close quickly on passes in front of him, and can break up passes with hard hits right after the ball arrives. He is surprisingly good at cutting in front of the receiver to break up quick, inside passes, but he can be turned around by sharp routes and cannot consistently recover and close quick enough to make plays on the ball. Overall, even though Zemaitis needs to work on his fundamentals a lot, his combination of size, smarts, toughness, competitiveness and athletic ability will enable him to become a very good starting cornerback in the NFL, after a season or two as a backup while he improves his backpedal. CRITICAL FACTORS Athletic Ability M/M Off M/M Tight Competes Play Speed Instincts 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.5 6.0 STRONG POINTS Zemaitis is a very good athlete, who consistently plays with the tough and aggressive attitude that is hard to find in cornerbacks. He comes up aggressively in run support to make hard hits, and will drive through receivers to break up the pass with a hard hit. He has the quick feet and hips to flip his hips and turn and run without losing a step, and he can plant, drive and close on passes quickly when he keeps his feet under him. He does a very good job of using his body to play physical with the receiver in the route, and really anticipates the inside route well -- he cuts in front of the receiver, shields him from the play and breaks up the pass well. WEAKNESSES Zemaitis is just not as consistent as he needs to be. He is going to need to learn a straight backpedal, and needs to stay over his feet and under control better in order to transition and close more consistently on passes in front of him. When he uses his side-pedal, he can be turned around by sharp out-routes and cannot consistently recover in time to make a play on the pass. He misreads an occasional route and loses contact with the receiver at times. He does not use his hands to jam and slow a receiver's release, which allows receivers easy off the line of scrimmage into their routes. POSITIONAL FACTORS Grade Category Comments/Description 6.0 Read & React He usually reads and reacts very quickly, but occasionally misreads and footwork lead to slow reactions. 6.0 M/M Off Most of the time, he does a very good job in "off" coverage, but does get turned around at times. 6.0 M/M Tight He has the ability to stay on a wide receiver's hip all over the field, but raw footwork hinders his ability to transition quickly. 6.5 Zone Coverage He does a very good job of reading and reacting in zone coverage, and he can plant, drive and close fast. 6.0 Break & Close He is very good when he plays over his feet and transitions well, but he needs to improve his footwork to become more consistent. 6.5 Hips/Turn Ability Has very good hips and athleticism which enable him to flip hips to turn and run without losing a step. 6.5 Tackling For a cornerback, he has the size, toughness and athleticism to break down and tackle well. 6.5 Hands - Interception He has very good hands and has shown the ability to cut in front of a wide receiver to make great interceptions. 6.0 Hands - Fight Blocker He consistently has shown the toughness and competitiveness to fight through blocks and make tackles consistently. 6.5 Deep Speed He has the playing speed to run with any receiver down the field on a deep route without allowing separation. 6.0 Return Ability In games graded, he did not return punts or kickoffs, but he has the hands and speed to be good. 6.0 Errors He misreads an occasional route, but most of his mistakes are due to bad technique or footwork. ATHLETIC ABILITY Section Grade: 6.5 Zemaitis is a very good athlete with the ability to cover receivers all over the field. His very quick feet enable him to close quickly on passes in front of him despite raw footwork. He can accelerate to full speed fast and has the playing speed to stay right on a wide receiver's hip on deep passes. He has the hips and natural flexibility to flip his hips and turn and run without losing a step. He has the hands, body control and concentration to break in front of the receiver and make the tough interception of high passes easily. Overall, Zemaitis no doubt has very good athletic ability, but because they use the side-pedal at Penn State and his footwork is a little raw, he tends to stumble a little when he tries to transition very quickly out of the pedal to break on passes in front of him. Q.A.B. Quick Feet C.O.D. Flexibility Coordination 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 COMPETITIVENESS Section Grade: 6.5 Zemaitis is without question a very tough cornerback, who flies around the field and makes hard hits consistently. Because he plays aggressively on every snap, his production on most snaps is the same as his production on the most important snaps. He can be a shutdown corner when he stays over his feet and uses good footwork so that he can transition and close on passes fast. He does an extremely good job of getting his body in front of the receiver on routes, and he can shield the receiver from the ball to break up the pass. The trouble Zemaitis runs into is that due to his using a side-pedal, he does not transition as well as he is capable of, and gets turned around by sharp routes to the outside too easily -- he allows catches to lesser athletes at times. He has shown he is a team player and never quits on a play with his consistent effort in run support -- not only will he come up aggressively to make tackles in run support, but he will chase down ball carriers across the field in pursuit. Toughness Clutch Play Production Consistency Team Player Pride/Quit 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.0 6.5 6.5 MENTAL ALERTNESS Section Grade: 5.5 It is tough to get a good feel for Zemaitis' smarts because of inconsistencies in his play -- he is clearly smart using his body to cut-off and shield receivers on quick slant routes, but he does not use his hands well in press coverage, and has sloppy footwork at times. He usually shows very good instincts, which combine with foot quickness for him to read and react to passes, but at times, he misreads the receiver's route, gets turned around, and struggles to react and recover due to sloppy transition. A cornerback cannot play as tough and aggressively as Zemaitis has consistently without maintaining a high level of concentration on every snap. Learn/Retain Instincts/Reactions Concentration 6.0 5.5 6.0 STRENGTH/EXPLOSION Section Grade: 6.5 Zemaitis is a tall cornerback with the physique many teams want, and that enables him to play strong and physically with receivers. He has basically been a durable cornerback at Penn State, despite consistently supporting the run so aggressively, and with his size, natural strength and competitiveness, teams should be confident in his ability to be a durable NFL cornerback. He has very good natural explosiveness, and when he is playing over his feet, he can close on passes in front of him in a flash to make plays on the ball, but too often his raw footwork hinders his transition, and he cannot explode as quickly towards the ball. He has very good playing strength for a cornerback -- he can tackle big ball carriers easily and uses his body and strength to cut off and shield receivers from the ball surprisingly well. Body Type Durability Explosion Play Strength 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.5

 

[Capella]

Here's the write-up on Julius Jenkins, the DE they drafted:

Jenkins is an interesting player because he is a good, solid football player, but he's not the explosive edge rusher that many teams look for in a defensive end. He has the ideal size for a strong-side defensive end, which gives him the flexibility to play that position in a traditional 4-3 defense and also play defensive end in a 3-4 alignment. He has the playing strength to be a force at the point of attack on runs at him and can drive the offensive tackle back into the quarterback's lap when he wants to bull rush. While he lacks the explosiveness to blow by the offensive tackle as a speed rusher, he is surprisingly effective beating the offensive tackle with quickness and strong hands and gets pressure on the quarterback consistently. Obviously, Jenkins is a smart young man having gone to Stanford, but when you see how he consistently plays with leverage and uses his hands so well, it is clear that he learns football well from coaches. Overall, Jenkins is the type of defensive end who often gets overlooked on draft day because he is not a pass-rushing demon, but he will become a good starting defensive end (in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense). His ability to play strong at the point of attack and his use of hands to defeat blockers will help him to be a good defensive end who makes plays vs. the run (at him and away) and as a pass rusher. CRITICAL FACTORS Size Initial Quickness Play Strength Competes Play Speed Instincts 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 STRONG POINTS Jenkins is a good athlete whose combination of playing strength and quickness allows him to consistently make plays vs. the run and the pass. He does a good job of using hands and quick feet to punch the offensive tackle and defeat him with quick pass-rush moves. When he gets close to the quarterback, he has a good closing burst and is not afraid to make hard hits right after the ball is thrown. He consistently stacks the point of attack vs. offensive tackle run blocks, can disengage and makes tackle on runs at him. His playing speed helps him chase down running plays in backside pursuit. WEAKNESSES Jenkins is a big, strong defensive end and lacks the explosiveness and speed to threaten the corner as a speed rusher -- he is more of a strong and competitive rusher. He has a bad habit of getting upright when chasing the ball and does not use his hands consistently well to wrap and finish tackles. POSITIONAL FACTORS Grade Category Comments/Description 6.0 Read & React He consistently reads and reacts quickly to the play and it helps him make plays all over the field. 6.0 Initial Quickness Not explosive off the ball, but he does get off ball and into the play consistently quick at the snap. 6.5 Play Strength He consistently plays very strong at the point of attack vs. offensive line blocks -- whether it is vs. a run block or as a pass. 6.0 Use of Hands He consistently uses his hands well to jolt the offensive lineman, stays free and can make/disrupt plays regularly. 6.0 Shed Blocker His strength and use of his hands help him to take on and shed blockers consistently well. 6.5 Run at Him Playing strength and hand use vs. blockers help him to consistently play very well on runs at him. 5.5 Pursuit/Range Has play speed to chase plays down in backside pursuit, but he needs to tackle better on the move. 5.0 Tackling He has ability to be a good tackler, but too often he gets up high and does not wrap up consistently. 6.0 Closing Burst When he gets close to the ball-carrier/quarterback, he consistently has shown a good closing burst . 6.5 Power Rush Lining up at defensive end and going against offensive tackle's will allow him to consistently be a very good bull rusher. 5.0 Speed Rush He is not an explosive rusher who will beat the offensive tackle with speed, but he can use hands and quickness to beat offensive tackles. 5.5 Errors He does not make any big errors, but he does not consistently wrap up and finish tackles. ATHLETIC ABILITY Section Grade: 6.0 Jenkins' good athleticism has enabled him to be a very productive defensive end in Stanford's 3-4 defense despite being undersized for the position. He has quick feet to get off the ball and on top of the offensive linemen quickly. He has quick hands and he does a very good job of using them to jolt the offensive lineman, and stays free and makes/disrupts plays in the backfield. His foot quickness and agility have enabled him to consistently change directions quickly and burst in the other direction to make tackles. He accelerates to full speed quickly and has the playing speed to chase down running backs in backside pursuit. He has the natural flexibility to bend his knees and play with leverage at the point of attack vs. offensive line blockers. Q.A.B. Quick Feet C.O.D. Flexibility Coordination 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.0 COMPETITIVENESS Section Grade: 6.0 Jenkins has displayed toughness consistently playing aggressive at the point of attack vs. big offensive line blockers. While he has shown the ability to step up and make key plays in important situations, his production on important snaps generally mirrors his overall production. He has consistently been able to jolt offensive line run blocks, holds his ground and makes tackles on runs at him. He uses his quickness and play speed to hustle and chase down plays in backside pursuit, but he does not consistently wrap up and finish his tackles. Even though he lacks the explosiveness off the ball to threaten the corner as a speed/edge rusher, his ability to punch the offensive tackle, stay free and move well side-to-side allows him to defeat the offensive tackle and pressure the quarterback more consistently than you expect. No question that Jenkins is a team player who gives a very good effort on every snap and often makes plays because of his non-stop motor and no quit attitude. Toughness Clutch Play Production Consistency Team Player Pride/Quit 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.5 MENTAL ALERTNESS Section Grade: 5.5 Jenkins is definitely a smart football player when you see his consistently good technique vs. blockers -- his footwork and use of hands is exactly what coaches teach. He has good football instincts and they combine with his quick feet for him to consistently move well and react to different blocking schemes. While he is usually good at maintaining his focus and concentration, he does not stay focused when tackling and ends up missing more tackles than a player of his caliber should. Learn/Retain Instincts/Reactions Concentration 6.5 6.0 5.5 STRENGTH/EXPLOSION Section Grade: 6.0 Jenkins has good size for a defensive end and having played inside over the guard so often, he definitely has enough size to hold up out at defensive end. His size, strength and athleticism helped him be a durable defensive lineman at Stanford and he should be a durable NFL player. He lacks explosiveness off the ball as a pas rusher, but he does have an explosive punch to jolt the offensive lineman backwards on the bull rush and can explode into the ball carrier to make hard, physical tackles when he stays over his feet and under control. He has very good playing strength for a defensive end and can stack the point of attack vs. run blocks and can disengage and makes tackle on runs at him. His ability to bull rush with leverage and to use hands aggressively helps him to jolt the offensive lineman and drive the blocker back into the quarterback's lap. Body Type Durability Explosion Play Strength 6.0 6.0 5.5 6.5

 

[BassNBrew]

Like the corner pick in round 4. Can't even count how many starters Monte has unearthed in the second day of the draft...which is why I don't understand why people complain when they go offense early.

Heard this guy on the radio the other day...you guys got a winner here. Be sure to catch one of his interviews as I think you'll be impressed.

 

[Capella]

Like the corner pick in round 4. Can't even count how many starters Monte has unearthed in the second day of the draft...which is why I don't understand why people complain when they go offense early.



<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Heard this guy on the radio the other day...you guys got a winner here. Be sure to catch one of his interviews as I think you'll be impressed.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hope so. I trust Monte's mid-round selections.Bucs signed Andre Hall today. Cannot believe he wasn't drafted.

 

[MLBrandow]

I didn't really like the TE picks...

Looks like Gruden is trying to work in an H-Back. Both TEs are exactly the same, undersized, soft hands, etc.... wonder what he's up to.

Zemaitis was a perfect pick, especially for the value. Didn't know he was still on the board when they took him.

Not sure what you mean by "odd man out would be Fonoti" from the poster above..... Fonoti will make the roster because he's the only one who can backup Buenning on the roster. That's why he was brought in.

Really wish they would have picked up a UT behind Booger.... guess that tells me they either already have a replacement, or expect him to actually be good this year.

Very, very excited for the Bucs next season. A 12-4 and deep playoff push is likely, although I believe we are still a year away from Super Bowl contention.

 

[Quez]

I didn't really like the TE picks...

Looks like Gruden is trying to work in an H-Back.  Both  TEs are exactly the same, undersized, soft hands, etc.... wonder what he's up to.

Zemaitis was a perfect pick, especially for the value.  Didn't know he was still on the board when they took him.

Not sure what you mean by "odd man out would be Fonoti" from the poster above..... Fonoti will make the roster because he's the only one who can backup Buenning on the roster.  That's why he was brought in.

Really wish they would have picked up a UT behind Booger.... guess that tells me they either already have a replacement, or expect him to actually be good this year.

Very, very excited for the Bucs next season.  A 12-4 and deep playoff push is likely, although I believe we are still a year away from Super Bowl contention.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, with 2 TE's that appear to be exactly the same, maybe he is hopeing at least one will pan out. I would say this pretty much means it is Becht's last year, as I doubt Gruden has him in the long term plans.Zemaitis looks like a real good pick. There was a Pewter Report thread with highlight videos of all the picks, and his are impressive.

 

[MLBrandow]

Well, with 2 TE's that appear to be exactly the same, maybe he is hopeing at least one will pan out.  I would say this pretty much means it is Becht's last year, as I doubt Gruden has him in the long term plans.

Zemaitis looks like a real good pick.  There was a Pewter Report thread with highlight videos of all the picks, and his are impressive.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Has nothing to do with Becht. Becht is pretty much just a blocking TE, and Smith is pretty much just a receiving TE.Looks like they want one of these guys to replace Alstott's H-Back role from last year. Cadillac would then takeover the goal-line duties.

I think that's what he's thinking, but who knows?

DeAngelo Williams, Reggie Bush and Jerius Norwood. Oh goody.

 

[MBL12PK]

Longtime Bucs fan here and question for other buc fans.  What is the deal with Colmer out of NC State last year?  He was a good player in college but for his shoulder injury.  I don't remember him playing much if at all last year and if he is fully healthy, he should be in the mix too.  I was secretly hoping that the bucs would go with Santonio Holmes today in the first round because I have never been really sold on Michael Clayton.  Anyone have any opinions?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Shoulder didn't allow him to see any time last year. Reports were that he looked lost in practice and wasn't ready for anytime of PT.That said, he'll get snaps in camp. Probably a lot.

Lots of different options on the line now for the Bucs. Besides the starting 5 of:

Davis

Buenning

Wade

Mahan

Walker

all returning, they now also have Colmer, Torrin Tucker and Trueblood for tackle.

Joseph, Fonoti and Terry for guard, and Mahan swinging over to center, if need be.

That's a lot of tools. Two full offensive lines. If they can't make this work, nothing ever will.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From a Cadillac keeper league owner, this is music to my ears.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As a caddy owner also was happy to witness this.

 

[Punchie]

DeAngelo Williams, Reggie Bush and Jerius Norwood.  Oh goody.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

plus McAllister, Foster and Dunn.There's some serious talent at the RB position in the NFC South, good thing we improved our run D last year.

 

[MLBrandow]

DeAngelo Williams, Reggie Bush and Jerius Norwood.  Oh goody.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

plus McAllister, Foster and Dunn.There's some serious talent at the RB position in the NFC South, good thing we improved our run D last year.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Too bad we can't get any pressure in the middle. Looks like we've got two NTs again this year.You know, I wonder if that's to be the newest version of the T2D? Rather than putting pressure on the QB from inside and forcing trench warfare and short-passing game, if they are going to move more toward trying to stuff the run now in order to promote gunslinging to create more turnovers?

Either way, with the #1 defense again last year, I suppose he's onto something .

 

[gump]

Buccaneers | T. Law likely to visit next week

Wed, 3 May 2006 18:21:59 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports free agent CB Ty Law (Jets) is likely to visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, according to his agent Carl Poston who told Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo Wednesday, May 3.

I guess Law would be a good option to back up Barber and Kelly, as well as play safety in between? I'm sure his salary demands will be too much for what we need him to do, ala Woodson...

 

[Capella]

no way is Law coming here.

 

[Punchie]

no harm in checking with Law to see if his contract demands have subsided at all. I agree that there's no way he comes to Tampa though. I imagine he'll wait until some training camp injuries happen then land on a team and play very well, again.

 

[Norseman]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired former linebacker Hardy Nickerson to serve as the team’s color commentator alongside play-by-play broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff in the team’s radio booth for the 2006 season.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” Nickerson said. “Any time get a chance to come back and be part of Buc family, it’s a great honor. It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.”

A five-time Pro Bowler with the Bucs, Nickerson replaces Scot Brantley, who served as the Bucs color analyst for the past six seasons.

“It’s exciting to be back in the Buccaneer family,” Nickerson. “I’m looking forward to calling games and sitting next to Gene Deckerhoff, having a good time and watching a football game. I’ll be sitting next to the best play-by-play man in the history of broadcast radio. He does such a super job, I’ll just be trying to keep up with him.”

Deckerhoff is thrilled to be working with the former player whose name he used to often call after a bone-crushing tackle on third-and-1.

“I’m delighted to be working with Hardy Nickerson, the ‘Hardware Man,” Deckerhoff said. “I can’t wait until we tee it off in the preseason," Deckerhoff said. "We’ll have a week together in training camp. I can’t wait to say, ‘Touchdown, Tampa Bay!’ again.

“Hardy Nickerson represents the transition from the old orange and white the new pewter and red. He wore both uniforms and proudly for the Buccaneers.”

Nickerson, who was the captain of the Bucs defense, played for the team from 1993-99. He originally entered the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-92). He retired from the NFL following the 2002 season after short stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers.

During his seven-year career with Tampa Bay, Nickerson became the team’s all-time leading tackler with 1,028 tackles. That record since has been broken by nine-time Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks, who currently has 1,601 career tackles.

Nickerson said his playing experience, knowledge of the players and his intimate knowledge of the defense will help him explain the action from the radio broadcast booth.

“My goal will be for the fans to get the fans to visualize what’s going on out there and to see the plays as they happen in their minds," Nickerson said. "Gene does such a great job, but for me, it will be to bring it to life. When Gene says, “[Mike] Alstott busts it up the gut!” my job will be to explain how it happened and to get the fans to understand how he did it.

“I’m going to get better and better with each game. This is going to be a lot of fun.”

link

 

[gump]

TBO is reporting that DAVID BOSTON is in town for a workout...

 

[Capella]

 

[Bailiver]

TBO is reporting that DAVID BOSTON is in town for a workout...

Been wantin' to use this one:

 

[dbcooper]

This can't be good.

Glazer Story

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Friday that owner Malcolm Glazer suffered a second stroke on April 30, which was just two weeks after he was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic hospital after suffering a stroke on April 16.

Glazer, 77, was released from the Cleveland Clinic after suffering the first stroke on April 24. Glazer remains hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic after suffering the second stroke.

Both strokes have impaired Glazer’s speech and the mobility in his right arm and leg.

"Doctors expect my father to return home in the next few weeks," said Malcolm’s son, Joel Glazer, who serves with Bryan Glazer as executive vice president of the Buccaneers. "As a result of this stroke his rehabilitation period will be longer and more challenging. Our family appreciates all the support and warm wishes that we have received."

The Glazers purchased the Buccaneers, who at the time were one of the NFL”s losingest teams, in 1995 for $192 million. The Glazers quickly helped to turn the laughing stock of the NFL into one of the league’s best teams.

After firing head coach Sam Wyche at the end of the 1995 season, the Glazers hired Tony Dungy, who went on to bring the Bucs to the playoffs four times in six seasons, including the 1999 NFC Championship Game.

However, the Glazers fired Dungy at the beginning of the 2002 offseason, and after a long search, traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and $8 million to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for Jon Gruden.

That same season, the Gruden-led Bucs compiled a 12-4 regular season record and went on to win their first-ever Lombardi Trophy by defeating the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, 48-21.

Tampa Bay made the playoffs three times from 1976-96, but under the Glazers’ guidance, the Buccaneers have earned a trip to the playoffs six times in 11 seasons, including two NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.

 

[dbcooper]

TBO is reporting that DAVID BOSTON is in town for a workout...

Boston officially signs

Less than one week after he auditioned at One Buccaneer Place, free agent wide receiver David Boston signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Boston, who previously played for Arizona, San Diego and Miami, has 315 career catches for 4,699 yards and 25 touchdowns. Boston has played in just five games over the past two seasons due to knee injuries. To make room on their roster for Boston, the Bucs released first-year WR B.J. Johnson.

 

[MLBrandow]

Think this might be that extra deep threat?

Anyone think they might let him bulk back up and play H-Back/TE? Could see Boston being a solid red zone threat at about 250, supposing he's not so overjuiced that he falls apart in the first couple games... maybe that is asking a bit much.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Think this might be that extra deep threat?

Anyone think they might let him bulk back up and play H-Back/TE? Could see Boston being a solid red zone threat at about 250, supposing he's not so overjuiced that he falls apart in the first couple games... maybe that is asking a bit much.

They said he is lean now, down to 230. That is probably where they want him to be for WR. I don't see him playing TE, but I do think he will be heavily utilized for blocking. He has the capability to block as well as Michael Clayton.Also, they allowed the media to watch about 30 mins of practice the other day and apparently he didn't drop a single catch.

 

[Punchie]

Not only is he big, but he also gives us the deep-threat backup to Galloway that we haven't had yet. For all intents and purposes, Stovall=Clayton and Boston=Galloway right now in playing style (possession vs speed)

 

[QUEZILLA]

Not only is he big, but he also gives us the deep-threat backup to Galloway that we haven't had yet. For all intents and purposes, Stovall=Clayton and Boston=Galloway right now in playing style (possession vs speed)

Simms said he runs 4.4 I think Boston is kind of a Clayton/ Galloway tweener. They say he can block, but not as good as Clayton. He obviouslly isn't as fast as Galloway, but if they say he can run a 4.4 thats good enough.

If they were to all stay healthy, and everybody played up to their potential this offense could be lethal.



I give the Buc's an A- so far in this off-season. If they can get Dwight Smith back I give them an A+

 

[gump]

Edell Sheppard re-signed with the Bucs on Wednesday.

Had quite a few big catches last season...unfortunately will be remember for dropping the biggest.

 

[Punchie]

can't fault him too much for dropping the ball without also praising him for catching the exact same ball earlier in the year, without that first catch the Bucs wouldn't have won the division. I just hope the drop doesn't damage him psychologically at all *think Gramatica*

 

[SpecOpLoad]

Ex BUC Abdullah arrested!!!

Possession, DUI and a gun!!

TRIFECTA

 

[QUEZILLA]

Buc's sign AFL ROY Ben Nelson

Per Buccaneers.com-

Fresh off a Rookie of the Year performance in the Arena Football League, Ben Nelson will now give the National Football League another try. The former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.

Nelson (6-3, 188) went to training camp with the Vikings each of the last three summers and spent portions of the 2003 and 2004 seasons on Minnesota’s practice squad. For a three-game stretch in 2004, the former St. Cloud State standout was promoted to the active roster, where he contributed a pair of special teams tackles. Prior to that campaign, he also played in the 2004 NFL Europe League as a Vikings allocate, catching 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown as a member of the Cologne Centurions.

Nelson was no longer eligible for a practice squad assignment in 2005, but the Vikings tried to extend his stay by converting him to safety during training camp. Nelson was waived in late August, however, and two months later he was catching passes again, this time for the San Jose SaberCats of the AFL.

And catching lots of them. In his first AFL season, Nelson led the SaberCats with 94 receptions for 1,405 yards and 26 touchdowns despite playing in only 11 of the team’s 15 games. He finished just six yards short of the league’s rookie record in that category and was named Rookie of the Year while helping San Jose to the American Conference finals. Nelson had at least 100 receiving yards in seven of the 11 games in which he played.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I just heard Brooks on 620 WDAE. He was mostly talking about how dominoes is popular amongst the Buc's.

He did talk a little about football, and said Luke McNown sprained something scrambling around, probably not serious. He also said he has been impressed with Claytons hard work, and he has made some great catches. He thinks he will probably return to his rookie form.

 

[Capella]

God I can't wait for camp to open.

 

[MLBrandow]

It looks to me like they plan on getting Cadillac 2000 yards this season. THey are loading up on beefy possession receivers who can block and it looks like the power I is going to be their favorite formation next year. Then they have 3 guys battling for slot.

I can't wait to draft CW to my fantasy team

 

[QUEZILLA]

I just heard Brooks on 620 WDAE. He was mostly talking about how dominoes is popular amongst the Buc's.

He did talk a little about football, and said Luke McNown sprained something scrambling around, probably not serious. He also said he has been impressed with Claytons hard work, and he has made some great catches. He thinks he will probably return to his rookie form.

I saw on another forum Will Allen was on the Hot Seat and may have mentioned something about McNown having a torn ACL. No word out of the front office yet, but keep your finger on the trigger for Gradkowski.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I just heard Brooks on 620 WDAE. He was mostly talking about how dominoes is popular amongst the Buc's.

He did talk a little about football, and said Luke McNown sprained something scrambling around, probably not serious. He also said he has been impressed with Claytons hard work, and he has made some great catches. He thinks he will probably return to his rookie form.

I saw on another forum Will Allen was on the Hot Seat and may have mentioned something about McNown having a torn ACL. No word out of the front office yet, but keep your finger on the trigger for Gradkowski.

Ok, it's official he did hurt his knee. http://www.pewterreport.com/article.asp?ac...=2232&category=Details of how serious are not known, but keep an eye on it.

 

[pretender]

Been watching for news on Larry Brackins - WR. He was on the dev squad his rookie year and was wondering if anybody has seen or heard from him during the OTA and mini-camps. A lot of raw talent from what I've heard. Deep Deep Sleeper IMO.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Been watching for news on Larry Brackins - WR. He was on the dev squad his rookie year and was wondering if anybody has seen or heard from him during the OTA and mini-camps. A lot of raw talent from what I've heard. Deep Deep Sleeper IMO.

I haven't heard much as of late. They did say out of the top 10 catches in practice last year LB had 8 of them. He apparently had a problem of jumping to catch every ball, but he says he has fixed that.

 

[QUEZILLA]

PewterReport.com is reporting that McCown will undergo knee surgery in the next 48 hours. Bucs head coach Jon Gruden indicated that McCown would be a candidate for the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, but would not necessarily miss the entire 2006 season. The extent of the knee injury will be determined after surgery.

This is very interesting because he was considered to have locked up the #2 spot. Rattay was believed to be the odd man out, as rookie Gradkowski has really impressed the staff. Don't overlook TB signing another QB very soon. Former FAU QB Jared Alen could get moved up, or a vet like Fiedler could be brought in.

Also, newly signed G Fonoti missed OTA this morning, and the Buc's do not know where he is. Rumors are floating that he could not resist the temptation of a Denny's Grand Slam on his way there.

 

[wannabee]

Buccaneers | McCown discusses how he injured knee

Published Wed Jun 21 12:11:00 a.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) David Dorsey, of the News-Press, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Luke McCown (knee) said he injured his knee one week ago while running some drills. McCown added, "I planted real hard to go upfield. It's a cut I've made hundreds of times. I've probably made it in my sleep even. I knew something was wrong." McCown does not expect to be sidelined too long unless doctors find a completely torn ligament during surgery later this week.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I wouldn't mind Fiedler. He is probably one of the best QBs still available, and his experience should help out the young guys.

Oh, and our 6th round TE pick T.J. Williams was seen carted off the field.

 

[gump]

Kenyatta getting some props:

http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/MGBGT1DWROE.html

Gruden = "Kenyatta, at times, has been pretty darned good, though not a lot of people want to say it."

John Wade = Walker "fits in perfectly."

 

[BGP]

Wow guys. I'm far more of a macro-style person than a micro-guy. But the dedication here to a lot of fringe players that probably won't mean much in the grand scheme of things is pretty impressive. Reporting on the 6th round pick being taken off the field? Brooks - does he eat Dominos pizza a lot or do they play dominos the tile game often? TMI, but I find the mentality of the posters in this thread really interesting.

Good luck this year!

 

[Punchie]

The reason TJ Williams is important to us is that he's seen as the likely replacement for Anthony Becht as the blocking TE. Considering how often Tampa used a two-TE set last year to protect Simms, TE depth is a major issue and there is very little depth behind Smith/Becht. Williams at leats made most of us feel decent about our depth, now we have none (pending an injury analysis of Williams)

 

[BGP]

The reason TJ Williams is important to us is that he's seen as the likely replacement for Anthony Becht as the blocking TE. Considering how often Tampa used a two-TE set last year to protect Simms, TE depth is a major issue and there is very little depth behind Smith/Becht. Williams at leats made most of us feel decent about our depth, now we have none (pending an injury analysis of Williams)

I think if TE depth is a major issue then the Bucs should go 16-0 this year because you must not have many problems. But seriously the enthusiasm in this thread looks fun. Like I said good luck.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Wow guys. I'm far more of a macro-style person than a micro-guy. But the dedication here to a lot of fringe players that probably won't mean much in the grand scheme of things is pretty impressive. Reporting on the 6th round pick being taken off the field? Brooks - does he eat Dominos pizza a lot or do they play dominos the tile game often? TMI, but I find the mentality of the posters in this thread really interesting.

Good luck this year!

 

[MLBrandow]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking...son=2006&week=0

Explain to me how the Bucs undisputably improved their team, yet dropped 8 spots from last year's power rankings?

Should make a new thread.

 

[gump]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking...son=2006&week=0

Explain to me how the Bucs undisputably improved their team, yet dropped 8 spots from last year's power rankings?

Should make a new thread.

Must be a combo of other teams improve more in their eyes (Dolphins, Cowboys) and a perceived brutal schedule?Or they think we got lucky last year? But that wouldn't explain the #7 spot at the end of the season...

I don't get it either.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Buc's continue to get no love. I remember seeing a review of the draft on ESPN, and the commentator actually said the Panthers were the NFC South champs. They then proceeded to review N.O., Atl, and Carolinas draft, but never mentioned the Buc's.

 

[Gargoylez]

Buc's continue to get no love. I remember seeing a review of the draft on ESPN, and the commentator actually said the Panthers were the NFC South champs. They then proceeded to review N.O., Atl, and Carolinas draft, but never mentioned the Buc's.

Thats called backyard sports reporting, no real information just someone making **** up. ESPN is famous for that.

Thats also called a chip on your shoulder.... which the Bucs do very well with.

I like the fact people keep them under the radar... with an improved line (how much I dont know) and Simms starting to break out of his shell as well as A.Smith.... The defense is still there, I don;t see anything less then playoff bound this year.

So good for ESPN, way to stay consistantly poor.

 

[MLBrandow]

It could be making up for the years they predicted TB in the SB continually..... now they are all over Carolina.

I think Carolina's a great team, but I do think TB is better, this year at least.

I think that at the VERY least, it's a coin flip, but it's certainly not undisputed CAR Champion.... that I don't get.

of course, I've been here saying WAS is beating TB in the NFC all offseason... so we'll see where that gets me

 

[TrueD]

My take on the Bucs.......

First off I think the offense has gotten much better this past season and I believe Simms is the reason (at least 90% of it). As a diehard Panther fan I hated it when Tampa took Simms in the draft and of course I was also relieved when at first he failed to pick up Gruden’s complicated offensive verbiage. (It’s just the rival in me) I had liked Simms and had a feeling he would make the Bucs a much better team on offense.

As for this season I think a lot of his success will come from not only the running game but from WR Michael Clayton. On the other hand I think it could also be what determines when Simms has a good or bad day. Clayton need to prove last year was only a sophomore slump and step up to be Simms number one target.

also Simms will have to pass the ball more to Williams this season if they want to get him as many touches as last year. More teams will focus more on stopping the Bucs running game this season so I know Gruden will get Williams the ball through the air more this year.

Like I said the offense is looking pretty good.

the bucs still have one of the best defenses in the NFL (top 5 ) but they are starting to show a little age and don’t tackle as well as they use to.

The worst part of the Bucs team is the ST unit, they will need to improve their ST to go far into the playoffs

My NFC South Predictions

1st) Carolina 12-4

2nd) Tampa 11-5

3rd) Atlanta 9-7

4th) Saints 8-8

That’s a tough division right there (the south) and we (all of us in the south div) have to play all the teams in the NFC East division too, they are almost as tough a division as the south is. So the south & the east will be beating up on each other all year (should make for some good prime time games)

well, that’s just my take.

GO PANTHERS!!

 

[Bailiver]

My take on the Bucs.......

First off I think the offense has gotten much better this past season and I believe Simms is the reason (at least 90% of it). As a diehard Panther fan I hated it when Tampa took Simms in the draft and of course I was also relieved when at first he failed to pick up Gruden’s complicated offensive verbiage. (It’s just the rival in me) I had liked Simms and had a feeling he would make the Bucs a much better team on offense.

As for this season I think a lot of his success will come from not only the running game but from WR Michael Clayton. On the other hand I think it could also be what determines when Simms has a good or bad day. Clayton need to prove last year was only a sophomore slump and step up to be Simms number one target.

also Simms will have to pass the ball more to Williams this season if they want to get him as many touches as last year. More teams will focus more on stopping the Bucs running game this season so I know Gruden will get Williams the ball through the air more this year.

Like I said the offense is looking pretty good.

the bucs still have one of the best defenses in the NFL (top 5 ) but they are starting to show a little age and don’t tackle as well as they use to.

The worst part of the Bucs team is the ST unit, they will need to improve their ST to go far into the playoffs

My NFC South Predictions

1st) Carolina 12-4

2nd) Tampa 11-5

3rd) Atlanta 9-7

4th) Saints 8-8

That’s a tough division right there (the south) and we (all of us in the south div) have to play all the teams in the NFC East division too, they are almost as tough a division as the south is. So the south & the east will be beating up on each other all year (should make for some good prime time games)

well, that’s just my take.

GO PANTHERS!!

Not a bad forecast. Given the difficult schedule the Bucs face, I will take a 11-5 record, along with a wild card berth. I like Carolina this year a good bit. If they can keep Foster healthy, I think the Panthers can have a great team this year.As an aside, I haven't heard much about Joseph so far, other than some backhanded compliments from Gruden in that it is hard to go against Hovan every play.

The Bucs will need Joseph to be successful if they want to make a run deep into the playoffs.