Grahamburn
Footballguy
Getting my fair share of blow back for that one. I should have known better. Next time I'll keep that thought to myself.
Sure. By "true contention" I meant a deep playoff run. The win against the Bears was the first time they've won at home in what seems like forever. They still have Seattle and Dallas, a road game against San Diego, two with New Orleans, and the finale against Carolina. They'll have to go 4-2 at worst to make the playoffs.I mean they're a game out of the playoffs right now I'm a soft division. I'm good with going for it now.![]()
Yep, if they can go out and beat Seattle next week, then I could buy in to the playoff talk but I want to see that type of performance another week before I get too excited about this year. Regardless, it is exciting to actually still be in contention this late in the season. Sunday is a huge game for us and could be a turning point for the franchise if we win.Grahamburn said:Sure. By "true contention" I meant a deep playoff run. The win against the Bears was the first time they've won at home in what seems like forever. They still have Seattle and Dallas, a road game against San Diego, two with New Orleans, and the finale against Carolina. They'll have to go 4-2 at worst to make the playoffs.
They really surprised me yesterday though. First time they've done that in a positive way in a long time. We'll see how they stack up with the NFC elite this week. If they win that one I'll start getting excited.
Yea that sucked. I couldn't see it well in the stadium but it seemed like a terrible call. And you're right, the fans were all going nuts and then my wife tugs on my shirt and says there is a flag down. Just saps all the excitement out of the game.Jameis played a flawless game. I know I can't ignore the late interception, but I'm ignoring the late interception. Perfect TD to Brate on a huge 3rd down negated by a phantom penalty. It really is pretty amazing how the refs continually insert themselves into the game on crucial plays. The fans can't even get excited anymore until 10 seconds after the play is over. No wonder the NFL's ratings are tanking.
They called it on Dotson. His punch was directly to the shoulders of the end. Nowhere near the face. I guess they could have had the number wrong, but he definitely did not commit the penalty. Stuff like that is just inexcusable when these games are on the line. The refs should know better than to make that type of game changing call on a swing play late in a game. Jameis and the Bucs sealed it on that play. I'm glad it didn't cost them but I'm selfish with his numbers. 3 TD's against that defense in a huge game for the franchise would have been great and that was the cherry on top of a flawless performance.Yea that sucked. I couldn't see it well in the stadium but it seemed like a terrible call. And you're right, the fans were all going nuts and then my wife tugs on my shirt and says there is a flag down. Just saps all the excitement out of the game.
We went to that pasting by the Falcons. Walked out wondering how many years away we were, and a month later we are seriously discussing winning the division.Unbelievable. If you would have told me they would be legitimately competing for a playoff spot after the Falcons game, I would have laughed in your face. These past 4 games have been incredible and you can really see the team growing. Very fun to watch.
I just can't believe this is happening. They might hurt Dak next week.Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers, and Drew Brees the last 3 weeks. 633 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 9 sacks, 57% completion, 33 points allowed.
Tested again, Bucs. Time to be relevant. @Dallas Cowboys, you're next.Sure. By "true contention" I meant a deep playoff run. The win against the Bears was the first time they've won at home in what seems like forever. They still haveSeattleand Dallas,a road game against San Diego,twoone with New Orleans, and the finale against Carolina. They'll have to go 4-2 at worst to make the playoffs.
They really surprised me yesterday though. First time they've done that in a positive way in a long time. We'll see how they stack up with the NFC elite this week. If they win that one I'll start getting excited.
I'd say yes, for sure. Knocking off arguably the best team in the league after already beating KC in Arrowhead and Seattle, and taking care of business against Chicago, New Orleans and San Diego. It's not like this has been an easy stretch of games, we have beaten some legit top 5-10 teams.Moving to 9-5 with a W in Dallas.....does that stake a claim as a legit contender, or just a really really hot team?
I know. My friends and I all week have been thinking we live in an alternate universe.Legitimate contenders... Winston in the MVP discussion. OMGOMGOMGOMG!
Grahamburn said:Well, all that fun evaporated quickly. The 2016 run is over. Doug Martin is a malcontent. Nobody seems to have any idea what happened with him. Back hanging out with Josh probably.
Why would we go out of our way to bench Doug Martin? There has to be something else going on. I knew we should have franchised him. I hate being right sometimes. He counts $7M against the cap next year. He'll probably be released and the Bucs take the hit. He'll sign with a real organization and go on to several Super Bowl wins. I doubt anyone will give up anything of value for him.
Other than Evans we're once again going into another off-season void of weapons.
I now find myself questioning Dirk's on field game management and off field player management. It's inexplicable to me the way this guy keeps his time outs at the end of the first half like he can redeem them for candy or something. The Saints are about to score with under two minutes left and he just lets them control the ball and time tick away without giving Jameis an opportunity to get the ball back? Why? If you think you're going to shut down Drew Brees and the Saints all day in New Orleans you're an absolute idiot. Go try to score some freaking points on one of the worst defenses in the NFL!
And they play calling? UGH! If Koetter tries that toss sweep or little Jameis pump fake delayed draw gimmick that hasn't worked all year one more ### #### time I might go insane. There's just very little imagination in this offense. Maybe it's personnel related?
On to the off-season and what I'd like to see them do.
A veteran WR is mandatory. Jameis needs weapons. At least one more weapon. Evans is a star and I'd like to get him extended this off-season if possible as well. Vincent Jackson is coming off the books. But, do they need another big money WR on the opposite side of Mike? Probably not, but Alshon Jeffery will be a free agent most likely. Terrelle Pryor? Adding one of them opposite Evans with Brate at TE and Humphries in the slot is pretty nasty. I honestly think those last two guys are "good enough." They've done some great things this year. Every QB needs the trust worthy guys in the middle of the field.
Don't want to commit a five year deal to a guy who has averaged 12 games a year? Maybe DeSean Jackson or Pierre Garcon on a 3 year deal is more our speed. Washington can't keep them both and afford to pay Kirk. If they go this route they need to draft someone at the position in the first two rounds to improve the depth.
The offensive line is in shambles. That much was obvious at the end of the year. They have virtually zero depth at the position. They need at least one signing here as well to at least get some depth at the position. It's difficult to speculate who will be available as these guys rarely hit the market.
Kevin Pamphile played right tackle with Dotson out and Cherilus in a wheel chair. Will they get any contribution from JR Sweezy? I doubt it. If he miraculously heals up maybe Marpet can move to center with Pamphile and Sweezy at the guard spots? One more year of Dotson and Smith at the tackles and draft more linemen at some point this year. The draft isn't deep at tackle though so unless someone falls in your lap in the teens they'd need to look at them late.
The resurgence from the defense was impressive. Hopefully they get Mike Smith for one more year before he bolts for a head coaching job. If not maybe promote in house? Jay Hayes stands out. They need help in the secondary and depth on the defensive line especially if a couple guys leave in free agency. Another athletic linebacker couldn't hurt.
Running back is a wasteland, but the draft is full of talent. They used their early picks on defense last year, so I'm hoping for a WR, a RB, and an offensive lineman in the first three rounds. Jameis needs some help.
I'd love for them to re-sign Bryan Anger. He was fantastic. I hope they can re-sign Gholston and Akeem Spence as well. We can ignore QB and place kicker at least. I'd think Hawley would want to stay here? He's only 28.
Damn, that's a lot. I thought I was over Saturday. Guess not.
You don't draft a center or RT in the first round, or even the second usually. Unless it's a premier guy like Frederick from dallas. You're almost never using the 18th pick on a center and they aren't drafting a LT, LG or RG.Bucsfan5493 said:Unless the o-line was completely revamped through FA, taking Cook in the 1st round would be my final straw with Licht. They need to improve the o-line or getting a RB will be completely pointless. Look at how Gurley did this year in St. Louis.
O-line and WR have to be the main priorities this season. They simply need to add more around Jameis or it's going to turn into a Luck 2.0 situation, where they're just wasting a great, young QB. For WR, bring in a guy from FA like Robert Woods, who would be a very good WR3 and at least a respectable WR2 if needed. Draft another WR in 1st or 2nd round, who would hopefully step in immediately as the WR2, but if not could be behind Woods or another FA for a year.
There should be at least 2 upgrades made to the o-line. I love Hawley and his attitude, but his play just doesn’t cut it. He’s too small and gets blown up too much. Bring in a legit C. Other than Ali, the rest of the line is pretty up and down and I think we need to bring in another OT. Not sure there are many OT’s worth drafting in the 1st round this year, so ideally we would grab a WR in round 1, and then go OT in round 2. If we can’t find a good C through FA or the mid rounds of the draft, I’m fine with Hawley as a stop gap, but he’ll need to be replaced the following year.
On defense, I think we’re in pretty good shape overall. Safety is probably the most obvious concern, and I think we could find a decent safety in FA. We could use another CB for when Grimes retires too, but can wait a year on that if needed. I always think we should be addressing the d-line as the games are won in the trenches, so if a good pass rusher is available in FA or when we pick, we need to draft them.
It's a Bucs LifeIt just feels like they need an infusion of talent on the offensive line after the last few games of the season. This is an awful draft to need linemen though. The top rated tackle may even be available when the Bucs pick.
It's a great draft to need a RB though. This could just be hyperbole, but it might be one of the best RB drafts ever. Fournette, Cook, McCaffrey, Kamara, Chubb could all be first round picks in the right draft, but they'll likely be pushed down because of the depth. Even the kid from Ohio State, Samuel, as a hybrid player. Foreman from Texas if he declares. Several other highly rated players I know nothing about. It doesn't make sense to me to use a first rounder in a draft this deep at that position.
Throw some cash at Alson and grab some more defense in the first round. That 18-20 spot is a good area to look at one of the top rated safeties or a pass rusher. Some defensive or offensive line beef in round 2 and I'd imagine one of these backs is still available in the 3rd.
I effing hate talking draft in December. Another year discussing the draft and free agency instead of playoff games.
He won't be, but it's fun to dreamGrahamburn said:Cook looked kind of amazing last night, as he usually does.![]()
Doubtful he even makes it to the 18-20 range.
Wouldn't want a C in the 1st round, which is why I was saying look for one in the mid rounds (2nd-4th). In regards to a Tackle, I was talking about a LT rather than a RT. If we think there is a good LT prospect available when we pick, we should take them and slide D Smith over to either RT or OG.You don't draft a center or RT in the first round, or even the second usually. Unless it's a premier guy like Frederick from dallas. You're almost never using the 18th pick on a center and they aren't drafting a LT, LG or RG.
I agree about signing some more lineman but I want a young dynamic playmaker in the draft. They already have 3 pups on the line.