Mason Foster is TB's MLB, but..... (1 Viewer)

[future_itisnow]

...he is not currently playing in nickle packages per beat writer Stephen Holder.

Hayes and Black are holding down the nickle spots...it could change over time.

Temper IDP expectations in the meantime...guys looking for a plug & play LB in redraft leagues may want to look elsewhere, dynasty leaguers gotta hold tight though.

 

[Goyal the Goodfella]

I would like similar responses to Caesy Matthew's and Nate Irving's dynasty vs. redraft outlooks.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

this is what happened to Curtis Lofton, and many other young MLBs, as a rookie. Not a surprise that they would want to bring a him along slowly.

 

[future_itisnow]

this is what happened to Curtis Lofton, and many other young MLBs, as a rookie. Not a surprise that they would want to bring a him along slowly.

I agree Aaron, especially with TB having very solid outside guys like Black and Hayes.

 

[Jayrod]

Statement from head coach Raheem Morris:

“We talked about wanting to see him in pads, and he was able to go out there and really put his pads on people,’’ Morris said. “Obviously, I’ve got to go grade the tape to see all the plays and see what he was able to do. But, I did see him recover a fumble, I did see him get a big third-down stop, and those are the things we want to see him do. I was so excited about what he did in that first quarter; in that first half, I took all his nickel reps away. I didn’t even want to play him in the second half. Hopefully, next game we’re going to get him out there in nickel and see some other things out of him. (We) put him on special teams a little bit, let him play a little bit. If he is going to be a two-down backer, he’ll have to give us a little bit on special teams."

I can't really decipher what this means for for Foster.

 

[Romulan]

Statement from head coach Raheem Morris:

“We talked about wanting to see him in pads, and he was able to go out there and really put his pads on people,’’ Morris said. “Obviously, I’ve got to go grade the tape to see all the plays and see what he was able to do. But, I did see him recover a fumble, I did see him get a big third-down stop, and those are the things we want to see him do. I was so excited about what he did in that first quarter; in that first half, I took all his nickel reps away. I didn’t even want to play him in the second half. Hopefully, next game we’re going to get him out there in nickel and see some other things out of him. (We) put him on special teams a little bit, let him play a little bit. If he is going to be a two-down backer, he’ll have to give us a little bit on special teams."

I can't really decipher what this means for for Foster.

It means Q. Black is the play and stay far away from Foster this season FAR FAR AWAY...

 

[cr8f]

Statement from head coach Raheem Morris:

“We talked about wanting to see him in pads, and he was able to go out there and really put his pads on people,’’ Morris said. “Obviously, I’ve got to go grade the tape to see all the plays and see what he was able to do. But, I did see him recover a fumble, I did see him get a big third-down stop, and those are the things we want to see him do. I was so excited about what he did in that first quarter; in that first half, I took all his nickel reps away. I didn’t even want to play him in the second half. Hopefully, next game we’re going to get him out there in nickel and see some other things out of him. (We) put him on special teams a little bit, let him play a little bit. If he is going to be a two-down backer, he’ll have to give us a little bit on special teams."

I can't really decipher what this means for for Foster.

It means Q. Black is the play and stay far away from Foster this season FAR FAR AWAY...

Your Morris to english translator needs a checkup. Let's wait and see where he is in the 3rd pre season game and see where they stand.

Quincy? Seriously?

Even if he plays more week one or tow Foster I believe will be starter and on the field more by week 8. It's a long season.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

yeah, that just sounds like they are taking things slow with Foster but will try him in the nickel and see how he responds. if he does well, he'll have a good chance to take on those responsibilities at some point. if he winds up starting the season without getting nickel snaps, they are looking at using him on special teams.

he's the type of player who could start out slow but really pay off in the second half of the season once he gets acclimated.

 

[Romulan]

Quincy Black might not be playing as the MLB but he is the guy that is getting and will be getting the plays this season, he is the QB of the Defense not the rookie. He will get more reps and more stats then Foster guaranteed. Ohh and ya I am a Buc homer and I am sure most Buc homers would agree.

 

[cr8f]

Quincy Black might not be playing as the MLB but he is the guy that is getting and will be getting the plays this season, he is the QB of the Defense not the rookie. He will get more reps and more stats then Foster guaranteed. Ohh and ya I am a Buc homer and I am sure most Buc homers would agree.

Maybe week 1- week 4 but I'm more interested in who plays more the later half of the season.

 

[gregjcross]

Quincy Black might not be playing as the MLB but he is the guy that is getting and will be getting the plays this season, he is the QB of the Defense not the rookie. He will get more reps and more stats then Foster guaranteed. Ohh and ya I am a Buc homer and I am sure most Buc homers would agree.

Maybe week 1- week 4 but I'm more interested in who plays more the later half of the season.

The GM of the Bucs and coaches didnt have to bring back Ruud or Quincy as they were both Free Agents. They let Ruud walk, drafted Mason Foster and then gave Quincy a $6M a year contract for the next five years, installed him as the starter and play caller, switched him to the weak side (according to HC Rahim Morris' interview quotes in early training camp -claimed that was "actually" the position they played him last year even without coverage duties on third down as he was an edge rusher) and likened positioning him this year the way Derrick Brooks was during his career, ala at OLB/ILB for 3 downs. Bottom line: I wouldn't hold your breath for Mason Foster calling plays/playing third downs this year unless big problems start happening in coverage or injuries. The style Tampa has in building is to develop starters from their own farm system that fit the Tampa 2. They dont mind playing rookies but not overwhelming them with responsibility unless they have to (The case with Clayborn and D.Bowers this year at DE). They have brought Q.Black along slowly (he was derailed by a different "Jim Bates" 4-3 scheme in his third year, Rahim's first year, that Morris then rapidly dumped in favor of the traditional Tampa 2) Black has a 4 year lead on Foster and is very versatile (Can play weak strong or middle as well as passing downs. Foster is a great middle candidate for run downs this year.

 

[Larry Thomas]

While Foster is probably an upgrade athletically over Ruud, having a rookie play “mike” in the Tampa-2 is asking a lot, let alone in an abbreviated off season.

He will be tested in coverage, expect OC’s to attack him down the seam off play action. Opposing TE’s should be a good matchup, at least early on.