The Tampa Turnaround (1 Viewer)

[rizzler]

Nicks. V-Jax. Richardson?

IF the Bucs do use their first pick to snap up Richardson (which at this point is sounding more and more likely), with these 3 massive upgrades, are the Bucs once again relevant?

I don't mean any disrespect when I say 'relevant'... as a Browns fan, I have no gloating rights.

But do the bucs get back to 2yrs ago and thensome after last year's major hiccup?

I'm really excited to see this team take the field, especially if they draft Richardson.

Any Tampa homers have a take on this? Is Richardson less "necessary" now that you have VJ? Do you turn to the D for your first pick?

What say you?

 

[RUSF18]

I'll take my chances with the "haha look at the idiot" bump down the road, so having said that...it doesn't matter how much talent is on this team, Greg Schiano and his staff of largely inexperienced coaches will prevent Tampa Bay from accomplishing anything significant. Now would I be surprised if he took advantage of a weak schedule for some modest short term success? Of course not, sounds all too familiar. But once expectations are significantly raised, he'll fall short.

edit: I know this is largely fantasy focused, but the "relevancy" point sent me in the real NFL direction.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Dream Team 2012?

 

[rizzler]

I'll take my chances with the "haha look at the idiot" bump down the road, so having said that...it doesn't matter how much talent is on this team, Greg Schiano and his staff of largely inexperienced coaches will prevent Tampa Bay from accomplishing anything significant. Now would I be surprised if he took advantage of a weak schedule for some modest short term success? Of course not, sounds all too familiar. But once expectations are significantly raised, he'll fall short.

I don't disagree with that, whatsoever. That's basically what I was thinking.But the prospect of seeing talent like this on a roster is also pretty exciting. Especially in this part of the offseason. Will it live up to the hype? Who knows... But it's a nice little project for now, it seems. I'm interested in how Tampa homers' thinking has altered (if at all) after the signing of Jackson and Nicks. Do you go balls deep in the offense or switch to the other side of the ball? Where was your head previously?Things like this excite the hell out of me, especially when my team is sitting in the corner, nose to the wall.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

This is still the same defense that was historically bad last year, (gave up the most points in franchise history, more than that O-fer '76 team). They bled points on defense and had a number of 40 point games last year. The team gave up on Morris, but who's to say Schiano will get them back to the team they were after week 4 last year. That's a tall order in that NFC South with the Saints, Falcons and now the Cam Newton led Panthers. Ouch. Very tough division. Great moves by the Bucs, but too early to call this a turnaround. Great day for Bucs fans though. They have been starving for good news.

 

[az_prof]

They still lack an elite QB. It isn't unnusual for fans of teams that make a big splash in FA to get excited and make their SB reservations, but I wonder how many teams have won a SB this way? Not many I think.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Dream Team 2012?

No way. That's the Bears since Cutler/Marshall are together again.How's the club scene on Rush St. looking for Brandon?

 

[rizzler]

They still lack an elite QB. It isn't unnusual for fans of teams that make a big splash in FA to get excited and make their SB reservations, but I wonder how many teams have won a SB this way? Not many I think.

Oof.. SB reservations?I was thinking maybe sneaking into the playoffs, but having a strong team, nonetheless.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

They still lack an elite QB. It isn't unnusual for fans of teams that make a big splash in FA to get excited and make their SB reservations, but I wonder how many teams have won a SB this way? Not many I think.

Not to go out of my way to defend Freeman, who showed some immaturity last year and regressed. But he's one season removed from 27/6 and it's not fair to say he definitely isn't going to be an elite QB. I think he's better than average, with potential to be elite. He's not the achilles heel in Tampa. The offense is going to be fine.

 

[jurb26]

If I were a Bucs fan, I'd hope they draft Claiborne instead of Richardson. Moreso now that they landed 2 big peices to improve their offense. The Bucs need help on D, badly. They need a CB more than about any other team in the NFL. Claiborne is also a better prospect IMO.

 

[rizzler]

If I were a Bucs fan, I'd hope they draft Claiborne instead of Richardson. Moreso now that they landed 2 big peices to improve their offense. The Bucs need help on D, badly. They need a CB more than about any other team in the NFL. Claiborne is also a better prospect IMO.

Claiborne will not get to the Bucs if the Browns stay put. and I expect them to.

 

[ExaltedOne]

The Bucs just signed Eric Wright...

I think that's a sign that they aren't going to draft Claiborne.

 

[jurb26]

If I were a Bucs fan, I'd hope they draft Claiborne instead of Richardson. Moreso now that they landed 2 big peices to improve their offense. The Bucs need help on D, badly. They need a CB more than about any other team in the NFL. Claiborne is also a better prospect IMO.

Claiborne will not get to the Bucs if the Browns stay put. and I expect them to.

You're probably right. That's why I said hope. There is also talk of Clev. taking Richardson so he may fall to them,

 

[Shutout]

Its a good step in the right direction.

I think they would be better served in real life to sign a FA RB and roll with that guy, Blount, and maybe even Madu and use the draft pick to trade down or fill a need.

It would be nice to see them go down far enough to justify snagging whichever LB they see as best and some secondary help.

This is an interesting team because I don't think many people think they are truly as bad as their record last year nor were as good as their record the prior year. But when you look at the YOUNG team, you can get excited about them going forward.

 

[Grahamburn]

This Buc fan wants Richardson, but the defense was clearly an achilles heel in 2011, and they haven't addressed that as of yet. They quit, especially after Gerald McCoy got hurt.

There is some talent in place here though. Especially on the defensive line with McCoy, Price, Clayborn, and Bowers. If these guys can learn to get after the QB Tampa may not need to go with Morris Claiborne in the draft.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Lost in all of the feel good Bucs news is that they let Curtis Lofton get away. They could really use him and push Mason Foster to the WLB. Their LB corp last year was brutal.

 

[Grahamburn]

Lost in all of the feel good Bucs news is that they let Curtis Lofton get away. They could really use him and push Mason Foster to the WLB. Their LB corp last year was brutal.

He apparently wanted $9M per. Tulloch just signed with the Lions for $6M. Maybe that sets the market a bit and TB can start negotiations with him again.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tampa is spending money this year. I know VJax is sporadic...Mike Williams and ever improving Arrelious Benn plus Preston parker and others round out a very lethal punch now at WR, KWII still at TE. The Bucs had a very underperforming OL, now Nicks come sin to stabalize that. Bucs on offense could be one of the better bargains this year. Defense is still going to take some time to come around...could see a lot of 28-24, 35-31 type contests for a while either way, always good for FF owners.

 

[gump]

One step at a time.

The fanbase has never been thru this in this way, as the great run of the late 90's/early 00's was built thru the draft...so expectations are guarded a bit.

But possibly the most important accomplishment of the last 24 hours is a rejuvination in the fanbase....a group that had completely turned on Bucs Ownership and was showing it in every way. I know fans don't make plays.....but starting now with home games televised on Sundays, positive talk around town, butts in the seats, and some genuine buzz....it will give the entire team a lift.

Graham mentioned the potential on the DL....maybe that lift turns the D around in a big way.

ETA: I still think we go Claibourne.

 

[rizzler]

ETA: I still think we go Claibourne.

Ok, I keep hearing Bucs fans mention Claiborne, but do you really think he falls to them?I, for the life of me, can't see the Browns passing on him... Richardson and Blackmon would be nice pieces, sure, but i can;t see our brass taking either position that early.Claiborne, as it stands now, is the Browns' pick, IMO

 

[Snotbubbles]

Still need defense.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

One step at a time. The fanbase has never been thru this in this way, as the great run of the late 90's/early 00's was built thru the draft...so expectations are guarded a bit.But possibly the most important accomplishment of the last 24 hours is a rejuvination in the fanbase....a group that had completely turned on Bucs Ownership and was showing it in every way. I know fans don't make plays.....but starting now with home games televised on Sundays, positive talk around town, butts in the seats, and some genuine buzz....it will give the entire team a lift. Graham mentioned the potential on the DL....maybe that lift turns the D around in a big way.ETA: I still think we go Claibourne.

Hey Gump,TB won 10 games in 2010, no matter how you slice it, schedule, whatever, they almost made the playoffs in year 2 of Josh Freeman who until last year seemed like a future top10-12 at his position. He may still be but the fans should not need VJax and Nicks in order to support the team. I don't buy it...the economy has stunk and people are not spending money. Tampa is not all that affluent IMHO and the folks there with money don't always want to spend it. If the Bucs win 10 games this season, I don't believe the fan base will suddenly surge and sell out on Sundays. People don't pay money to watch an OG pass and run block.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Still need defense.

I like a team that can score a lot but has to score even more because their defense can't hold anybody.

 

[acapella]

Still need defense.

They have talent on the D-line, they just need a good coordinator to get the most out of them. They still need LB and CB help. Hope they get Claiborne, but would be happy with Blackmon. 5th pick is too high for a RB.Probably the best move would be to trade down, which could happen if Blackmon is still sitting there.Way too early to decide if the coaching staff is a liability. You have to admit, they are giving the new staff some weapons that the Morris never had.

 

[gump]

One step at a time. The fanbase has never been thru this in this way, as the great run of the late 90's/early 00's was built thru the draft...so expectations are guarded a bit.But possibly the most important accomplishment of the last 24 hours is a rejuvination in the fanbase....a group that had completely turned on Bucs Ownership and was showing it in every way. I know fans don't make plays.....but starting now with home games televised on Sundays, positive talk around town, butts in the seats, and some genuine buzz....it will give the entire team a lift. Graham mentioned the potential on the DL....maybe that lift turns the D around in a big way.ETA: I still think we go Claibourne.

Hey Gump,TB won 10 games in 2010, no matter how you slice it, schedule, whatever, they almost made the playoffs in year 2 of Josh Freeman who until last year seemed like a future top10-12 at his position. He may still be but the fans should not need VJax and Nicks in order to support the team. I don't buy it...the economy has stunk and people are not spending money. Tampa is not all that affluent IMHO and the folks there with money don't always want to spend it. If the Bucs win 10 games this season, I don't believe the fan base will suddenly surge and sell out on Sundays. People don't pay money to watch an OG pass and run block.

They started losing the fanbase when Gruden was fired, as was rumored because he forced them to fire him after being told they were shutting down the checkbook. That led to slight dip in '09 attendance then a complete free fall '10...which continued in '11.The fans lost faith that Ownership was trying to win. This helps renew that faith. It has nothing to do with the positions these FAs play.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

One step at a time. The fanbase has never been thru this in this way, as the great run of the late 90's/early 00's was built thru the draft...so expectations are guarded a bit.

The core was built through the draft, but they brought in difference makers like Keyshawn and Simeon Rice. Also Brad Johnson.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

 

[gump]

One step at a time. The fanbase has never been thru this in this way, as the great run of the late 90's/early 00's was built thru the draft...so expectations are guarded a bit.

The core was built through the draft, but they brought in difference makers like Keyshawn and Simeon Rice. Also Brad Johnson.

To win the SB yes...but all 3 of those guys showed up after the team established itself as a yearly SB contender in the 90's. The only significant FA during that initial build was Hardy Nickerson...who arrived in '93 just prior to the 'arrival'.

 

[rizzler]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

if you're in a city that doesn't seem to get too excited about your product, go for offense. folks rarely care about a strong DEF in those markets (generally speaking)Hence part of why Richardson may make a lot of sense.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

Most of them didn't go far in the playoffs however. Just sayin

 

[Sabertooth]

In some ways this is what happened in San Fran. The big jump came a year later than expected.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

Most of them didn't go far in the playoffs however. Just sayin

NE lost in the SB......after beating Baltimore. And they lost to the Giants who were in the bottom 1/4 for total defense during the regular season. NY just got hot late with their front 4. Tampa has a front 4 that could be good as well.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

Most of them didn't go far in the playoffs however. Just sayin

NE lost in the SB......after beating Baltimore. And they lost to the Giants who were in the bottom 1/4 for total defense during the regular season. NY just got hot late with their front 4. Tampa has a front 4 that could be good as well.

NE/GB/NO all disappointed because defense matters in the playoffs.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Lost in all of the feel good Bucs news is that they let Curtis Lofton get away. They could really use him and push Mason Foster to the WLB. Their LB corp last year was brutal.

He apparently wanted $9M per. Tulloch just signed with the Lions for $6M. Maybe that sets the market a bit and TB can start negotiations with him again.

Reports are Lofton is making a trip to Philly.

 

[az_prof]

Its a good step in the right direction. I think they would be better served in real life to sign a FA RB and roll with that guy, Blount, and maybe even Madu and use the draft pick to trade down or fill a need. It would be nice to see them go down far enough to justify snagging whichever LB they see as best and some secondary help. This is an interesting team because I don't think many people think they are truly as bad as their record last year nor were as good as their record the prior year. But when you look at the YOUNG team, you can get excited about them going forward.

I agree. They would be better off to sign Bush or BJE or Tolbert, and then use the first pick on a defensive player.

 

[Crippler]

Its a good step in the right direction. I think they would be better served in real life to sign a FA RB and roll with that guy, Blount, and maybe even Madu and use the draft pick to trade down or fill a need. It would be nice to see them go down far enough to justify snagging whichever LB they see as best and some secondary help. This is an interesting team because I don't think many people think they are truly as bad as their record last year nor were as good as their record the prior year. But when you look at the YOUNG team, you can get excited about them going forward.

I agree. They would be better off to sign Bush or BJE or Tolbert, and then use the first pick on a defensive player.

Forget any of those RB's. Trade down and add some D. Kuechly would be great add so 12 to 14 spot is nice. Draft a RB in round 2 or 3 that compliments Blount. James or Pead would be better than any of the guys mentioned above with that O unit. Guys who can catch or can take it to the house when they spread things out. Grab there own Sproles. Than go D with rest of picks as you probably grabbed the extra 2nd to get 2 more D players in round 2. Maybe even pull a Cleveland-Atlanta deal from last year.

 

[Grahamburn]

Lost in all of the feel good Bucs news is that they let Curtis Lofton get away. They could really use him and push Mason Foster to the WLB. Their LB corp last year was brutal.

He apparently wanted $9M per. Tulloch just signed with the Lions for $6M. Maybe that sets the market a bit and TB can start negotiations with him again.

Reports are Lofton is making a trip to Philly.

Yeah. Sounds like the Bucs might be done in free agency for now. That's fine with me. Lofton is a two down player. He's not worth that much $$. Patrick Willis only makes $7.5M per.

 

[Couch Potato]

OK Tampa fans, from a FF perspective do you think Blount is a hold if they aren't adding another RB in free agency or should we be trying like heck to sell him for what we can ahead of the NFL draft?

 

[Slapdash]

I like what they're doing. They should go FA for RB and build up the D in the draft IMO.

 

[Grahamburn]

OK Tampa fans, from a FF perspective do you think Blount is a hold if they aren't adding another RB in free agency or should we be trying like heck to sell him for what we can ahead of the NFL draft?

That's tough. This offensive line could, and should, be dominant. Every interview I hear with Schiano has him saying, "we want to build a power running game and take shots downfield." To me, for that philosophy to be successful you need more than one back. Mark Dominik has said they are done in free agency and are now focused on the draft. Right now, Blount is the only viable RB on the roster.The Bucs have an obvious need at the RB position, an offensive philosophy that emphasizes running the ball, and arguably the best running back prospect in years likely staring them in the face at their 1st round pick.Tampa will definitely be adding another back, and possibly two, at some point. There are a lot of Buc fans clamoring for a Claiborne + 2nd round RB combination. The issue I see with this plan is that several of the teams drafting late in the 1st round and early in the 2nd round have RB needs as well. It could be slim pickings at the position if the Bucs pass on Richardson. I expect them to take TR and then address defense with their second rounder. So, my opinion is Blount's value is going in the toilet after the draft.

 

[Couch Potato]

OK Tampa fans, from a FF perspective do you think Blount is a hold if they aren't adding another RB in free agency or should we be trying like heck to sell him for what we can ahead of the NFL draft?

That's tough. This offensive line could, and should, be dominant. Every interview I hear with Schiano has him saying, "we want to build a power running game and take shots downfield." To me, for that philosophy to be successful you need more than one back. Mark Dominik has said they are done in free agency and are now focused on the draft. Right now, Blount is the only viable RB on the roster.The Bucs have an obvious need at the RB position, an offensive philosophy that emphasizes running the ball, and arguably the best running back prospect in years likely staring them in the face at their 1st round pick.Tampa will definitely be adding another back, and possibly two, at some point. There are a lot of Buc fans clamoring for a Claiborne + 2nd round RB combination. The issue I see with this plan is that several of the teams drafting late in the 1st round and early in the 2nd round have RB needs as well. It could be slim pickings at the position if the Bucs pass on Richardson. I expect them to take TR and then address defense with their second rounder. So, my opinion is Blount's value is going in the toilet after the draft.

I was hoping you would be one specifically chiming in. I have a lot of respect for your posts generally. Thank you.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

Most of them didn't go far in the playoffs however. Just sayin

NE lost in the SB......after beating Baltimore. And they lost to the Giants who were in the bottom 1/4 for total defense during the regular season. NY just got hot late with their front 4. Tampa has a front 4 that could be good as well.

NE/GB/NO all disappointed because defense matters in the playoffs.

I think you're in the mood to argue. Where were the 2 Superbowl team's defenses ranked during the regular season? Both were pretty bad.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Still need defense.

I like the idea of stacking the offense in the NFC South. Looks like that's what the other 3 teams have done.And some of the best teams in the NFL this past year had brutal defenses.

Most of them didn't go far in the playoffs however. Just sayin

NE lost in the SB......after beating Baltimore. And they lost to the Giants who were in the bottom 1/4 for total defense during the regular season. NY just got hot late with their front 4. Tampa has a front 4 that could be good as well.

NE/GB/NO all disappointed because defense matters in the playoffs.

I think you're in the mood to argue. Where were the 2 Superbowl team's defenses ranked during the regular season? Both were pretty bad.

I debate, it's how you bring out more facts. I can change my opinion when new things are brought to the table. Aren't we all here to discuss and debate?The top 3 offenses had the worst 3 defenses and all disappointed in the playoffs(most thought each of those teams would win the super bowl) that's my point.Let's say TB focuses on defense now. I like what they've done with the last 2 drafts focusing on the front 4(outside of a little worried about Clayborn's arm condition). Drafting a CB to pair with Talib will help immensely given the QBs/WRs in the division. I'd also like to see them continue to pursue Curtis Lofton

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Orlovsky signed! Buy your SB tix now.

 

[Grahamburn]

I was hoping you would be one specifically chiming in. I have a lot of respect for your posts generally. Thank you.

Thanks and no problem. I've been pretty giddy about what this team has done the past few days. Tampa has definitely set themselves up to get out of the rebuilding stage. I feel like they've done enough to justify the early RB "luxury" pick. I also think the Glazers will want some return on their recent investments in the form of ticket and jersey sales. A shiny new toy at the RB position would likely help in those areas more than a CB.

Word is Talib is going to escape from his legal troubles and Ronde is likely to return for another year so there is at least some depth at corner with the signing of Wright. That being said, I'm not even sure Claiborne makes it to the 5th pick.

There's absolutely zero depth at running back right now. Add it all up and Richardson starts to look like a no brainer.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

OK Tampa fans, from a FF perspective do you think Blount is a hold if they aren't adding another RB in free agency or should we be trying like heck to sell him for what we can ahead of the NFL draft?

That's tough. This offensive line could, and should, be dominant. Every interview I hear with Schiano has him saying, "we want to build a power running game and take shots downfield." To me, for that philosophy to be successful you need more than one back. Mark Dominik has said they are done in free agency and are now focused on the draft. Right now, Blount is the only viable RB on the roster.The Bucs have an obvious need at the RB position, an offensive philosophy that emphasizes running the ball, and arguably the best running back prospect in years likely staring them in the face at their 1st round pick.Tampa will definitely be adding another back, and possibly two, at some point. There are a lot of Buc fans clamoring for a Claiborne + 2nd round RB combination. The issue I see with this plan is that several of the teams drafting late in the 1st round and early in the 2nd round have RB needs as well. It could be slim pickings at the position if the Bucs pass on Richardson. I expect them to take TR and then address defense with their second rounder. So, my opinion is Blount's value is going in the toilet after the draft.

it will be very interesting if the bucs don't take a bigtime RB.........Schiano's philosophy and the maulers in the new look OL looked tailor fit for Blount. and thats if Blount starts taking things seriously. if the bucs do only take a explosive element/new 3rd down back like a lamichael james then we'll all feel foolish dumping blount. i think Blount is a definite hold right now with great boom/bust value going into the draft and/or till Bush is signed somewhere