Barrett Ruud And Brian Urlacher
June 16th, 2011
If Joe’s heard it once, Joe’s heard it a hundred times: Barrett Ruud is an insult to the greats who once wore a jock strap at linebacker. He’s weak. He tackles seven yards down field. He couldn’t stop a stiff wind. A Tampa Breeze linebacker is more masculine.
But the NFL insiders have a far different opinion of Ruud, the Bucs free agent linebacker. In fact, one NFL insider and former Super Bowl quarterback went so far as to invoke a future Hall of Fame linebacker’s name in the same breath as Ruud.
A Broncos fan called “The Blitz” today, heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, co-hosted by popular sports radio personality Adam Schein and former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon, and pined for the Broncos to sign Ruud, whenever this asinine lockout is over.
Then, both Schein and Gannon began to wax poetic about Ruud in a way that would make most Bucs fans run for a bottle of 151 rum to chug.
Adam Schein: Rich, if Barrett Ruud hits free agency — I don’t mean a pretty good chance, I don’t mean an OK chance — I mean there will be a phenomenal chance he will get paid well.
Rich Gannon: If the Browns sign him, I look for them to use him as a Brian Urlacher-type of player in that defense. Barrett Ruud is a high-energy guy and a high-impact guy. He’s going to make some money for himself. He is one of the top linebackers available. He has been productive since he first got in the league.
Schein: I don’t see our good friends Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik letting him get away. Last year there was a divide as to how much he is worth but at this state with the lockout and a short window to sign free agents, if you let Barrett Ruud go, you can’t replace him.
Gannon: No, you don’t. You develop a guy to be a perfect fit for what you want to do defensively and you don’t reward him? And you lose a significant leader in the locker room? That linebacker corps with Quincy Black and Geno Hayes, that’s a pretty stout group. I don’t think Mason Foster can fill that hole and get the same kind of production. That is an important position in that defense. He makes all the calls, he gets them all lined up in the right position to make a play. That’s a very important role and that’s a big hole to fill. Why take a step back when you have made so much progress?
It’s beginning to become a chorus from NFL insiders and movers and shakers in the NFL: Letting Ruud walk would be a grave error by Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik, despite the Vancouver-like rage in the streets that keeping Ruud may provoke from so many outraged Bucs fans.
June 16th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
And yet, I bet we do lose him. He is worth more to many others than he is to us. He will be a dominating LB in many schemes. Our Defense doesn’t allow the MLB to be dominating. It is speed and intelligence position.I believe that Dominick and Raheem respect Barrett so much, that they are gonna let him go get that huge paycheck. He will . Several sites have him listed as the Best FA available in an insanely talented class.
Oh, and don’t even dream that we can replace him. We will find another” big safety” to cover the Middle on pass coverage- but a sure tackler like Ruud? You wish! I bet we lose 2 games at least next year, because Barrett isn’t there to cover up for our two Soft OLBs. Ruud stops NFL backs- in the open field- going full speed – without any help- at least 5 plays a game the last two years. Find a guy that can do that?? Currently playing in the NFL? I can only think of one – Barrett Ruud. Which is why he may become the highest paid MLB in football this year. And why this team will improve dramatically in 6 or 7 spots, and may still lose more games. Just remember where ya heard it!
June 16th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I’m a pro-Ruud Buc fan! We are screwed if he goes. It’s time to pay the man!!
June 16th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
If he signs for more money than the Bucs are willing to pay… so be it, they’ll get by.
If they bring him back for a year or 2 to develop Foster or McKenzie at Middle, that is fine too.
If he comes back for 1-2 years and proves he can stop a RB at the LOS because of better D-Line play… great!
He is a good smart player. It just doesn’t seem like too much to ask for a MLB to tackle a RB at the LOS now and then without getting dragged 3-5 yards downfield (NO MATTER WHAT SCHEME THEY ASK HIM TO PLAY!!).
Seriously, it does not matter what he is asked to do, when a running play happens and he is stepping up in a holeand gets pummelled backwards …. again or can’t get to the hole because he can’t get off the block…..
that is not “scheme” or what they ask him to do defensively, that is just a physical issue as a player.
I like the guy, but if they can upgrade from the glorified SS that he is and put in a real MLB… go for it.
One other thing, is he really that great at covering downfield beyond 12 yards? I don’t see it.
June 16th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
I’m a Pro-Dominick fan and whatever he does, I’m okay with. I believe Dom knows what is best for his team, and more so than any pundit. If Dom wants Ruud back, that’s great. If he doesn’t, I’m sure he knows who will fill the void at MLB. I think the new D line will be good and take a lot of pressure off the LB’s in general. Ruud was lights out good when he first took over at MLB, and for a few years, but his last 2 years have not been near as productive. Urlacher had a couple bad years too, so Ruud should be able to put it all together again. Orrrrrrr, maybe not. He needs to get locked in the weigt room, just sayin. We’ll see, but I think we have a couple of players to take his place. Hayward would be my first choice, maybe Black, maybe McKenzie. I just don’t care. Let’s get on with it already, please, pretty please, sugar on top.
June 16th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
If Mark & Raheem think he’s an important part of the D; then I’ll cheer for him and hope for the best. I’m not one of those fans who says Ruud sucks because that’s really not the case. Ruud is strictly a system LB who thrives in the Cover 2 Defense. He understands the system well and gets himself in position to make plays. That is where the good ends though and the bad begins. Ruud never has been or never will be a physical force which is unfortunate. You don’t have to be Hardy Nickerson to make your presence felt in the middle of the field. Too many times the last couple of years; Ruud has put himself in perfect position to make the play only to be run over, through, and around. It’s common knowledge (even to the experts) that Ruud has a hard time shedding blocks. We’re not just talking about O-lineman, but TE’s, FB’s, even WR’s have moved and shielded him from making plays. I’m sorry Captain because this is the one subject we always butt heads on. Ruud will not thrive in other Defenses especially since most teams have moved to the 3-4. Ruud will ONLY thrive in a system exactly like the Tampa2. Physical D’s like the Steelers & Packers (the 2 Super Bowl teams) wouldn’t even consider taking a look at him.
June 16th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
And if the Bucs do plan on keeping Ruud; for God’s sake can you find us some physical leaders for the defense. I’m getting real tired of the finesse bend, but don’t break attitude. How about you crack someone in the mouth on 3rd down and get your A$$ off the field.
June 16th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
BucnJim- no worries! It would scare the Crap outta me if everyone agreed with me all the time!! I may believe what I say, but I KNOW I’m not smart enough ta be right all the time!! But on this one, it’ll be easy to prove My point
How much does he get signed for? If he becomes( as I suspect he will) the highest paid MLB in Football- I’m calling that a win for the Capt! Everyone can argue all they want – but Money talks! And if you see Ruud playing against us, 3 yards off the line( like he NEVER gets to do here) you might wanna close your eyes . Cause no matter what anyone says- he is one of the fastest 240lb guys you’ll ever see. In a defense that puts him in a gap responsibility, instead of a zone Resposibility- the guy will be a monster.
Again. This will be easy to prove – the minute he lines up at MLB in NY.
June 16th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
I’ll take that friendly bet Captain; if you’re right I’ll not only admit it, but I’ll buy the beer. Guaranteed! (I’ll even make sure it’s cold)
June 16th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
It will be a grave error indeed. Without Ruud, Detroit may have driven right down the field!
June 16th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
If you understand football you know that Gannon and schein are correct about ruud. If you are a fan that has a rooting interest and little more (like most jbf commenters) then you think Ruud is soft for making a tackle 7 yards downfield even though it was outside of his gap resp.
Ruud cant change the impression of the ill informed but the defense will get immediately worse if he leaves.
June 16th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@ captain: money does talk. Ask Mike Clayton, he knows all about it. Was that a well-advised contract? I don’t have to be a guru to say no, considering they cut him the VERY NEXT year…
June 16th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Oh give me a break, Thomas….you know what this is: “even though it was outside of his gap resp.” It’s an excuse. You don’t hear that about Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis, or Brian Uhrlacher do you?
And I’m not the one comparing him to those guys….Ruud himself has done it with his contract demands. He’s a cute little player……apparently he “knows the defense.” Fine, then pay him accordingly…but if he’s going to demand to be paid like a top 5 LB then he’s got to go. His play on the field doesn’t warrant that type of money. He’s done nothing to endear himself to this community. For cripes sake, off the top of my head I can think of more splash plays made by John Howell in his time here than Barrett Ruud. He should be paid middle of the road money at best
June 16th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Thomas; I hope you’re joking right? Just trying to get a response? Anyone who has played any type of organized sports can tell an aggressive player from a finesse player. Ruud is smart and he know’s the system; we all agree on that fact. Now if you’re going to tell me that he’s not laying a HIT on someone because the team doesn’t want him to be tough and physical; they you’re the one who’s miss informed.
June 16th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
I think Ruud would do great on Dancing with the Stars – Mr. Twinkletoes
June 16th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
To you pro-Ruud guys – I’ll admit that the Bucs D WILL suffer if Ruud is allowed to walk. I think Ruud re-signs because of the lockout. But long-term NO WAY.
As to Schein what leadership does Ruud have?
Like how Barrett is organizing workouts???? Oops that’s Freeman NOT Ruud.
Oh I know like how Ruud called the draft pick and welcomed them to the team???? Oops that’s GMC NOT Ruud.
Leadership from Ruud – in Tackles for 5+ yard gains – yup Ruud is a leader THERE!
June 16th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
you know what these aholes are the same guys that predicted a 2 win season for us last year..and this just shows once again that they don’t know sh!it about the buccaneers or barrett ruud. they’re just going by our record last year, giving a little respect, trying to act like they have some kind of insight..and ALL SHARING THE SAME OPINION..barrett ruud is Average! even if you replace him w someone a little below average it’s not that big of a drop off..now don’t get me wrong, if i were GM i would prob try to sign him to a lucrative short term deal.. 3 years 18M lets say (8M sign bonus, 2M salary the next 2yrs)? where is ruud pulling down 10M next yr? everybody is happy. foster gets a yr to grow/groom and push black. and nobody is locked in.
June 16th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
bottom line? adam schmuck and rich gannon don’t know sh!it about the bucs except how to lose a super bowl (XXXVII)!
June 16th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:
“He’s done nothing to endear himself to this community.”
________________________
That pretty much says it all right there. That’s number 1. Win the Crowd, and if you can’t do that, you’re just another player. The MLB is the Captain of the Defense, and if anyone should be loved by the fans, that’s the guy. I’m not his biggest fan. It will be a cold day in hell before Barrett Ruud becomes the highest paid MLB in the league……….. unless it’s with the Redskins, but even Bruce isn’t that stupid.
June 16th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
I can’t wait until he goes to another team and Blount starts giving him piggy back rides into the Endzone.
June 16th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
I can hear Morris now, Barrett,when the ruinning back comes dont try to lay a violent hit on him like Grimm does just drag him down ,is that what you guys are trying to say?If they want him in Denver ,im sure he will make them forget Romanaski,
June 16th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
capt. tim, if barrett ruud becomes the highest paid mlb in football im gonna go out and get as drunk as you must have been when you wrote that.
June 16th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Sorry Captain, but you are dead wrong about Ruud being the highest paid MLB in the league. Even if by some miracle he was to sign the biggest contract, you would have 15-20 MLB’s demanding a new contract before the ink dries. I now hope we keep him, but it’s laughable that he would be even in the same conversation with the best at his position.
June 16th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
I think you guys are forgetting that our D-line has been pitiful for several years now. If that alone improves, so will Ruud by a lot.
June 16th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Barrett Ruud = Kotex
June 16th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Someone who has NFL Rewind go back and watch every defensive snap. Plot the plays for Ruud:
Total plays
a) Running plays
In the play
-Tackle
–yds from scrimmage prior to snap
–yds from scrimmage on tackle
-Block shed, tackle
-Block shed, arm grab/disruption from forcing the defender into the runner
-Blocked Out
-Missed tackle
Out of the play
b) Passing Plays
-Coverage attributes et al…
June 16th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
Chart the plays and stor in a spreadsheet… post on google spreadsheet online.
From there on out, always refer to plays and examples of where his play comes into question.
Game
Qtr
Time
Down
June 17th, 2011 at 12:00 am
Yes Ruud calls the Defense
Yes Ruud gets everyone lined up and does a great job at it.
Yes Ruud make the defensive audibles.
But how can you justify his soft play?
Have you ever heard a coach tell a player during tackling instructions say, go through the ball carrier?(yes) That is what is taught at the pop Warner level all the way through college. Never at any time has a coach been happy to see his MLB get trampled. He got ran over but at least he got everyone lined up in the correct spot. (what a joke.)
How do you think the rest of the defense feel when they see THEIR LEADER get ran over?
Maybe Raheem wants Ruud to line everyone up and get ran over at the expense of getting his defense off the field. ( i don’t know) I tell you what, its disheartening to have 3rd and 3 with a chance to get off the field, only to see your teammate get trampled and be on the field for another set of downs. anyone who has played football know that feeling!
June 17th, 2011 at 12:02 am
PROVE he was the cause of the run defensive failures.
Start naming plays.
June 17th, 2011 at 12:08 am
Barrett Got Ran over against the run plain and simple especially against the falcons..Now the saints have a new stud Running Back how can he stop him? I love him as a person and all those other reason rich gannon said at calling a defense.. but How can we ever expect to beat the falcons with barrett getting ran over and over?
June 17th, 2011 at 12:22 am
RahWillBringBackRuud, your right. the d-line didn’t help him, however does that mean that when the RB’s gets to him that he drag tackle the ball carrier instead of teeing of into the RB? if you played ball what would your coach tell you? (regardless of position, all defensive players are suppose to drive through the ball carrier.)
June 17th, 2011 at 12:36 am
Capt.Tim,RahWillBringBackRuud,please explain why Grimm,Barber,Talib can make big hits playing with the same def.line as Ruud,he is a good guy and a decent player but saying he is one of the best mlb,s and getting paid that type of money is crazy,sometimes you just have to fold your hand and say your wrong.
June 17th, 2011 at 12:39 am
It is time for people to start talking about plays, games, qtr and time of game as proof.
Most of you keep throwing vague sh!t out there and there were a lot of people who missed 8 blacked out games to go with.
It is high time to watch the games… and come back with evidence of these claims.
June 17th, 2011 at 12:51 am
Whats so vague about asking you a question that you refuse to answer?I watched every game just like everyone else on this website with a computer, and where is all of this anger coming from?
June 17th, 2011 at 1:43 am
Joe, you know how to get everyone into it. just bring up Ruud. i fall for every time.
June 17th, 2011 at 2:04 am
Keep Ruud, sign Nnamdi, win Super Bowl. So easy a caveman could do it.
June 17th, 2011 at 2:06 am
@RahwillbringbackRuud Last game of the season. Ivory trucked the piss out of Ruud. There is one.
June 17th, 2011 at 6:12 am
@Rahwillbringbackruud,
Let me get this straight: You want me to re-watch every game, and create a spreadsheet, then post this spreadsheet online, and to refer to it every time I speak of Ruud??? And I would be doing this because…………? No offense, but you aren’t that important to me to prove something I already know. I leave the spreadsheet making to Dominik and Morris. Again, I really hope we keep Ruud, but he’s not a physical beast. Arguing that point just makes you look stupid. I can just about guarantee you Ruud himself would tell you the same thing. He is not a mean, physical, hard-hitting LB, period. Its just not in his nature. Personally, I like my linebackers to eat raw meet, gauge out people’s eyeballs, and spit on the ball before it is snapped. You are much more likely to see Ruud eats Veggie burgers, help people up, and wipe the ball down for the officials. According to the experts, that is not necessarily what we need for our defense. He is a very effective player in our defense, so that’s fine, let’s keep him. But stop it with all the nonsense that he is great and he’s irreplaceable.
June 17th, 2011 at 6:37 am
K2thesoldier- lol! Whine away ladies, ya cried about Every middle line backer to play In the Tampa 2 . I’m not on here just bellyaching, not knowing what the heck I’m talking about! I’m predicting your team’s FUTURE!! Now quit playing with yer Bra straps and listen
1) Ruud will leave, because we can’t spend that much on a MLB- not that important a spot on our Defense
2) he will sign a HUGE contract- sending alot of you uninformed guys( but I still love ya!) into a 3 day drunken bender
3) he will play a traditional MLB spot, and will immediately start getting press as an “Intimidator”. Putting most of you back in that Bender for several more days!
4) we will have a RB run straight up the middle- as usual, untouched. But this time, 7 yards down field, he will juke our new MLB. He will then go untouched into the EndZone, probably doing some stupid pose as he does so!!
Then, you read my post saying” I told you so” right after the game. My popularity hits an all time low( down around Thomas 2.2 inches level), and you all get disgustingly drunk again
5) #4 happens 3 more times
6) despite incredible seasons by Freeman,Williams, McCoy, etc, we lose 7 games, because of long runs given up by our LBs. We miss the playoffs by a tie breaker. All media is saying it’s because we lost Ruud. I’m still posting, despite several death threats.
7) Ruud goes to the ProBowl, ands votes for Defensive player of the year. All of you are now claiming that you loved Ruud, and NEVER said he was a sissy. No one believes you, cause you’ve been drunk since August!! I have to change my post name, as my hundreds of ” I told you so’s” will have many people hunting me with torches. ogre style!
And there you have it! It’s gonna turn out that Kiran, White, Kiffin, Brooks, and I were right all along( go figure!). And you guys( who despite all this, I still love!) were wrong! Barrett’s gonna be laughing his arse off!
June 17th, 2011 at 7:09 am
I think that RahwillbringRuud back is REALLY: (drum roll please)
Barrett Ruud himself!
I mean who else but Barrett would even HAVE a spreadsheet for Ruud????
Unless you’re a masochistic person who enjoys watching a LB grab onto running back to be taken for a ride.
While SABBY wouldn’t wrap Ruud just drags you down
June 17th, 2011 at 7:25 am
8)Capt.Tim wakes up and realizes its all been a dream ,Ruud starts two games for his new team and sent to the bench after Reggie Bush drags him for seven yards into the end zone .What happens next is unheard as Ruud sues his new team for playing time,only too get laughed out of court as his low priced lawyer team consisting of Capt.Tim,RahWillCutRuud and HEAD counsel Thomas2.2 consistantantly tells the jury that the middle linebacker is not supposed to hit a player because the position is not aggressive. they quickly lose the case as the jury consisting of cornerbacks and safteties,head jurors Cody Grimm and Ronde Barber laughs as they leave the building
June 17th, 2011 at 7:40 am
M.Wesley- ouch! And I thought we were friends. I was fine with you calling BS on me. I was fine with ya saying I was Dreaming. But, Man! Yaounde put me on a defense team with Thomas 2.2 inches?? Man, on Friday, too! That’s just a cold shot. I know you don’t like Ruud, but I didn’t deserve THAT kinda abuse!
Now you hurt my feelings!!! I hope you’re happy!! Lol
June 17th, 2011 at 8:20 am
Tim & Thomas, for the people.
June 17th, 2011 at 9:53 am
I hope the rock star GM can get a new fanbase. This one is pathetic…
June 17th, 2011 at 10:11 am
It’s Amazing how quickly they can all turn against you . . .
June 17th, 2011 at 11:10 am
Capt Thom…er Tim
lol
Seriously, maybe it’s the heat? Maybe it’s the lockout? I say, chalk it up to both!
June 17th, 2011 at 11:15 am
A wise person listens to those who know how to evaluate talent and performance. We are loaded with dough, pay the man.
June 17th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Wtttt! Alright Oar, thats a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty, for piling on!
Wttttt! Play on!
June 17th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
All you people who are arguing against Ruud are basically saying, “I know better than Raheem Morris, Mark Dominik and every single NFL analyst and commentator out there.” Your perceptions are screwy and unworthy of even the slightest attention. Ruud is a very valuable asset to the Bucs. Period. He will be back and you can count on it. Now get your panties unbunched & move forward.
June 17th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
CaptTim
LOL
June 17th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
I think he’ll be here personally, but I could be wrong.
But the point I want to consider is this…Ruud is the first real test as to whether the Bucs really are saving money to resign their own free agents. Up until now, with the lockout looming and then arriving, I could understand holding back.
But once the new CBA is in place there are no more excuses.
I think Ruud should be here at least 2 more years in order to give foast time to develop. MLB is one of the hardest spots to learn. We need a vet there until he’s ready.
But I don’t think Ruud will settle for a 2 year contract.
Here’s something to throw into the mix though….could the Bucs franchise tag him?
June 17th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
Oh it’s most definitely the heat.
June 17th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
either way capt. tim, the mlb in the bucs current system isnt worth near the kind of money that you’re talking about. i think that at least we can both agree on. i know this though, the system isnt whats holding him back from laying big hits on guys.
June 17th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Knobless Thomas:
>>> If you understand football you know that Gannon and schein are correct about ruud. If you are a fan that has a rooting interest and little more (like most jbf commenters) then you think Ruud is soft for making a tackle 7 yards downfield even though it was outside of his gap resp.
Ruud cant change the impression of the ill informed but the defense will get immediately worse if he leaves. <<<
So you are suggesting Rah knows what he is doing with Ruud?
Interesting.
Or are you simply a hypocrite?
June 18th, 2011 at 7:49 am
Rah also said Sabby was doing a good job, they dont talk down on any player,did they offer him a tender,they offered Penn one last year I think they offered all the other free agents one,but a guy that is that important as you guys think he is should be signed at any cost or like Pete suggested be franchised,A linebacker that good hardly ever changes teams.One group of us will eat crow and a one year deal is a slap in the face to such a great player,according to some of you.
June 18th, 2011 at 8:53 am
Rah WANTS to bring back Ruud… but Ruud WON’T CHOOSE to come back because of this racist fanbase that is left with the Buccaneers.
June 18th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@RahWillBringBackRuud
So youre saying that the bucs fanbase hates white guys? Is that what are you saying?
June 18th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
no one hates Grimm,or Lynch and he is not starter Lorig is well liked,and Ruud ive said on many occasions is a good guy,because he is a good guy we should change our opinion about his play?you are the very definition of what was the word you used, vague,I guess we are racist because of Styles white he is not well liked what about Moore,what about that Sean Jones another guy who is always in position but dont make big hits and drag down runners.He is as good as Urlacher so its no way we let him go ,you are trying to justify him not being resigned just wait and see like everyone else,every thing that does not go your way is not because of racism,this is just a website where real men post their own opinions and im sorry that you are a minority in your opinion but that does not make us suffer from racism maybe you suffer from Idiotism.