Bucs Trim D-Line Depth, Add Tight End
October 2nd, 2012
The Bucs cranked out rather interesting roster moves this afternoon. Joe’s usually not into the ongoing bottom-of-the-roster shuffle, but this one is intriguing.
The Bucs cut veteran defensive end Jeff Charleston, who spent several seasons with the Saints and was signed last week. Rockstar general manager Mark Dominik said Sunday on the Bucs’ radio broadcast that Charleston was a high-effort guy, strong against the run and good on special teams, and a man of good character.
But now Charleston is walking the streets, despite Greg Schaino just today referencing questionable along the Bucs’ D-line.
Replacing Charleston is tight end Nate Byham, known for his blocking. He was drafted by San Francisco and spent the last two seasons with the Niners.
Now the Bucs are not using their tight ends much in the passing game (11 catches over four games), and they’re not getting great blocking from the position. Former Bucs tight end even talked about that blocking performance during a recent interview on WDAE-AM 620.
The other tight end, Danny Noble, was not much of a blocker in college, while Byham was.
Joe knows that the New Schiano Order wants to pound the rock relentlessly and effectively. And Joe sees this move as the Bucs looking for an edge in that area.
If they’re not going to rarely use the tight ends as weapons, then the Bucs might as well get some better blocking out of the position and look more to their versatile receivers.
October 2nd, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Tampa better get a real fullback too, according to Steve White!
Steve points out that running backs are trained to follow the fullback. Of course, this assumes that our Fullback can pick the holes, which he is not doing!
But I am all for the new tight end, since Freeman can’t seem to find anyone who is open anyway,very often.
October 2nd, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I just don’t understand this team right now.
October 2nd, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Personnel decisions seem to be all over the place. Way too much indecision. Pick up guys, praise them then cut them. Concerning to me.
October 2nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
1976Buc
I agree, I guess nobody brought in is safe, this could backfire come next fee agency period
October 2nd, 2012 at 8:46 pm
We are neither a running team or a passing team. Maybe we figure it out in two weeks?
October 2nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Seems like good offenses are looking to use the TE more and more in the passing game.
We’re looking to use ours less?
October 2nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
“Seems like good offenses are looking to use the TE more and more in the passing game.
We’re looking to use ours less?”
Since we’re the opposite of a good offense, it does follow that we would be doing the opposite.
October 2nd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Maybe that means that Bowers is gonna be back soon!
October 2nd, 2012 at 10:09 pm
“I just don’t understand this team right now,” said CrispyBuc.
Charleston passed the dreaded and unnecessary 110X16 torture gauntlets. Problem is that he couldn’t practice or play after completing them. Probably not going to find any larger type players that can. Good thing is that they’ll be able to re-sign him in a month when his “tired legs” are recovered.
I haven’t seen any of the recent gauntlet survivors.
How butch is that?
October 2nd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
I’m noticing a common theme among the Bucs this year. It seems the coaches don’t know how to use a lot of players too thier advantage. They seem to be confused by the players strengths and weaknesses. If Shiano insists on running between the tackles every first down. Please use Blount most of the time. I would like to see more 2nd downs with Martin and Blount in the backfield. Play action pass? Just haveing Blount on the field makes the defense look for the run first and react to a pass second. Why can’t we seem too play to the players strengths? As far as what could be wrong with Freeman. I believe that when we are losing not that he tries to lose mind you. But when we are losing Freeman actually seems to play better. But not because of a sense of urgency but more of what do we have to lose? He seems more relaxed. As if to say hey if I throw an Int here it’s ok we were going to lose if we didn’t go for it. I think Schiano’s mantra of conservative play and let the other team make mistakes goes against Freeman’s natural tendencies. He plays better on the run than in the pocket. But this year freeman is a pocket passer. No rollouts and no QB sneaks on short yardage and goal line. Freeman is a Big Qb let him make some plays! I’m sure some will disagree with some of what I’ve said so have at it speak your mind. Go Bucs!
October 2nd, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Jeff, if you want to represent San Antonio, at least learn to use a spell-checker
October 2nd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
I would not be surprised if they look for OL or FB next. I don’t think they keep 5 tight ends. Question is who’s out there?
October 2nd, 2012 at 11:05 pm
@Teddy…..are you from San Antonio too? how did you know that was an SA zip code?
October 3rd, 2012 at 1:09 am
For one Luke Stocker is hot garbage and Erik Lorig is flammable garbage… Give me Jacob Hester immediately
October 3rd, 2012 at 6:22 am
Yeah the San Antonio zip code thing? Must be a coincidence. The 78280z is for my 1978 Datsun 280z. As far as spell check I’m on a cell. Auto correct can be a pain sometimes thanks for contributing Teddy. Great incites you should have your own sports radio show. Very impressive. Wow!
October 3rd, 2012 at 7:56 am
Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Says: October 2nd, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Tampa better get a real fullback too, according to Steve White! Steve points out that running backs are trained to follow the fullback. Of course, this assumes that our Fullback can pick the holes, which he is not doing!
.
This is something I have been consistently requesting for 2 years now and I am right there with you.
I was away doing book signings the last couple days (latest book came out Monday) and I have to say…avoiding reading comments for a couple days after a loss made things easier to deal with, lol.
I think Schiano likes having 2-3 flexable roster spots so that he can keep evaluating new players throughout the year. It’s something I haven’t seen before…but I kind of like it. When you think about all the players whose careers end before they even begin because of preseason roster cuts, there has to be a few diamonds to find in there somewhere out of the hundreds cut from teams.
Schiano is continuing his preseason evaluations, only now he has access to many more players. I’m sure they are trying to make sure each choice can fill a role in each week…but I really do think this is the method behind the madness…
…it makes sense when I consider it in that light.
October 3rd, 2012 at 8:00 am
Oh…and let’s not forget…Mark Dominick used the same technique to find a kicker…and as a result we have one that will make the probowl.
October 3rd, 2012 at 8:04 am
Just use the 1st pick of the next draft on a QB…..thanks.
October 3rd, 2012 at 8:48 am
I still think it’s too soon to go after a QB in the draft in the first round.
What I would not mind seeing is us getting our hands on a vet that could actually start and mentor Freeman properly.
Regardless of the ignorant masses Opinions, Dam-0 is not a step up at all.
Barring a quality vet…I’m in favor of Freeman continuing. If he does get better…great (and I think he will). The way I see it is that Schiano warned us they would rebuild Freeman from the ground up. While I don’t think this means a complete reboot, I do think it will take at least a full season.
And I also think forcing him to play a certain way might not be popular at first but will aid his development in the long run. Given Freeman’s age and that many QBs are rookies at his age, I’m more than willing to give him more time.
But I would not be opposed to having a Drew Brees type come in for a couple seasons…someone with skills that actually helps develop Freeman.
October 3rd, 2012 at 10:41 am
I wish I had the time to do this but I dont….work just wont allow me. Will someone please look up the last 10 years of Superbowl QB’s and their development? Its about play calling and the guy who can execute some zingers. If Josh can play the 1st half like he does the 4th quarter, then we are good to go. But he doesnt…..hence we need to draft a new QB
October 3rd, 2012 at 10:51 am
Gee I wouldnt be opposed to a “Drew Brees type” either,
or a Manning, Brady, Unitas, Elway type.
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:01 am
Patrick, yeah, I live in San Antonio.
Jeff, you can remove your tongue from your cheek now. Nice return of serve.
October 3rd, 2012 at 1:15 pm
I am not convinced after 4 years if Freeman would be a starting QB on any other team…. He may make some team a good backup or be passed around from team to team each year or he may even be out of the league in 2 years… I see a big resemblance between Freeman and Jason Campbell… High expectations and no production!
The question is if they were to draft a QB 1st round who will give the Bucs the best chance at avoiding another 4 years of such inconsistency and mediocrity?… OR, Is there a veteran QB that the Bucs can acquire To better their chance to become a winning team?
October 3rd, 2012 at 2:36 pm
@Tye….Good point, but we have to start somewhere. I think we’ll fall somwhere around 12th in the draft and EJ Manuel just might be sitting there. Unless we try to trade up…
Im an SEC guy, but I would be happy with him.
October 3rd, 2012 at 3:53 pm
We have hardly any DE backups and we let one go for a fourth tight end!! What is in the kool aid at One Buc? Brace yourselves folks, it’s gonna be a long season.
That was a must win against the Skins. Now we face KC with a very good running back. Anyone notice the body language of our D on the Alfred “Yungry” Morris 39 yard TD run? They gave up once he was through. They are losing faith fast. Bennett knows it and said it. The ship is taking on water!!
October 3rd, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@MadMax….. I understand we have to start somewhere, that was the reason for my question… Who is out there entering the draft or a quality backup/future starter Qb that the Bucs may have a chance at?….
I have heard people bring up Matt Barkley… I was looking at Tyler Wilson myself but the whole Arkansas fallout this season has me second guessing!… I too am an SEC guy.