Clayborn Joins Bowers With Parting Shot

January 4th, 2014

Their Twitterings rankled a former Buccaneer

Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers should be talking big with their play and not their Twitter accounts, so says former Bucs guard Ian Beckles.

The popular WDAE-AM 620 radio host wagged a finger of shame at Clayborn and Bowers for their jabs at the New Schiano Order following its demise. Joe already brought you Bowers’ plea for good coaching, but Clayborn also yearned publicly for personal change.

@ajaclay – Can’t wait to put my hand in the dirt full time again

Clayborn was referencing the Schiano regime having him frequently rush from a standing position on both ends of the defensive line during the second half of the season. Schiano, Butch Davis, Bill Sheridan, Randy Melvin and Bryan Cox, the pass rush specialist, clearly got together and determined that Clayborn was ineffective with his hand on the ground most of the time.

Even if they were wrong, per Beckles, that’s irrelevant.

“You know what, be quiet. You’re nobody at the moment. That’s not classy to me,” Beckles said. “Clayborn didn’t do much this year. I didn’t hear his name that much. So instead of you bitching and moaning about  standing up and playing, perfect it.

“I don’t want to hear people bitching and moaning about coaches as they go out. You have to buy in regardless. If you don’t buy in, it won’t work. Maybe that’s why Greg Schiano didn’t work. You have to have guys buy in. Not everybody bought in.”

Interestingly, Beckles also made the point there are guys on the Bucs roster who didn’t buy in to two regimes: those of Raheem Morris and Schiano.

Are Bowers and Clayborn in that group? Joe can’t say that. In 2011, Clayborn was one of the few Buccaneers who came to play every snap. Regardless, both Bowers and Clayborn will have to do a lot of impressing in a hurry to not have Lovie Smith signing pass rushers come March.

You can listen to Beckles’ full rant below.

51 Responses to “Clayborn Joins Bowers With Parting Shot”

  1. Bucfan40 Says:

    Actually a good point and one the things that’s been discussed about some the talent that pop star brought in. A lot of “quit” and “me first” attitudes

  2. Couch Fan Says:

    I usually dont agree with anything Ian says, but I agree on this. Schiano wasnt a good coach but he tried his best. Clayborn and Bowers, even though misused, didnt perform well at all. Do something significant then talk. Otherwsie STFU. No need to kick a man while he’s down. That shows lack of class. Schiano could easily fire back at these two.

  3. stevek Says:

    I agree with Ian here too. Let your play do the talking.

    A message to any our of our Defensive Ends:

    Please get 10 sacks and then say something. We haven’t had 10 sacks since Simeon Rice.

    The scheme may have not been ideal for your two, but please try and play up to your stinking draft status before you take a shot at Schiano.

    If you want to take a shot, take on at Dominick for thinking Mike Bennett didn’t need to come back….

  4. JN Says:

    I agree with Ian as well, however I do like that Clayborn and Bowers are expressing their true feelings. To much smoke and mirrors with what players and coaches say. This is why I don’t listen to interviews anymore. It is hardly ever the truth.

  5. lightningbuc Says:

    Hopefully Bowers focuses on not taking loaded guns to airports this offseason! ANYONE who does that is not the sharpest knife in the drawer to begin with.

  6. trubucfan22 Says:

    No body bought into schiano as the head coach. Players went along and did what he wanted as best as they could, but that doesnt mean they buying the whole stunting d line scheme, also doesnt mean that they were not being good team players.

    Last i rememeber this is ‘murica, and if they want to speak out, then so be it. They arent saying anything that everyone else is thinking anyways.

  7. Lev Says:

    Sign both Peppers and Allen

  8. NY Buc Says:

    @ couch fan

    agreed. Those two guys should take an example from GMC, stay classy and let your performance on the field do the talking. As for Schiano firing back, I doubt he will….doesn’t seem to be the way he handled stuff like that while he was at Rutgers or in his short stint with the Bucs.

  9. cometowin2 Says:

    Call me crazy but maybe Clayborn didn’t think it was a good idea for him to cover Darren Sproles in the flat. Coming off the knee injury and the way he was misused I thought Clay played well especially at the end of the season. No one shouted for Bowers more in the 2011 draftt then I did and I haven’t given up on him but he needs to step up and shut up.

  10. Eric Says:

    Schiano isn’t even in the mix for the two good college openings.

    What’s that tell ya.

  11. Chef Paul Says:

    Clayborn’s tweet had no bitching. No Moaning. It had only excitement.

    Earlier I said I cant wait to see GMC and Lavonte explode next year. Does that mean I think they played poorly? Does that mean I was bitching and moaning about their play? Hell no!!!

    Clayborn likes putting his hand in the dirt. How the hell you get from that to quitting and didn’t buy in is beyond me.

  12. Couch Fan Says:

    @NY Buc

    Yea I dont think he will either, i just meant he easily could.

  13. chris Says:

    I’ve had my say on McCoys play, and he proved me wrong, but everyone needs to take the approach McCoy has. He had nothing but great things to say and he didn’t let any negative emotions/comments towards Schiano. He bought in and performed.

    These fools, Clayborn and Bowers are nobodys. They were 1st and 2nd round picks who haven’t done squat in this league. They’re no where near top 15 at their positions.

    And I wouldn’t bash Schiano for “lack of development”. Gholston was as raw to the point he didn’t know much pass rush moves/technique. For how much he developed from TC to the 2nd half of the season, you have to relate that to the coaching and development.

    Schiano molded and developed young guys to pro ready. Now his scheme didn’t pan out in the nfl. But he could develop players. That only speaks volumes of what he thought of Bowers and Clayborn, so I’m ready for replacements.

  14. Chef Paul Says:

    GMC said he couldn’t wait to meet Lovie. He heard we was a great person. That must mean he hated Schiano and didn’t buy in. He must’ve quit too.

  15. Bill T Says:

    Funny you didn’t hear McCoy or Lavonte slam Schiano. Why? Because they actually played very well and have some class. Bowers should keep his mouth shut. Chris Landry said weeks ago the Bucs need to cut him, regardless of who the head coach will be.

  16. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Looks like they are getting their assistants lined up:

    Southern Miss offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo – QB Coach
    Tim Spencer – Running Backs
    Kevin O’Dea – Special Teams

  17. Cmurda Says:

    I like the part about Dungy toward the end. So true what Ian said there. Always love Mr. Dungy.

  18. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    These guys are under contract and may get a chance to prove that their poor/average play was due to coaching…..lets just hope they are right and we see major improvement from our existing players.

    The only two players who have a right to bitch about the Schiano/Sheridan defense are GMC & LVD.

  19. Clowney Says:

    Imagine if Lawrence Taylor was drafted by the Bucs. They would have traded him to the Patriots for a 7th rounder.

    I think Legarrette Blount was LT, just on the other side of the ball. If Schiano didn’t cut or trade all these great players, he would still be coaching. Many of the players are still in the playoffs.

    I believe the players will file lawsuits to get all their fine money back (conspiring in small groups) and Nick’s lawyers will enforce his full contract. He was hurt running gauntlets and infected by criminally negligent medical care.

  20. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I’m sorry, but I think saying Clayborn was taking a shot is a leap. It’s possible, but he could also have meant he can’t wait to get back on the field.

    Interpretations.

  21. NY Buc Says:

    @ Clowney

    I realize you’ve never tried to hide your total disdain for all things Schiano, but last time I checked Blount is not the starting or even the 2nd string RB on the Patriots depth chart…a player that has been productive in a limited role on the Patriots roster yes, but hardly a great player worth comparing to LT. Blount simply didn’t fit into the Bucs scheme and was traded away for compensation, happens all the time in the NFL. Alex Smith wasn’t going to fit into the 49’ers scheme when Harbaugh took over, so instead of letting him rot on the bench they traded him away to the Chiefs where he is having a productive career. Does that action make Harbaugh a bad coach?

  22. mark2001 Says:

    Well said Paul…when David or McCoy, or Revis says these things, they will carry some weights. When underachievers or potential busts say it, it means little to nothing.

  23. Bobby Says:

    One of the rare times I agree with Beckles.

  24. Upgrayedd Says:

    So Ian tells him to be quiet, and that he’s a nobody?

    Hey Ian, if he’s a nobody, then why are you reporting on him?! This “nobody” has already standed out more as a Buc than you have!

    Its refreshing to hear the players speak the truth. Nowadays, all these athletes speak the same cliches in interviews, they seem so robotic. Its good to know theyre human every once in a while. With opinions.

    Beckles is another talking-head cut from the same cloth as Shaun King, Adam Schein. He’s a bottom feeder.

    And he wants to talk about being classy? The guy is like 50 and he still dresses like a 12 year old boy.

  25. mike norris Says:

    I think bowers and AC will find Lovie will find an upgrade at D end before april 1.

  26. SombreroBro Says:

    Clowney would probably fit right in with those two.

  27. biff barker Says:

    Tweeting and leaving anything up to interpretation lacks maturity and intelligence.
    Maybe take a note from Revis? “Heard good things, look forward to meeting you”
    Ian’s spot on though, it’s not like Bowers and Clayborn did anything to help their team, buy in or not, you owe it to your teammates.

  28. Waterboy Says:

    I didn’t see the bitching and moaning in the statement but I often wondered if the drop-off in Clayborn’s performance this season was due to the defensive scheme. People forget that Sheridan was run out of NY after 1 season as the DC and the defense game up the most passing yds in team history that year. Not to mention the players hated him.

  29. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Clowney, I think you talking about Blount is kind of redundant. Our RBs this year were all better than Blount. Even Brian Leonard.

  30. Buc1987 Says:

    Clowney says:

    “Imagine if Lawrence Taylor was drafted by the Bucs. They would have traded him to the Patriots for a 7th rounder.”

    “I think Legarrette Blount was LT, just on the other side of the ball.”

    Are you for real? The undrafted Blount is compared to the great LT one of the finest players to EVER play the game of football.

    Again are you serious or smoking dope?

  31. Vincente Says:

    You have to consider the players frustration. If a coach is making you do something that isn’t working well you wouldn’t be to happy about it. Let the guys vent out their frustration. All I heard from these two players is that they are ready to play REAL defensive football.

  32. PRBucFan Says:

    LB straight blew his last season here.

    He was useless.

    Just rumbled straight into his linemen and fell on his butt

    He’s good for one long run and a bunch of no gainers.

    His last season here gave no one reason for us to ask for more than we got for him.

    With Martin here he would have not resigned anyways.

    It’s something or nothing

  33. My Buc-O's Says:

    Clowney is an over rated drama queen like Clayborn and bowers…..I know that lovey will have his eyes open….he knows defensive talent

  34. TBLT Says:

    Can’t say I blame the man. When the coach puts a DE on one of the most elusive RBs in league (Sproles) your asking for trouble. Clayborn is a high motor bullrushing mauler not a guy you drop into coverage.

  35. lurker Says:

    lol

    michael payasito aka clowney getting called out on his usual rubbish posts. y are you here, payasito? I thought you were going to the iggles boards and stay away when chip the dip got hired.

  36. andres Says:

    @TBLT. There it is!

  37. joseph mamma Says:

    I personally think both of our lines suck and constantly are manhandled. I mean we signed probably the best guard in the league and he might not play again. A lot went wrong the past two years that were not Dom’s and Schiano’s fault.

  38. Goodolebucfan Says:

    Clayborn has always been a high motor guy always busted his rear. He made a comment can’t wait to put his hand in the sand. Just like someone that can’t wait to get back to the gym say can’t wait to hit the weights. Clayborn busted his rear after his injury got a lot stronger in his upper body then he was before. Not his fault the coach had him running all over the place and covering receivers. Bowers is a different story his was a shot at the old coach and he came in this season out of shape. Ian I believe bad mouth McCoy a lot if I recall. I would rather listen to Booger than Ian anyday

  39. Capt. Tim Says:

    In agreement with the majority here. Ian is right.
    I believe both Bowers and Clayborn will play well under Smith.
    But right now, neither should say a word about Anyone ,but their own piss poor play. Neither did anything worth the money they are making. Both were bad players, and non-productive.

    Would Leeroy Selmon have made plays, if he was standing up?
    Yes, because he was a great player- and a tireless worker.
    Simeon? Yup. Hand on the ground, or in his pocket- he would have played well.
    Clayborn and Bowers haven’t done anything- regardless of where their hand was.
    I still believe they will.
    Until then- keep yer yaps quiet. You both sucked this year.
    And it wasn’t Schianos fault.

  40. BucfanBF Says:

    I didnt sense any criticism towards Schiano in what AC said!! Sounds like he is ready to go this coming season!! In saying that, I prefer players who have HEART then talent alone. Nothing beats that player who has that drove who can virtually put his team on hos back!!

  41. lurker Says:

    you mean like johnny manziel.

  42. Patrick in VA Says:

    @Joe – i’ve noticed that your comments about what is said on that sore is always about Ian’s commentary and nothing is said about Ron. Just wondering what that’s about.

  43. D-Rome Says:

    There were several occasions where Schiano indirectly blasted them both publicly. I guess they feel turnabout is fair play.

  44. D-Rome Says:

    Also, Ian is right on Clayborne’s play. He wasn’t good at all and pretty much quit the last game of the year.

  45. Vic Says:

    You know what, forget Ian Beckles. This is the same guy who tries to convince everyone that McCoy is no good. Plus, he was the main voice screaming for Schiano to get fired because he was in over his head and didn’t know how to best use his players (he was absolutely right by the way) so when Schiano is finally out of here and the players are speaking the truth about this clown; he wants to rip them? I for one, am glad that these guys are speaking out; I hope more speak out. I got so tired of hearing: “The players didn’t quit on him,” “They are playing hard for him.” Hogwash!!!! Those guys were playing for themselves, for their jobs and buy putting it on tape they really may get a clean slate from Lovie. So to hell with what Ian Beckles says; speak your mind guys!!!!!!!

  46. Vic Says:

    Another thing check out what Darren Sharper says in this segment about the firing of Scumbag and the hiring of Lovie. He says all we need to know about Schiano, GOOD RIDDENS!!!!!!!!!

    http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/NFLN-New-Coach-New-Offense/293291df-31fe-46bd-97e3-7c5fe2606fd6

  47. Stranger Says:

    Clayborn has the right to speak his mind when the staff grossly mishandled him. And why exactly should he be good at playing while standing up? He wasn’t scouted to be able to do that. He wasn’t drafted to do that. That isn’t what he’s best at, just like McCoy isn’t good at playing decoy for everyone else. Its a waste of talent to ask these guys to do something they aren’t good at doing its foolish to pretend these guys could manage to do so under a terrible staff.

    I welcome the return of the Clayborn that could bully tackles and that’s exactly what this team needs.

  48. Analacubana Says:

    Too much talking not enough good playing, and I agree, Simeon would have played great even with his hands in his pockets, that guy was great for us! That’s want to! Maybe Lovie could start with making the defense study tapes of Simeon, Sapp, Brooks ,Rhonde, etc.!

  49. KD Says:

    You’re right, Joe. I don’t care what the scheme was. I don’t care what stunts were called. Clayborn and Bowers both underproduced this year. Clayborn needs to play without any shots towards anyone…I understand he tore his ACL in 2012 and that hindred him…taking that into consideration he still underperformed. Bad coaches, bad schemes, whatever…Clayborn was the 20th best player, according to personnel, in the 2011 draft and he hasn’t played like it with an all pro right next to him and an all pro right behind him. It’s put up or shut up time. Most DE’s would kill for a McCoy at 3 and our ends can’t do a thing with him there. It’s pathetic. IT’S TIME.

  50. Drew Thomas Says:

    I love how a decent backup offensive lineman who only played on losing teams can speak like he knows all. Ian Beckles was a below average NFL player, and he is so into himsrlf that he can give advice. Bowers has the talent to be a 15 ssck guy, but he was not a Schisno man, its why he was benched. Clayborn was used wrong just like so many other players on this team. Aka mccoy. If Ian says something I chuckle, if his idiot co host says something, I laugh harder, really hard when when Ron gets creepy with his obssesion with himself. Haha. Its why they are local talking heads.

  51. Bucsfanman Says:

    Man, there are some real stupid posts on this story! Some people make it sound like these guys don’t get paid to be football players. It’s called professionalism. Nobody agrees with everybody 100% of the time. But, when your boss asks you to do something, you don’t whine about not being in a 3-point stance or whine about your lack of training. You get the job done whatever it takes.
    I agree whole-heartedly with Ian, show some class. Afterwards, show that you have earned it!
    Can we stop piling on already?! We get it, you all knew he would stink, congratulations Nostradamuses!