“An Experience League”
January 20th, 2016
Lovie Smith was very vocal about his eagerness to play rookies and young players, and Lovie often talked about how he thought college players were more ready than ever to take on the NFL.
But Dirk Koetter?
Joe’s not sure.
Koetter used an interesting phrase just after a getting hired. “Experience counts a ton in this league. The NFL is an experience league,” he said.
Bucs fans remember their Super Bowl head coach, who was no fan of rookies and youngsters. Perhaps Koetter is the same way. That’s unclear.
The Bucs will have $50 million+ to shop when the free agency dinner bell rings in seven weeks.
Of course, it would be pointless for general manager Jason Licht to sign a player Koetter finds unacceptable. But Joe has a feeling Koetter is going to see plenty of experienced talent — expensive and inexpensive — that he would like on his roster.
Koetter knows better than anyone that injuries to veterans Louis Murphy and Vincent Jackson are why Koetter is head coach and Lovie is spending more time at Culver’s with his wife. Joe envisions Koetter eager to attack the Bucs’ various depth issues as soon as he can.
January 20th, 2016 at 10:15 am
It will be fascinating to see who Keotter and Smith keep and who they dump, also who they go after via free agency. Maybe try talk Tony Gonzalez outta retirement? Lol jkjk
January 20th, 2016 at 10:29 am
I certainly hope Koetter and Licht bring back Vincent Jackson and with $50 million plus available, his last year of his current contract is affordable, let alone his leadership impact on Winston and Evans. Move him into the slot (like Fitzgerald with the Cardinals) and find a speedster on the outside should be the focus in the draft or free agency.
January 20th, 2016 at 10:30 am
When Koetter made that comment in his press conference I was looking at it from a coaching stand point because every one knows football is a young mans game…
The coaching staff he’s put together so far (on defense in particular) has a lot more coaching experience than the ones that just left…Mike Smiths versatility as a DC and his ability to adjust to personnel should get a lot more out of the players than Lovie’s (shove a square peg into a round hole) approach…Also the favoritism under Lovie was just ridiculous…Mike Jenkins, Chris Conte and Major Wright had no business starting ever…Keith Tandy Imho was much better than Wright and Conte; and Mike Jenkins shouldn’t even be in the league… just my 2 cents…
January 20th, 2016 at 10:47 am
Mmm Cuuuulvers
January 20th, 2016 at 10:53 am
@ Cody
I agree….I think Koetter may have been talking about coaching experience more than player experience….
It’s who you pick….not where…..look at players like Josh Norman, for example…and our Kwon.
January 20th, 2016 at 11:09 am
@Cody
You nailed it. My impression was that he was talking about coaches, not players at all. I mean he had 3 rookies starting on offense all season!
January 20th, 2016 at 11:20 am
Vincent will be back…Koetter knows him personally and being the competent coach he is, he knows the worth of an aging no quit skilled vet like vj
January 20th, 2016 at 11:20 am
Look at the tenure amongst the coaches in the playoffs last weekend.
January 20th, 2016 at 11:25 am
Agree with Cody he said this about Mike Smith and other coaches
January 20th, 2016 at 11:26 am
Agree on VJax in the slot if he’s healthy.
Koetter was concerned about his future after the injury.
January 20th, 2016 at 11:30 am
Experience is key for players too. But if a rookie is showing a higher ceiling than a veteran then you play the rookie so he gains the experience. A crap veteran shouldn’t play over a solid rookie simply based on experience. If it’s pretty equal then you probably go with the experience because experience is very important.
January 20th, 2016 at 12:27 pm
Hope we can get Mario Williams in free agency.
January 20th, 2016 at 3:06 pm
First 2 essential signings……..Martin and Moore. Yeah Jackson I know, but he may retire
January 20th, 2016 at 3:18 pm
Mmmm… Culver’s – Try the cheese turds !