“I Totally Got It Down”
August 19th, 2017
Shining signing
Last week, former Jets linebackers coach and personnel director Pat Kirwan was studying Bucs practice and taking notes.
Later that day, he hopped on SiriusXM NFL Radio and talked all things Bucs and raved about a Tampa Bay running back.
It was Peyton Barber. Kirwan liked what he saw from second-year Barber, especially in the pass protection, and was happy to tell the nation about it.
Joe was going to write about it but held back. “Pass pro,” as it’s called, was Barber’s weakness last year. Joe wanted to see more. Barber just didn’t have it down last season and it cost him playing time.
But this year is a different story for the undrafted Auburn stud.
After a good night in protection on Thursday, Joe asked Barber today where he stands with his pass-pro skills. A rather soft-spoken guy, Barber perked up quickly.
“I feel I got it down. I totally got it down,” Barber said. “That was one of things that kind of kept me off the field last year, really not knowing the full scheme of the defenses. It’s not so much me not being able to do it, it’s the fact I just needed to work on it and get it.”
Barber said even though he hasn’t pass blocked much for America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, in preseason, he doesn’t need reps with the first team to know he can protect The Franchise.
“Like I said, I totally got it down,” Barber said.
As Joe detailed previously, there’s a lot of enthusiasm for Barber at One Buc Palace. A huge showing against Cleveland on Saturday night and Barber could be the opening day starter.
August 19th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Hum, Barber is a pretty basic north/south runner from what I’ve seen so far, not much wiggle, not much speed, just a 3.5yards up the middle in a cloud of dust kind of guy. There is certainly a place for them in the NFL and if paired with Sims it’s a good mix. If Barber is starting on day 1 then that means Rodgers is out when Martin returns. A mix of Martin (all around, strong finisher, quick), Sims (excellent pass catcher, 3rd down back) and Barber (strong north/south power runner) is a good mix of players runners.
We shall see, I’m not that high on Barber yet, he’s sort of a poor man’s Mike James so far.
August 19th, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Amazing what a year can do!
Keep that in mind with McNichols.
He missed off season Workouts, which set him far behind.
But Trust me on this- mcWeapon will be a big part of this team very soon!
I’me hoping for the best for the young man
And Am excited for Barber! He will earn time on the field this year
August 19th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
It don’t really matter because barber came from auburn as a smaller back who split carrier and was a badass rb just trying to buy his homeless mom a house . He did that and he’s not stopping there . He looks improved . He looked improved last season in the second half . He stepped up and he’s earned a spot on our team I think . As of right now he’s totally got the first 3 weeks down in Tampa Bay for sure ! As does Rodgers and sims . Makes you wonder if we are gonna PS McNichols . I think so . If this is the case then how does Martin fit when he comes back? Can’t release Rodgers can’t let sims walk . You would have to PS barber or trade Martin . I’m for the trade .
August 19th, 2017 at 4:58 pm
I’m not sure any young football players “totally got it down” when it was weakness last year. And in general, I’m suspect of anyone who says “I totally got it down” regarding anything. “I think I’m much improved” would have made me feel better.
August 19th, 2017 at 5:13 pm
I can see mcnichols in the sencond half of the season to produce maybe against our div rivals
August 19th, 2017 at 5:39 pm
The modern running has changed since the last 10 years
Windows/running lanes are small and close fast. Lineman with holding rules against them can hold their blocks for alimited time
The stocky 220lb+ north/south 1 cut runner that hits the hole but…
MUST BREAK ARM TACKLES AND INITIAL CONTACT
david johnson, chicagos howard and cinn mixon
Peyton barber is our best running back. With our limited talent in our line, barber can ram and break tackles to daylight
August 19th, 2017 at 5:55 pm
With all the depth at running back , coach should train one for the fullback he wants
August 19th, 2017 at 6:00 pm
I Totally love Barber’s story and the work ethic that comes with it. T Totally pulling for the guy!
August 19th, 2017 at 6:51 pm
I’m looking at the numbers, and it’s going to come down to where the coaches think we can stash players. I’m looking at 10 WR/RBs that make it to game 1. Do they like one of the WRs as a #6 more than a RB as a #5. Do they take a chance by putting Barber/McNichols on the practice squad to keep an extra WR, or do they cut one of our WRs and hope that we can get them back if needed? Do they cut Sims, even though he is a good pass catcher that has shown he can’t be a #1 back? Is Doug Martin cut after week 3? Does Doug still count as a roster spot before week 4? Lots of factors to consider.
August 19th, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Does most bucs fans think Barber has enough foot speed to really make an impact?
August 19th, 2017 at 7:09 pm
A bug back is a must on evwry roster. I was unaware of his size. Martin def makes the final 53….along with rodgwrs, simms looked good, barber is the big back. Tough call who goes and how many do they keep?
August 19th, 2017 at 7:09 pm
How much speed did Mike alstott have?
August 19th, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Dalvin Cook sure looks good so far.
Man i would have loved to see him in this offense.
August 19th, 2017 at 7:32 pm
we will lose barber if he goes to the practise squad
August 19th, 2017 at 9:07 pm
Last year we had to pull Quizz off the street and were down to our 3rd, 4th and 5th RBs by game 4. And then Quizz got hurt too.
I would much rather be concerned about who gets cut than who can we field?
Barber could well have played his way into a decent draft pick and guaranteed money if he had stayed another year at Auburn – but his family situation and the need for $ was pressing so he came out as early as possible knowing he probably wouldn’t get drafted and would have to fight for a spot somewhere as a UDFA. He believed in himself and in his abilities and determination enough to take the hardest of roads into the NFL. And now, just coming into his 2nd year – there is speculation that he might just be the starting RB in week 1? How can you not root for an underdog like that to succeed?
August 19th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Hes not a poor mans Mike James . what we have here is young man that is starting to look like Ernest grahm
August 19th, 2017 at 9:41 pm
Hes not a poor mans Mike James . what we have here is young man that is starting to look like Ernest graham
August 19th, 2017 at 9:48 pm
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info @Rod Munch but Peyton averaged 4.1 yards per run last year and not 3.5
August 19th, 2017 at 10:28 pm
Big time rooting for Peyton Barber, but his playing time this year will all depend on his pass protection for our franchise QB. And yes, pass protection against the 1st team, not the 3rd team. Suspect that Barber will be in on a lot of plays in the upcoming game against the Browns, with a healthy mix of running plays, short passes, and pass protection for Barber. Also suspect that against Cleveland, Koetter will emphasize the run MUCH more than he did in the 1st 2 games. Gotta see what the OLine can do, and gotta see how our RBs perform.
August 19th, 2017 at 11:02 pm
Ocala, Rod might have just used that number arbitrarily or he might have excluded the numbers from the San Francisco game that some might call “easy yards”. Not sure.
August 19th, 2017 at 11:14 pm
We could only HOPE to be so Lucky Jarod Lauderdale.
August 19th, 2017 at 11:17 pm
Also…..EVERYthing Pick just said.
August 19th, 2017 at 11:39 pm
mcnichols to practice squad
August 20th, 2017 at 7:39 am
Barber is good – and getting better.
August 20th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
@Pick: good post.
August 20th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
It’s early but I’m surprised how invisible McNichols has been in camp, considering all the hype of his college bona fides…