“We Need To Get More Takeaways Out Of Him”
August 11th, 2017
Wants more
Interesting take from Dirk Koetter, considering the Tampa Bay defense ranked fourth in the league in interceptions last year.
That’s right. The Bucs picked 17 balls last season. The Chargers, Ravens and Chiefs led the league with 18.
For perspective, Lovie Smith’s Bucs had 25 interceptions through two seasons. The Super Bowl Bucs? Try 31 picks in 2002.
But it wasn’t a giant interception party for the Glory Days Buccaneers. The team had just 13 in 1997, and 12 in 1998.
Regardless, Dirk Koetter wants more picks — and he wants them from Vernon Hargreaves. Koetter made that clear on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday.
“He got a lot of action because people tried to throw away from Brent Grimes a lot,” Koetter said of Hargreaves’ 2016 season. “Our challenge to Vernon was to be more aggressive playing the football. You know, we need to get more takeaways out of him. He’s really doing that in practice, whether it’s interceptions or punching the ball out or PBUs, (pass breakups). He’s playing with a lot of energy out there.”
With all those targets coming Hargreaves’ way, he had just one pick and nine passes defensed. Grimes had four picks and eye-opening 24 passes defensed, a single-season high in his Pro Bowl career. And teams were avoiding him when they could, as Koetter said.
Hargreaves wasn’t bad, especially for a rookie, but he’ll always be judged on being the No. 12 overall pick in the draft. Guys drafted that high simply have to become studs, Pro Bowlers or near Pro Bowlers.
Hargreaves has a long way to go.
If he makes the big second-year leap this season and looks like a true No. 1 cornerback, then everything will be perfect in the Bucs’ personnel department. If not, well, then the Bucs would almost have to invest significantly in drafting a cornerback next season.
An awful lot likely turns on Hargreaves’ performance this season, which kicks off tonight.
August 11th, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Not to worry. This guy is as sure and steady as they come character wise. His skill exceed that.
A coaches wet dream! and early similar to the challenge laid down to our SB WINNING BUCS team.
Its just a matter of putting it on tape.
100% confident in VH
August 11th, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Get the ball on #3’s hands! Priority #1.
Where James goes the team goes.
August 11th, 2017 at 2:26 pm
What’s the link to that Bucs fan pick’em contest? I’d like to sign up …
August 11th, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Hargreaves was the #11 pick in in the 2018 draft (not 12 Joe).
The Bucs are already drafting a CB in either the 1st or 2nd rd next year. Grimes is 34 years old. We would have picked Adore Jackson this year if Robinson hadn’t stupidly passed on OJ Howard. (Thank You Jon Robinson!!)
August 11th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
2016 draft (where’s that damn edit button Joe)
August 11th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
I agree with Pickgrin. Short of one of our backup DBs miraculously turning into starter material, we’ll need to draft one in 2018.
DB, RT, and DT should all be on our radar for the 2018 draft.
August 11th, 2017 at 5:04 pm
I think Adore was going to be the pick too if Howard was gone. I also believe they tried to move up to the top of the 2nd for Cook but couldn’t find a willing partner.
August 11th, 2017 at 5:10 pm
QB and CB are the 2 toughest positions in the NFL!
Be patient everybody!!
We got a Rooster in VHIII.
The dude looks 20 years old for Buddha’s sake!!
He aint finished evolving yet.
Teacherman loves his boy Vernon. He’s a fighter!
August 11th, 2017 at 5:15 pm
looking forward to seeing
Mixon and Ross
August 11th, 2017 at 5:54 pm
^^^^we passed on THE MITIGATING FACTOR^^^
August 11th, 2017 at 5:59 pm
NFLNut:
http://games.espn.com/nfl-pigskin-pickem/2017/en/group?groupID=99276
August 11th, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Need to draft a RT next year
August 11th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
I think we need to invest at De and cb next draft….unless Ryan smith really pans out but doesn’t sound like thats going to happen
August 11th, 2017 at 9:06 pm
Coach Koetter on VHIII: “…fantastic play…”
Coach Koetter on Aguayo’s extra point miss: “…that’s f–ing bull—…”