“I’m Like, ‘Dude, This Is It For Me.'”

February 7th, 2018

A big Bucs decision looms.

The Bucs should be desperate for a backup quarterback who won’t have a learning curve.

Sorry, Ryan Griffin fans, the guy has never taken a regular-season snap. This team needs wins if Jameis is unavailable because of a league suspension tied to the crotch-grabbing accusation leveled against him by a female Uber driver.

About this time last year, Bucs general manager Jason Licht was waving a truckload of Team Glazer loot in front of Mike Glennon to become the long term backup to America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.

Glennon passed and cashed in on a much bigger windfall from the Chicago Bears, one that put $16 million into his bank account last season.

What a country!!!

Glennon, 28, started four games for the Bears before losing his starting gig. In those games, Glennon looked like himself: consistent but talent-challenged and a little sloppy. The Bears went 1-3, but Glennon played well enough in two of them, including a win against the Steelers. Joe will note that the Bears’ receiving corps probably was the worst in the NFL.

Chicago surely will cut Glennon by the time the free agency dinner bell rings in 36 short days. His market should be limited and he won’t command a ton of cash as a backup.

Like it or not, the reality is Jameis could face a league-issued discipline suspension to open this season. The Bucs must at least prepare for the possibility while the NFL investigates — slowly. Ryan Fitzpatrick, last year’s very capable backup, will be a free agent and has a history of tough negotiating when it comes to contracts. Plus, Fitzpatrick turns 36 in November and may be considering retirement.

If not Fitz, then who?

Glennon should be an option. First, he would fit in seamlessly. Second, he would fit in seamlessly. That’s not a typo. Koetter isn’t the kind of coach who seems comfortable making all kinds of adjustments. And Glennon wouldn’t need a ton of practice reps to be comfortable and confident.

If the Bucs fix the running game this offseason, Glennon should be good enough to play .500 football in this offense.

Tampa Bay Times beat writer Rick Stroud believes the Bucs honchos should be feeling the pressure at QB.

“If I’m Jason Licht and Dirk Koetter, and I got money under the salary cap, I’m like, ‘Dude, this is it for me. I have to get to the playoffs. I can’t just win nine games,'” said Stroud, after saying the Bucs would be wise to jump on a veteran QB in free agency. His comments came via a TampaBay.com podcast.

“You have to prepare for it,” Stroud said of a possible Jameis suspension. “If you’re two weeks before the season and get this news, don’t be caught with Ryan Griffin and nobody else.”

Take a deep breath. Joe is no Glennon cheerleader. But with this coaching staff, on this Bucs team, he make sense.

63 Responses to ““I’m Like, ‘Dude, This Is It For Me.'””

  1. Dooshlarue Says:

    But Joe…….if our franchise QB isn’t playing then our season is surely doomed.
    Your words..not long ago…although not verbatim.

  2. Joe Blahak Says:

    Talib, now Glennon…Bucs fans can’t puke anymore, guts are aching…

  3. Tom Edrington Says:

    Groundhog Day.

  4. DBS Says:

    If you bring back Glennon Tmax will go nuts.

  5. Dewey Selmon Says:

    The Mike Glennon Mob rides again!

  6. tmaxcon Says:

    glennin is a proven heartless failure thre up all over himself every time he has been given an opportunity. best way to stay in the basement is keep reliving the past and brining back experienced basement dwellers like glennon. maybe change things up and bring in a guy who actually cares about winning.

    joe,

    glennon has NEVER thrived in the backup role. he has very limited experience as a back especially in actual relief appearances maybe 3 games in his career. your are reaching dramatically thinking glennon wold be a good option but then again you are same dude who makes excuse after excuse for cancer93 and conveniently ignore and forget all his flat performances.

  7. LakeLand Says:

    If the Bucs build a compete team. They would be would withstand the loss of one player. If Drew Brees don’t re-sign with the Saints, I believe they can still win with a game manager QB.

  8. LakeLand Says:

    too many would

  9. 813bucboi Says:

    damn right this is it!!!!!!!….damn right you must get to the playoffs!!!!!

    injuries wont save you this year…..either will Irma….either will the SOS….either will playing without a bye week…..

    -we know we don’t have a run game so improve the oline…draft and sign a RB…stay committed to the run game….

    -we know we need a pass rush and cb help so draft and sign DE’s and CB’s….get creative and put players in position to be successful…..

    -we know Winston may get suspended, so make sure we have a quality plan in place…..plan A…plan B…plan C….

    excuses wont allow you to pull off another heist!!!!!…..accountability and productivity!!!!!….simple as that…..

    #NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!!

  10. ChanEpic Says:

    This article should be titled: “Go get Sam Bradford”. There I fixed it for y’all.

  11. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Nick Foles would be a good option.

  12. theodore Says:

    Glennon sucks, the Bucs suck, the coaches suck, and they all once sucked together. Glennon is the perfect fit.

    Why change a thing?

  13. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Speaking for Pablo

    “Pablo thinks Herry Garcia….oops…..Heff Garcia would be good!!!”

  14. Kobe Faker'Girl Says:

    How will the new peter effect (doug peterson) influence Klueless playcalling?

    Ive heard that jameis will now be our #1 recieving target in the red zone

    “Catch the ball like your catching your new bany boy”

    Skyler fulton new wr coach

    Kandy Faker

  15. ChanEpic Says:

    @TampaBayBucFan – Bring SB winning Foles in and start a QB controversy with an already fragile and most likely losing team? Nah, whereas Sam Bradford, he is ONLY going to be looked at in a back up role. You’re gonna pay the current SB winner AND your Franchise QB? That would be a disaster, IMHO.

  16. JAB83 Says:

    Well I for one am excited to have MG8 back. He will be the first FA we sign or close to it.

    Reason is simple. He can throw the deep ball and we are loaded with deep ball BALLERS.

    That said, if there are better options out there we need to go for it. I don’t like the feeling of not having a capable backup. Fritz felt a heck of a lot better than Ryan…

    #BringBackWhitey
    #BringBackStability
    #BringBackTheLongNeckLongBaller

  17. 813bucboi Says:

    If Drew Brees don’t re-sign with the Saints, I believe they can still win with a game manager QB.

    I agree….that’s because they’ve found their identity….they have a mean ground attack and play good defense…..

    that’s actually the theme in our division but we’re the only team in our division that thinks they can air it out and be finesse…..

    maybe they’ll get up to speed one day…..

    #NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!

  18. Drew aka q Says:

    Bucs better not pass up breaking the bank for good playerd in their mid 30s like bennett … and damn sure better not bring glennon back or fitz … bucs need a real true back up for jameis …. this season is it for these guys ( dirk and jason) if they make dumb moves come march and dumb picks come april … they might as well pack up and leave …. retaining this coaching staff was stupid and a waste of my money as a season ticket holder as well as the rest of the STH’s in this organization… the reason i still lock my self in year after year is because i love this team… as in the bucs … not half the crap who works and plays for this organization… but watching whst 18 brings most likely will be comical and worth the thousands i pay for 2018 so there is my silver lining …. these guys have no clue how to build defensively… its a damn shame …. cant wait for 18 to be over … gonna be a long 19 months for 2019 ill tell you that much

  19. Mike Johnson Says:

    I like Glenon BUTT..If you bring him back then..you just add to the Suck..that already exist. I’d try like hell to keep Fitz. But we gotta see who else is available. jameis is gonna servew a 2 to 4 game suspension for sure. Its on Koetter and Licht. I know..they know..we know..If they do not produce a winning record next season its…gonna be the Jason Licht sports show from fishing hole no 3 with guest..Lovie, Schiano, Koeter and pressbox Smitty the following season!! This is DO or DIE for these guys. I hope they DO. But my heart tells me they will..DIE!!

  20. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    ChanEpic

    Agree that Foles is out of the question. If he’s an FA he’s going to look for a team that will give him a chance to start. He was freaking undefeated throughout the playoffs and played is butt off in the SB. He’s not going to any team that doesn’t provide realistic chance to start.

    And so do we want an SB winning QB who was undefeated in the playoffs looking over Jameis shoulder. With our fan base #3 would have one game and it would erupt. Jameis can’t throw deep…he makes bad decisions…he fumbles the ball yadda yadda yadda…bring in Foles! Just what we don’t need and I’m sure Foles is smart enough to realize he doesn’t need it either.

    Man the losers who are busting Glennon’s chops for going out of bounds once must HATE Kareem Hunt. He is always taking it out of bounds and never goes for the extra yards. He runs looking for a place to get down as soon as the contact approaches…but he is still a great RB because of his ability to make people miss.

    I remember the year when Glennon and McCown were splitting reps and I felt horrible for both of them. They both were repeatedly blown up…it grew ugly.
    To call either McCown or Glennon cowards is the height of ignorance!!! They took a licking and kept on ticking. It was so brutal at times I could barely watch it.

  21. feelthepewterpower Says:

    So glad we didnt give Glennon all that money. He’s not starter material and yet we were offering him starting material money; assinine. Griffth knows the system, just doesn’t have the experience. Griffith seemed to be taking steps in the preseason, too, and showed promise before getting pummeled in the finale. I am not adverse to getting a veteran back-up last season, as they nearly did with Foles, but don’t go breaking the bank……………………..

  22. Bucsfanman Says:

    Bring back the “beard”! Problem solved.

  23. ChanEpic Says:

    @St. Pete – Yep on all of that.

  24. Tom Says:

    One thing that hasn’t changed, tickets prices are going up again. Go get em suckers. Glazers are going to bleed this franchise dry & then they will sell it. Scum.

  25. BucEmUo Says:

    How about forget a backup and get someone who will bring some competition like NICK FOLES!

  26. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Mike

    Why are you so certain that #3 will get suspended. Again if there are two credible witnesses who claim to have been in that Uber with Jameis the entire story falls apart. If there aren’t….it will be and should be a dark day for Jameis.
    Clearly either Jameis or the girl is lying and it’s all predicated on how many dudes were actually in the car. Its not rocket science.\

    IF Jameis has the two witnesses to back up his story the girls story falls apart. And Goodell really can’t just suspend folks willy nilly. If Jameis proves his innocence and Goodell still suspends him I’d be filing a massive lawsuit against Goodell…ALL of the owners and the entire NFL for using false information to hamper somebody’s career. There needs to be some representation of due process.

  27. ChanEpic Says:

    I think it is pretty clear that people pining for Foles are:
    a. Trolling.
    B. Not thinking clearly about the entire situation (Why would Foles come to TB?)
    C. Trolling

    there are no other options.

  28. LakeLand Says:

    Mike Glennon sucked with the Bears and lost his job to a rookie. The Bears has a good defense, O-Line and RBs. He would fit perfectly with the Bucs.

  29. SteveK Says:

    If Jameis is suspended, then BYE BYE!

    I don’t want #3 to be our QB if he gets suspended for idiocy.

    Trade for Foles, sign Bradford, draft. Baker Mayfield.

    We will not sit around while a starter is suspended for stupid/selfish reasons. Ala Doug Martin this past season.

  30. Pickgrin Says:

    Told Ya…

    Guess this is the appropriate time to gloat like a Rhealist.

    OMG – its a Pickgrin repost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Pickgrin Says:
    August 21st, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Of course Chicago will “keep Glennon for 2017”. He’s already guaranteed $18.5M.

    Chicago is certainly not going to pay MG $16M to be a back up in 2018 though.

    I’d say its as likely as not that Glennon is back with the Bucs next year for $4Mish per year to back up Winston. Fitz is here on a 1 year deal.

  31. Pit Says:

    Kirk Cousins………

  32. I Bleed Pewter and Red Says:

    Elway has said hell or high water Denver will draft or trade for QB this off season. They have their eyes on Kirk Cousins so that leaves several QB’s on their roster out in the cold. Trevor Siemen, Brock Osweiler, or Paxton Lynch. Maybe with a late round pick we can trade for Siemen, who struggled last year but had a good season as fulltime starter the year before. The Broncos struggled as a team this last season and so did all their QB’s collectively. I think Siemen still has a lot to contribute and would be perfect fit as Winston’s backup.

  33. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Do not bring Glennon back. We need someone that can earn value for trades.

  34. Hodad Says:

    Bring back Glennon, now I’m excited LoL! Glennon has experience, but can’t play worth a snot, he’s a turnover machine! Capt. Check Down would fit right back in with Capt. McSoftie.

  35. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Pit

    I like Cousins but I haven’t given up on #3 yet. Have you? Just curious. I know a significant # of folks here have soured on him. I haven’t and still believe he’s our QB of the future depending on what emerges from the Uber deal.

    If like me you believe #3 is the future going forward…you really can’t bring in another starting QB. Cousins is definitely a starting QB and is contract would be LARGE! There simply is not enough room on the roster for two “franchise” QB’s.

    Again I understand some have given up on Jameis…I absolutely have not nor do I believe the Bucs are ready to move on.

  36. DoSomething Says:

    It would be a miracle to win 9 games in 2018. If that happens, they will all come back.

  37. 99.97.92.55.47.40.28.20.7 Says:

    Go QB in first round. bring in the future. unfortunately JW3 has proven that he still can’t stay out of the headlines for negative reasons, and has again begged questions about his character. Oh, and the picks, fumbles, and 3 and outs can be replicated by Brady Quinn for 49 cents.

  38. Seminole Bill Says:

    Joe, you are spot on in this posting. The odds are better than 50/50 that Jameis will be suspended for the first 6 games of next year (whether he did what he is accused of is irrelevant – in the current environment an accusation of sexual misconduct equals guilt). The Bucs should make securing a quality backup their number one postseason goal. Without a quality backup, next season will be another disaster.

  39. BringBucsBack Says:

    Finally an article on the inevitable…J-miss’ suspension. I’ve been saying for months that the Bucs need to prepare for this.

    Goodell can and has suspended players without due process (see E. Elliot). If a suspension happens, the Bucs may be forced to move on, especially if he is found guilty of these accusations. I think the Bucs want to keep him but, this issue may force their hand. Next year a new regime may very well be here and will have no ties to the man-child and may find it very easy to cut the chord.

    Since they need a QB (2 really), why not bring in a potential replacement, especially since the coaching staff needs EVERY win possible next year? And when J-miss comes back, after 3-6 weeks, you sit him if the other QB is ballin’ or start him if the other guy isn’t. Later, someone gets traded for a kings ransom when the salaries become too much.

    They clearly don’t want to roll with the inexperienced RGIV, who I believe deserves a shot. Why does one believe that they’d settle on “just a back-up” when so much is riding on this season? …Well yes, they are stupid.

  40. martinii Says:

    Amazing, we are right back where we started from. Only consolation is there are aa lot of “If’s” between now and September. joe is right when you reduce it to the least common denominator, Glennon works.
    Just once I’d like to see someone with a set take a chance and step out on a limb. One of the top college QB’s in the country for the last 3 years could be had in the 6th RD. JT Barrett, Ohio State record setter, who can play Wildcat, RB, WR, and probably return punts would make an exciting fresh face, back-up QB. But no we will go with Glennon and all the excitement he can bring to a game.

  41. sj_bucsfan Says:

    Bring back everybody! Then team Glazer will have more reason to raise ticket, parking and concession prices even more!
    Ugh1

  42. Defense Rules Says:

    Seriously, what’s wrong with y’all? Yes, Fitz was on a 1-yr deal & is now a FA. Yes, Fitz is 36 yrs old. Yes, he’s a highly-experienced QB (which is EXACTLY who Jameis needs to be learning from). And Yes, Fitz came in this past season & won 2 of the 3 games that he started. And in the 4th game, where he relieved Jameis in Arizona trailing by a BUNCH, he managed to put a lot of points on the board in the 2nd half. Oh, and it might be worth mentioning that he seems to really like this team & being here.

    So Joe writes that Fitz is “has a history of tough negotiating when it comes to contracts. Plus, Fitzpatrick turns 36 in November and may be considering retirement” and all of a sudden everyone’s on the ‘Let’s sign Glennon” train? Glennon moved on … and fizzled. Bucs need to move on also. How about instead Joe, you write something like “Licht, sign Fitz … fast”. And BTW, why are we carrying Ryan Griffin as our 3rd QB on the 53-man roster if we never expect to truly let him back up Jameis?

  43. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Ezekial Elliott DID get due process. The NFL spent a year investigating him and concluded that he had abused women physically on three different occasions.

    The NFL felt confident enough in their investigation to impose the suspension. If they had no solid evidence Zeke could have sued the league. In fact he still could but apparently the NFL feels confident in their evidence.

    Again according to the NFL Zeke was abusive to women on at least three occasions.

    They WILL have to prove that Jameis actually grabbed the women’s pssy not simply say it was just bad publicity. I mean who does #3 think he is? Only the President of the United States gets to publicly brag about grabbing women’s pssies…NFL players haven’t reached that status yet.

  44. Maconabuc Says:

    Tyrod Taylor could be an option.

  45. Not there yet Says:

    Lol this is nuts…. Nick foles is not saving the bucs season if Winston goes down and neither is any other backup. We’re barely good with the starting quarterback. If they are going to pay big money to a backup then yes I’d say their about to get fired because that’s desperate and it means you have no faith in your o line and it’s depth

  46. Phil Says:

    Please not Glennon. He’s terrible. Much rather Ryan Griffen or anybody else.

  47. SB Says:

    ” “Go get Sam Bradford”. There I fixed it for y’all”

    Have you Bumped you head Chan Epic…………….????
    Why in the Fuk would we need Bradford. Dude can’t stay healthy. Fragile as glass!
    WTFAYT????

  48. Lord Cornelius Says:

    I like Simein as a backup plan. Should be had for free because Denver is looking to move on – or at worst like a 6th rounder.

    For those obsessed with Kirt Cousins – the guy has only 4 wins over the last 3 seasons against teams with 9 wins or more – same as our guy. It helps that he’s generally been able to face an easier schedule over that time; and doesn’t play in the best division in football; and is more experienced.

    I also doubt COusins has had his defense collapse and take away 4 game winning drives from him last season. Maybe that happened but I doubt it.

    Regarding the Winston suspension – it’ll be interesting to see what happens. With Zeke Elliot there was lots of evidence / details / a timeline of events / etc.

    This case is weirder… I’d think if Winston/Darby can prove they rode in that uber together then that would basically negate the testimony of hte accusor since she said it was just Winston in the car. Even the evidence of uber suspending his account – suggested there were other passengers. Whole thing is weird

  49. Pickgrin Says:

    Best case scenario is if Fitz wants to stay and is willing to be reasonable w/ his $ demands. He earned a raise from last year’s $3M wherever he winds up – no doubt about that.

    Bucs should just go ahead and offer Fitz similar to what they supposedly offered Glennon to stay last year – $6-7M per (2 year deal with 2018 guaranteed).

  50. SteveK Says:

    Lord Corn,

    Interesting you bring up Kirk* Cousins, and “wins”.

    Our quarterback has won less and possibly thrown for less yards.

    Also, who there to D-Jax better? Check mark for Cousins.

    You can’t have it both ways. You often mention Jameis’ #’s, and I ask that you look through the same lense when critiquing all QBs.

  51. Pickgrin Says:

    Why the hell is everyone so worried about Winston getting suspended?

    No doubt King Goodell has reached a bit with his “behavior modifying” tactics via suspensions the last few years. But if there is no verifiable PROOF that Jameis Winston crotch grabbed that Uber driver – and Goodell suspends Jameis anyway – then Ol Roger is opening himself and the league he rules over to some potentially nasty litigation and accompanying negative publicity.

    Oddest of all though is the idea that if Winston is found to have done what was alleged – and gets suspended – then the Bucs HAVE to just move on from him….

    Wait – WHAT? Seriously???

    Yea it would be disappointing to learn that Winston had done what she claimed. And even more disappointing to know that he lied to try and cover his own a$$ instead of just coming clean and admitting the mistake and taking whatever consequences come.

    But even IF that were the case – some Bucs fans would want the team to cast him aside as a result???

    Wow. That’s all I can say. Stupidity masquerading as morality I guess…

  52. Leroy. P Says:

    glennon is coming home to lead us to the super bowl like nick foles !!!!!!!!!!!

  53. JAB83 Says:

    MG8s numbers prove he is a capable backup…. I don’t need exciting or spectacular from a backup… I need confidence…

    And this is not a do or die for this Staff and JL… We are on the same path that Sam Wyche had us on… Solid drafting and consistent messages….

    When the contracts are up we can talk about new coaches and all that mess…

    STOP TRYING TO RUN PEOPLE BEFORE THE CONTRACTS ARE UP!!!

    Only Fans of Depression do silly stuff like NOT KEEP THEIR WORD…

    Be a Fan of Inspiration… Be true to yourself and others…. Be a real Fan… Live and Die with your team come hell or high water….

    Time to Rays Up <— See what I did there Joe???

  54. Lord Cornelius Says:

    @SteveK

    My point isn’t even really as much about who is the better QB – as much as it’s that even if we get Cousins it wouldn’t guarantee any more wins really; and is more about the strength of the NFC South / importance of SOS.

    I also didn’t bring up Cousins someone else did so I was just commenting on him.

    Cousins has better #’s than Jameis. I won’t argue that.

    Regarding Djax – if you look up the Djax Redskins film – many if not most of his big play catches were not on well thrown balls – there is even a guy who breaks this down in a video.

    He adjusted very well to the ball in 2016 vs 2017 for whatever reason to my eye. This wasn’t just Winston – I saw the same thing on a couple deep attempts when Fitz played – balls that were playable had he adjusted his route correctly instead of just running straight and making minimal effort on a catch.

  55. The Buc Realist Says:

    LOL!!!!!!! 1 year ago every article was about how if the Starting QB goes down the seasons over so we should not spend over 3 million for a backup!!!!!!! LOL Buc fan react!!!!!!!!!!

    Fix the real “problems”, the “trenches” (then maybe we won’t have to use all 3 qb’s next year)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!

  56. ChanEpic Says:

    @SB – You are the one who bumped your head if you don’t think Bradford will be on a roster in 2018 as a back up. We’re not talking a starter we’re talking backups and in that role MANY MANY teams would love to have Bradford,(especially as a mentor to another 1st round pick QB) because he won’t be as susceptible to injury because, I repeat, it would be a back up role. #notrocketscience

  57. Kobe Faker's Girl Says:

    The Buc Realist comments prove that even a broken clock can be right twice per day

    You sheep want want a running game? Do you want a passing attack?

    What created 1100 total yards in the Superbowl?… Offensive line (Trenches)

    “Build that Wall!”

    Donald Trump

  58. Rod Munch Says:

    I’d absolutely resign Glennon as a back-up. He is not full-time starter material, but could step in for a game or two and give the Bucs a chance. Glennon had no chance to do anything in Chicago last year, he had no WRs and then was yanked by what, game 3 in a new offense? I feel bad for the kid, he’s never done anything I’m aware of that is wrong or bad, well other than be Schiano’s boy. Anywho Glennon is a perfect fit. The Bucs don’t need a young or developmental guy as Winston is the future – so get a guy with experience that can step in and play from day 1 if they had to.

  59. jerseybuc Says:

    We went into 2014 with Josh coming off a meltdown in 13 and he torpedoed thr new season. Should have seen that coming. But by the time October rolled around we had Glennon as our new QB and the season was basically over.
    We went into last season with D Martin sitting on a 3 game suspension, yet we still thought it was a good idea to have him at the top of the RB chart, and in a strong year for RBs in the draft we ignore the top 3 rounds and grab a guy who couldn’t read a playbook later.
    In the past we have allowed questionable characters to have suspensions cost multiple games and the drop off to the back up killed us.
    We need to be prepared for any suspension to open the season by JW. Look at the Eagles QB depth. Pats had Jimmy G for a couple of years too. If you have any questions at top tier positions you need to be agile, adaptable and prepared for the worst.

  60. GrudenForPresident Says:

    @ TampaBayBucsfan

    Says we should go get Nick Foles. Lmao you really think so?!?!
    We already tried that and he turned us down for the Eagles and that was before he won the Superbowl.

  61. SteveK Says:

    With the #7 pick the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select OG Quentin Nelson from Botre Dame.

  62. MikeGlennonFan Says:

    Finally some common sense on this site!

  63. Capt.Tim Says:

    Griffen is fine.
    This team is years away from the playoffs. We have much more urgent concerns than a backup QB.