It’s not anger; it’s frustration! I used to really dog Ruud, but like I said in another post I was going to limit my comments and just wait and see. The problem I have is some fans think he is a super star pro bowl LB. He is a good player who has coverage skills and can cover a lot of ground when in persuit. The problem is; (not just last year) is he gets easily handled at the point of attack. No one is going to win every battle, but you have to win some of the one on one battles at the line of scrimmage. Shed blocks then stuff the runner at the line! The Defensive line is doing there job #1 if they make the tackle, but #2 if the funnel the play to force the RB to the LB waiting to make the play.

With the schemes changing, the suspension of T-Jack, the poor defensive line play (which I believe the coaches telling them to put on weight slowed them down), and more, it’s not really fair to judge the players too harshly based on last year.

The organization was a total disaster, and the players were obeying a coach that was feeling things out, learning and adapting. The players themselves all new the Tampa 2 should have remained…but what could they do? They took what Raheem gave them and tried to adjust, but it didn’t work out.

This is why I believe the media, other teams and yes, a lot of fans, are underestimating the Bucs this year. We are back to the Tampa 2, we have a rebuilt DT rotation (which will improve the play of the DEs), and hopefully no one gets suspended or hurt. Couple all that with the lighter schedule, and we could well go 8-8 or better for the season. I personally think we’ll go 9-7 and tease with a wildcard spot for a couple weeks.

But as to Ruud, let’s just wait and see this year. With a revamped D-line, maybe we’ll see his results improve. His play is already top-notch in my book…he just needs to make plays sooner. If the D-line does its job, they will hold up the run long enough for him to build up steam and hit hard behind the line of scrimage.

I hope Sabby has been working on his tackling skills in the off season…because if not, I’d rather have a rookie playing in his spot.

I would take anything; a tackle in the backfield, a sack, a fumble recover, an interception, ever a pass batted down. How about a crushing hit? Any type of game changing play I’ll take! Even by accident! If they are depending on him to be the team leader on defense then these are the plays he needs to be making. It’s funny because they have him as a top 10 middle linebacker and there is only about 10 teams still using a 4-3 base D still. How about we list him against all linebackers!