Reading Between QB Tea Leaves

January 13th, 2014

lovie smith 0113

One who believed Bucs commander Greg Schiano should have had his keycard deactivated from One Buc Palace was Tampa Tribune scribe Martin Fennelly. He was not alone, claiming the drama and the circus (along with the accompanying dung of a dreadful two-season record) needed to be swept away.

One problem fixed, Fennelly believes, but a second and nearly as big an open sore still exists. Who the hell is going to quarterback the Bucs to a playoff run?

Joe knows the Mike Glennon Mob will state, “Well, he didn’t play bad for a rookie,” to which Joe replies, “A rookie, what?” No, Glennon did not play well for a rookie nor for a vet. When he faced decent teams, sans a handful of plays, he looked overwhelmed. There is just no way Joe could stretch or qualify his vocabulary to call that “not bad.”

Of all the things Lovie Smith must do to be successful, Fennelly writes, the first is to find or develop a quarterback..

Weren’t defense and “running the ball” what Greg Schiano talked about the day he was hired? Isn’t the old From There You Need Offense mentality one reason Tony Dungy was fired from here? Or part of why Lovie was let go in Chicago?

Then again, Lovie nearly did the same with Rex Grossman. And he brought then-cutting-edge offensive guy Mike Martz to Chicago. One season, the Bears had the second-ranked offense in football, way ahead of any of Dungy’s Bucs teams. And Jeff Tedford is a quarterbacks guy.

But go back to something else Lovie said, right after “ … From there, you need offense.” He said: “Right now, in the playoffs, it’s a lot about the quarterback now — ‘We’re an evenly matched team, and we need that guy to do something there.’ ”

Bingo.

(Joe must note that Lovie Smith’s offense was never ranked higher than 15th in Chicago, based on the traditional NFL rankings. Fennelly is referencing the Bears scoring the second-most points in the NFL in 2006, their Super Bowl season. However, that number includes a whopping eight touchdowns from the Bears defense and special teams.)

As Fennelly pointed out, there was no dog quarterback playing this past weekend. No quarterback that required you to somehow mangle the King’s English to qualify some twisted version of “good.” Virtually no question marks.

Bucs fans would have given their left testicle foreach and every quarterback playing this weekend.

Joe is sorry, but he simply cannot envision Mike Glennon leading the Bucs to the divisional playoffs, barring the new GM loading the Bucs offense with a virtual sea of Pro Bowlers. This just in: stocking the roster that much is a good two or three years away.

Joe reads all over the place that the Bucs are a talented lot and primed to win now. If so, that roster shouldn’t be dragged down by a void at its most important position.

Everyone knows the only way the Bucs can get an established, quality quarterback is to pay a king’s ransom and mortgage the future (provided any owner is stupid enough to let go of said quarterback). So if Lovie wants a quarterback and he doesn’t think Glennon can lead the Bucs to January play, then the new GM better work the phones preparing for a trade.

Look, unless the Bucs plan to blow up the team and stink out loud to set themselves up for the 2015 draft, Jameis Winston isn’t walking through the front gate of One Buc Palace.

77 Responses to “Reading Between QB Tea Leaves”

  1. Harry Says:

    Teddy, Teddy, Teddy!

  2. Harry Says:

    Someone made the comment yesterday, that if you substitute Glennon for Brady in the Patriots last playoff game, Glennon would do just as well with all that talent around him.

    First, this insinuates Glennon = Brady, which is ridiculous. I am sure the person did not mean that. With all the injuries they have had, many of these Patriot players are not the original starters. What made them look so good? Tom Brady.

    Glennon does not improve the level of play to those around him. He is adequate at best. When you get to the playoffs, it is the QB who raises up the level of play. You could see it in every game this past weekend.

  3. BucFanForever Says:

    Winston is why you draft Manziel. If Manziel busts, you have a great shot at Winston; if Manziel booms, you don’t care.

  4. phil Says:

    The Bucs need to trade up with the Rams or Texans and get Johnny Football. He’s the best player to come out of college since Andrew Luck. Nick Saban said he was the most competitive gut he has seen in 40 years of coaching. We need someone who can fire up the troops because I don’t see anyone on this team that is vocal aka Warren Sapp. Johnny could be that guy.

  5. Harry Says:

    I would happily take Manziel, or Teddy, or whomever the GM deems worthy of a 1st rd pick. We just need a QB. Sorry, but Glennon is not it.

  6. BucFanForever Says:

    Unlike Schiano, I want the best 53 Football players I can on my team, I don’t care whether they are Manziel, Talib, Blount, or even Dez Bryant.

  7. flmike Says:

    Just a little off topic, but goes back to a story joe wrote a few days ago…
    Via Mike Florio of PFT

    “One of the primary differences between a bad coach like Greg Schiano and a great coach like Bill Belichick is that Schiano saw Blount as a problem to get rid of, while Belichick saw Blount as an opportunity to make the most of.”

  8. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I don’t like the idea of trading up this year. There are too many teams needing QBs, the price is high and we don’t have our full compliment of picks.
    Next year (2015)….there will be some very good QBs…..Winston, Hundley, Mariota & more. Many bad teams will have picked their QB this year so they won’ be needing a QB next year.
    Meanwhile, we develop Glennon and get some weapons…perhaps Sammy Watkins…..a TE, younger pieces to the O-line and establish the new Offensive system.
    I know its difficult to have patience for one more year….but I think the situation calls for it.

  9. SAMCRO Says:

    I don’t see a free agent or college QB, who you can virtually say, without a doubt, out perform Glennon at this point. It’s easy for us to sit here and say mortgage the future for Bridgewater, or draft Manziel, because our jobs are not at stake. There is no guarantee that any QB we might land will be better than what Glennon may provide in his second year. I say grab a QB in the middle rounds and let him compete with Glennon and Rogers in camp. Use our first pick on an OT.

  10. Pinnaql3 Says:

    “When he faced decent teams, sans a handful of plays, he looked overwhelmed.”

    Whenever the BUCCANEERS faced decent defenses, the offensive line was often dominated.
    This craziness about the QB situation is almost laughable. Here, it’s being written as if the BUCS possess the absolute worst QB in the league. It’s simply not true. The BUCS need another QB, but it’s not because the current starter has proven incapable of playing good football. It’s because the Team needs at least two capable QBs on the roster that can be a starter and a leader on the field.
    Anyone that actually watched the games this past season and really knows football can tell you that the QB position was NOT the primary reason the Team lost games. The QB position wasn’t the always the reason the Team won the 4 games we did win either and that’s what seems to bother some. But look at the Divisional round in the playoffs this past weekend and tell me what/who won those games.

  11. Patrick in VA Says:

    @Pinnaql3 – I’ve been trying to use that same logic all weekend since those games were played and nobody cares. Everyone is so deeply entrenched in their stance that nothing anyone says matters. Everyone is talking past each other. We have a few months until there is an actual opportunity for the Bucs to make a move with the roster anyway so “debating” it here is really just fruitless.

  12. The_Buc_Realist Says:

    I love how the people are so sure Glennon cannot lead this team anywhere in a partial season, are the same the in year 5 were trying to convince any that would listen that Freeman was the Franchise! As the coach/gm ( same guy) is watching last year’s tape. I am sure he is shaking his head watching guys like Penn get beaten like a drum. I am positive he is more worried about the O-line at this point. If an upgrade at any position presents itself, The bucs must take it. But the roster has a very long way to go.

  13. Meh Says:

    He’s pretty close to the worst qb in the league. Glennon is not the guy. He just isn’t. I don’t know if we can come away with a top QB in the draft considering how many qb needy teams pick ahead of us. If we can’t, we’ve got to get a free agent or trade for somebody. Anybody. Glennon is just not very good. Sorry, but he just isn’t.

  14. Harry Says:

    @Tampabaybucfan Says:
    “I don’t like the idea of trading up this year.”

    Heres the problem with waiting until next year. In 2014 the Bucs have the 7th pick, a very desirable, high pick. They could trade with the Rams in the 2nd slot and the Rams would be all over that bc they could still get Jake Matthews.

    Hopefully, the Bucs will play well in 2014 and in ’15 we will be drafting somewhere in the 17-24 slot. In order to trade up in the, say top 10 to get a franchise QB, the Bucs would have to give away a king’s ransom in draft picks to get up that high.

    In 2012, the Redskins gave up their 6th overall pick and their ’13 and ’14 plus their 2nd rd pick in ’12 to move up 4 spots (2nd overall) to draft RG3. Almost an identical scenario to what the Bucs have this year.

  15. Mulligan Says:

    “Winston is why you draft Manziel. If Manziel busts, you have a great shot at Winston; if Manziel booms, you don’t care.”

    So you would spend draft choices this year to get Manziel and then one year later dip back in the QB position if it doesn’t work out? That does not seem logical to me.

    I say wait to see what is available at #7 (hopefully Sammy Watkins) and give Glennon another year and if that does not produce results then look at next years draft for a QB. Help Glennon by fixing the OL. As stated in an article previously I see the Bucs winning between 7 and 9 games next year at best. We are already void of a 3rd round pick this year so if we trade more picks this year it will be a short draft party.

  16. Patrick in VA Says:

    @Harry – This situation has already played out in Washington exactly the way that Bucs fans want it to for Tampa. Washington has nothing on the roster except RGIII and Morris who they got lucky on in the 6th round. Bucs fans want a mobile QB. The Skins got a mobile QB and he got injured, being mobile, and now he’s a shell of who the Skins drafted. Meanwhile, they haven’t been able to fill other holes because they gave up so much to move up a few spots.

    The top 7 prospects in this draft will all fill a need for us. Whatever falls to us at 7 will be an immediate upgrade. We have a lot of building to do and we need those picks, and more, to turn in to the contender that we need to be. Trading up is nonsense.

  17. nick j Says:

    sign Kyle Orton and Draft Johnny Football, Problem solved

  18. Harry Says:

    @innaql3 Says:
    “Whenever the BUCCANEERS faced decent defenses, the offensive line was often dominated.”

    I agree the Bucs need major improvements on the O-line. However, when you have a QB who holds the ball too long, it does not help. Glennon deserves majority (not all) of the blame for lack of offense. Point in case, PFF ranked the Bucs line #19, not good, but not the worst either.

  19. bucsQcCity Says:

    @Patrick

    I agree.. The roster is full of holes and giving up more draft picks to get 1 unproven player is not the way to go if we want to rebuild a playoff caliber team. Even for defense, looking at 49ers and Carolina Defense, we are not halfway there with our current team so let’s fix the obvious problems (OL, DE, CB, WR, depth in general) and let’s see how it plays out.. I think 2 years is the minimum time before getting major improvement in the W column.

  20. That Guy Says:

    “Someone made the comment yesterday, that if you substitute Glennon for Brady in the Patriots last playoff game, Glennon would do just as well with all that talent around him.”

    But no one in their right mind would substitute Glennon for Brady for an entire season, nor would the Patriots use the strategy they used for that specific playoff game for an entire season. That’s an obviously poor argument.

  21. Harry Says:

    @Patrick in VA Says:
    “Washington has nothing on the roster except RGIII and Morris… The top 7 prospects in this draft will all fill a need for us…. Trading up is nonsense.”

    1) The Bucs’ roster is much better than the Redskins, with 2012 version (pre-injury) of RG3 as the Bucs QB, I would say we would have made the playoffs this past year. At least as a wild card.

    2) Yes, the top 7 prospects fill a need, as they like would for most teams. But some of those “needs”, like DE, can be filled thru FA, like Jared Allen. The QB position, can NOT be reasonably be filled any other way than the draft.

    3) 2014 may be the best opportunity the Bucs have to trade up. In the future, the Bucs will hopefully be drafting much lower due to better success on the field. To trade up at that time would cost so many picks it would be almost impossible.

  22. Rob Says:

    I think you go into the draft with the idea of let’s see who falls to us and then take the best player on the board! If that’s a QB then I’m good with that but don’t force the pick! I would sign Vince Young now to see what he has and the worst thing that happens is you release him before the season and it costs you nothing or the best thing you found a starter / backup!

  23. Meh Says:

    I’m not in favor of a trade up.

    We need at a minimum: QB,DE,OG,OG,CB,TE

    That’s 6 starters we need. We just cannot trade up.

  24. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Harry

    What you aren’t considering is that it is possible that Tedford can develop Glennon into “that guy”….anyone who sits here (including Joe) and states with certainty that Glennon cannot fill that spot should be our GM…because they can see into the future.
    We need a lot of parts….it is contradictory to say that if we stick with Glennon we will pick in the 17-24 slot….if we do that, Glennon would have been successful.

  25. GONOLES Says:

    Glennon had VJack and no one else and you guys call him a bust. Your right he didn’t do well for a rookie or a vet, but, I don’t think Manning could of won with Just one receiver, a busted line, and a 3rd string running back. With the exception of Doug Martin, we have not drafted an offensive player in the first 3 rounds sense we drafted Arilous Benn and our O-line is covered in undrafted FA and band aids. I do believe we need to at least bring in some competition but I also believe there is no where near enough evidence to say Glennon is not the man or that he cant do it until he is given the opportunity to receive good coaching and to play with starting caliber players. Sorry but I am not as high on any of these QBs coming out this year.

  26. adamant Says:

    This team simply can’t afford to give up draft picks to move up. Wait it out, see who is available at 7 and take the best player (or trade down for more picks). If Sammy Watkins is there at 7, take him. If not, take Barr from UCLA (since Clowney will be gone). If, somehow, Manziel drops to us at 7, take him (not likely).

  27. Oil Derrick Brooks Says:

    The offensive line needs re-hauled. You could do Derrick Carr damage to a rookie behind that line.

    Obviously, at least one edge rusher is needed as well.

  28. William Says:

    Have you ever notice how Brady or any QB for that matter disappears when the o-line is always collapsing? Let’s fix the line by first getting a solid o-line coach. Then decide the best route to take linemen wise to fit our scheme.
    It should be interesting to see who comes to the rescue to coach our o-line.

    I still think solidifying the o-line and adding a speedy receiver at the 7th pick will bring the necessary tools for Tedford and Arroyo to bring the most out of our 2014 QB. I won’t be surprised to see Josh McCown in our roster this year.

    The addition of DE Allen from Min. or DE Hardy from Car. and CB Tillman from Chi. will get our defense to the top 5 in 2014 season.

  29. Harry Says:

    @Tampabaybucfan Says:
    “@ Harry- What you aren’t considering is that it is possible that Tedford can develop Glennon into “that guy”….
    We need a lot of parts….it is contradictory to say that if we stick with Glennon we will pick in the 17-24 slot….if we do that, Glennon would have been successful.”

    1) As most anyone will say, the coach is only as good as his player. IMO, Glennon does not have the tools (pocket awareness, accuracy, mobility) to be a franchise QB. Everyone says give him another year. But NO ONE give sound statistical reasons for doing so.

    2) Drafting in the middle of the round, according to Lovie’s definition, means our defense was great (8 wins) and our special teams were great (another 2 wins). 10 wins gets us in the range of picks. So, no, I am not contradicting myself.

  30. Bucnjim Says:

    Looking back at the 2011 draft it seems like the Bucs really screwed up. The talent level of the players drafted in the top five rounds is unbelievable. We really missed out on a couple of excellent players which probably added to the GM being let go. I’m not sure replacing one rookie with another is the best move. There has to be at least one or two veteran QB’s that the Bucs can bring in as competition for Glennon. I really don’t see the next Brees or Manning in this years draft. It’s a crap shot, but it always helps when you have a defense like the 49er’s & Seahawks.

  31. Teddy Says:

    Yes, the Bucs need a franchise QB, but the top guys don’t always come from top picks in the draft. This year’s playoffs are a perfect example. Only one of the six playoff QBs in the NFC were top-15 draft picks.

    Instead, it’s all about finding a guy who fits your system perfectly, or finding a guy with the smarts, savvy and competitiveness around which to build a system. That means coaching, which obviously has been a problem for this team for a while. Is Tedford the guy? We shall see.

  32. OB Says:

    Joe, as you said a good coach can make a good player great, I say let the new troopers look at what we have and I am sure they will make the QB decision and in case anyone forgets, we could trade up with our pick and a proven running back since we now have three of them.

  33. Mr. Patrick Says:

    It’s hard to trade up when you don’t have a 3rd or 6th round pick

  34. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Harry

    “Everyone says give him another year. But NO ONE give sound statistical reasons for doing so.”

    On previous articles I have posted countless rookie stats comparing Glennon to other Francise QBS He meet or exceeds most of them….It included both Mannings, Brees, Brady, RG3, Stafford.
    Many of these QBs had at least a year to sit our…some longer…and had Vets mentoring them…..Aaron Rodgers had three years under Farve.
    I won’t post them again because everytime I do, I get accused of comparing Glennon to Manning….which is absurd because we have the benefit of hindsight on all of them.
    I think we need to see who’s there at 7 and decide whether to trade down (deal depending) or take him.
    Glennon may or may not be the answer….but as the RG3 deal shows…neither is trading up a guarantee.

  35. Harry Says:

    @Patrick in VA Says:
    “Everyone is so deeply entrenched in their stance that nothing anyone says matters.”

    Most intelligent comment of the day… lol

  36. Doc Says:

    Qb,de,cb and tight end all the pieces that commander Greg Schiano gave away. clear the books and start with a clean book. No more he a buc’s man,we need pro football players and depth in ever positions.

  37. Macabee Says:

    I want a sure-thing QB too. Problem is – there is no such thing. Seeing the Rams sitting there at pick #2 reminds me of the price that Shanahan paid for RG 3 Sticks and the unemployment line he’s in now. It’s too early for me to want to make that leap by giving away the draft for another promise that may be an on-time failure. I remember that first Jaws movie and how long it was before I would go into deep water.

    I say sit still and let the draft come to you. We have so many needs and there is so much beef on the hoof in the 1st round, I would be tempted to trade down and pick up another pick (we don’t have a 3rd or a 6th this year). We can’t fix everything at once.

    I say let’s fix something ONCE and for all, like the defense. Then when we have a full draft, let’s spend it on a perceived franchise QB like Jameis Winston in 2015.The top seeds in the NFC playoffs were Seattle, Carolina, and San Francisco. Their total defensive rankings are 1, 2, 5 and their total offensive rankings are 17, 24, and 26 respectively (get the picture). I just saw Seattle throttle New Orleans and Russell Wilson did not look like a franchise QB. I saw the 49ers hold Cam Newton to 10 points and Kap did not win that game. My point: defense still wins games.

    Or let’s fix the offense. We need a good TE and the good ones are slated for the 1st round – Amaro, Ebron and Sefarian-Jenkins. The only TEs in FA that are worth the money are Graham and Pitta – both longshots. We could certainly use a speed receiver like Sammy Watkins. How good will a rookie QB be if there is no O-Line to block for him? You’ve seen this movie! You okay with Penn, Nicks, or Joseph? Our O-line is a far cry from what we thought last year this time. I think that’s where we’re going to see the most turnover this offseason.

    The few draft picks that we have could get a starter DE or an O-Lineman or a skill position – players that will cost a small fortune in FA. Color me scaredy-cat, but not trading up – no way!

  38. BirdDoggers Says:

    After watching this years playoffs, there are a few key similarities between the winning teams. Solid QBs, a good run game and good defensive play. I’m ok with having a defensive minded HC. If Tedford can work magic with Glennon or any other QB, then this team should have a good chance of making a playoff run. With a handful of key additions through the draft and free agency, this team will be built much like the teams still in the hunt. But I agree, the key is strong play at the QB position.

  39. Celly Says:

    Teddy Says:
    January 13th, 2014 at 10:24 am

    “Yes, the Bucs need a franchise QB, but the top guys don’t always come from top picks in the draft.”
    ———————-

    THIS!!!!

    Who’s to say that Murray can’t be a franchise guy? Someone that’s probably going to be overlooked and available on day 3?

    We just heard coach say that a great defense gets you to 8 wins, special teams gets you to 10. THEN you need the offense.

    What makes you think he values taking a QB in the first round vs a defensive player (especially DE) or a guy that can also contribute on special teams?

    If we trade up, it’ll be for Clowney. You saw what happened when Lovie was finally able to incorporate Pep in his defense. (for those that don’t know, Pep was allowed to play either LDE or RDE position at his choosing on any play during the first half. at halftime, he would decide on which side he would play and play there the rest of the game)

    You can put me in the Clownin for Clowney while Mockin for Murry crew.

  40. d-money Says:

    “As Fennelly pointed out, there was no dog quarterback playing this past weekend. No quarterback that required you to somehow mangle the King’s English to qualify some twisted version of “good.” Virtually no question marks.”

    False…what do San Fran, Seattle and Carolina have in common? Very good athletes at QB who are just average at throwing the ball. But they all three have top defenses.

    They are winning not with elite QB’s but with defense and that is exactly what Lovie was talking about in his press conference when he said defense will get you 10 wins.

    And the Elite QB’s in the playoffs? Two of the best of all time won this weekend by pounding the ball on the ground and the 2 that were trying to throw the ball all over the place lost.

    It doesnt matter how much you throw the ball in the regular season and how many records are set in the air. when you get in the playoffs defense and pounding the ball down the other teams throat on the ground wins nearly every time.

  41. Buc Neckid Says:

    Need to take the BPA
    WR, QB, or LB
    Lot’s of holes that the BPA could fill
    7th pick is high enough to get a Quality BPA for any of those NEEDS

  42. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Harry

    You want stats?….compare Glennon’s rookie stats to both Mannings, Brees, Brady & RG3…..

    I posted them under an earlier article and was accused of comparing Glennon to Manning….which is absurd because we have the benefit of hindsight!!!

  43. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Here are the top 7/8 players on the board:
    Bridgewater
    Clowney
    Bortles
    Matthews
    Manziel
    Carr
    Watkins
    Barr
    We will have a shot at a choice of two of them.

  44. Theodore Says:

    QB Josh Freeman is a free agent.

  45. mvermulm Says:

    Harry,

    1) It is not a given that our roster is more talented than the Redskins at this point. We are better in some spots, and worse in some. Probably nearly even.
    2) You’re assuming that Jared Allen wants to come to TB. That’s something far too many fans do with regards to free agency. Just because a guy is a FA, does not mean he’s necessarily coming to your team. Planning that way makes no sense.
    3) Why do the Bucs HAVE to trade up? You have no idea what Tedford and the rest of the staff think of the QB they have, nor of any other QB in the draft or free agency.
    There is no way I would give up this year’s second-round pick (especially with no third) and two future firsts for any QB in this draft. I don’t get why everyone is clamoring for Manziel, Bortles, or Carr to be taken in the top 10 when they were projected to be picked later than that if Mariotta and Hundley had declared. Taking someone higher than they should be picked simply because they moved up due to other players not coming out makes no sense to me. Stick at #7 and draft the BPA that helps the team or trade back and acquire more picks. Either way, taking risks in the draft early rarely pans out for teams… that’s why they’re called risks.

  46. 1sparkybuc Says:

    No QB can win with bad schemes, poor coaching, poor protection, no ground attack, receivers who can’t get separation, much less a rookie thrown in to the starting lineup in October. Too many holes to fill on this roster to consider trading needed picks away to move up in the draft. If anything the Bucs should trade down to get more picks. Glennon scored 19 TDs in a really bad situation in just 13 games. He has a year’s experience and a huge upgrade with the coaching staff. Freeman’s franchise record of 27 TDs is doable with a new scheme and a few personnel upgrades. Couple that with a top 10 Defense, and we have a contender real soon. Brad Johnson was never a “franchise” QB. It’s a team game. It takes a team to win a Lombardi trophy. Just ask Peyton Manning.

  47. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @mvermulm

    A voice of reason!!

    We may actually have a shot at trading down….we have several needs…..WR,TE,DE,CB and I’d like to see us with some younger depth on the O-line.

  48. scotty Says:

    I think it will be Glennon and Rodgers and a trade down or stay put in the draft! but that’s just how i see it.

  49. Jason Says:

    U dont need to trade up and get the two spot there needs besides a QB that the bucs need more, offense weapons slot WR are needed and O line upgrades are needed too, little help for the defense line is also needed so there other positions to look at ride with glennon and see what a real head coach can do with him

  50. Brandon Says:

    Celly Says:
    January 13th, 2014 at 10:49 am
    Teddy Says:
    January 13th, 2014 at 10:24 am

    Who’s to say that Murray can’t be a franchise guy? Someone that’s probably going to be overlooked and available on day 3?

    —————————-

    Plenty of people, below average arm, well below average size, average mobiliy BEFORE tearing his ACL, often throws ball up for grabs when in face of pressure. He was a projected 3rd rounder BEFORE tearing the ACL, now he is projected in the 5-6 range.

    Youtube games from Wyoming’s Brett Smith if you want to find a non-first round gem.

  51. Couch Fan Says:

    I’ll be happy with whatever they do, only thing I hope they do not do is trade up. That would just be stupid when we have few picks to begin with. I’m not even gonna waste any more time arguing with the talent evaluators on the site Lol.

    If Glennon is our starter when the season starts, dont pout like girls.

  52. Jordan Says:

    Rookie NHL and MLB players are never expected to be as good as the veterans. Steven Stamkos was the #1 overall pick for the Bolts and he only scored 46 points along with a -13 rating in his rookie season. David Price was the #1 overall pick and he put up a 4.42 ERA in his rookie season. David Price was just .03 points better than league-average for ERA. Stamkos ranked 129th in points scored.

  53. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Couch

    If Glennon is our starter it will be because the new GM, Lovie, Tedford & Arroyo agree that he has the potential. They may want to spend another year building a team around him and go for the QB in 15 if Glennon doesn’t have the stuff.
    I can see the whining over the decision if he is chosen…The grass is always greener.

  54. Bobby Says:

    Look, I think we should just leave everything the same. The thought of the Bucs starting to win actually frightens me now. I’m used to the taste of salty tears in my beer as I invent curse words to describe the level of inadequacy displaying itself on the field. Virtual clinics of ineptitude from coaching right on down to the players. If that starts to change….what will I do? Can I emotionally handle winning after this long in the desert? Will salt free beer even taste good now??? I may have to pack up my family and move to Cleveland…

  55. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Bobby….

    Move to Cleveland….you can re-start your losing with another losing team.

  56. Please Says:

    Having an OLine, FB & TEs that can block and a dominant Defense = deep playoff runs every year. You make sure those are solid ALWAYS. Then when you win the lottery/crapshoot (i.e. Tom Brady 33rd in the 6th round) you have a dynasty. And don’t say Belicheck was a draft genius; remember Brady got his shot because of Bledsoe’s injury.

  57. Daffy Buc Says:

    Did you notice the plays Mike Shula was calling for the Panthers? He’s learned a lot since his days with the Bucs. He must have been comatose in the booth at Ray Jay.

    Think about the plays DeSean Jackson made at Cal and also Marshawn Lynch? I believe the offense will be creative and unpredictable. No more calling run up the middle 30 times a game.

  58. Bruno Says:

    While I’m not on the Glennon bandwagon, I find it hard to completely judge a rookie based a partial season surrounded by distractions, terrible O-line play, 1 go-to receiver, a 4th string running back, 1 quasi-TE, and bad play calling.

    If Glennon was in his 2nd or 3rd year playing like this – yes it would be bad. But there was a time when rookie QBs came in and were expected to struggle a bit…which he did no doubt.

    Do I think Glennon is the second coming of Tom Brady – no. Do I think he could become a QB who could manage a game with proper coaching and supporting cast – maybe. The thing is, i get a bad taste in my mouth pigeon holing this kid as terrible so soon (see first paragraph). I mean, how do you come in and truly succeed when your team is a cluster !$#@ and your play calling is terrible.

    I think fan pressure will force the Bucs to draft a QB in the 1st round – which is the right move…at least from a business standpoint. There aren’t many Glennon jerseys around. But I do feel like Glennon got a raw deal at the end of the day. Wrong team, wrong time, wrong coach…

  59. Left_Coast_Bucs_Fan Says:

    Want to really know whether Glennon will be the starter next year? And if not, want to know which QB the Bucs will pursue in the draft? It’s simple, take a look at Tedford’s past because either he liked a certain type of QB to play within his system or he knew how to adjust his systems to the QB talent he had to work with. I think it’s the former, rather than the latter.

    Here’s a link to an interesting article about Tedford by Len Pasquarelli of leading up to the 2005 NFL draft which included Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith (sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/story?id=2039797). It implies Tedford teaches QBs specific mechanics and then plugs them in to his system rather than changing the system to meet the QB. His system requires quick reads eliminating whole sections of the field by the read ultimately leading to the logical passing target. Sure sounds a lot like Rodgers of today. Funny how the so-called expert author of the article believed Rodgers would ultimately struggle in the NFL because of the ‘Tedford Factor’.

    Regardless, it looks like the Bucs QB of the future will have to fit Tedford’s mold for QB mechanics and have the smarts to be able to perform a quick-read, diagnose what part of the field is to be targeted, and then check to it at the line. If Tedford things Glennon can do that, then he’s the QB going forward. If he decides not, look for them to trade up to get the one he thinks can. The bonus would be if he sees “the guy” in McCarron, Murray, or one of the QBs that would be available in the 2nd round, then maybe Watkins might be the pick in the 1st.

  60. BigMacAttack Says:

    Jameis Winston is not smart enough to be a great NFL QB, much like Cam Newton. He may be decent but playing QB in the NFL requires superior intellect, uncanny instinct and processing massive amounts of information in nano-seconds. Jameis Winston should follow in the steps of Desmond Jennings and pursue a career in Baseball as an outfielder that could last for 15 years or more. He won’t last to a second contract in the NFL because he doesn’t have the tools in his head. Think Baseball and Rays Jameis, that is your best option.

  61. Eric Says:

    I’m thinking when our QB guru Evaluates Mr. Glennon he will conclude we need a big upgrade.

    Sure a high Pick at QB is no sure thing, but what position is? Draftees flame out/bust at every position.

    So do you throw up your hands and not draft a QB high because they could be a bust? Nonsense.

  62. mvermulm Says:

    BigMac, Winston may not be the most mature kid yet (how could he be since he just turned 20 the day he won the NC?), but he has always been considered an elite football I.Q. player. Not to mention, he and his family have always put his grades first (according to every article I’ve ever read about him for the last two+ years anyway. Besides, he’s got at least one more year to continue to prove himself. Let’s have this conversation a year from now, being that it’s completely moot at this point anyway.

  63. Oil Derrick Brooks Says:

    “Jameis Winston is not smart enough to be a great NFL QB, much like Cam Newton”

    And you are judging his intelligence how exactly?

    He’s actually extremely bright. Dilfer may not have been the greatest QB on the field, but, I will take his opinion of Winston’s intelligence over a message board critique

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqXEpHMDVi8

  64. Kevin Says:

    It seems foolish to automatically discount Glennon as our possible starter next year based on the fact that Schiano brought him here. He did pretty good considering him being a rookie with absolutely no weapons that could get open and/or hang onto the ball. With that being said, I think it would also be a bad decision to not grab a rookie QB and a veteran and have a QB competition this year. Best man wins. I would like to see Glennon have a chance though. Bring Josh McCown, he was not playing like a backup when Cutler went down. Who knows what will happen

  65. Bucfan#37 Says:

    It is a Glennon mob of doubters. You may be right that the QB just does’nt have what it takes to carry an NFL team to the playoffs. Based on his play and his experience just witnessed, I say he does have what it takes. Tedford came to improve Glennon. This QB is a sure thing to start this coming season.

  66. Bobby Says:

    @Tampabaybucfan…….

    For the past ten years I’ve carried out my TV to the trash with some object I hurled at it embedded in the screen and every year I’ve upgraded. I’m just wondering if I want to miss out on the 75″ LED 3D with surround sound I’ll get if the Bucs start out 0-6 next year. These are questions I’ll have to settle in my heart when pre-season comes……..

  67. PRBucFan Says:

    IMO Bridgewater is a very special QB

    BRIDGEWATER OR BUST!!! 😀

    I just think we would have to trade WAY MORE next year to try and get Mariota or Winston.

    And I don’t think any team would be stupid enough to trade their pick if they have a lock on Winston.

  68. Trox Says:

    Spot on Joe.

    When Lovie self-evaluates his tenure in Chicago, I’m sure he realizes the importance of an above average QB. Also, Lovie also knows this is probably his last head coaching job in the NFL (only Norv Turner and Wade Phillips got the HC jobs).

    I’m pretty confident Lovie will be “all in” to get a QB in the first round this year. Barring devastating injuries, even if Glennon is the starter next year, I would be surprised if they would pick as high at the end of next season.

    The time is definitely in May for Lovie/Tedford to get their guy in the draft.

  69. Arealbucsfan Says:

    A say we take Kony Ealy with our pick or maybe even trade down qnd get him

  70. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Fennelly is an idiot. He can’t even do research right.

    I know people want Bridgewater, but there is ZERO chance of that happening, so you are just setting yourself up to be let down.

    My drafting preference in the first round would be in this order:

    Clowney
    Bortles
    Manziel

    I think Bortles will be a better QB than Manziel.

    And I want to throw a suggestion out of left field. Can we agree that no young QB will ever succeed with the NY Jets?

    The organization is a joke.

    So here it is…sign Mark Sanchez as soon as the Jets release him, which they will. Assign him #2 duties and have he and Glennon fight things out. Meanwhile, draft one of those three guys and develop them for one year.

    If Glennon or Sanchez ends up great, so be it. We have good trade bait.

  71. NY Buc Says:

    Roll with Glennon and pick up a FA vet to compete. Use #7 for Watkins (if available) or Clowney (if by some miracle he falls that far), or as mentioned trade down and stock up on picks IF we get a GM with a proven record of drafting well (Lovie’s past draft record has been rather meh if you look at it, some good picks mixed in with some busts)

    so sayeth this non-card carrying member of the mystical Glennon Mob spoken of often in myth, legend, and old wives tales

  72. Buc1987 Says:

    Winston in 2015!

  73. Buc1987 Says:

    Bonzai is that the same Mark “Butt Fumble” Sanchez that your talking about? If so no thanks.

  74. Harry Says:

    @Buc1987

    Just how do you think we can draft Winston in 2015 if he is, as expected, the #1 pick??

    I am expecting us to have at least 7-8 wins with Lovie as our coach (more would be cool). So lets say that many wins puts the Bucs in the 11th to 17th slot in the 1st round. Washington had to trade THREE 1st rd picks and one 2nd to move from the 6th slot to the 2nd in 2011 to draft RG3. Do you realize what you would have to give up to move from say the 11th slot to the 1st??

  75. Thomas Says:

    They wont trade to move up. Theyre going to stand pat and take whats there. Dont be surprised to see someone interesting drop into their laps.

    Look for them to draft a Qb relatively early on, but not with the first pick unless Johnny Football is there. If he isnt they will take either a bit Offensive lineman or fast reciever or the best Lb in the draft.

  76. Trubucfan22 Says:

    Glennon is the worst starting QB in the league. No he doesn’t throw a ton of picks but that doesnt mean he’s any good. He’s terrible under pressure. He can’t throw a guy open. He throws check down after check down for 3 yards a pop. He can’t convert a third down to save his life. There isn’t a worse 4th quarter QB in the league. The bucs would be better off with Tim Tebow running around than mike Glennon attempting to play QB. I would take any QB over Glennon. Any QB at all. Call up Jamarcus Russell, he can’t be worse than Glennon. This kid sucks. Sorry mike, but just like me, you don’t have what it takes to be an nfl QB.

  77. mvermulm Says:

    Trubuc, you’re out of your mind if you think Tebow or Russell would be better. There’s a reason they aren’t in the NFL. As for Glennon, if you go back and look at film of him at NCSt vs this season, they are two completely different QBs. It seemed to me that the coaching staff drilled into his head to not turn the ball over no matter what, and that caused him to play much more conservatively (which isn’t always a bad thing, but can be at times). He was thrown into a terrible situation, with no help on offense outside of VJ, and with horrible coaching and schemes that didn’t help him at all. I can’t say he’s a bad QB based off of what I saw last season because I don’t know how he would be with better coaching and schemes suited to help the offense (rather than running all deep routes when the o-line can’t protect long enough and the WRs aren’t fast enough to get open anyway; and then running 3-yd routes on third-and-6). I’m all for bringing in competition and letting Tedford and Arroyo work with both QBs and see who wins out. If Glennon looks bad after that, then I’ll deem him a bad QB. Until then, I think everyone should ease up a bit on the guy who had the best season for a rookie QB this year.