Body Language Hurting Bryant

February 22nd, 2010

A couple of weeks ago, JoeBucsFan.com analyst and ex-Bucs quarterback Jeff Carlson wrote that he would part ways with Antonio Bryant, citing Bryant’s negative on-field body language as a major red flag.

Today, it was former Bucs offensive lineman Ian Beckles, now a host on WDAE-AM 620, who likened Bryant’s on-field behavior to negativity showed by Keyshawn Johnson during his time with the Bucs.  

“I saw his body language as someone who was bitching and moaning in the huddle,” Beckles said of Bryant and Johnson. Although Beckles went on to acknowledge that the Bucs absolutely have to have a receiver of Bryant’s caliber — or better — on the team in 2010, even if that guy is Bryant.

Joe feels the same way. If Bryant is not re-signed, then the Bucs absolutely must have a veteran No. 1 wide receiver to replace him.

When Joe chatted with Bryant before the Super Bowl, Bryant said the Bucs told his agent they would talk contract with him this week.  Joe hopes the Bucs will make a strong offer.

Joe prefers the negative body language of a big-time talent over a happy camper who can’t make a play.

15 Responses to “Body Language Hurting Bryant”

  1. zech Says:

    I would try and make a play for boldin or marshall cuz I don’t think bryant will be a 1000 yard and 20td a year kinda reciever cuz he will be doubled teamed everytime we need a deep threat or a 2nd reciever to take a double teams off bryant cuz I don’t see that in clayton of course I hope they give clayton the boot!!

  2. Eric Says:

    Wasnt Bryant having major issues with his knee? I seem to remember an article where it was stated there was bone rubbing on bone, and it could not be repaired, and AB couldnt play with the pain. If that was the case, any reason to think he would be able to play a full season on it next year?

  3. zech Says:

    That y I said they need to go after marshall or boldin and draft benn from illinois or the guy from georgia tech or jordan shipley because clayton and stovall or clark can’t be our number two or our qb will be introuble

  4. sgw94 Says:

    You know who has had great body language on the field the last few years?

    Michael Clayton.

    How is that working out for us?

    Sorry, but I want my WR to be selfish. All of the great ones were and are. As long as he doesn’t throw the head coach or the quarterback completely under the bus I could care less.

    I know folks have short memories but even Larry Fitzgerald complained about not getting the ball at the beginning of this season and folks act like he is the gold standard of non diva WRs.

  5. Louie Says:

    Great point, Steve! How the hell has Clayton gotten away with it for so long? Bolden or Marshall are the same way, so why get rid of AB? I know he had a knee issue this year, but he played well once it was fully healed and only missed a couple games. I haven’t heard anything about the knee being a career threating type of thing, so I don’t see the problem.

  6. Eric Says:

    I agree totally, if he is healthy, sign the man.

  7. Troxell8t8 Says:

    I agree with the sentiment above. There is no one in free agency who will be better. The Bucs can trade for a WR and give up a premium draft choice. Get another option in the draft to help out Bryant and watch him get open.

    The guy has to be resigned and let him work with Freeman throughout the entire spring and summer.

  8. bucfanjeff Says:

    They all complain. Give me the talented WR who wants the ball as long as they are not a cancer to the team. The most talented WR in FA is going to be AB. I’ve said this a hundred times on many sites, but I can’t for the life of me understand why we would let him walk. Contracts can be written different ways to protect and pay both team and player. If AB truly wants to be here, and only he really knows, THERE IS NO REASON WE CAN’T FIND A WAY TO SIGN HIM.

    Mark is going to make a mistake with this one if he let’s him walk.

  9. wayne Says:

    Steve, agree with ya on the guy that wants the ball! But I wouldn’t mind him throwing Morris under the bus.

  10. Mike J Says:

    Personally,I don’t mind diva or even obnoxious WRs as long as they produce on the field.
    As to Bryant–a whole lot of teams need WRs right now.A.B. will be available without paying anything in trade. Wideouts are a dear commodity, you might say. Bryant will get some pretty big- money offers based on his 2008 campaign, providing he passes the physicals. I doubt the Bucs will outbid many teams; I think they already have a ceiling on what they will offer the guy. I think Antonio is as good as gone.
    Just my two cents.

  11. zech Says:

    So if the bucs sign AB then who do u want to be the 2nd reciever because clayton isn’t cutting it I mean do we draft benn or shipley or this guy out of Georgia Tech to be the 2nd reciever?

  12. Radio Mushmouth Says:

    Give him a long-term deal , and a healthy knee , and I think you’ll see his body language instantly improve.

    If we lose Bryant , and the two defensive tackles get taken, I think you have to seriously consider drafting Dez Bryant.

  13. SorrySarasotaBuc Says:

    Who cares what Jeff Carlson has to say. I don’t know what he did in college but I know he was a complete zero in the pro. Being pretty doesn’t make you a QB in the NFL. As for Bryant, he may have had an attitude, but he was still the best WR we had last year and was injured most of the season. How much of it was real or fake I have no idea. Quit using Carlson, who is a complete zero, as a reputable source for any player source.

  14. Eric Says:

    Personally, I don’t care if Bryant is the biggest prick in Hillsborough County, he scores touchdowns and makes plays, and the Bucs have very few others that do…………………

  15. adam Says:

    zech:

    lol i didnt know there were 20 td a year receivers…..its more like you want them to have 10 tds

    adam from ny