Stylez Reacts To “Biggest Disappointment” Label
August 17th, 2010
Maybe the Bucs are trying to light a fire under defensive end Stylez White, or maybe they really are down on him since training camp started 2 1/2 weeks ago.
Joe’s not sure.
Failing to quote a source on the record at One Buc Palace, Pat “Vacation Man” Yasinskas, NFC South writer for ESPN.com, labeled White the biggest disappointment thus far for the Bucs in 2010. Vacation Man wrote this in a comprehensive preview of the state of the Buccaneers today.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Stylez G. White, defensive end. The Bucs know White never has been a very good practice player. But they thought he might come in with some inspiration this camp because he has a chance to be the top pass-rusher on team that doesn’t have any proven star in that area. That hasn’t happened. White’s been very ordinary in practice and doesn’t seem interested in being a leader for a young defensive line. Is that enough to cost him a starting job? Probably not because the Bucs really don’t have much behind him. They’re hoping White steps things up when the regular season arrives, but they’re a little worried that might not happen.
Now Joe’s not sure what the heck the Bucs wanted White to accomplish over the past 18 days, but it’s reasonable to think they expected him to fill a commanding leadership role as the old-man veteran (just turned 31) among a very young defensive line.
Beyond that, this is a very harsh label for White, who played well last year, leads the team in sacks over the last three years, and came into camp following a ramped up offseason fitness regimen.
Entering his fourth season with the Bucs, the team knew White wasn’t a practice warrior. White himself, during a May interview on Buccaneers.com said, “I feel like Allen Iverson,” referring to the famous practice quote from the former superstar point guard who didn’t give his all in practice but gave extraordinary effort on gameday.
Today, Joe asked Stylez if he wanted to respond to ESPN claiming he’s been a training camp disappointment. Stylez offered up his take.
“Well, what they say must be true [that I’m viewed as a disappointment]. The got their info. from somewhere or someone. I can’t [attest] to being an awesome practice player,” White said. “Clearly the Bucs have their standard of practice, and I have mine. I believe preparation (which the coaches do a great job of) will help me way further than the just my athletic ability. Pretty much the knowledge of the game or what position they put me in.
“From the looks of it we are going to have star quality players in our starters [and] draft picks low and high. Being a leader is something that is earned and people respect. I can’t lie, I am not gung ho about being a leader because I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I have my down days, and I bitch and complain like the rest. I know the difference when it’s time to practice and when the lights go on on Sundays.
“I thank GOD that i am in this position to play on Sundays. I never would downplay practice, but like i stated before, the Bucs have their standards. I personally feel you prep for games during the week and win games on Sundays.”
Normally, Joe might start writing about how the Bucs are trying to light a fire under White via this kind of under-the-table critique. But considering it comes from Vacation Man, known for his recent cluelessness and bizarre behavior, Joe’s not sure what to believe.
Though Joe would bet on Stylez having an excellent 2010 season.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I think the causual fan knows more about the Bucs than Pat.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Eitehr way, I believe White is on his way out the door, if not this season then next. He’s been average in his prime, and he is now passing that prime.
The time to get young blood in is now, while the rest of the team is learning on the run. He might even do better this year, especially if our DTs are being double teamed or focused on. But in the end, he’s 30 years old…and right now, he might even have trade value of some sort.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Joe here,
Pete Dutcher – Stylez is entering the season as a starter for the first time. He’s been durable and production, and he doesn’t have a lot of mileage under him. He’s also in a contract year, and Joe expects him to be a 10-sack guy. …He’s hardly on his way out the door, nor should he be.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
lol yeah right
August 17th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Hey Joe. In that same article Vacation Man talks about the bad play of Ward. The same player he said played well in his earlier report. He’s losing my confidence that he has a clue. And since I gave my daughter my tickets for Saturday night, when will we find out if the game is blacked out. And lastly, Go Brett. 🙂
August 17th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Joe, as is the norm, you are spot on about Stylez. I think he will have a great season! To bad about him not accepting a leadership role, but not everyone is a leader. I’m starting to believe in some of our other DEs also. But the Bucs will still sign another DE once teams cut down.
August 17th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Styles is the least of our problems. He will play just fine on Sunday. Now, those DT’s I am not as impressed.
I like how Rah credits McCoy for Bennet’s sack when McCoy wasnt even in the game.
August 17th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I know. And if it wasn’t for Steve we wouldn’t have even known that. Great reporting the rest of Tampa Bay.
August 17th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
… a very harsh label for White, who played well last year, leads the team in sacks over the last three years …
Not really saying much, don’t you think?
Pat Riley said “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect”.
Pat is not Phil Jackson, but he’s the next best thing. His course “Coaching for Success” is very very good. Raheem should take a look see.
August 17th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Saturday nights game is blacked out in Tampa. Damn.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Stylez is a very good player. He had 6 sacks last year, which I think is pretty good considering who he had helping him on the interior (Sims, Hovan). He’ll be much better this year. Look for him to have 9 or 10 sacks.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
everybody here remembers simeon rice im sure. that was what a great d-end looked like. i’m sorry, but stylez isnt even in the nieghborhood. he’s done well for where he came from, but he’ll never be great.
August 18th, 2010 at 3:20 am
“But considering it comes from Vacation Man, known for his recent cluelessness and bizarre behavior, Joe’s not sure what to believe.”
LOL!!!!!!
August 18th, 2010 at 5:44 am
Vacation man is clueless. Buuuut, if you were “Stylez”, wouldn’t you practice hard??? I mean, this guy barely got into the NFL. He was Cut by a couple teams, played in the arena football league, etc. Wouldn’t you think he would work his ASS off to stay here, instead of giving lame excuses for lame effort?? Just seems idiotic to me, to say you won’t work hard for your dreams!! Guess we will be drafting new DEs next year, then “Stylez” can try giving a half ass effort at the car wash! Good luck with that, buddy!
August 18th, 2010 at 7:36 am
exactly, capt tim.
August 18th, 2010 at 9:12 am
CT, I agree.