Raheem Morris’ Words Backfire
December 21st, 2010
As we approach the second decade of the 21st century, many in the sports world use cliches, often empty. They sound good but mean nothing.
Derrick Brooks’ famous “it is what it is” springs to mind. What is “it?”
Then there is another of Joe’s favorites, “We did what we had to do.” OK, what did you do?
Of late, there’s another empty phrase coined by Ray Lewis. “Imposing your will.” And what will would that be, the will to allow your friends to gun down innocent citizens outside an Atlanta nightclub?
Or would that be the will to stand in front of a judge and cop a plea?
(For the record, Joe likes Ray Lewis.)
It’s also a phrase Bucs coach Raheem Morris uses from time to time and it may have killed the Bucs playoff hopes.
Seems Raheem used this phrase at some point last week about playing the rebuilding since 1957 Detroit Lions. Instead, it was the rebuilding since 1957 Detroit Lions who imposed their will on Raheem Sunday, so reports Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.
“It will all depend on what they do and what I want to do and how I want to force my will on our opponent that day,” Morris said in the story. “The thing is, you always have a rotation in the interior line anyway, but now you particularly have to have a rotation inside because you’ve lost your franchise guy there in McCoy.”
Raiola was upset at the suggestion that Morris and the Bucs could “impose their will” on the Lions.
“Impose their will? Is that what happened?” Raiola said loudly as reporters entered the locker room.
How about imposing some will inside the opponent’s five? You know, the will to gain a first down if not a touchdown? That would be a nice will to start out with.
December 21st, 2010 at 8:28 am
Looks like Raiola’s big mouth cost his brother his job. Dominic Raiola was released yesterday by the Bucs, to promote a practice squad tight end. May be a coincidence, but if not, good for Rah for not taking anyones crap.
December 21st, 2010 at 8:58 am
I doubt this ‘bulletin board’ stuff counts for much. The Bucs, with the game on the line, couldn’t cover C.J. and couldn’t stop the run up the middle. The coverage maybe you can blame on injuries, they have lost some good DBs this year. The runs up the middle; I remember complaining abut that in Chuckie’s last two years. If you are going to allow people to walk ten yards through the heart of your defense before you contact them then you’re not going to win consistently.
It used to be if the Bucs had the lead late you knew the ‘D would win the game. Now you hope they take the lead as the clock runs out so the other team doesn’t have time to touch the ball again.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:01 am
@Jake. Yeah, Rah imposed his will on his Brother yesterday kicking him to the curb. LOL
December 21st, 2010 at 9:22 am
It’s coach speak and had no bearing in the game. As banged up as we are, and yes it does make a difference, all we needed was a little pass rush or a little better execution of gap integrity and we win that game. Raiola shouldn’t be beating his chest too much.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:53 am
Now if the players are talking trash..that’s different. But “impose our will”, Raheem says that twice every time he’s in front of the mic.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:07 am
WHo cares what the Lions need to get up for a game, they won, get over it and enjoy your miserable city. Go away Lions! Nobody cares.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:08 am
pukey sporst cliches are terrific…in the comical sense. Some of my favorites are “he wanted it more” or “you could see the fire in his eyes” and my all time favorite “got the monkey of their backs”.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:21 am
If you want to crown their asses, go ahead! THEY R WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!
December 21st, 2010 at 10:27 am
What about, “He’s got all the intangibles you like in a guy”… That one is a classic draft description of a guy when they have no other info on the guy.
Speaking of the draft, what pick are we gonna get this year? It’s time to impose our will on free agency and the upcoming draft, you know, since the off-season is already upon us.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:30 am
Lots of press play for the Raiola guy. I wonder if that is the reason the Bucs cut his younger brother Donovan Raiola from the Bucs roster last night. Bye bye little brother Donovan. Good luck in Washington where the rest of the Bucs cast offs end up.
I thought is was a typical Raheem throw away statement when I first heard and it still is. Again, if the Lions need locker room material to win a game, then they are who they think they are.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:30 am
“It’s also a phrase Bucs coach Raheem Morris uses from time to time and it may have killed the Bucs playoff hopes.”
Dumbest thing you’ve written, Joe.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:35 am
Joe,
Check out the below link. Yes, we have to win out the season, and yes the ‘Aints have to lose against Atlanta and Tampa, but we do have a shot at the playoffs. Regardless of Raheem’s comments to stir the ire of the vaunted Detroit Lions.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine
December 21st, 2010 at 10:43 am
Why does everyone assume that the Bucs will win Sunday?
LMAO.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:56 am
Raheem also coined other catch phrases about his team this year. Our”violent, runstuffing defense”, “Wea are the best team in the NFC”, and his “race to 10”. Raheem is a coach in his own mind. We need a Real Coach to come in here and coach these talented kids and let Raheem go back to whatever it was he was doing prior to his “Appointment” by the Glazers.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:08 am
Joke,
I completely agree.
For the Lions to say that they were able to just turn it on after hearing a statement from the coach of the opposing team is ridiculous.
I can hear the conversation in the locker room before the game.
“Ok guys we’ve sucked the entire year and we’re 3-10 but this coach Morris guy really hurt my feelings so I think we should actually try and win this one. ”
Its funny how a couple of wins can turn players in to cocky douche bags.
Raiola can say all he wants but it the Refs hadn’t imposed their will on Kellen Winslow no one would even be talking to his sorry ass.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Fair point.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:23 am
“Why does everyone assume that the Bucs will win Sunday?”
I actually agree with Buc You today.
But probably not for the same reasons. I just think all the injuries have finally caught up to the Bucs.
Corey Lynch, EJ Biggers, Myron Lewis, Dakota Watson, Alex McGee, Al Woods, Tyrone Mckenzie etc….all may be fine players some day but right now they are not scaring anyone.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:34 am
Raiola is a loud-mouthed loser. Have fun spending your career in Detroit.
December 21st, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Don’t be so hard on the man. Just because they blew a golden opportunity at the playoffs by losing to the Detroit lions.
After all, the Lions are a good road team.
Were still in the core beliefs development period. Saying something stupid that fires up the other team is inconsequencial.
December 21st, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Fact is the team went to the the stadium played their best football that day with the people who could play, we had our moments we didn’t get it done the Lions did get it done they won we lost.
This Sunday we do it again with a better outcome this week we win. 24 – 16