Goodbye, Rudy Carpenter
September 1st, 2011
Look, Joe likes Rudy Carpenter as much as the next guy. The Bucs’ third-string quarterback seems like a fine young man. Joe was the first to give Carpenter a serious interview when he arrived in Tampa in 2009, after Byron Leftwich’s mysterious injury.
But Joe would be stunned if Carpenter is on the Bucs’ final roster.
The Bucs really have no need for a traditional No. 3 quarterback, especially with the new league rule that doesn’t require teams to name an emergency third quarterback and gives them an extra active-player spot on gameday to use as they wish, verus dedicating that spot to a third QB.
Yeah, Joe’s heard the argument that Josh Johnson is going to embrace free agency and a chance to start somewhere else after the season, so allgedly the Bucs need Carpenter for next year because he knows the system. Well, Joe’s not buying that there’s much, if any, starter’s market for Johnson, and Joe suspects the Bucs will pay him to stay.
Former college quarterback Micheal Spurlock has been an emergency QB for the Bucs since last offseason, and he’s been getting more work there through training camp. Spurlock talked to Joe about it a few weeks ago.
JoeBucsFan.com: Raheem has spoken a couple of times recently about you being the emergency quarterback and the team having more flexibility with the rule change that allows a third quarterback or an extra man to be activated. Talk about how much you know to play QB in this system and your readiness in that area.
Micheal Spurlock: I think the biggest thing for me, I’ve played the position already, so just certain little calls and stuff I know because as a Zebra, the third receiver in the slot, you have to make sure things to pick up on defenses. So for me it’ll be more time spent in the run game and learning if I have to get under center and call the snap count and things of that sort. As far as the coverages and what we like to run against what, it’s not a big thing because for me. Playing receiver I try to prepare and think like a quarterback because it makes my job a lot easier when I’m on the run trying to figure out coverage or where the quarterback is going to check this play, or if it should have been checked. I don’t think it’s going to be that hard. It’s just put on me to really focus on the run game.
Joe: Are you already working more on QB duties because of the rule change?
Spurlock: I think so. I’ve always considered myself a student of the game. When I played quarterback you had to know everything and then it just helped out at receiver and I had to shut off certain sensors because I wanted to hit a whole play rather than just what I was supposed to do on a route. That’s when you really grow into the game and become a student of the game — when you think like a quarterback. As for as just taking snaps for me is the only difference. I don’t think the playbook is that hard.
With all the injuries and healing players the Bucs have, they certainly should want that extra gameday roster spot to go to a versatile player, versus Carpenter. Spurlock should be prepared well enough to finish a game in a pinch.
And if the Bucs are down to their third QB to make a start, then the season is likely lost anyway. Joe’s just not seeing the value in keeping Carpenter, who is expected to start tonight in Washington.
For those who don’t know Carpenter, here’s a fresh video from his hometown California publication that tracks his movements.
September 1st, 2011 at 8:32 am
Watch him be another Steve Young, lol.
I actually think he should go anyway at this point…but I don’t think we should go with only 2 QBs. Spurlock won’t be a good QB.
Of course, Carpenter could change my mind on this next game.
September 1st, 2011 at 8:35 am
I think Morris and Dominic are not making the right decision in not playing their starters. I think the O line and Freeman need extra reps. The rookies that are starting definetly need a lot more reps. With no OTA’s and a softer training camp I think Rah and Dominic are making a huge mistake. I don’t buy the philosophy that if you play your starters they might get hurt. Isn’t that that case with every preseason game? I’d be interested if all the other clubs are resting their starters as well. There’s is a long layoff from the end of the 3rd game to the start of the 1st regular season game. And starting Carpenter over Johnson is more of a head scratcher.
September 1st, 2011 at 8:40 am
I think Rudy makes the 53 man roster, but is inactive for games unless he’s needed…
September 1st, 2011 at 8:41 am
Since the new rule was in place when camp started, why did the Bucs bring in Coughlin and later Crompton? I’m searching for the logic if Carpenter is going to be released. Oh, and god help us if we’re ever in a position where we have to pull the Spurlock trigger!
September 1st, 2011 at 8:42 am
Risky
September 1st, 2011 at 8:49 am
@Brad It isn’t so much about the starters getting injured as it is about the starters getting much needed rest before an arduous 16 game season.
They didn’t play football for months and training camp/preseason is just as much about getting the body back in a football mode as it is about practicing for the regular season.
The rest they are getting this week is exactly what they need to recuperate from training camp.
September 1st, 2011 at 8:54 am
@Macabee extra QBs are needed to complete wide receiver, OL and DL drills. While Josh Freeman and Johnson could be working on footing and reading drills, all our receivers still need someone to throw the ball while they are running routes. The more QBs you have the more drills can be run which means less guys just standing around waiting which all equates to more productivity.
September 1st, 2011 at 9:03 am
Most likely because of the expanded training camp and preseason rosters. They had to bring in more bodies.
But I don’t think the Bucs will go with just 2 QBs…not the way our Offensive Line is protecting the starter. Heck, if we were not so heavy on DT, I would say we might want to keep 4 QBs…they might stash one on the Practice Squad though.
I just realized something a couple minutes ago…
This is a stat that snuck up on me. Last year, the Bucs had only 26 sacks for the year.
This year, we have 13 sacks over 3 preseason games…exactly half of the number from the regular season last year.
VERY ENCOURAGING!
On the Defensive Line…
We are very heavy on DTs…so I suspect we’re going to see some DTs rotated in at DE throughout the year.
@Joe:
Any chance after the final cuts of you doing a position-by-position breakdown of the players and what you think each will contribute this year? It would be a long article, so you might have to do offense and defense in seperate parts, but I would love to see articles like that. Maybe get a couple other guys to weigh in on the players (like Justin, Big Dog or such).
September 1st, 2011 at 9:11 am
Joe here,
@Pete — Nahh, no chance of Joe doing a position-by-position breakdown. Joe doesn’t want to put anyone to sleep.
September 1st, 2011 at 9:24 am
Wouldn’t surprise me if they are trying to trade Josh.
September 1st, 2011 at 9:32 am
dew, there is zero chance of that happening. you really think they would feel comfortable going into the regular season with rudy as our backup? think about it, man.
September 1st, 2011 at 10:18 am
Mauha/Pete, Makes sense now that I think about it.
September 1st, 2011 at 10:20 am
Ill bet Carpenter makes the team. One could argue he has played better than Josh Johnson and has been more poised.
I bet he stays.
On another note … Here are my bubble players to watch
CB DJ Johnson
CB Elbert Mack
TEs Daniel Hardy and Purvis
DE Kyle Moore
DE George Johnson
DE Alex Magee
FS Ahmad Black if he plays
RB Kregg Lumpkin – Why is he guaranteed a spot ??
RB Allen Bradford
QB Rudy Carpenter
RT James Lee – Yeah he might be on the bubble
I actually like this game 4 of preseason. Really can see your depth.
September 1st, 2011 at 10:34 am
Here’s a random thought…and one that makes a little sense. Jonathan Crompton got a 3 year deal…could he take Carpenters spot?
September 1st, 2011 at 11:58 am
I really think this is all smoke to put pressure on whoever may be interested in trading for JJ. Pretending they’re only gonna keep 2 QB’s and not develop anyone behind Freeman sends a signal that maybe JJ will re-sign with the Bucs at some point this season. I’m not buying it because I think it’s misdirection and shows a false bravado on the part of the Bucs.
Unless they are secretly having talks with JJ’s agent about an extension I think you can write off all this talk about only keeping 2 guys on the 53-man roster. If JJ isn’t traded or re-signed before the season you can look for there to be 3 QB’s on the 53-man roster. That’s where my money is.
September 1st, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I also feel its a terrible idea not to let the starters play some this game, especially on offense. So far this preseason Freeman has looked awful and out of sorts. An article I read during the lockout said that players like Freeman would struggle becasue they need the OTA’s still. I say forget worrying about rest or injury. Build some momentum becasue an 0-3 start kills the season.
September 1st, 2011 at 5:53 pm
JJ @ #2 is scarier than RC @ #3..
I want to see JJ stand in the pocket tonight…..and stand….
if JF goes out this season and JJ can not “can film” standing tall and long then delivering the play….come regular season he’ll go out like Simms did against the Panthers a few years of woe ago…