“Manziel Scares Me”

March 25th, 2014

johnny football 0114bThe chronic condition known as Johnny Football fear seems to be contagious in NFL circles.

NFL.com reporter/feature writer Albert Breer dove deep into the risks of overvaluing a quarterback in the NFL Draft in his most recent work, and it’s noteworthy that two of his sources give identical takes on the young man who could revolutionize Buccaneer football.

Joe recommends the entire story linked above, but in the excerpt below, you’ll catch the full effect of the Johnny fear.

The hit rate on first-round quarterbacks has never been near perfect, but as the importance of the position has ascended, the bottom has dropped out on the percentages. Nine quarterbacks were drafted in the first round from 2009 to 2011. Four of them (Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Tim Tebow and Gabbert) have been jettisoned by their drafting teams, and two of those guys are among the four (Sanchez, Tebow, Newton, Matthew Stafford) who have started playoff games among the group.

The risk of failure is high in any year. And there are more questions this year than most.

“Just average,” is how one NFC personnel exec described this QB class. “The kid from Central Florida (Blake Bortles) has a chance to be really good. (Johnny) Manziel scares me — he’s 50-50. (Teddy) Bridgewater reminds me a little of Byron Leftwich, in that he’s a little soft. (Derek) Carr’s just good. You take one of them in the third round, you’re happy with that. The problem is, if you really want one of these guys, you almost have to take them in the first.”

Several high-level evaluators said four players appear to stand out in this year’s class: South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack, Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson and Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins.

The NFC personnel exec opined that Bortles, if given a pure grade based on his potential, would probably fall in a cluster of eight or so players behind those top four. The rest, he said, might not be any better than second-round talents.

But quarterbacks almost always get overdrafted — mostly when a team likes a guy enough, and then gets fearful he won’t last long enough for the club to play it patient. And so it seems a good bet someone will be rolling the dice in May on a player many others aren’t sold on.

 “I’m a big Blake Bortles fan — he has the ‘it’ factor in the way he carries himself. I can see that helping him succeed, and he can probably still gain 20 pounds,” one AFC offensive coordinator said. “The other guys I’m really scared of. I didn’t like Bridgewater before the workout and I don’t like him after it. With the free time he’ll have, and the offseason there is at this level, Manziel scares me. It’s tough.”

Joe’s not scared by Johnny Football. Regular readers here know Joe’s more scared by the thought of the Bucs passing on Johnny Football, or passing on a quarterback altogether come May.

Perhaps the past 5 1/4 seasons of Buccaneer football (28 wins and 56 losses) have emboldened Joe. Bucs fans who survived those shouldn’t be afraid of landing a multi-talented, young quarterback. That almost sounds silly.

80 Responses to ““Manziel Scares Me””

  1. theDON Says:

    what do they have to lose, more games?

  2. flmike Says:

    And how many Super Bowls did Tarkington and Flutie win between them?
    I’ll pass on the next Tarkington-Flutie.

  3. ctord Says:

    I completely agree with this. I think the bucs need to add the best player available when there pick is up. I believe reaching for need is what keeps teams down. The bucs are set up to take one of the three linemen. Matthews, Robinson, or Lewan. but they are also set up to jump on Watkins, clowney, or mack if that is what falls. I do not see Lovie taking a chance on a quarterback in the first round. I believe he will wait until the second or third or he will not draft a qb this year to see if Glennon shows signs of development. Bucs are in a great spot to let the draft come to them and that is ideal.

  4. sho-nuff Says:

    I love the kid’s game as well….however that flame needs a level of structure and discipline around him to rationalize bringing him aboard your ship. Sorry but this organization hasn’t had that type of leadership since they swept Brooks into the bin. On top of a community that has it’s state flag waving off of a stripper pole and peach fuzz belly shots. Along with a media that is more interested in relationships and loyalty to them. It’s just not a good fit for him.
    Call me crazy but a place like Green Bay or the Iron fist of the hoodie in crass-ton are the few orgs that could keep him focused….

  5. T in Orlando Says:

    @ Joe,

    I’m not pro-drafting a QB in the 1st round this year, but I’m not “afraid” of landing a multi-talented young QB. My fear would be passing on a player who’s more talented at their respective position than any QB this year and who has skills and physical attributes that scouts almost unanimously agree translate to the NFL. There are 5 players I think that fall in this category, and if any are available at 7, we should absolutely jump on them.

  6. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Joe…..get ready to be disappointed….Manziel will probably fall to us and we won’t take him….My bet is that if Mack or Watkins aren’t on the board….we trade down. And, if Manziel is there, we will probably find a partner.

  7. Michael Duggan Says:

    Agree Joe, and you hope you’re never in a position (draft wise) to be able to draft this high again. All the other QB’s may be no better than Glennon. The mystery lies with Manzie and maybe it’s time for the Bucs to pull the trigger on this one. Let’s face it, it’s not like we have been winning going the other route. It definitely would create a BUZZ around here.

  8. Eric Says:

    Brees and Wilson both have won Super Bowls recently. Similar size to JF.

    A Bucs fan doesn’t want a Tarkenton?

    Wow.

    Only one of the best ever.

    SMH

  9. Oil Derrick Brooks Says:

    “Bucs fans who survived those shouldn’t be afraid of landing a multi-talented, young quarterback. That almost sounds silly.”

    So much irony here. Those 5 years of suck were based upon reaching for a QB. So, the solution is to reach again for a QB (even after losing last years 1st)? OK…..Best available.

  10. T in Orlando Says:

    Good point ODB

  11. finishers Says:

    Don’t do it! be afraid very afraid! who knows who will be good or not ? there is no A.Luck in this draft.

  12. 1Gr8Buc Says:

    @ODB….. Spot on man. Take BPA, trade down for more picks and get Garapolo or Shaw later on in the draft. No way we should reach on a QB in the first. If anyone has noticed Spurrier came out and backed Connor Shaw 100% unlike Clowney. The kid is a gamer.

  13. Pete I Says:

    ” Bucs are in a great spot to let the draft come to them and that is ideal.”

    ^^^^
    Yep!

    “I’ll pass on the next Tarkington-Flutie.”

    I would too! But…

    Tarkenton was the closest to Manziel I can remember and Tarkenton was a great QB with an amazing career. His highlights and awards were awesome, 9 pro bowls, League MVP, 3 superbowl appearences, etc…

    Frankly better than any QB we have ever had in Tampa career wise. But yes no SB wins. But at this point I can’t see Manziel having anywhere near Tarkenton’s career. Tarkenton also played on those great Viking Purple People Eater teams, Manziel won’t be.

    ” Tarkenton’s 47,003 career passing yards rank him 6th all time, while his 342 career passing touchdowns is 4th all time in NFL history. He also is fifth on the all-time list of wins by a starting quarterback with 124 regular season victories. He also used his impressive scrambling ability to rack up 3,674 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns on 675 carries. During his career, Tarkenton ran for a touchdown in 15 different seasons, an NFL record among quarterbacks.”

    ” When he retired, Tarkenton held NFL career records in pass attempts, completions, yardage, and touchdowns; rushing yards by a quarterback; and wins by a starting quarterback.”

  14. ToesOnTheLine Says:

    Manziel in round 2 or 3 sure why not. Manziel in the #7 spot and LovieLicht will be out of jobs in 3 years. If I’m a rookie GM and retread HC I just might be inclined to avoid a risk like any of these QB’s at #7

  15. Eric Says:

    There was plenty of sucking on this team for five years in addition to Freeman, including the guys on the sideline and front office.

    It took a group effort to suck that bad.

    Doesn’t mean you don’t get a QB.

    Unless you want to wait for the once in 20 years guy like Manning and hope you have the number one pick that year….which will require even worse sucking.

  16. Eric Says:

    Johnny Unitas only a half inch taller than Manziel.

    Best ever.

  17. Architek Says:

    All I have to say is they have a lot to lose, their jobs and their careers. If Tedford and Arroyo don’t feel Manziel fits them I respect it and move on but if they take the risk to do it and fail it’s on them because they didn’t grade him properly for their system.

    He scares me too! The Bucs won’t be running a Spread – Air Raid “as Steve White” confirmed. So who knows – I would pass I think but it all depends on the grade.

  18. clafollett Says:

    I find myself warming up to JF. If he is there at #7, I say take him. I also say make him ride the bench for a year. The new CBA makes first rounders pretty cheap. Backup money. Let him learn!

  19. lightningbuc Says:

    It’s obvious the NFL exec and coach that were quoted never got laid in college and are just jealous of Manziel’s ability to “pull”!

  20. Oil Derrick Brooks Says:

    @lightning

    I still laugh every time.

  21. flmike Says:

    It’s not about Manziel’s size, it’s about his style, he is not, I repeat IS NOT a pocket passer, and according to his own coaches his first instinct is to bail on a play, he never allowed deep plays to develop because he doesn’t know how to let them develop, Brees is the ultimate little guy pocket passer, Manziel is not and probably never will be. Sounds like a lot of you are trying to recoup a past mistake when we trade Steve Young, ain’t gonna happen, Manziel will never be anywhere near as good an NFL player as Young was.

  22. K_bassuka Says:

    What in the world that executive want teams with no QB to do? Pass on this years QB’s and wait to see if they get any better next year, or wait for a drunk GM to release a good one?

    If you don’t have a QB in the last 8 years you have to draft one, just make sure you don’t pass on can’t miss talent by doing so…

  23. bucrightoff Says:

    Lets be real, if this was pre-2010, pre-rookie cap, none of these QBs would go in the first round. Is anyone really giving Johnny Football or Blake Bortles $20 million guaranteed? I really don’t think so. The rookie cap allows teams to reach and gamble a lot more on QBs because you can’t get burned with a Sam Bradford like 6 year $78 million deal. So if all of a sudden your total possible investment is 60% lower than it used to be for a potential failure, why not gamble a bit more? Lower risk, higher reward.

  24. Bucsfanman Says:

    I think people just like to say stuff for effect. No to Tarkenton or Flutie?! Go watch film on these guys.
    ODB- good point my friend! I hate the idea of reaching and once again failing. It’s high time we crawl out from under that “franchise QB” rock. Lets get it right, that’s all I ask.

  25. SAMCRO Says:

    Right now, I just can’t fathom throwing away our first round pick on what should actually be a 2nd round or later in any other draft. Seriously, can this many GM’s be this wrong to pass on Manziel with their first round pick, even when they are more desperate for a QB than we are? After-all we do have the mighty McCown to rely on. Or, could it just be that Joe is smarter than all these GM’s and their scouting depts combined?

    I’m sorry, but there are way to many other needed talents available at #7 than to take such a risk.

    Then again, ….maybe Manziel’s proday will help clear up some of it.
    Can’t wait.

  26. The_Buc_Realist Says:

    In Joe’s mind, there is no way to lose. If The Bucs pass on Manziel they were too scared to ” revolutionize football”. If Manziel play poorly it will be because Tedford is “too college” and doesn’t know how to use a great talent. If manziel gets sacked it will be because Licht assembled ” a patchwork” o-line. If receivers drops a catch, it will be because there is “no talent” at receiver

  27. lightningbuc Says:

    ODB,

    Just feeding the monster Joe created.

    ODB Mob

  28. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Tampabaybucfan Says
    “Joe…..get ready to be disappointed….Manziel will probably fall to us and we won’t take him….My bet is that if Mack or Watkins aren’t on the board….we trade down. And, if Manziel is there, we will probably find a partner.”

    I agree there is a good chance that the Bucs may not want Manziel at all. He’s more of a scrambler and runner, and although he can pass okay, I don’t think he fits the mold the Bucs are looking for.

    Up until this Williams mess I didn’t think they would go for Watson either. I still don’t, but it is more of a possibility at least.

    If Clowney, Robinson, Mack or Bortles fall to us, I think it will be one of them. Although I also think their real target is Carr so far as QB.

    I don’t believe they will find a trade partner though. EVERYONE wants to trade down. Very few want to trade up. I think that’s because teams don’t see the top 3 QBs as being that much better than the next 3-4 QBs on the list.

    On Manziel, I’m 50-50 on him as well though. His lifestyle reminds me of Favre coming out of college. No way anyone can know if he will change his ways in the pros, and that is what scares everyone. Whoever takes him will either get a huge bust, or end up with an elite QB. It’s impossible to predict.

  29. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    The_Buc_Realist Says
    “In Joe’s mind, there is no way to lose. If The Bucs pass on Manziel they were too scared to ” revolutionize football”. If Manziel play poorly it will be because Tedford is “too college” and doesn’t know how to use a great talent. If manziel gets sacked it will be because Licht assembled ” a patchwork” o-line. If receivers drops a catch, it will be because there is “no talent” at receiver”

    Had no idea we had a mind reader here! To be honest, that sounds more like your own opinion then Joe. After all, you did just make it up.

    I, personally, am not against taking Manziel. But I know it is a huge gamble.

  30. That Guy Says:

    Dude, no need for stupidity directed at Joe. –Joe

  31. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I’m starting to feel that Manziel will be there at 7 (and there’s a reason) With 3 teams above us needing a QB and Johnny not getting picked……the perfect time to find a trade partner & get more picks…perhaps Minn @ 8…..Tenn @ 10 or Cleveland @ 26 (lots of picks there)

  32. SAMCRO Says:

    By the way Joe, will you be present at Manziel’s Pro-day? It would show a sign of solidarity plus allow you a chance to get a whiff of his pheromonic perspiration when he finishes his underwear audition. 🙂

  33. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    flmike Says:
    “Sounds like a lot of you are trying to recoup a past mistake when we trade Steve Young…”

    I think you are halfway there with that statement. I think the idea of trading Glennon (which I am against) is what triggered the Steve Young fears. It did for me.

    I’ve said all along that we don’t know if Glennon is the answer. I’ve been in favor of drafting a QB to develop along side him. But when people started suggesting we trade him, that got me nervous. Reminded me of the QB Curse.

    As I’ve said, 2 chances are much better than 1.

    I have not even compared the Manziel situation with Young. Ever. I consider Manziel as a HUGE gamble that doesn’t fit the mold of what Tedford wants. A pocket passer with a little mobility. Not a mobile guy with a little passing ability.

    But then, a lot of the same things were said of Favre…and the Manziel situation bears a lot of similarities. When Favre was put in, Mike H. told his OC to bench him several times in each game because he kept screwing up. Only to reverse his decision before it happened. He was very nervous about Favre, and in the beginning Brett gave him plenty of reasons.

  34. William Says:

    Joe don’t lose HOPE. Although Johnny might join Rachel in your dreams if the Bucs pass on him. I see some therapy coming your way.

    You might just join the Glennon Mob to ease your pain. Nahhhh beer will take care of that.

  35. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    No way will Minnesota trade up with us. There is no point. Above us maybe, if they think we will take who they want. Not with us.

    You rarely see a trade up of one slot.

  36. flmike Says:

    http://deadspin.com/the-long-con-how-the-manziels-conquered-america-1040593220
    Seems, Johnny isn’t as oil wealthy as the media likes to portend…but, it’s still a
    very interesting article, and I’m sure the NFL has already spoken with Johnny Football about his Grandfathers ties to the Dixie Mafia….

  37. Bucsfanman Says:

    There’s no way to know for sure about this kid. Heck, that applies to all the draftees! When I see people ready to reach for Bortles over Manziel though, I have to shake my head.
    My opinion is to wait and draft QB in later rounds. There are talented players with less hype later on. I think ALL of these QBs are a reach in the 1st round.

  38. Owlykat Says:

    Just how often does a can’t miss QB come along? About every 10 years. With Lovie do you really believe we will be in last place and can then draft that can’t miss QB? Of course not, so that means this is the only golden opportunity Lovie is going to have to get a Franchise QB. Now look at Buc’s history, the reason this franchise has faltered since our only SB is we didn’t have an exceptional QB on the bench learning from Johnson when he won that SB. Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We have a chance for either Bortles or Carr to be there at 7, and if we pass, the Vikings will get that QB and will have a much better chance of getting to a SB than we will. If Lovie wants to at last win a SB and have a QB to keep us at the top for years to come, he needs to learn from history. That is the recipe for him to reach all his long term goals and to retire the Buc’s Coach, but he will have to overcome Licht’s belief he can find such a gem much later in the draft. He has been trying that since picking the Patriot’s QB and failing–which explains why he has been jumping from one team to the next ever since. Licht is good in picking talent at other positions and getting value free agents, however. Get a great QB while you have Tedford to mold them. He can take an average QB who is athletic enough to extend plays and turn them into a Super QB.

  39. lightningbuc Says:

    “When I see people ready to reach for Bortles over Manziel though, I have to shake my head.”

    Bortles is an NFL QB prototype. 6’5″ pocket passer vs. 5’11” tuck it and run.
    Which type of QB succeeds more in the NFL? So, who’s the reach?

  40. Bill T Says:

    No way would I pick Manziel if he’s available at #7. Its Clowney, Mack or Watkins (preferable). They may even go Tackle but hope not.

    Have to go BPA at #7 or trade down 3-7 spots, imo

  41. Joseph Mamma Says:

    I’m convinced that the system you put a young QB into will determine his success just as much as his talent. So in other words: if Tedford can implement a good one we can develop a young QB but if he can’t then we’re just going to have the usual Buc offense. I do like the mobility of Manziel and Bortles though.

  42. Harry Says:

    “…So much irony here. Those 5 years of suck were based upon reaching for a QB. So, the solution is to reach again for a QB (even after losing last years 1st)? OK…..Best available…”

    Exactly right (sarcasm). If we failed once we should never attempt going for a QB in rd #1 ever again. I am sure every team gets it right the first time…

  43. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Bonzai

    Minn would trade up with us if they thought Tenn was interested in trading with us…..its a poker game on draft day & bluffs are commonplace.

  44. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    And a Minn trade wouldn’t cost them much…maybe just a 4th or 6th rounder which we need. We also have next year’s 5th to throw in a trade mix.

  45. WalkdaPlank Says:

    If Mike Williams gets the boot for being a partier, no way Lovie takes Johnny, Joe. No way.

  46. Jeagan1999 Says:

    Sure, why not gamble a first round draft pick on a potential bust QB…it will only set the franchise back 4 years or so if he doesn’t work out, right? We haven’t even fully figured out the best of Mike Glennon yet (who set a few rookie passing records), and here we are talking about missing out on a top Defensive playmaker or future 10 year starter on the O-line, or a pro bowl quality WR or TE, just so we can over-reach to grab another QB…ridiculous!

  47. ToesOnTheLine Says:

    @owlycat

    Actually I do expect the Bucs to finish last under Lovie at least this upcoming season. Rookie OC, no O-line depth, a new system for most of the players and we still don’t know how all the free agents will pan out. So yes I feel the Bucs will get another shot at drafting high in next year’s draft and shouldn’t reach for a QB this draft when they have a promising Glennon, a vet safety blanket in McCown who might play well, and a lot of draft needs after purging a lot of the roster.

  48. Jeagan1999 Says:

    At #7 I’d go with Mack, Watkins, Matthews or Ebron…grab a young QB (Murray, McCarron,etc…) in round 3.

  49. Oil Derrick Brooks Says:

    Exactly right (sarcasm). If we failed once we should never attempt going for a QB in rd #1 ever again. I am sure every team gets it right the first time…

    Yes, we should never REACH again. Too many holes on this current roster.

    We will find out in a year or two. Take mental notes on which side you were on.

  50. passthebuc Says:

    I hope they are all gone by the 5th position but alias that will not be the case. Bortels to me is another Ben Roethlisberger and that would be fine. I’m not as kind to the rest. 4th to 5th round. I would rather have Aaron Murray and give him 3 years to get ready. Murray will not go until the 7th round. I want a solid left tackle that will be around the league for 12+ years.

  51. Eric Says:

    Yeah Manziel only tucked and ran when lighting up Alabama twice for 450+ passing yards.

    Hey Freeman was big, tall, cannon arm. Prototypical modern NFL QB.

    Joe often posts the pic of him embracing Brees, where he towers over him.

    Where did that get us?

  52. Don't like the dirty birds Says:

    Don’t be surprised if we don’t draft a QB this year. Glennon is a capable Back up/Starter and we only have 5 picks.

  53. lightningbuc Says:

    Just curious, did Manziel ever play against any other teams than Alabama, which all the Midget lovers like to point to? Did he ever play against, say, LSU? or Missouri?

    We can all play the game where we point to one or two games to make our point.

  54. Harry Says:

    You guys are hilarious. I at least have many times said that if L&L see that if one of the top 3 QBs merits a #7 pick, I trust them to go for it. If they don’t feel any of them have the skill set to warrant the #7 pick, fine, go for BPA, of course.

    You on the other hand automatically write off any and all chances of any QBs being worth it. Tell me, are one of you an NFL talent evaluator? NFL coach? GM?

    Yeah, lets just stick with what we have done for so many years. Ignore the QB position. And, sorry, I think we have pretty much seen the best MG8 has to offer – he is a top quality NFL backup at a low price.

  55. Harry Says:

    @lightningbuc Says:
    “…We can all play the game where we point to one or two games to make our point…”

    You mean like the MGMers like to point to one stat – 19-9? But like to ignore we had the worst offense in the league with MG8 at QB? Oh yeah, that wasn’t his fault. Bad coaching, bad scheme, not enough talent around him, too many injuries, etc.

  56. WalkdaPlank Says:

    @Harry – Peyton freakin’ Manning couldn’t have helped that offense much. It probably wouldn’t have been ranked last, but with the terrible coaching, no adjustments, and injuries it certainly wouldn’t have been much better. And that is in no way a comparison of Glennon and Manning, just pointing out that not even the best regular season QB ever could’ve dug us out of that hole. And we had a rookie 3rd rounder instead. What did you expect?

  57. lightningbuc Says:

    Harry,

    You mean like the MG8 Hate Squad likes to point to the Bucs having the worst offense in the league WITH Glennon? Even though it isn’t true. The 13 games Glennon played in, the Bucs didn’t have the worst offense. OOPS!

  58. Buc1987 Says:

    ToesOnTheLine ….you might have predicted the route that they go. Seems logical too me. I too think Lovie will be drafting high next season.

  59. FIRETHECANNONS Says:

    Take BPA/trade down and get Connor Shaw later.

  60. johnny Says:

    Manziel is too much like Tebow ..Overhyped with too many question marks ….rather go OL or DE and if a QB they like slips to second round go that route .

  61. Brandon Says:

    7th overall pick on Johnny Manziel or 3rd rounder on a bigger less risky/baggage Manziel-clone in Brett Smith? I would take Smith in round 3 over Manziel in round 1 EVERYTIME!

  62. Orca Says:

    Joe should be listening to the experts, at least half of which are raising a lot of doubt about JimBob Fruityballs. Joe should just admit his crush on Fruityballs is sexual in nature so that he can stop having it cloud his judgement on football.

    Very strange comment. –Joe

  63. AmbushBuc Says:

    I live not far from A&M, and I can tell you that this kid is a total douche. He’s immature, entitled, arrogant, and can (and does) get away with almost anything short of murder. Whenever he gets into trouble he pulls out the “Don’t you know who I am?” card to get out of it.

    In the NFL that kind of behavior isn’t going to fly. Whatever team drafts him, they will have to put up with reams of off-field drama every single season. I’m guessing that won’t be the Bucs.

  64. Westsidebucsfan Says:

    Joe is unable to go to manziels pro day because of the restraining order manziel has against him.

  65. Harry Says:

    @lightningbuc Says:
    “…You mean like the MG8 Hate Squad likes to point to the Bucs having the worst offense in the league WITH Glennon? ”

    I can do much better, including all QBs that played in ’13, including backups, Captain Checkdown is ranked…

    47th in yards per pass attempt,
    35 in average yds per game,
    46th for % throwing for 1st down,
    27th for completions over 20 yards (theres a bright spot…)
    28th QB rating (another high!)

    Obviously, any ranking below 32 means there are backups that have done better.

    Its just my opinion, but wouldn’t you prefer a QB who is at least rated in the top half of the league? I mean that would at least be average…

  66. Buc1987 Says:

    Westsidebucsfan Says :

    “Joe is unable to go to manziels pro day because of the restraining order manziel has against him.”

    I can very well see a restraining order placed on Joe if the Bucs draft JF.

    I can also see drool coming out of Joe’s mouth and trembling like a 10 yr old girl in the presence of Justin Bieber, while interviewing him.

  67. lightningbuc Says:

    Harry,

    Nice stats. Colt McCoy finished 3rd in the QB ratings you’re looking at because he threw one pass last year that was caught for 13 yards. Geez, San Francisco should start him next year!

    Sorry I spoiled your narrative on Glennon leading the worst offense.

  68. phil Says:

    Without a quarterback we are going no where. And right now we don’t have a quarterback.

  69. Harry Says:

    @lightningbuc Says:
    “…Nice stats. Colt McCoy finished 3rd in the QB ratings you’re looking at because he threw one pass last year that was caught for 13 yards.”

    Ok, I was lazy and did not remove the QBs who threw only once or twice. Go ahead and move MG8 up in the rankings. He is now 46th in yds per pass attempt, etc. LOL

    I really don’t get the sentiment of some buc fans to be willing to settle for such poor play at the most important position in football. Thank God for McCown being on the team now.

  70. zam Says:

    I prefer predictability over risk. Just want to get to the playoffs again!

    With so many QB’s in this draft, someone is gong to pick a future superstar. We just can’t know who that is.

  71. johnny Says:

    I have been a fan from Spurrier to Glennon …If Dilfer , Freeman , Erickson ,Testaverde etc would have tossed 19tds and 9 ints fans would of been ready to give the Qb keys to to the city and a lifetime contract ..Hell Dilfers second season they went 7-9 and he threw 4tds in and 18 ints in 16 games …i have noticed it is the post 1996 fans who seem to be down on Glennon …If they can upgrade over Glennon than do it but sorry i cant get excited over a 35 year old backup who couldnt beat Jason Campbell out of a job .

  72. chickster Says:

    Deleted for personal attacks against Joe. –Joe

  73. BoJim Says:

    Harry Said:

    “Tell me, are one of you an NFL talent evaluator? NFL coach? GM?”

    And you are?

    Harry Said:

    “Oh yeah, that wasn’t his fault. Bad coaching, bad scheme, not enough talent around him, too many injuries, etc.”

    You tell em. That’s not a good reason (sarcasm).

  74. Bobby Says:

    I think the thing I like about Manziel more than any of his attributes is that he absolutely despises losing. Just watching him on the sidelines at the Duke game getting in his teammates faces and firing them up was inspiring to watch. He scares me from a maturity standpoint but not from a talent standpoint. I’d bet on him to succeed talent wise but I’m just not sure what the fame and millions will do to him. I don’t think we will pass on him if he’s there at #7. The possibilities just outweigh the risk in my opinion. If there was ever a player that had the ‘it’ factor Manziel is that player.

  75. Mike Says:

    I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. I have no issues with JF as a person. You can’t tell me when you were young that you didn’t party. Many of us did. The only thing that worries me on the fact he might be a total bust, is that running around style he has. Yes it works in college like we have seen way to many times at the college level, but in the NFL, he’s gonna get killed or or own the record for INTs. If he falls to us at #7, I truly hope we pass!

  76. Harry Says:

    @BoJim Says:
    “Tell me, are one of you an NFL talent evaluator? NFL coach? GM?”
    “And you are?”

    BoJim, you need to put your reading glasses on…

    “…I at least have many times said that if L&L see that if one of the top 3 QBs merits a #7 pick, I trust them to go for it. If they don’t feel any of them have the skill set to warrant the #7 pick, fine, go for BPA, of course.”

    I “want” a franchise QB, but only if there is one available at #7 and L&L feels he is worthy. I am leaving it to the experts.

  77. Bobby Says:

    “The only thing that worries me on the fact he might be a total bust, is that running around style he has. Yes it works in college like we have seen way to many times at the college level, but in the NFL, he’s gonna get killed or or own the record for INTs. If he falls to us at #7, I truly hope we pass!”

    Well, it seems to work real well for Russell Wilson. It buys time when you’re being blitzed and if you can throw an accurate pass down the sideline it’s almost impossible to defend. To me it’s the ones that just sit in the pocket and hold the ball too long who get killed.

  78. UnderDog Lefty Says:

    Hey Joe, I’ve got a tough one for you because you are such an avid fan of both. If you could only have one of two go your way, would it be Manzeil drafted by the Bucs or Rachel Watson becomes your main squeeze?

    Hopefully, that’s painfully obvious. Some things are far more important than football. –Joe

  79. Sharkcoasttactical.com Says:

    You people are outta ya damn minds. Pass on Johnny Football? Do you like being the bitch the NFC south every year? We are a laughing stock and have been since Gruden left. I’m sick and tired of not having a QB. Mike Glennnon? He played halves last year and only scored 3 points. McCown? Are you shitting me? They will draft a qb in the first round. Further more ya need to get on board. We will never get better with a mediocre qb. For f@@ks sake we have tried since the Super Bowl. Draft bpa? WTF are you talking about? We have no qb ya morons and it’s been our problem for years. Drafting a a qb is a risk but damn we have no choice. Mike Glennnon and McCown vs the NFC elite qbs? Bahahahahahahahahaha!

  80. Harry Says:

    @Sharkcoasttactical.com Says:
    “…You people are outta ya damn minds… We have no qb ya morons and it’s been our problem for years…”

    Shark, very well said my friend!