Bobby Rainey’s Sales Job
August 31st, 2014
Back on Aug. 12, when Lovie Smith was in anyone-but-Eric-Page mode, the head coach joked at a news conference that he had a chat with Bobby Rainey, who was imploring him that he could be a successful NFL punt returner.
So, Lovie said, Rainey would get a shot against Miami in preseason.
But the Miami game got Lovie publicly excited about rookie Solomon Patton’s returner skills. For all the talk and hype, however, Patton never really did anything against top competition, and he made a poor decision to catch a punt at the seven yard line against the Redskins. Apparently, that was enough to convince Lovie that Rainey was just as good and, subsequently, preserve a roster spot. Patton was cut yesterday.
Rainey didn’t return punts during his junior and senior college seasons, and he has no regular season NFL experience. Kudos to the sales job he did on Lovie.
Rainey must be a convincing guy. He’s always got a big smile on his small frame. (Rainey is listed at 5-8, 205, but Joe’s sure he’s not that tall.) And Rainey can tell doubters about his 100-yard-plus rushing games last year after coming off his couch in midseason, as well as the shiny Ravens Super Bowl ring he owns.
For now, he’s the Bucs’ return man. Joe’s got a feeling Rainey will at least make good decisions, even if he lacks elite skills at the position.
August 31st, 2014 at 8:02 am
Lovie must have something up his sleeve. As much as he values special teams play and how important it is, he gave the PR job to a player that verbally sold him but never tried him out??? No way.
August 31st, 2014 at 8:37 am
I really liked Patton. I have a feeling we have not seen the last of him.
August 31st, 2014 at 8:39 am
We haven’t heard the end of the final roster. No way the team goes into the season with 5 LB’s…
August 31st, 2014 at 9:06 am
What the hell mannnnnn!!!
August 31st, 2014 at 9:56 am
Release Oniel Cousins and sign Eben Britton, please.
August 31st, 2014 at 9:59 am
Maybe this little bowling ball can be adequate in the punt return game.
August 31st, 2014 at 10:26 am
Or.u.could.have a.proven top.tier return man oh you cut him. I love rainey and western kentucky but ERIC PAGE already proved he can. Hope.it.doesnt bite u in the a$$.
August 31st, 2014 at 10:52 am
Patton could be back after Sims goes to IR. Hope he at least goes to the practice squad.
August 31st, 2014 at 11:53 am
Marc Mariani from the Titans was cut – he has 3 return TD’s in his career and should be worth at least a look. He averaged 25.3 per return in preseason, so he’s still got some juice hopefully.
I’m guessing a guy like that or someone similar will be visiting soon. Lovie wants better than average, and Rainey (effort and all) is probably going to be just okay.
August 31st, 2014 at 11:55 am
And I don’t see Patton coming back. I wish him well, but he just didn’t seem special returning kicks. Again – Lovie wants better than okay.
August 31st, 2014 at 12:13 pm
So what are the odds of Bobby Rainey returning a punt for a touchdown?
August 31st, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Probably about the same as the Bucs in the Super Bowl.
August 31st, 2014 at 1:29 pm
This is a simple one to decipher:” if you can’t be spectacular, just don’t make mistakes.”
August 31st, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Cobra, 5 LB’s make a whole lot more sense than 7-8 OG’s. Castillas, Fletcher and Danny L. all are good ST players. Agree though, there are still at least 4-5 roster spots up for grabs.
BTW, if Rainey did a sales job, Bowers and Cousins must be magicians.
August 31st, 2014 at 10:06 pm
Rainey is not a 4.3 sprinter which is what Lovie had in Patton. Not a bright decision! Wait til Rainey blows a reception and Charlotte gets a free TD. Patton made every catch, no fumbles, even on a jarring hit, had a good average, and also can be a backup receiver. He had the TD in the last game. Lovie also cut 3 Gators which is not popular with a large population of possible new paying Buc’s fans!
September 1st, 2014 at 10:49 am
They should grab Trevor Robinson from the Bengals and release Cousins.