“Tape An Aspirin To It And Go”

August 26th, 2014

The tough guy stories on new Bucs superstar left guard Logan Mankins are all over New England. There’s immense sadness that the Bucs now own their warrior for the NFL equivalent of a nice lunch, aka Tim Wright and a fourth-round pick.

Christopher Price, of the Patriots’ flagship radio station, shared great takes on Mankins playing through a torn ACL for most of the 2011 season and his impact last year.

So how do you play on a torn ACL?

“I don’t know,” Mankins shrugged. “Put a brace on. Tape an aspirin to it and go.”

That was pretty much Mankins in a nutshell. No one was more responsible for infusing the 2013 team with the mental and physical toughness that allowed it to get as far as it did. The son of a California cattle rancher, he was the Marlboro Man in shoulderpads. He’s a throwback, a rub-some-dirt-on-it-and-get-back-in-there type that would have well suited to play in the 1970s. Mankins, who played the entire 2011 season on a torn ACL, came back from an ankle injury late in 2013, and ended up playing the second-most snaps of any left guard in the league , according to Football Outsiders (1,164).

Joe’s really jacked up by the excellent maneuvering of Bucs general manager to pull off this great deal with the Pats. Whether you like the deal or not, you have to admire the skillful negotiation involved here.

Joe suspects some of Licht’s peers around the league are stunned about now.

99 Responses to ““Tape An Aspirin To It And Go””

  1. t-dub Says:

    question is…

    will we see him Thursday at RJ?

  2. Oahubuc Says:

    Love it. I follow the Pats because they play good football (and so I can converse with my inlaws from Aug-Jan), and he’s one of the players I’ve most enjoyed. A real throwback.

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Lovi4 says he won’t play Thursday….

  4. Joe Davis Says:

    If we sign Incognito, then we really could have one of the best Offensive Lines in the league right?

  5. Hawk Says:

    This was Bilicheat that Licht was dealing with, right? Could this guy turn into Carl Nick’s little brother? Come on, Joe. It’s hard to believe that the Bucs got the better end of a Patriots deal. I guess stranger things have happened.

  6. Joe Davis Says:

    well Hawk, in my opinion Bilicheat has ridden the arm of Tom Brady. I believe he gets way too much credit for all the success in New England. I dont think he is a god like many people do. This guy is one of the top 5 guards in the league.. period. Besides, we didnt really give up much. Tim Wright is a one dimensional player. He is good, but we dont need him

  7. BucsQcCity Says:

    Hope Bowers get the quote

  8. Andrew 1 Says:

    Very happy that we got this guy.

  9. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    Wish Nicks would’ve taped an aspirin to his toe.

  10. Jim Says:

    Tape and an aspirin would not have fixed Nick’s foot. Just google some images of what that injury looks like, put MRSA on top of it and that is a cripple sandwich.

  11. louden Says:

    First: Great player! Super happy with having him here!

    But, lets not fool ourselves:
    As with the Revis-to-Bucs-Trade – was it worth it?

    “4th rounders are 50/50 picks (anyway)” someone wrote
    Thats BS, from the 1st to the 4th there are ALWAYS TALENTED PLAYERS EASILY TO FIND.

    In other words: from the 1st to the 4th rounds EVERY PICK SHOULD HELP the team.
    AGAIN: IF ONLINE SCOUTS FIND TALENTS THAT EASY IT SHOULDN´T BE A PROBLEM FOR GUYS WHO DO NOTHING MORE THAN SCOUT AND SCOUT AND SCOUT AND GETTING PAID FOR DOING SO!!!

    with that being said:

    The Bucs just paid a crucial future maintaining building block (4th rounder)
    + a talented-young-healthy-good-attitude-having player for an elite old guard.

    Pretty much the same mistake as with Revis trade.
    They got a very good player but overpaid.
    5th or less rounder – okay
    but 4th and even putting a good player on top of that…. well….

    Also:
    Mankins is old and maybe will only play 2 more years or so, because with the Patriots he had a legit chance at Championships; but lets see if he will have the same motivations with the Bucs.

    Not wanting to bash the trade totally, as its way much better than a Dominik move and it remains to be seen what other moves they are going to pull off, but i am not overly impressed like some seem to be.

    Including JOeLo

    At the very least, the move shows improvement in the Personal-Moves category – so lets hope they keep getting better at every aspect.

    Go Bucs!

  12. Chef Paul Says:

    Pretty stoked about this. I was a big supporter if Incog, even though he is a doosh. Now, I’m almost against bringing in Incog. We don’t need him badly enough any more.

    What a great series of articles to come home to after work. Fantastic!!

  13. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    The Pats would never have accepted a draft pick that couldn’t help their team. They aren’t stupid. It was a 4th or no deal, I’m sure.

  14. louden Says:

    lets make it: elite but old guard.
    Doesn´t make the trade better – still nice having him

  15. Eric Says:

    Same as revis?

    What?????

    Insane.

  16. gotbbucs Says:

    @louden

    Name me the last bucs 4th rounder that made a huge difference on the team?

  17. BoJim Says:

    Be nice to have a real ‘earth mover’ out there. Yay!!

  18. Stanglassman Says:

    That to me is the kind of tough guy I want on my team not a bully who thinks its tough or even alright to sexually assault cart girls at golf events.

  19. louden Says:

    @FLBoyInDallas: Sums it up, but most won´t understand, because they trust media outlets too much.

    Adding: while adding a elite but old veteran who plays at a “not so crucial” position – the bucs are already short of premium picks next year.

    And i doubt the Mankins pick suddenly makes the Bucs favorites to win the SuperBowl.

    Again: Was it worth it?
    Answer: Depends on what else they are going to do.
    We keep record

  20. Architek Says:

    Man this guy is a stud!

    Bowers should be released next business day!

  21. Trubucfan22 Says:

    I wonder if the same people complaining about this trade, are the same ones crying for the bucs to make a move on a guard.

    Tim wright isn’t nearly as good as everyone here makes him out to be. He sat in a lot of zones and was merely a check down option on pass plays. He thrived last season thanks to glennon being a check down master.

    He did a few good things and was a night light on a dark season, but let’s not let that blind us from the reality that he isn’t really a special player. Logan mankins is a special player. Not just a lolpro bowler, but a 5 time ALL PRO. Meaning he was named the best at his position on 5 separate occasions now that is special. Wright was on the roster bubble, and was merely a throw in to seal the deal.

  22. louden Says:

    @ got bucs: Thats been a problem for quite a time for the bucs: they have horrible draft plans (overall team building plans)

    I could name some very good (and even obvious) talents from the last drafts as well as from this though…

    Thats what i can´t understand.

    AGAIN, help me: HOW CAN IT BE THAT ONLINE SCOUTERS WHO DO IT FOR FUN IN SPARE TIME, ARE BETTER IN INDENTIFYING LATE ROUND TALENTS THAN THE BUCS SCOUTING DEPARTMENT???

    @ ERIC:

    I didn´t wrote that this trade is as dumb as the Revis trade…

    I wrote that we overpaid, same (= just like in) the Revis trade.
    Not by the same amount, but we overpaid.

    Clear now, i hope. GoBucs!!!

  23. Bucs2003 Says:

    We paid less than we did for nicks and this guy is a way better locker room guy, doesn’t have weight issues and has had a waaaay more productive career. Our scouting dept doesn’t draft Dominick did and that’s why he has been replaced.

  24. Bucs2003 Says:

    Problem is Dominick was too caught up in reading comments from us instead of
    Doing what really is best for the team

  25. Trubucfan22 Says:

    The fact you called guard a “not so crucial” position makes your entire argument null and void.

  26. Destinjohnny Says:

    I’d feel heaps mo better if he was 29

  27. louden Says:

    One more time:

    we paid in form of future roster talent.
    if the trade was good or not reamains to be seen, because of that.

    The goal is to win a superbowl and i simply dont think, that the current roster, as of right now, is good enough.

    SO I HOPE IN THE FUTURE THE TALENT LEVEL WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH AND SMART COACHES WILL BE COACHING AT THAT TIME.

    The most important superbowl winning team building part is the draft and the bucs again shiped away a crucial very important pick (from the 1st to the 4th its fairly easy to get a player that will help the team quite some time. excluding injurys and so on)

    Thats exactly why those picks have such an high value and why the Sims pick ticks me off.

    Thats exactly why very good teams try to stock pile those picks.

    Thats where “hidden gems” are found very very often with the simple reason being:

    most fans aren´t digging that much about the draftable players.
    Most fans assume, the front offices will know what to do.
    Most fans believe its hard to scout players.
    Most fans hear from the media: blah blah how hard to scout a player and “how much work” the scouts put into it – and they believe it!!!

    Give me a break!

    Guess what: almost everyone knows what a good player looks like.
    Certain traits, skills.
    Easily to get one of the players that seperates himselfs from the others in the first 4 round.

    I mean, c´mon: in the first 4 round about 150 players or so get selected.

    150 of how many prospects from the whole country??? TONS OF!

    thats why i cant understand the high bust-rate in the NFL.

    AGAIN: ONLINE HOBBY SCOUTS make better draft analysis than the paid ones!!! LAUGHABLE!!!

    Media makes you think its so much work:

    A footbal game lasts about 3 hours, but the actual game tape is like 30 minutes.
    If you look for a certain player, it means youre just watching Offense/defense occasionly special teams also.

    Thats maybe 20 minutes per game.
    As a scout you should look at the important games against “similar talented shools” in order to determine the talent level on a national scale.

    >>>> as they dont have to cut the film by themselves and have all season time to do that fun job of watching others play ball:

    How could it be they miss so often???

  28. Bucs2003 Says:

    Of course u would feel better if he was younger. But he is not and he still better than all of the guards we have

  29. gotbbucs Says:

    Bottom line, we dont have a strong enough roster depth-wise to be turning our nose up at strong veteran players. A fourth rounder and a #3 TE is a small price to pay for this kind of guy who could pay off big time if he rubs off on our younger o-linemen.

  30. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Is Mankins older….yes…but he is proven to be solid. We just spent the entire draft on Offense….we needed this guy badly…
    Somehow, I don’t think Tim Wright fit well into Tedford’s offense.
    Time will tell if this was a good trade.

    The main question is……HOW ARE HIS TOES?

  31. Trubucfan22 Says:

    Yeah yeah yeah, mr arm chair gm, could do it better than the pros.

  32. Eric Says:

    I didn’t know talent evaluation was so easy.

    Apparently brevity is not.

  33. buc4lyfe Says:

    No this guy was a stud and for some other team so until he lives up to the hype in our uniform….some of you are gonna pass out from sniffing his jock so deeply, This guy is supposed to be the same thing Carl nicks was supposed to be, some people never learn. You’re probably the same ones that thought Glennon showed he was a franchise qb

  34. louden Says:

    i called it not so crucial, yes.

    What you miss is, that the entire offseason long i also lauded that you build a team from the front to the back >>> starting with o-line.

    I was the one pointing out how important especialy the guards are (in order to effectevly spread a defense out >> making it possible to quick throw to if you they stack the box; or run it down their throat if they try to cover; and especially red zone/goaline: if you cant simply push the defense like a bulldozer, they will propebly try to stop the short run, making them vulnerable for the play-action)

    Still:
    Yes – gotta admit it: in the heat of trying to explain the average fan football and the storm of BSing around here- i made a wrong statement (which is often used to confuse the average fan, the line “guards are not important” – i wanted to use that to negate the average fans doubt about what i wrote)

    which still isn´t making the other stuff i wrote invalid – as you might say

  35. Bucs2003 Says:

    It’s easy to say online guys are better than scouts.. But are they really? No not even close. U have no facts to point that out. I’m looking back to 2007 and seeing nobody that the patriots took in the 4th round worth anything (guys that haven’t killed anybody at least)

  36. whocares92 Says:

    @louden
    You should become a scout since you know so much about talent evaluation.

  37. 2003bucs Says:

    Right! This guy should be a scout! Lol. Easy to just say online guys are better.. What do u have that backs that up? Who does it
    So well?

  38. Buc the Haters Says:

    We basically got Mankins for a 4th and a guy who was about to get cut (I like Wright, but he was definitely going get cut). Sounds really good to me.

    And @ louden, Mankins still has a legitimate shot to win a Championship or 2 with the Bucs before he retires. Wake up., homey. The Bucs are one of the most talented teams in the league.

  39. louden Says:

    @ buc4lyfe:
    I am a Glennon doubter. He can make a okay QB. Nothing more.
    I am not in favor of having him as starter because good QB play elevates the whole offense very extreme.
    Glennon wouldn´t win us a superbowl, he would need a perfect storm to win the superbowl.
    Meaning great team around him.

    @Eric:
    Thats typicall US stereotype stupidism you are trying to spread out to others.

    Just like your first post about mine: “same as revis. insane”

    causing people to think i actually wrote that – therefore making them believe i wrote BS.

    While i put much Info into what i write, to make people think about stuff, so that they eventualy start to re-think.
    Thats acutally what writting and talking is supposed to be for: providing Information.

    If you keep it short, sometimes crucial Info is missed.
    Just like in the CNN News^^

  40. Mord Says:

    This is NOT a no-cost trade. Wright will likely be very good in New England … and the 4th round pick is indeed a dice roll, but it’s not a value-less pick (the Bucs have gotten Mike Williams and Akeem Spence more recently in that round. Tanard and Dexter Jackson, too) … but, optimistically, it seems a reasonably fair price.

  41. Buc the Haters Says:

    And sorry, but anyone who disputes any aspect of my above comment is kind of an idiot.

  42. Oahubuc Says:

    Ha! Now people are talking down Tim Wright. One of the greatest coaches of all time disagrees with some of your assessments.

  43. BucfaninMO Says:

    @Trubucfan22,
    The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest. See Lavonte David last year.
    I’m glad the Bucs did something to firm up this Joke of OG play.
    Hope he cuts off that lame ass duck dynasty beard. Looks stupid

  44. Buc the Haters Says:

    Wright is good, but he was done here. We honestly didn’t have room for him and his tweener skill set on our roster with everyone else we have now. He dropped wayyy too many balls in training camp this year & he was too weak of a blocker to play on the line, which caused teams to stop using a LB to cover him and he’s not fast enough to get open vs DB’s Therefore, he was not going to be effective here any more.

  45. louden Says:

    Trubucfan22 Says:
    August 26th, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    The fact you called guard a “not so crucial” position makes your entire argument null and void.
    ___________________________________________________

    perfect example of the average joes stupidism:

    those 3 words have nothing to do with the actuall argument
    BUT
    most people haven´t that much time and try to gather Information fast.
    therefore they just read your short post and won´t consider reading my side
    >>> keeping them away from Info
    >>> keep letting them thinking: the Bucs are great no matter what
    >>> keeping the average fan happy
    >>> average fan will spend dollars on Bucs tickets and gears
    >>> Owner happy
    >>> as Owners ARE THE NFL; NFL Happy
    >>> as many fans are only following if a team is talented:
    the media (joe) trys to paint a picture of how they improve and improve, while in reality, they are making a step.

    Because joe wants the fans also to be following their team.
    So he can provide news/info on them and make money on nerve attacking commercials.

    the bucs not to the better or worse, are making a step (cuz other factors, which lie ahead in the future will determine the overall picture).

    Right now:
    they got a elite Guard (which i am happy for) for this season, the next and if we are lucky he will still be good in the 3rd season.

    they sold a crucial draft pick, as i pointed out….
    which isn´t ideal taking into account that maybe, just maybe, they should have invested a little more into the future to achieve a more talented roster and try to go for the one goal only: superbowl.

    i think the bucs still have (too) big holes and should have…. long list
    Lets see. GoBucs!!!

  46. Deputy Buc Says:

    When all the Tim Wright dog house talk came from Lovie and his sudden disappearance, I said on Twitter that they were trying to keep him from being hurt because I felt they were shopping him.

    Then when Incognito was brought in, I said that it was a move to put pressure on SF for Boone. Proof that they did not sign Incognito right away made me feel as though they were certainly trying to pressure SF.

    Them making a play for Mankins was no where on my radar. I never imagined this was possible. I still think there is a chance they could sign Incognito, but I honestly expect there to be a bidding war for him now. I don’t see the bucs wanting to give him alot of money and certainly don’t want to guarantee anything.

    While I think the locker room (and now other OL members) could keep Incognito in check, I still think Omameh will grow throughout the year into a very serviceable guard for us. I’ve been saying it all camp long. His feet are great, but seems awkward when pulling which is easily improved when coached. Same thing goes for his hands, they are easier to coach than footwork.

    I think Pamphile shows alot of upside, but he has a TON of work ahead of him and I’m not sure that all gets done this year. In blowouts, I can see him being the first to come in as a substitute though for development.

    I find it interesting that Mankins is going to be facing the Panthers two games in a row (as he is not playing this week). I just watched Mankins play the first quarter on NFL Preseason live (if you do not have it, I strongly recommend it. Joe, if you need access e-mail me and you can use my account).

    The first quarter Mankins vs the first quarter of Cousins on the 3d preseason game is night and day. I’m preparing for a web broadcast soon so I don’t have time to do an in depth analysis, but he instantly makes that spot solid. To me that improves the RG spot as EDS can now focus on helping Omameh.

    I hate seeing Wright go, but lets face it. This team was not going to carry four tight ends (even though there are four on the roster still.) Anyone else notice that Licht said that he was happy with the three tight ends on the roster?! I think they like Cameron Brate alot for development, but are hoping to keep him on the practice squad. With Myers contract guaranteed, they were not going to cut him. and Luke Stocker is the best blocking tight end. I really think this will be the year for Stocker to get 5 TD’s (if he can stay healthy) on top of his blocking duties. They had two young tight ends that have work to do on blocking skills. Did you really expect them to keep both ASJ and Wright if they both are not polished blockers? ASJ shows the most upside in blocking (and the most willingness to do it).

    I think this trade is not a “One side wins” I think this trade benefits both teams. The Bucs were desperate for a guard and needed to toss one TE, so this made since. I do think the public Incognito dance was a two part ploy that put pressure on NE to pull the trigger on the trade (as i now hear they are also talking to him).

  47. Soggybottom Says:

    Some of you, are you sure you are buc fans? major overhaul of this team in less than one year and you are not happy with what we got now.. better look closer because we are much better now, It could have taken a lot longer. I think we are not showing lovie and the bucs organization any respect with comments like these.. Maybe your just winfans [only a true fan when winning].. So get ready to be a true fan again…

  48. 2003bucs Says:

    Not so much talking down Tim wright just understanding it’s more important to have a real starting guard over a number 2 te. Understand he had a solid team on a very bad team but guard is much more
    Important for us

  49. louden Says:

    Buc the Haters Says:
    August 26th, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    Wright is good, but he was done here. We honestly didn’t have room for him and his tweener skill set on our roster with everyone else we have now. He dropped wayyy too many balls in training camp this year & he was too weak of a blocker to play on the line, which caused teams to stop using a LB to cover him and he’s not fast enough to get open vs DB’s Therefore, he was not going to be effective here any more.
    ______________________________________
    Very true, at least i was thinking the same.
    But he is big and Brady is very accurate and he has pretty good stats at least.
    So he has some value for Pats.
    Also, coaching (play-calling) and foremost QB play (pre snap reads/audibles etc, accuracy) should help Wright.

    Mankins, great player that he is, was expandable for Pats, as they appearently have good depth at the posi – at least they think so.

    Again:
    Very happy to have him here, but lets not pretend the Bucs are a finished product.

    Facts: the window to make a legit superbowl run for crucial bucs members is winding down: V-jacks, Mankins.
    But they have a good younger assemble: McCoy, David, Barron SS or as LB DB tweener = NickelBack.

    Do they yet have that special rusher besides McCoy?
    (could have had AAron Donald as a special rusher; and taken a good WR in the 3rd and could have kept (B)MW – mike w, heck they bring in Incognito for a visit…)

    I still think it would have been better to provide for a great team in the very near future, instead of selling a crucial tool.

    But i dont know what other moves will follow.
    I will still hold them accountable for every move they do.

    Excited about what will happen!
    GoBucs!!!

    (btw: tanard jackson and wiliams were very good pick ups indeed in the 4th, perfect examples of what is possible by legit scouting – but its a sucking soup opera with the bucs….. one step to the right direction, one step to the back…. lets hope they keep moving forward this time!)

  50. 2003bucs Says:

    At least we have a guard “popular” enough to make the pro bowl

  51. louden Says:

    whocares92 Says:
    August 26th, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    @louden
    You should become a scout since you know so much about talent evaluation.
    ___________________________________

    your comment reminds me of the now already classic Sherridan-Chirping argument….. you provide no argument, just silly bashing. Laughable

    I cant help it is what it is: it seems i certainly would do a better job than those “pros”….
    its not only me, but lots of people out there who shake their heads about most team headquarters.

  52. 2003bucs Says:

    I’m sure people do. But again provide examples of people who are better? Sounds like you are just talking.

  53. gotbbucs Says:

    @ louden

    Long posts a great football mind do not make. I (we) get it, you consider yourself an NFL officianato, and for some reason, a specialist when it comes to offensive line play.

    Sometimes winning does a lot more for a club than constantly looking to the future and hoping everything in the now takes care of itself. This isn’t your dynasty fantasy football league where I’m sure you’re the commissioner. It’s also easy to forget that these are real people out there playing the game and they dont get to do it forever. Mankins will help us win now and next years draft is exactly that, next year.

  54. louden Says:

    a reminder why you should keep track of those bucs moves, if you want them to win sth. else than the offseason:

    Capt.Tim, back from Davies Jones’s locker Says:
    August 13th, 2014 at 6:35 pm
    We are Tired.
    We are tired of being told that this offense doesn’t need a TE.
    Or Slot Reciever isn’t important
    Or that we don’t need our leader pass rusher, because our injured 2nd year rookie will do it.
    We are tired of watching this team have glaring, obvious weaknesses- and being told we are wrong.
    Then, once it’s obvious we were right- being told we are supposed to watch yet another crappy season- like good little idiots
    __________________________________

    So lets HOPE this regime is different

  55. 2003bucs Says:

    Again scouts don’t make picks. Mark Dominick was for awhile. And he was reading urs and joes comments too much to make a rational decision

  56. maleko Says:

    I agree with Hawk; nobody out deals Belicheat. Something is wrong.

  57. louden Says:

    Deputy Buc said: “Anyone else notice that Licht said that he was happy with the three tight ends on the roster?! I think they like Cameron Brate alot for development,(…)”

    Interesting, very well observed – overall great post.
    I like it when people acually talk football.
    Nothing against those who Joke around on comments and stuff, but your piece for example gives a good look at where the Bucs stand as a team and so on…
    Love it! GoBucs.

  58. 2003bucs Says:

    Bellicheat has one of the best qbs of all time makes things a tiny bit easier. Nobody remembers he was the browns coach? Not knocking the guy but wish the bucs could be lucky enough to have someone like that

  59. Andrew 1 Says:

    Tim Wright is a good player, but he has obvious flaws in his game that made him a poor fit for this team. The main thing is he is a bad blocker. With a team like the patriots and a QB like T. Brady that doesn’t make one bit of difference because they don’t shy away from the fact that they are going to throw it and why not? they already know they will be successful. but for this team it would be hard to disguise certain plays and formations with him in the game. Now, for us last year… lets face it him being a receiver or a blocker didn’t make much of a difference, we were looking for any help that we could get. But now, our new regime has replaced Tim Wright with a true, all around TE named ASJ and simultaneously filled the guard position that was in dire straights. They are building this team how they see fit.

  60. Andrew 1 Says:

    Tim Wright is a good player, but he has obvious flaws in his game that made him a poor fit for this team. The main thing is he is a bad blocker. With a team like the patriots and a QB like Tom B. that doesn’t make one bit of difference because they don’t shy away from the fact that they are going to throw it and why not? they already know they will be successful. but for this team it would be hard to disguise certain plays and formations with him in the game. Now, for us last year… lets face it him being a receiver or a blocker didn’t make much of a difference, we were looking for any help that we could get. But now, our new regime has replaced Tim Wright with a true, all around TE named ASJ and simultaneously filled the guard position that was in dire straights. They are building this team how they see fit.

  61. gotbbucs Says:

    Anybody who would have rather kept their wagon hitched to Cousins need not speak.

    You know who I’m sure appreciates this move? Every player on the team, minus the guy who’s job just got taken. Anybody that has a job in a performance based company is usually happy when someone new is brought in that can actually drop more to the bottom line than what they cost the business.

    After watching the first three preseason games, I for one was not excited for the season anymore, this move has renewed my excitement. You cant hide a turd on the offensive line, and Cousins was exactly that, and it would have cost us dearly in the regular season.

  62. Deputy Buc Says:

    louden Says:

    Interesting, very well observed – overall great post.
    I like it when people acually talk football.
    Nothing against those who Joke around on comments and stuff, but your piece for example gives a good look at where the Bucs stand as a team and so on…
    Love it! GoBucs.

    —————-

    thanks, I don’t tend to post a whole bunch. But I’ve grown to realize that with the internet we will have trolls and people who are never happy. I love talking football.

    Missed alot of last year so being able to go to camp everyday got the juices flowing again.

  63. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    t-dub Says
    “will we see him Thursday at RJ?”

    Most of the starters will not be playing much, if at all, so I doubt it.

  64. Buc the Haters Says:

    Tim Wright was definitely going to be cut if we didn’t trade him. He didn’t fit here any longer.

  65. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Thursdays game is going to be REALLY UGLY. Backups the whole game through, and we all know how bad our backups are.

    Yes. I will still watch it.

  66. J 2.0 Says:

    1. Mankins is 32 and will be the whole season until March 2015. Not old. OG’s of his caliber play until they’re 36-39.

    2. 6 time Pro Bowler (5 in a row) not good enough? 2 consecutive All-Pro teams.

    3. He has 3 years at 6.75 mil left on his deal. Plenty of motivation to continue playing at a high level.

    4. Sorry Loudin, but 4th round picks aren’t as valuable as you think. Can you find decent starters in the 4th? Yes, occasionally you can, but for the most part 4th rounders are to build depth. From 2009-2013 6 out of 160 4th round picks have made the Pro Bowl. That is 3.75% to make the Pro Bowl for the mathematically challenged.

    5. Furthermore, shut up. Some of you want to bitch and complain about every move the Bucs make. MOVE TO BOSTON!!! That is what they’re good for up there. Support the team, don’t support the team. After all it is just a game.

  67. Andrew 1 Says:

    Tim Wright was and is overrated for what this team needed. So we traded him and got a pretty special guard return that we also desperately needed. Don’t see how anyone be upset with that. That 4th rounder stings a little bit, but watching Oniel Cousins would sting even more.

  68. oldbucs Says:

    Although there is always value in the 4th round trading that pick away is a small gamble compared to what it would have been not making this trade. Its for these online guys to sit at home and criticize personnel departments for their picks, when these online guys have no accountability. Since the beginning of the nfl their have been sleepers and busts every team has made them. One thing you can count on is a guy who has been there and done that. I am really excited about what we have done this offseason who wants to wait?? Lets win now!!

  69. louden Says:

    got bucs:
    @ louden

    Long posts a great football mind do not make. I (we) get it, you consider yourself an NFL officianato, and for some reason, a specialist when it comes to offensive line play.

    Sometimes winning does a lot more for a club than constantly looking to the future and hoping everything in the now takes care of itself. This isn’t your dynasty fantasy football league where I’m sure you’re the commissioner. It’s also easy to forget that these are real people out there playing the game and they dont get to do it forever. Mankins will help us win now and next years draft is exactly that, next year.
    _______________________________
    am i writing against a Joe or someone paid by the NFL (indirectly)

    Its all obvious.
    Just stating facts.
    I am not interested in any kind of fantasy league (as some pretend fans).

    I didn´t pick an RB in the 3rd round instead going for a good Oline prospect or stocking other positions.

    Do i realy have to write a list of players, who would have made sense to draft???? (i even did so once…. but heck, even when i am a real game-of-football-fanatic, i have other stuff to do also).

    but to provide a glimpse (and keep in mind, by stocking a positon, even if we got good depth there, why not taking a good player??? We would have better trading possibilitys and a better leverage in negotiating contracts):

    – Guard Gabe Jackson (should have been as obvious as the McCoy picking back then)

    – DT Lois Nix (monster, but injury concerns, heck its the 3rd)

    – Josh Huff WR or DeAnthonyThomas (both great slot WR´s aka offensive weapons and DeAnthony would make great returner – special teams, anyone?! Lovie??!!)

    – quite a bunch of WR´s

    – again a Guards comes to mind, who won several awards: forgot name right now, but also Brandon Thomas a good guard prospect

    – bunch of CB´s i forgot (which also can come to bite back hard; lets see if the front 4 can pressure enough….)

    Thats why (nothing against MikeEvans) i would have picked a different posi (example Aaron Donald DT; great rusher, perfect to team up with McCoy, cant block both — and would have snatched a slot guy WR or No2 type later in draft + kept Wiliams…. well i am not sure what his contract looked like….)

  70. Deputy Buc Says:

    Just for clarification on my first post… I meant kadeem edwards and not Pamphile

  71. louden Says:

    @J 2.0:
    1) les see HOW and if Mankins plays when he is in the age range you mentioned

    2) I am not saying he is a bad player, but bringing up the probowl ( think lavonte david) in term of showing how invalueable the 4th round is…. laughable

    3) Lets hope he doesn´t end as dead cap like Nicks, but again: i am very happy with having Mankins here

    4) look up point 2)

    youre take:
    5) Furthermore, shut up. Some of you want to bitch and complain about every move the Bucs make.

    Again a little Sherridanisque.
    Sure its better having Logan Mankins than Cousins play Guard for Bucs.

    But i want the Bucs to be a legit SuperBowl contender year in and year out.
    Like… yeah, that team from Boston who just sold us an aging veteran; stock pilling draft picks and don´t have fear anything by trading away one heck of an player…..

    Thats why i mentioned the possibility of moving V-jacks.

    He, sure as hell, should be worth some multiple very high draft picks.
    which would set us up for a good future.
    Right now i see a team with some legit ??? especially at QB and ??? amunation to do sth about it in the future drafts…..

    Also Cap space for FreeAgency isn´t that great anymore.

  72. Andrew 1 Says:

    @ louden

    There’s only one problem with that, WE ARE NOT THE PATRIOTS! Having the greatest QB of all time allows you to make such moves without having to worry about any kind of drop off. Lucky for us though, you don’t have to be the patriots to win the superbowl.

  73. oldbucs Says:

    The patriots 4th round draft picks since 2004 (year mankin was drafted) to year 2013. They have had 10 picks in the 4th round during this time period, and one player make the pro bowl (2) and it was kicker Stephen Gostkowski. James Sanders started more than 10 games for two years and his career was over in 6 years. Aaron Hernandez was the other 4th round pick we all know how that turned out. The other 4th round draft picks are either on a new team not in the nfl or do not play. Not saying there is no value in the 4th round but if you can get at least a for sure solid starter for the next few years and draft a young guard in the first like mankin was then develop him that would be nice. For people to keep knocking this trade for a 4th rounder and a number 2 TE is outrageous

  74. Hawk Says:

    @ Louden
    You said, “A footbal game lasts about 3 hours, but the actual game tape is like 30 minutes.”
    Exactly how do you arrive at that? The 30 minutes, I mean. The last time I checked, the game, officially, lasted 60 minutes. That is, of course, if you want to see the pre-snap shifts on offense and defense that are often taking place while the clock is running.
    And ‘game tape’, to me, implies ‘team tape’, which can last a whole lot longer than 30 minutes, since it incorporates EVERY camera angle for EVERY play.
    So, again, I’m wondering how you are measuring the “30 minutes”, unless that was a mistake/typo. If so, my question becomes moot. Thanks.

  75. PRBucFan Says:

    Bottom line is ALOT of fourth rounders don’t pay off regardless of the fact that they are picked by “men who get paid to do it”.

    Hell they sometimes miss on first rounders ;).

    Anywho, the Bucs may have found themselves one of the best GM’s around the NFL in Licht.

    By publicly looking at Incognito it is very possible he was telling the Pats the Bucs were willing to find their answer at guard elsewhere. While at the same time forcing the Pats to meet him at “his price” out of fear the Bucs as a trade partner.

  76. oldbucs Says:

    PRBucs Fan I agree !

  77. buccanstopit Says:

    1. This is payback for all the one way trades by Dom.
    2. We had too many tight ends and Wright was going to be cut.
    3. Louden you talk(write) too much

  78. oldbucs Says:

    Vincent Jackson will be 32 in 5 months why would someone give MULTIPLE HIGH DRAFT PICKS?? You also would have kept Mike Williams ? speaking of someone on the decline and WAY overpaid that guy had square wheels ! did you see him running his routes last year? Plus he was a phony and bad lockeroom guy

  79. BK Says:

    Sign Richie and add Mean (Mankins) and Nasty to that OL.

  80. buccanstopit Says:

    2.5 Guess who on the line what check Incognito.

  81. Jim Walker Says:

    If the Bucs can get 2 productive seasons out of this guy we stole him.

  82. scott Says:

    remember guys, oniel cousins was a 4th rounder. We probably got this pic from trading Zuttah anyway so it all works out

  83. Jim Walker Says:

    Has anyone noticed that Bowers makes significantly more money than Lavonte David?

  84. BugMacAttack Says:

    Top teams are lucky to keep their top 3 picks and 4’th rounders don’t always make the cut. Licht can trade back in the next draft and restore that 4’th round pick. This was a great trade for all involved and Wright could become a top rank TE with Brady spinning him passes. I believer Licht tried to trade Stocker but Big Bill wasn’t having it and wanted Wright. Mankind should make the other players nastier and better. He knows all the little dirty tricks of the trade. I’m stoked !

  85. FairWeatherFan Says:

    We were in BIG trouble before this trade.

  86. BucIt941 Says:

    I think as fan who have nearly unlimited access to information we get far to caught up in the “Deals” of these transactions. Personally I don’t care how it gets done as long as we are improving our football team and the product on the field. Outside of doing something shameful like giving up a 1st round pick or paying a player a Million dollars a game to play CB, I really don’t care. Look, it’s not like gave up the world to get Mankinds. We gave up a 4th rounder and Tim Wright (wish it was Stocker but Wright has more trade appeal). For those “what about the future people”, it’s just a 4th rounder, you know typically the guy who is a project and at times doesn’t even make the team after the 1st year. Before ASJ being drafted this would infuriate me to see Time Wright be shipped off but i fully believe ASJ is the next big thing at TE in the NFL.

    With all that said lets really just look at the facts and how getting Mankins helps the team this year.
    A. He is still considered top 5 at his position in the NFL
    B. Comes with a winning pedigree thanks to NE
    C. Wont call him Old but will Call him EXPERIENCED
    D. Better than EVERY player on our O-Line
    E. Very much a leader which this “new” 0-Line desperately needs
    F. Easily and immediately makes the left side solid
    G. Will elevate the play of the players around him (ie Collins & EDS)

    Bottom line this is an amazing pick up for us and every single fan should be rejoicing in happiness. The Bucs did exactly what they needed to do and fixed a potential season ending disaster. Mankins between Collins and EDS immediatly makes that side strong, Dotson can hold his own on an island, so all we need is Edwards to step up his game or Ripshaw to take it from him. Then we may finally see the true potential of this offense moving forwards.

    GO BUCS AND WELL DONE L&L

  87. cmurda Says:

    In the excitement of this deal, I have reservations only because it’s the Patriots we are talking about. Billy doesn’t trade them unless there is good reason. If everything checks on the surface L & L stole Mankins. Dude is a bonafide stud. Love it.

  88. BucIt941 Says:

    @cmurda I feel ya, any deal with Belichik is like a deal wit the devil. BUT the man is obsessed with draft pick and will let just about any player go (outside of Brady) for draft picks. So this doesn’t surprise me much. Let’s not forget didn’t Licht work for Belichik at one time early in his career? like when they drafted Brady? So who knows maybe they just got history.

  89. SteveK Says:

    I wonder if Belichick consulted with Schiano while making this deal?

  90. louden Says:

    @ all:
    We shouldn´t have had to trade for Mankins in the first place and with that loosing future amunition to further stabilize the team.
    Sims pick – should have been Guard Gabe Jackson.

    Then we would have had a (more than) serviceable young Guard and we still would have the 4th rounder.
    The more draft picks, the better – everyone agreeing?

    Thats what i mean with: step in the right direction and a taking a step back again.
    Just like the Revis trade was BS.
    It was a win-now trade – instead of thinking about building a lasting contender. A dynasty so to speak.

    And most with a little sense for Football understood that the Revis trade was a Go.for.superbowl.now move – while the team had holes all over the place.

    Same again: But instead of being a Win-now superbowl move, its a win now some games move…. because most Bucs fans would be pleased with a winning record and a playoff appearance would feel like winning superbowl.

    Therein lies the conflict: instead of building a dynasty, they try to make fans believe and SELLING HOPE.

    Because thats all the NFL wants to do. SELLING = getting money

    All teams are money machines controlled by a man.
    Some men on this world are just interested in making money.
    NFL is pretty similar to WWE – with special refs matches.

    @HAWK:
    My post was video to scout players. >>> therefore no need for pre snap stuff most of the time; just watching Offense/defense sometimes Special teams too.
    THis cuts down the time to evaluate (one game) significantly.

    @ oldbucs:
    Yes, V-jacks would be worth some high picks.
    A team wanting “to get over the hill” could pay, lets say, 2nd + 4th rounder next year and a 3rd rounder the year after.

    If a GM thinks it gives them a legit chance to win it all – why not?
    Look at what the Bucs gave up to win it all….
    the following years were horrible (MISSING DRAFT PICKS) . Fans still consider it was worth it.

    I for one want the Bucs to be a lasting legit contender for the big prize.

    Again: now we got a good guard who will be able to play very good for about 2 years. wow….. he already isn´t playing at top of his game anymore.
    Yeah he isn´t bad – again: that means the bucs will not be bad enough to get high picks and the bucs will not be good enough to win the big prize.

    They still got ???? talent level.
    Instead of building a lasting contender they give away crucial picks.
    Thats BS in my eyes.

    We could have had Gabe Jackson (good guard for years to come in the 3rd; thats what i call good value)

    bucs should finish team-building some day and start maintaining top level talent.
    Instead they loose talent and gain a little.
    All the way.
    Thats why i say they have a horrible personal plan.

    again: you build from the front to the back;
    BUCS COULD HAVE HAD ONE, IF NOT THE BEST INTERIOR PASS RUSHER IN THE LAST DRAFT IN AARON DONALD AND COULD HAVE PAIRED HIM UP WITH McCOY!!!

    sound like a fantasy? and still they (especially Lovie Smith, the undersized pass-rushers lover) skipped on that?

    Instead taking a WR in a WR heavy class? Okay…. i think pass rushers are harder to find than capable WR….
    but thats only my opinion…..

    The NFL IS A MAFIA
    Think about it, GoBucs!

  91. Greg Says:

    Jesus Louden (aka Mark Dominic), we get it, you hate the trade, but your long ass rants of how you could do it better reminds me of Thomas2.2inches rants against GMC! Enough! STFU! The Glazers aren’t looking for a new scout or GM, they seem pretty set with what they have! I’ve been checking this website for over five years, and I haven’t seen any poster here who got hired by the Bucs because they stunned the Glazers with their knowledge of how the NFL works, and your rants are NOT going to get you hired either! Why don’t you debate whether or not we should get Mankins with the 70’s style Grizzly Adams beard or the 80’s porn star mustache, at least that argument would be something the average fan on here could have fun with and have some excitement about their team! Take your fantasy football GM/Coach somewhere else where you aren’t so goddamn annoying!

  92. Orca Says:

    ^^ It’s really a shame they didn’t hire you to be GM. Clearly, you have all the answers and are better able to evaluate players than L&L.

  93. Orca Says:

    For some, being a fan equals being miserable and making everyone else miserable in the process unless the team does things their way. And the team NEVER does things their way because such people are always looking for stuff to complain about.

  94. BigMacAttack Says:

    And Doug Martin is the happiest guy in Tampa.

    OriginalSOE
    MITMFUSA

  95. Buc the Haters Says:

    louden is a lame-O. This was a great trade for us considering that we were going to cut TWright anyway…. Mankins, EDS, & either Rishaw Johnson or Omaheh are going be beasts inside enabling us to have a true multi-faceted & efficient offense.

  96. Joe Says:

    This was a great trade for us considering that we were going to cut TWright anyway…

    Strongly disagree.

  97. Joe Says:

    I wonder if Belichick consulted with Schiano while making this deal?

    Let’s see. Schiano is a consultant for the Patriots. Wright played for Schiano. Hhhmm?

    Also, per Boston media, Belicheat has a fetish for Rutgers players. Who coached Rutgers? Same guy who is on the Patriots payroll. Hhhmmm?

    Joe’s going to guess, um, yeah.

  98. Hawk Says:

    louden Says:
    August 26th, 2014 at 11:19 pm

    “@HAWK:
    My post was video to scout players. >>> therefore no need for pre snap stuff most of the time; just watching Offense/defense sometimes Special teams too.
    THis cuts down the time to evaluate (one game) significantly.”

    This makes even less sense. What kind of scout looks at ONE game? ‘Scout’ film can run 10 minutes (kick/punt returner who started only one season) up to two hours (four year starter on offense/defense). And sometimes the position being scouted, requires the pre-snap footage.
    Maybe we aren’t talking about the same thing.

  99. louden Says:

    Once more:

    1) i didn´t hate the trade, i like Mankins as our Guard now. Way better than what we had.
    BUT

    2) Its about the draft pick, because draft picks are so crucial for building a real dynasty

    3) In order to build a dynasty you need good drafting and/or general good personal planning

    See: all the 1st rounders of the world are worth nothing, if you keep using it on the wrong players (wether through trade or picking)

    4) Dominik compensated bad drafting with FreeAgency

    >>>> current Bucs, after horrible draft plan, needed to ship a crucial valuable draft pick.

    Every now and then, there will be obvious good value picks in later rounds (Guard Yankey this year; at very least he will make a top backup… think Glennon)
    Therefore, and even more so, if a different team has a need and wants to trade…..

    Or we see a talent that we like, we could trade up…..

    etc etc etc.

    Is it about improving our team; or winning a SuperBowl?
    In my book, having a legit contender year in and out is better than a 10+ Wins season, every 3-4 years and on going medicory…..

    Even if its better than what we are used to, we should hold up standards very high – dont forget.
    GoBucs!