“He’s Been All Over Lavonte”
September 12th, 2014
Derrick Brooks heads into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor on Sunday, but it won’t be a homecoming for Mr. Brooks.
Oh, no. Brooks is a very influential and frequent presence at One Buc Palace this season.
Multiple players have spoken about Brooks being hands-on
Last night on Total Access on WDAE-AM 620, Dashon Goldson talked about how Brooks is a regular around team headquarters and players. Gerald McCoy took it a step further on Wednesday.
“You can’t even say enough about it and what he still is to the organization. I mean he’s still around. He was there Sunday coaching us up on the sidelines,” McCoy said. “He’s in the building all the time helping guys out. Since the Tampa-2 has come back to Tampa, he’s been all over Lavonte.”
It’s great that the wise Brooks is free to use his influence. What a mentor for defensive players, especially considering how well Brooks knows every aspect of Lovie Smith’s defense.
It might even make fans take a deep breath and dial back their expectations, like Brooks advised months ago.
September 12th, 2014 at 2:03 pm
I prefer David call the defense over Foster. Seems like the D took several steps backwards last week with Foster calling the shots. Watch out for the Rams TE, whoever he is, he will have an all-pro day on Sunday
September 12th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
I think that first game did more to dial back expectations than Brooks’ words ever could. Pretty sure we’re all well settled in to very low expectations going forward until we see reason to believe that it makes sense to believe otherwise. To clarify, beating up on a hapless Rams team doesn’t qualify. If we can at least compete well with good teams then I’ll allow myself to get excited again
September 12th, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Derrick Brooks, the Bucs Mister Reliable. When is he going to become Bucs head coach?
September 12th, 2014 at 2:08 pm
I actually don’t like LVD in the tampa-2. It does not allow him to use his football instinct and last game he rarely blitzed, which he is great at. The zone does not allow him to be all over the filed. I think it takes away from his skill set.
September 12th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Buccfan37….agree
September 12th, 2014 at 2:19 pm
I agree with part of what u said panhandle. But is this defense running all cover 2 all the time pushing linebackers in hook zones? No
September 12th, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Despite last week’s debacle against the Stinkin’ Panthers, I still remain optimistic, especially regarding the Defense….I see nothing but good coming out of Brooks’ hanging out at One Buc….
September 12th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
I know everyone (myself included) want to see the Bucs D steamroll opponents and smack ’em around, but in 1996 (when Dungy first took over) they still went 0-5 to start off the year until lessons began to take root. I hope we don’t have to repeat that (as Joe has said, it’s not a brand new defense anymore), but it’s foolish to expect the 1999-2002 Tampa 2 Defense from this group, this year, right now.
And yes, I’m frustrated too, but trying to temper it with reality and hopeful expectations. I’ve been a Bucs fan since 1976, a knowledgeable one since the early ’80s, and for the moment I’m happy we’re at least taking steps in the right direction.
September 12th, 2014 at 3:32 pm
Dial back our expectations? After that opening game mine are dialed back as far as the damn dial will go. Any further and I’ll break it. Any further and the Bucs might as well be demoted to the CFL.
September 12th, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Im sorry but the Tampa 2 is probably the best defense for LVD. With McCoy in front of him it keeps the o line men off of him giving him more freedom.
September 12th, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Although I like Foster as a player, I have to agree with Jim (above). LVD should be calling the defense plays, he’s good at it, and he was doing it in his first year too, and very good if I remember right.
September 12th, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Brooks is the man.
Lovie helped him get there.
Months ago we were just wishing for a competent coach and staff. Now we have them, let’s give them a little time!
September 13th, 2014 at 5:24 am
Jim- solid observations.
Panhandle Buc- gotta disagree. Tampa 2 just put Brooks in hall of fame, and got him mentioned as possibly greatest weak side linebacker ever.
I think it’s the perfect defense for David, McCoy, McDonald, Cassias, Fletcher, Goldsen( old Lynch role),Banks, and hopefully Verner.
Not the right defense for Foster.
Worst defense ever for Barron- who is only capable of a few defenses- where Strong Safety is strictly a run support guy.
In modern pass Happy NFL- he really is not a starter