Lovie Identifies Starting Rotation At DE

March 25th, 2015
LovieJags

Lovie talked to Joe about DEs

The Bucs were in the hunt this offseason for manbeast, bad-boy defensive end Greg Hardy, after they lost a bid for veteran DE Trent Cole, who took his 85.5-sack resumé to Indianapolis.

So now what?

Today in Arizona, Joe asked Lovie Smith where he stands at the position.

Keep in mind the Bucs return to the practice field in about 3 1/2 weeks.

JoeBucsFan.com: Last year you used the term “starting rotation” a lot in March. What would that be now at defensive end, and is Henry Melton in the mix there?

Lovie Smith: Well, you just look at who we had last year; I’m just going with guys who took a step up, I think. Jack Smith did a good job. How many sacks, 6 1/2 sacks like that. That’s ok with limited amount of play.  You go through Jack, Larry English, Lawrence [Sidbury]. T.J. Fatinikun, just of all the players, this guy was a security guard working, playing in the Arena league without a per diem. And now he just got better and better. Those are four young players, you start, you know. We like all of them. We like the direction they’re headed. And again, we have the draft.

It’s interesting that Lovie left out DE Will Gholston but was quick to mention Sidbury, who Jason Licht dropped major love on before season’s end. Joe included Melton since he lined up some at end for Dallas last season, but it seems Lovie didn’t want to go there.

Yes, the Bucs could use upgrades at defensive end. As Lovie said, the draft awaits, and it’s supposed to be very deep in edge-rush talent.

50 Responses to “Lovie Identifies Starting Rotation At DE”

  1. Tom Edrington Says:

    Those names should strike fear in the hearts of NFL quarterbacks everywhere!

  2. bucs4lyfe Says:

    If your a high draft pick then people are more quick to throw around the bust word. This is how you become a household name, seems alot of people will get a shot this summer just hope some promising high draft pick is in the mix from the second or third round

  3. 87's Cool side Says:

    How can this be when we haven’t drafted Donte Fowler yet?

  4. WS99 Says:

    Jasmith 6.5 sacks is okay? Pound for pound best production on the dline.

  5. brandonbucfan Says:

    Lovie used ac lot of FA money last year and gave up the whole draft on offense last year. This year,going with Famous No1. I am sure he wants a new toy (DE)
    to play with at No.2 Then he will worry about OL in rds. 3&4. IMO

  6. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    As TBBF points out. It’s not as important where the sacks come from as long as they come. If it’s a team effort and the total numbers are good I don’t mind not having a “star”. In fact I prefer a team effort because a “star” can get hurt and then you lose a big part of your rush. Can you say GMC?

    TBBF makes another excellent point. It’s not just sacks. That may be the glamour stat but QB hurries are also good and how about some freaking batted and tipped passes.

  7. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    As long as he doesn’t go all Josh McNown on us and start anointing actual starters

  8. WS99 Says:

    I know gmc benefited off of ja smith pressure

  9. jvato24 Says:

    Jacqueis, TJ, Larry and Lawrence, holy smokes this reminds me way too much of our CB scenario a few years back

  10. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    Draft williams n we will have a top 3 d line

  11. bucgator Says:

    Hey DB. You hit the nail on the head. GMC makes those around him better. If he had another player of his caliber on the line it would make the other two guys look like superstars. Sapp and Rice made McFarland what he was. No disrespect to Booger whatsoever but when you have Two beasts applying pressure it gets alot easier for you to make plays that get funnelled your way

  12. 87's Cool side Says:

    Hey DB. You hit the nail on the head. GMC makes those around him better. If he had another player of his caliber on the line it would make the other two guys look like superstars. Sapp and Rice made McFarland what he was. No disrespect to Booger whatsoever but when you have Two beasts applying pressure it gets alot easier for you to make plays that get funnelled your way

  13. 87's Cool side Says:

    No disrespect to Ja Smith either. He was the only one that knew how to step up and unite with GMC in the QB quest.

  14. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I’d like to see more LB, CB & Safety action this year…..LVD’s sack #s fell off due in part to the scheme.

    After last year’s disaster with Johnson….I’m OK taking some chances with some young guys wanting to be Bucs and wanting to excel.

  15. Barry Says:

    Let’s keep this simple:
    1. Marcus for QB
    2. Chip for HC
    3. Big Dog for GM
    —BOOM—–

  16. Bill Says:

    People are quick to attack Lovie’s offensive ineptitude, and justifiably so to a degree. I’m willing to give him the credit of knowing defense. He’s been pretty solid over the years when in comes to the front 7. If he sees talent in what we have, I’ll trust him on that. He’s a defensive guy, let him coach up the defense. I suspect the offense is where we need a genuine injection of talent.

  17. Buc1987 Says:

    Barry Says:
    March 25th, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    “Let’s keep this simple.”

    Everyone already knows you’re simple Barry…

  18. Bill Says:

    TBBF — “some young guys wanting to be Bucs and wanting to excel.”

    You hit the primary issue in my mind. Guys who want to be Bucs. For several years now the Packers roll out a roster which is %90 or more players they drafted. These are guys who are Packers with no allegiance or desire to be anything else. This matters, it creates team culture and unity. We need to start operating like this.

  19. Pickgrin Says:

    It remains to be seen if Jacqueis Smith can maintain his play from last year to next and also if he can do it for a whole season. But I tell you what – that young man was tearing it up at DE last year. Not only did he get the 6.5 sacks himself playing well less than 1/2 the defensive snaps on the year – he also set other linemen up for sacks quite a few times with his frequent pressure. The kid had some real ‘want to’ in him – and the contrast to what M. Johnson was putting on tape was stark as night and day.

    I feel very comfortable that we will be fine this year at whatever spot Jack Smith is lining up at. So all we need is for 1 of the other promising young-uns or a draft pick to step up and have a breakout year. It’s certainly possible that we are in better shape right now at DE than anyone thinks. Steve White sure seems to think so in talking about J. Smith, Fatinikum and Gholston – and I respect Steve’s opinion quite a bit – especially when he is talking about D-linemen.

  20. Barry Says:

    We don’t need distractions off the field like civil lawsuits and possible thefts in the 813. Big Dog said a 2nd woman is going after JW in court and his source is incredible! Big Dog knows it all-just listen to 620 if u don’t believe me guys

  21. WS99 Says:

    buc

    You funny. Nothing or no one will stop you. You’re hired as attitude coach for the buccos.

  22. WS99 Says:

    Buc

    If you wanna get jacked search YouTube Jameis Winston and watch the 14 min highlight reel. He’s throwing receivers open, effecient in the red zone, throwing bombs with defensive players hitting him as he throws. They even show his scrabbling abilities. It’s beautiful man, beautiful, even nicer than Kate uptons sucking on a Popsicle. Nah it’s not that nice but it’s impressive.

  23. 87's Cool side Says:

    Hey TBBF can you find Pablo to find out what he thinks about Tequila, Smokescreens, and Censorship.

  24. 87's Cool side Says:

    Hey DB. For you I will go watch that. And thanks for the reference. Us Real Bucs fans have to stick together.

  25. Architek Says:

    Lovie scares the hell out of me – everything he says!

  26. 87's Cool side Says:

    Should I watch the first 15 minutes of the Fla game again tool LOL Just joshin man. Im ready for him if he is the pick bro. Im not a hater

  27. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Speaking for Pablo

    “Pablo was asked what he thinks about Tequilla, Smoking Screens & Seniorship….well, Pablo loves Tequilla…many don’t know that it has many household uses….like killing the crabs….kick-starting fire logs and spiking tacos….as for smoking screens…Pablo has never smoked one but thinks he will try it. Pablo wonders how to light a screen…so Pablo will pour some tequilla on it….now as for Seniorship….Pablo believes in that….Pablo respects Senior citizens like TBBF”

  28. NJBucsFan Says:

    Lovie loves his marginal talent if he feels they fit his system.

  29. 87's Cool side Says:

    Man, Pablo is always on time for this buc fan.

  30. Mike10 Says:

    I’m trying not to overreact and say I can’t wait until Lovie gets fired… I don’t mean that I’m pretty sure I don’t mean that

  31. Buc1987 Says:

    See Barry…nobody CARES anymore…

    My wife, she calls Erica Kinsman a gold digging, cleat chasing ho.

  32. Buc1987 Says:

    What’s with the bog today Joe. Your pages are taking about a good 8-10 seconds load. A lot of traffic, server overload?

  33. Myron Lewis Says:

    Barry has a point..Big Dog knows his stuff and could work hard to be a GM one day. He knows a lot, but I still prolly know more.Go Bucs and Vanderbilt

  34. 87's Cool side Says:

    I tell ya what. If I do get down there this October I will definitely shoot out a way for you guys to contact me so maybe I could catch a game with y’all.

  35. Luther Says:

    Has this site gone mad? It does take longer to open pages…Maybe if Melton, J. Smith and a draft pick we can form a somewhat average pass rush at best

  36. NJBucsFan Says:

    @Mike10 – I won’t overreact either, but I WILL SAY I CAN”T WAIT UNTIL LOVIE IS FIRED

  37. Barry Says:

    @87’sCool side:

    Let me know when you coming down, I get discounts on Bucs’ tickets and we can tailgate too

  38. Mike10 Says:

    Barry and Myron – gonna have to disagree, just because someone acts like they know everything doesn’t mean they do. Just bc they like to be the only one heard, doesn’t mean what their saying is right. If he was our GM, we would still be paying off a $100mil Freeman contract, and yet still be the first team calling him in for a tryout now

  39. Mike10 Says:

    haha NJ you said it not me

  40. Myron Lewis Says:

    Big Dog for President!

  41. WS99 Says:

    Watching Andrew luck on nfln sound fx cussing his teammates out. Lol

  42. The Buc Realist Says:

    Big Dog, lol.
    Has all the info on Winston, but can not tell you. But has no idea what happen to Freeman who is a good friend!!!

  43. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Winston’s agent is going to negotiate an early signing in return for Winston going to Chicago……
    My prediction….you heard it here first.

    Winston wants to be the face of the franchise and his face needs to be on the stage getting his #1 Bucs jersey & hat from Goodell.

    If Winston is the Bucs pick….they don’t need to put him through going on the clock and exhausting all trade opportunities…..they need to sign him and send he and his entire family to Chicago!!!

  44. Babaloo Says:

    People bringing up the packers conveniently overlook that they went from one hall if fame qb directly to another. Without them they would be just like every other team. Lucky enough to be able to do it is what they are and that luck will run out eventually.

  45. Andrew 1 Says:

    Or sign him and send his entire family to tampa before the draft. How cool would that be, if on draft day instead of being recorded at his house, they recorded him at Raymond James Stadium right after they call his name at the draft. With the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the tampa bay buccaneers select… Jameis Winston- cut to Winston celebrating with family and friends on a big podium at Ray Jay with thousands of screaming fans cheering him on and celebrating! That would be awesome, and I would definitely be at the stadium for that. Sure beats being booed in Chicago. Seriously, somebody make this happen lol.

  46. Couch Fan Says:

    Sure beats being booed in Chicago.

    ——————————–

    Exactly. Makes no sense why people seem so desperate for Winston to go to Chicago when we can see the samething at his house or in Tampa. No need to put the kid through the booing and stupidity of Chicago. I could careless where he puts the hat on and where he holds up the jersey.

  47. Andrew 1 Says:

    Dare I say we probably would have more people in attendance for that than for any home game last season lol.

  48. classyfreddyblassy Says:

    This team sucks.

  49. Matt Says:

    Hahaha the people on here that claim Leonard Williams can play DE and get sacks as a DE is so funny . If Leonard Williams was gonna come too TB he would of had a visit & he would of been talked about frequently . He hasn’t because we have GMC and he is a DT. He is slow and not very good as a 4-3 DE . Sure he probably could play vs a lot of the leagues RTs with just physical strength , but I doubt he gets sacks . He has too be quick and he isn’t . He needed too run like a 4.7 or 4.8 and he needed to be closer too 280 if he wanted too be a DE in TB,

  50. Matt Says:

    The best bet is too take Winston No 1 , then #2 take Jake Fisher OT and rotate fisher and dotson around at LT and RT . With the 3rd rd pick we have the opportunity too go after a number of players / or positions of you rather call it.
    Slot WR , G , FS , DE
    Tyler Lockett slot WR / KR
    His dad was drafted by TB
    Tre Jackson Winstons G in college
    Smith loves jackson FYI…
    Gerod Hollimon FS
    Ncaa all time interception leader in one season had 14 picks .
    That’s crazy and almost unbelievable . Lol
    He’s certainly a ballhawk with coverage skills . He lacks tackling skills though from what I heard and isn’t very good in run support . Not a huge need in my opinion either . Tandy will likely get his chance too start.
    Last but not least DE Nate Orchard , led NCAA in sacks last season at Utah . Has the height but is a little small at 250 lbs for a 4-3 DE , he could do it I think at LE though and that’s where he would play in TB so why not give him a shot . We can always get a guard in the 4th John miller looks talented . If we go tre Jackson in the 3rd we won’t have a DE in the 4th too look at probably.