Ayers To Fans: Slow Your Roll
August 15th, 2016
Demands results.
Bucs fans watching the defense last week in the preseason opener at Philadelphia needed a drool towel.
Bucs defenders, when not having to defend a short field, swarmed to the ball and rocked Eagles quarterbacks like Bucs fans haven’t seen since Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice prowled the field.
The score didn’t matter. But punishing Eagles quarterbacks did, especially rookie defensive end Noah Spence.
Hold up, says fellow defensive end Robert Ayers. Joe spoke with Ayers after practice today, and while he is happy to hear the fans were happy with the play of the front line, Ayers believes the defense, including the line, is still a work in progress.
“It’s early, man,” Ayers said. “It’s one preseason game. Same way I’m not going to look too big into fumbles and turnovers [in the first game], I’m not going to look too big into four sacks.
“You know, you get better. You want to work. You are never as good as they say and you are never as bad as they say. We want to stay level-headed and keep working.”
Pretty cool attitude. And Joe has a couple of stories to share about Ayers.
After practice today, Ayers was working for about 15 minutes on the JUGS machine, what receivers use to catch passes. A defensive end? Joe can’t recall seeing a defensive end at the JUGS machine. Why Ayers?
Joe joked with Ayers asking if he was trying out for a tight end gig. Ayers roared and said, “No, I can’t block. They would beast me.”
So what was Ayers doing catching rifled balls fired out from the JUGS machine? Sometimes, defensive ends get a chance to sky and pick off a pass. And that’s just what Ayers was doing, having the JUGS gun aimed high so Ayers would have to jump to catch passes.
Also, Joe heard a good story about how Ayers is so demanding of his teammates. In a recent practice, a fellow defensive lineman screwed up on a play and he noticed Ayers’ glare upon him. The teammate said to Ayers, “My bad,” and Ayers unloaded on him with a stream of profanities that Joe cannot reprint here. But to clean them up, Ayers insisted there is to be no apologizing. That messed up plays like that are unacceptable and if the lineman can’t make the plays, then get the hell off the field.
Joe is thinking Ayers might be the best defensive signing the Bucs have had in years. If for no other reason than his constant demand for excellence, not excuses.
The Bucs have had far too many excuses for losing lo’ these last five years.
August 15th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
great stuff….ayers seems dedicated to win now….hope that attitude rubs off on everyone….GO BUCS!!!!
August 15th, 2016 at 4:58 pm
I was probably the first one to jump up and down when I heard Bucs were smart enough to grab him..I watch Giants games..always have..since the day of Phil Simms..so I was VERY familiar with Ayers..his playing, his pancaking on Cam N. and others..my gosh, how did we get so lucky!!??
And what I notice the most about him? He’s HAPPY to be here..happy to be part of this historical defense that’s building up quicker than my swimmers ear infection..and that’s quick..
He responds to his fans..he’s a great family man ( thought I pity the boys that date his girls..lol)..and he’s HUNGRY to get a title here..
I’m going to say it now..best FA signing in a very long time..unlike another FA who I don’t think cares where he plays..only the paycheck..
I decided last week..I am getting my Ayers jersey today..just hard to find a nice one in women’s sizes..boo to the nFL for thinking women are not football nuts..
Go Robert Ayers!! Love ya!!!! and love the energy and the no excuses mentality WE HAVE DESPERATLY NEEDED FOR SO LONG!!!!
August 15th, 2016 at 5:06 pm
the warren sapp school of assignment accountability. i heartily approve
August 15th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Ayers is exactly what bucs needed on defense. I hope he does not hurt GMC’s feelings.
August 15th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Why are you so quick to set aside the two TDs easily relinquished on a short field in sudden change? Oh I guess we can continue giving up the booty in the red zone business as usual and still call that good defense. Yuck, you people have no standards left.
August 15th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
well I wonder who could he be talking to?
August 15th, 2016 at 5:21 pm
@ LifeofaBucFan
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo is excited about Ayers too…..Pablo hasn’t seen Ayers while table dancing, so that could be a good sign. As for a Ayers jersey that fits….check with 87…..he/she/it has large breasts….so maybe he/she/it could suggest a size for you. FYI, Pablo loves all JBF posters, but Pablo really love him sum LifeOfABucfan”
August 15th, 2016 at 5:33 pm
LOL@ Pablo!
I’ll check with 87..lol..I found a Ayers jersey from Aliexpress in China..just afraid by the time I get it, season is over..
Happy to see Bucs defense got a great review on PFF for first week of preseason..
August 15th, 2016 at 5:37 pm
That’s what GMC should be doing!! But he is a Marshmellow!!! A powderpuff!! Soft and a gooey.. GMC is more worried about being liked than respected!!!
August 15th, 2016 at 6:05 pm
I was listening to Big Dog when they signed this guy and he said that they both had the same agent and was surprised that his agent didn’t tip him off about the signing. Turns out the agent sent Big Dog a text and said that he no longer represented him because he said he had a bad shoulder and the agent advised him to retire. We need to find more players with bad shoulders.
August 15th, 2016 at 6:19 pm
Life of a bucfan
Totally agree. He is the best FA signing since we got Vincent Jackson who was previously the best after we got Simeon Rice.
Hopefully his impact outside of firing up the defense is felt on Sundays too as he is beating the hell out of Cam, Ryan and Brees.
August 15th, 2016 at 6:20 pm
Doesn’t come across soft in the slightest to me.
August 15th, 2016 at 6:22 pm
Rottweiler. rrrrrr where my dawg at.
August 15th, 2016 at 6:52 pm
Joe. Go back your your previous articles. You thought his signing was much to do about nothing. Man. You were wrong again
August 15th, 2016 at 6:53 pm
Anybody remember Hardy Nickerson.? This free agent middle linebacker came to camp like Ayers and kicked butt. That was the start of the Buc defense being very very good. That’s what you need as a team. A catalyst to raise everybody’s game.
August 15th, 2016 at 7:15 pm
I was happy when we signed him because we all know how bad we needed some depth at DE. However, I did not expect him to be so feisty lol. I love it.
August 15th, 2016 at 7:26 pm
@uck
Ahh yes, remember i do. Jaguar ex he was. Strong was the force with Hardy
August 15th, 2016 at 7:35 pm
I am LOVING the Attitude of this team right now. The first few minutes of the game the other night were very de ja vu ish and it was unnerving. However the ship pretty much righted Defensively. Offensively not so much but we have all seen that movie before as Bucs fans. I am Stoked about this D!!!
August 15th, 2016 at 7:37 pm
Finally, our new Sapp on the D? (Mentally)
Holding everyone accountable is a beautiful thing.
Top-5 Defense, here we come?? Lol
Superbowl bound, b!tches
August 15th, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Boomer
What do you take us for a bunch of idiots?
We ALL know a DT can’t have success with a bum shoulder. No way he can get 9.5 sacks and be an absolute animal while making those around him better. It’s IMPOSSIBLE ask anyone here.
August 15th, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Ayes is a late bloomer. He came out of college too early.
August 15th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Ayers has that Hardy Nickerson attitude. Time for the return of nasty!
August 15th, 2016 at 8:49 pm
I’m really starting to like Ayers attitude I mean, if this guy goes this hard in practice imagine being the DL that screws up in the game. I love his passion and work ethic. I have this great feeling that the Bucs are going to bitch slap quite a few teams this year.
August 15th, 2016 at 9:19 pm
LifeOfABucfan…Phil Simms… Giants fan ugh, I remember him beating the Bucs when our team was undefeated at 4-0 to start the season in the past, I think. It may have been his first start with the Giants. What a bummer, I remember the final score as a 17-14 loss for the Bucs. Memory, don’t fail me now. Did you watch that game?
August 15th, 2016 at 9:49 pm
Bug Nasty!
August 15th, 2016 at 10:20 pm
It is super bowl you $itches!
August 15th, 2016 at 10:30 pm
33 People Now in the JOEBUCSFAN.COM Pickem league!!!!!
Let’s try for 40 Guys!!!!! GO BUCS!!
http://games.espn.com/nfl-pigskin-pickem/2016/en/group?groupID=99276
August 15th, 2016 at 10:41 pm
The “tude” that Ayers is displaying is for sure a very pleasant surprise.
I assumed he would play pretty well – but had no idea how valuable his leadership skills would turn out to be. Officially or not – Ayers is quickly turning into a primary alpha dog who seems pretty intent on driving this Defense to greatness.
August 15th, 2016 at 11:00 pm
Forget what he can do on the field, this guy was worth every penny just on his leadership. i look for him to be the “logan mankins” of this years d line. The tough mentor who is down in the trenches teaching boys how to be men. I love it. Im so glad that Licht understands that quality leadership is just as, or more, important than talent.
August 15th, 2016 at 11:05 pm
Whatever. I’ll believe it when we don’t get shredded like rice paper the first game.
August 16th, 2016 at 7:48 am
Good to get a dog on that line. Even better that he’s realistic and a veteran. I do expect great things this year from the defense as a whole.
August 16th, 2016 at 8:12 am
Imagine what Ayers can do for our beasts in waiting.Looking fior Gholston and
Akeem Spence to step up this year.
August 16th, 2016 at 9:04 am
This guy was the PERFECT signing for us this year, I think Licht got great value in Grimes and Ayers, the jury is still out on Sweezy until he can get healthy and showcase his skills during the regular season. But I knew b4 training camp that Ayers was gonna play a huge role on this team and even refereed to him as a guy that should have a C on his jersey. He is exactly what this team was in dying need for. He’s lighting a flame under everyone’s @sses. LOVE IT