“We’re Building This The Right Way”
January 4th, 2017
Jason Licht speaks
Yes, general manager Jason Licht felt good after Sunday’s season-ending, finally-rip-the-Bucs-from-loserville victory Sunday against the Panthers.
Licht deserved to puff his chest a bit. Look what the Bucs accomplished this season under a first-year head coach.
After the game, Licht chatted with Tampa Bay’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, JoeBucsFan.com columnist eye-RAH! Kaufman, and Kaufman was kind enough to share a nugget on his Twitter account.
“A lot of our guys treated this like a playoff game and it showed. We’re building this the right way,” Licht said.
Interesting stuff there from Licht zeroing in on the mentality of his football team and their approach. Clearly, Brent Grimes was among those balling in practice before this nearly meaningless game, as Joe explained this morning.
“We’re building this the right way,” Licht said.
Joe can’t imagine a Bucs fan arguing with Licht on that point. The Bucs finished 9-7 with a durable young franchise quarterback, a mountain of available salary cap, six starters/major contributors from the last two drafts, aggressive ownership, firm leadership in place and a head coach who knows what he’s doing.
Bucs fans should be salivating for next season.
About a dozen years ago, Chucky, in a wiseass moment, told the media the future was so damn bright around Tampa he had to wear shades.
Well, now it’s time to put them on.
January 4th, 2017 at 2:10 pm
I agree with you Joe and our B+ grade.
Jason Lichet made some draft mistake and the Sweezy situation is also a bit strange but he is doing a hell of a job in Tampa and without the failure against the Raiders we would be speaking about a Playoff team GM.
So I hope he will continue this god job at the draft and the free agency.
January 4th, 2017 at 2:20 pm
That was Chunky’s kiss of death/famous last words comment that seemed to put the jinx on.
January 4th, 2017 at 2:21 pm
Bigger brighter future ahead for the Bucs finally. Good things come to fans who wait, and wait some more. Winning seasons stacked one upon the last should be the norm. Go Bucs!
January 4th, 2017 at 2:21 pm
A lot of our guys treated this like a playoff game and it showed.
————-
Shouldn’t that say “ALL our guys…” just saying the anti-effort theme is resounding and unfortunately Joe can’t pin it on LVD. Hmm
Not exactly sure what licht did to “build” a team this year. Other than Spawn his other draftees were let’s say liabilities in some games i.e. Oakland. For an oline guru the line def struggled Caleb didn’t even play much.
What WRs? I heard that! Licht needs to focus and actually building a team that’s better than some rookie reject that’s been cut multiple times and muffs KOs. I mean who does that?
Step it up Licht or we’ll lose Winston and Evans to FA when that time comes. Spend that money Baby on straight pro bowlers. Trade a b itch Make it happen Licht! Make it happen! No excuses!!!!
January 4th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Licht is building the right way but there is still so much room for improvement. Now comes the hard part, closing the gap with the real contenders.
There’s no position group on this team that i would consider putting in the top 10 in the league. On top of that we have to be ready for possible declines from our admittedly impressive 2016 “gap” Free Agents and maybe even brace ourselves for the loss of our defensive architect. Carolina and New Orleans both seem more likely to improve than to regress, and the only thing that might slow the falcons down is if Kyle Shanahan gets a head coaching gig.
This is the inflection point that sunk the Raheem and Schiano regimes, both squads fell back to the pretenders when the expectations went up instead of catching up with the contenders. I hope and believe that Licht, Koetter, and Winston are made of sterner stuff, but lord knows i’ve misjudged these situations at nearly every opportunity. Wee bit of bias I guess
January 4th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
@ DB55
Who is the last O line prospect that u saw come in and Dominate right away? Lineman take time to develop. Benenoch will come around, I liked what I saw in the few games that he played
January 4th, 2017 at 2:35 pm
Where do u people get that the AINTS are on the cusp of improving? I see the saints in a rapid decline over the next few years. And once Sean Payton and Brees are gone the will become perennial celler dwellers
January 4th, 2017 at 2:36 pm
With Chucky, after the SB win, the future was looking dimmer every year. The drafts were terrible and the roster was aging and being supplemented with recycled vets…
January 4th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
“Not exactly sure what licht did to “build” a team this year”
No one builds a team in a year so no point in trying to think of like that.
We had 2 starters all year on defense in rookie draft picks Spence & VHIII and both made huge plays in big moments. VHIII had at least 2 game changing plays that may have been why we won (tip on a well covered SLANT route for Lavonte pick 6 against KC, and a forced fumble on a flipping Jimmy Graham that lead to the huge LVD return). Pretty sure he had a play like that @ Carolina early in the year as well.
Sure he got beat some; but he wasn’t some liability like our Corners have been in years past. Not even close really.
Spence notching 5.5 sacks as a rookie with a bum shoulder is pretty good production for a 2nd rounder. A lot of the pass rushers that went ahead of him did nothing outside of Bosa. He had a huge sack fumble on Brees in our win against the Saints. VHIII also had an interception in that same game.
The O-line struggled a bit but Caleb was hurt and Sweezy had a freak injury. Can’t really fault him that bad for it; and when Caleb played he showed good potential. The 3 main Light guys did fine (Pamphile/Marpet/Smith) – and none were high draft picks… It’s not like he’s swinging and missing in the 1st round like almost 50% of GMs do…
January 4th, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Atlanta is the only team that really scares me in terms of the next 5 years.
Carolina’s D-line has been their strength but is getting older and they may not be able to afford everyone. Their corners were pretty bad but rookies. They need help on O-line, RB, & WR as well. And Cam’s MVP year is looking like a fluke compared to all his other years.
Saints have an aging Brees and a coach who may be on the way out. Not sure what their identify even is but they look like a soon to be re-build type project that will take a few years
January 4th, 2017 at 3:06 pm
I expected Caleb to play. I figured he didn’t know the playbook or something. Seemed mysterious to put in lesner or whatever his name is with Caleb on the bench.
Spawn is by far his best pick this year. I’ve been giving props to VH3 but he got exposed unfortunately.
I think I’m just salty over Boldin.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:08 pm
We need a dline line and RBs like nick saben has.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:19 pm
I agree with the headline. “Building it the right way” does not happen overnight.
When Dom was shown the door – Jason Licht walked into a lack of legit starting talent at about 65% of the positions on the field. And the majority of any decent “depth” that existed were starting when they shouldn’t have been.
Licht has drafted well in the 3 years he’s been here. Of that there can be little argument. The difference in young talent on the team right now is night and day compared to the 2014 offseason. A # of Licht’s young UDFA’s and waiver wire pick ups have proven they belong in the NFL and also become starters/valuable contributors for the team. (Brate, Hawley, Quizz, Hump).
Its fair for any remaining critics to point to some of Licht’s early and expensive Free Agency busts – Collins, McCown and Michael Johnson in particular – but its also pretty hard to say that Lovie played no part in those decisions and may well have dictated them.
When personnel decisions became 100% Licht’s responsibility – look at the FA results. Grimes, Ayers, Daryl Smith, Anger (and yes, an injured Sweezy).
Any GM in the league can be raked over the coals for a # of their free agency signings considering that even big $ free agents tend to not live up to hopes/expectations (busts if you will) at least 60-70% of the time.
The future IS bright and the proof will come in the form of a winning contender pretty much year in and year out for probably at least the next decade to come. This primarily due to another Jason Licht draft choice which will ultimately become the most important draft choice in Buccaneer history – #3 Jameis Winston.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
^ this
January 4th, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Meh, I’d say our linebackers are without a doubt top 10 in the league. Our d line is also debatable.
As far as the future of our NFC opponents. I’m not so sure about Carolina. Newton is an idiot. That guy just doesn’t get it and I’m glad he doesn’t. He literally just said he hates football right now. He can’t throw and the his scramble ability may have been dissolved. I also don’t expect the Saints to rebound. They are discussing trading Peyton and Brees is almost done. I see what you mean that they both are likely to progress than regress but I could see both going either way and after the outlier of a season in Atlanta, they will most certainly regress IMO.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:40 pm
O line and play makers. I would be elated with drafting Corey Davis or John Ross, two speed threats. OJ Howard would be lethal in ace personel with Brate and Evans. Ryan Ramcyzk is a pass blocking tackle and named best o lineman in the big 10.
Of course no prospect is perfect. There are questions about if Ross can play outside at the NFL level. Ramcyzk isnt expext to attend the combine due to hip surgery and may even waut another year to declare. But those are my personal favorites as of early January. Alot can change.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:42 pm
DB55
hate to be negative but,
you analyze Spense sacks, they were all coverage sacks
he doesnt have the speed and athletic enough to sack the QB from the hike of the ball
he cant get to the QB thru and around the tackle in less than 3 seconds. he doesnt have the speed like beasly or shane ray. 4.5 forty vs Spence 4.8. big difference
*we are not talking about vonn miller/mack but 2nd tier good edge rushers
he is a tweener which is very bad in the modern nfl. you need a edge (skillset) to create a mismatch vs off lineman
January 4th, 2017 at 3:50 pm
A lot of our guys treated this like a playoff game and it showed. We’re building this the right way,” Licht said…. Yes and it looked like the panthers had already checked out and somehow we win by 1 and the offense scores 10 points. A lot of open recievers overthrown and not a lot of points… it seemed to be the theme down the stretch.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:51 pm
WE HAVE THE TOP 5 WORST TALENT IN OUR ROSTER IN THE NFL
how did we get to 9-7?
Mike Smith did a fantastic job to win 6 games
IF ANY OF YOU THINK THAT OFFENSIVE DISPLAY SUNDAY WAS PLAYOFF CALIBER OR EVEN GOOD….
YOUR RELATED TO LICHT OR SELL BEER TOGETHER
OPEN YOUR EYES
January 4th, 2017 at 3:53 pm
I see Spence making Qbs set up into the pocket were Ayers and crew be waiting for them. I think he’s better than Claiborne.
January 4th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Can someone ban this guy^
I get the pessimism, if it is warranted but this dude sounds like a dumb Debbie downer.
January 4th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Hey Joe once season tickets go up for grabs can you inform us if the sales increased from last seasons(2015.) I have a feeling the den of depression just earned the den of suppression for all those who visit.
January 4th, 2017 at 4:09 pm
When he said SOME of our players he could not have been talking about GMC who averaged thru 16 games 1.5 tackles per game and .40 sacks per game… that’s right .40! Some in the media will argue that those of us that point this out are stat watchers and don’t understand McCoys role. We understand his role! That is to get to the quarterback and also to cause disruption in the O line! Don’t give that crap he was voted by his peers to the last 5 pro bowls, for the kind of jack he makes his numbers are not nearly good enough. Dude needs to perform better instead of celebrating a 9-7 record! I GUARANTEE Sap wouldn’t be happy with that.
January 4th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
I’m going all right…getting good grades
My future’s so bright…I gotta wear shades
—Timbuk 3—
January 4th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
btw I was referring to Kobe.
January 4th, 2017 at 5:06 pm
If that guy had not botched the second half kick off I bet we would have beat New Orleans.
Go bucs.
January 4th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
The Bucs signed a Kicker today to a future contract. just saying
January 4th, 2017 at 6:50 pm
I’m really pleased we had a winning season finally, but I’m in let’s see what we really do next season, we have a lot of holes yet to fill. But I’m always a Bucs fan!! Go Bucs!!
January 4th, 2017 at 7:24 pm
I placed this on another thread but it fits even better here.
People are being way to hard on Licht.
Look at the record of the legendary Bobby Beathard.
He goes to the Redskins to build their franchise.
Year one 1978 Beathard posted a 8-8 record to start his run.
Next year excitement grew with a 10-6 record but then in 80 they dropped back to 6-10. Can you guys even imagine half this board if they had posted as skin fans back then. Fire loser Beathard! In 81 though in year 4 of Beathard’s reign they fell back again to mediocrity rebounding with an 8-8 record. Again imagine our guys after THAT season.
In year five the franchise took off…Beathard had his hogs and other great players and the skins went on a run.
I know it’s a cliche…but Rome wasn’t built in a day.
January 4th, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Who had the most sacks on the team? Thought so.
Anyone who thinks the defensive line doesn’t need better guys around GMC is blind. The man has no one.
Ayers. Great talker and motivator, does little to back it up. Goulston. ot worth wasting time on. Is average at his best. Spence. Would have had a bad rookie year if not for the last few games. Our other DT. Invisible. Completely
We have a gunslinger at QB. Gunslingers turn the ball over a lot. We need the defense to sack the QB and get turnovers…and score 8-10 times each season.
January 4th, 2017 at 9:19 pm
Kobe flaker
You are an idiot. You talk of spence and his 40 time. Qbs dont drop back 40 yards to pass. His 10 yard split at the combine was that of von miller and K. Mack. Its called get off speed. Go back down to your moms basement and come back with something better turd
January 4th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Joes can we have a weekly pole to block commenters
January 4th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
My vote is already obviously in. ( kobe flaker )
January 4th, 2017 at 10:06 pm
Bonzai
Ayers. Great talker and motivator, does little to back it up.
——————–
Roberts Ayers 6.5 sacks in 12 games.
Gerald McCoy 7.0 sacks in 15 games.
Clinton McDonald 3.5 sacks in 12 games and a back up role. Clinton even had more tackles than McCoy and he DOES NOT play NT all the time.
Oh man oh man, not to mention Ayers being the tone setter with McDonald and Gholston. Come on bro, you are better than that.
January 5th, 2017 at 12:36 am
He drafted a kicker in the second.
People aren’t being hard enough on him.
January 5th, 2017 at 5:34 am
I believe this GM/HC combination will prove to be the best in franchise history. There is a foundation for the future in all three phases of the game. I’m confident the leadership is there to build on it. This team wasn’t ready to contend in the playoffs. Next year they will be.
January 5th, 2017 at 8:29 am
Thank You DB55
I am getting tired of the Ayers hate. The guy is damn good. One of the best free agents we have gotten in a while and he’s worth every penny.
January 5th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Meaningless to the Bucs maybe, but to Brent Grimes, I guarantee he sees the big picture. Dude is on a 2 year deal. He’s fighting both father time and an itchy trigger finger. He signed a one night stand with his replacement looming. No time to slack off. With DC Smith possibly moving on I bet Grimes has his eyes set a little further than just helping the Bucs finish out strong. Brent knows the deal and won’t be caught slacking. Expect an extension or a trade to New England for a 3rd rounder.
January 11th, 2017 at 3:57 pm
We def going the right way!!! Got to keep adding watch the preseason game against (Browns) Pryor is a freak with no help an is willing to do the dirty work(Blocking) add JPP & Poe an sign back Jac Smith W Goldson an that roation can put the pressure on an take the bad taste outa of my mouth that Dallas left in it when they just bully our D-line!! Go Bucs
January 11th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
I think we can get mean Joe Mixon in the forth an let GMC lay his hands on him an prolly heal him!! ( I’m not talking bout though prayer) I’m talking bout bend him over his knee an. Borrow one of them AP twigs an tear that OU A$$ up