Whiteboard And Field Differences
August 5th, 2018
Helping voice.
Yesterday, safety Justin Evans made a sweet interception when he flew in from center field to grab a pick of Ryan Fitzpatrick near the right sideline.
A year ago, Evans was an open book. Few knew what kind of player he could be because he had done little to nothing on the practice field as a rookie from Texas A&M. He had missed 2017 Bucs spring practices with an injury.
Evans reflected a bit on his journey from untested pro to starter in a little over a year.
“I wasn’t doing OTAs when I first came [in 2017], so my last [training] camp, that was my first time actually being on the field and running the defense,” Evans said. “So it was all new to me. I knew it on the board, but once you get out on the field it’s a different story.
“Going through last year and then this year, I just keep progressing, and I feel like I’m doing a great job. I’ve just got to keep getting better.”
Of course, when Evans made his first start in the fourth game of the season against the Belicheats, his first interception came against the great Tom Brady. Evans can’t hide a smile whenever Joe reminds him of that night.
But what is interesting about Evans is something he mentioned yesterday when speaking to the Tampa Bay pen and mic club. He has sort of taken on a big brother role with the rookie defensive backs.
Evans said that when the rookies make a mistake, he makes sure to encourage them and not let them get discouraged, telling them he made the same mistakes a year ago.
That’s a good teammate.
August 5th, 2018 at 8:02 am
He showed flashes last season of a very good Safety. I hope he takes the next step this season
August 5th, 2018 at 8:03 am
With the pass rush greatly improved as well as the DB group…sacks and Int’s will give the fans a lot to cheer about this year
August 5th, 2018 at 9:13 am
This is going to be a tough decision for the Bucs if they decide to carry only 4 safeties on the 53.
You’ve got your 2 older veterans Keith Tandy and last seasons starter Chris Conte. Also returning starter Justin Evans with last seasons practice squad promotion Isaiah Johnson. Then the 2 new rookies in Jordan Whitehead, cousin of Darelle Revis, and Godwin Igwebuike son of past Buc kicker Donald Igwebuike.
The question is since this year is so important for the life of the coaching staff do the 2 rookies make the team because of their linage and connection to ex-Bucs or because they truly are as talented as any of the vets? It’s a shame because someone’s gonna get away. Neither rookie will remain on the practice squad if they try to stash them there. This a great problem to have but it still sucks nonetheless. I’m sure they would love to keep both but this team just can’t afford the growing pains associated with first year players.
I think in the end, barring major injuries, they will go with Conte, Tandy, Evans, and Whitehead. They will try to stash Igwebuike, and Johnson if he’s still eligible for the PS. What do you think?
August 5th, 2018 at 10:36 am
I have high hopes for this player. He seems driven and focused. He’s got the athletic tools. Now it’s time to see him put it all together and create some turnovers!
August 5th, 2018 at 10:56 am
Loves Evans speed on the backend, hopefully we have our FS of the future here. I can’t wait to see whitehead in action
August 5th, 2018 at 11:04 am
Great hands, great speed, great instincts, just hope he becomes a better tackler. Last year he couldn’t tackle Mam-Maw!!!! Think he has potential to be a great one.
August 5th, 2018 at 11:11 am
Now we only need someone to replace Conte and we will be all set at safety.
August 5th, 2018 at 11:27 am
I remember many people including myself writing Evans off as a bust last season based on being a 2nd rd pick and what was being reported and not being reported on his training camp performance. After watching him blossom on the field last year I think this guy has “potential” to be an elite safety in the league. I remember watching one of his interceptions last year where he came from the other side of the field and picked a guy off. I don’t remember which game it was but this guy has some range. I’m not hearing much about Whitehead standing out in camp I hope he’s another pleasant surprise if given an opportunity.
August 5th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Tandyman Says:
“hope he becomes a better tackler. Last year he couldn’t tackle Mam-Maw!!!!”
Um- are you just repeating something you heard someone say when we drafted young Justin Evans? Or did you actually see evidence of this?
I sure don’t remember seeing Evans having any problems with tackling when the play was his to make last year. He gave up a few passes that were his to defend as any NFL rookie DB with no pass rush in front is likely to do. But “couldn’t tackle” sure doesn’t sound like anything I saw from our young FS…
Do you have any links to specific plays from last year showing J. Evans whiffing easy tackles? He started 9 games and played in 14 – so there should be multiple instances to point to since Evans “couldn’t tackle” my grandmother (who I called Ma-maw).
Aside from his parents/wife/etc – You Tandyman are likely the one and only person who cares anything about the Buccaneers that would start Kieth Tandy at FS over Justin Evans.
August 5th, 2018 at 1:11 pm
Trench War Says
“This is going to be a tough decision for the Bucs if they decide to carry only 4 safeties on the 53.
You’ve got your 2 older veterans Keith Tandy and last seasons starter Chris Conte. Also returning starter Justin Evans with last seasons practice squad promotion Isaiah Johnson. Then the 2 new rookies in Jordan Whitehead, cousin of Darelle Revis, and Godwin Igwebuike son of past Buc kicker Donald Igwebuike.”
Conte, Evans, Whitehead. The last spot will be the best of who remains. Tandy is not a lock at all…and should not be.
August 5th, 2018 at 1:22 pm
Pickgrin… Don’t know why you want to question me and always ask me to give you evidence. When I do you crawl in a hole and have no comeback. I don’t remember all the plays of all the games but Evans had trouble in the tackling game. I can remember one game in Atlanta I believe that he grabbed at air and was twisted up like a pretzel down close to the Goal Line and I didn’t make that up. So put that in your pipe and smoke that. I’m not saying Tandy should replace Evans. However I do believe he should replace Conte. I have that right to believe that like you have the right to question me. And honestly I’m not THE ONLY person that feels Tandy has gotten the shaft last year from Smith. Where is Weedwhacker Ward this season that Smith started over Tandy last year????
August 5th, 2018 at 1:28 pm
Sorry Tandyman – I just re-read what I wrote and didn’t mean to sound so accusatory…
For some reason that “Evans can’t tackle” narrative got wings after he was drafted and apparently continues to persist despite little to no evidence of that from on field play his entire rookie NFL season.
The rest of your comment about Evans was positive (and true) so sorry for the strong sounding rebuttle/response.
I like Keith Tandy and think he is a solid back up safety and a good special teams player. He’s smart. He studies and works hard. He helps advise the younger players with valuable info frequently. Good man. Great teammate. Has more game experience than most in his position and plays his role for a fair value for the team that drafted him and has stuck by him and continues to recognize his worth.
Tandy was one of the few draft picks that Dominik made that has actually been a true and consistent asset to the Buccaneers. Its been a good relationship between Keith and the Bucs. One that will likely last at least a couple more years I would assume – perhaps longer. Would be pretty cool if he stuck around for 3 or 4 more years after this one and could retire from the same team that drafted him in the 6th rd….
August 5th, 2018 at 1:45 pm
Honestly…if someone cannot see it the first time around, or has short term memory, it is no one else’s responsibility to do the research.
Just my opinion.
August 5th, 2018 at 1:48 pm
And if Evans or Conte gets injured – I have faith that Tandy can come in and play either position fairly well.
We have some young talent now aside from Evans – in Whitehead, Isaiah Johnson and Igwebuike.
Will be interesting to see what happens if 2 of those 3 look very promising over the next 4 weeks. Seems pretty unlikely to me that we keep more than 4 safeties on the 53 man roster this year…
They may make an exception for Josh Robinson and list him as a 5th “safety” again this year – but I believe Robinson’s roll as a special teams “ace” is likely in jeopardy this year if some of these young guys like Watson or Cinchy or Whitehead can step up and fill that “gunner” role well. We’ve already got Ryan Smith as a 1st class gunner who will for sure be on the roster.
Jason Licht is doing an amazing job acquiring talented young players. Cuts are going to be rough this year – and not all of our best young but still too green talent will make it to the practice squad…
August 5th, 2018 at 1:50 pm
Pickgrin…..Accepted. I am very protective of Keith because I coached him in High School and have known his character, demeanor and performance as a Football player….WINNER in all departments mentioned here. I do know that when he got his chance when Conte got hurt he excelled. Smith sit him last season for Ward which was terrible for Keith. Hurt him to the core. Go to Official Site of Tampa Bay Buccaneers , pull up Roster and read what it says about 37 during that 5 game winning streak. I know he has the reputation as a formadible back up but I see him as a winner that had a profound effect on that 9 & 7 season!!!! Hang with me Brother because I am True Pewter Bona Fide Buccaneers Fan that loves Keith Tandy like he was my son!!! I’m guilty of loyalty and can’t help it!!!
August 5th, 2018 at 2:01 pm
@I’m a Tandyman Bucs Fan
No one coaches Keith Tandy!!!!! He Coaches you!!!!!!!!!!
August 5th, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Buc Realist….What the hell since does that make?
August 5th, 2018 at 2:04 pm
Sense
August 5th, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Kid looks and talks a lot like Hershel
Wiggins Mississippi representing
August 5th, 2018 at 3:07 pm
Many of us knew that he could be the impact free safety we’ve been seeking. No surprises here.
August 5th, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Evans is quite talented. He’ll be a top safety with practice and repetition.
August 5th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
Yeah, I coached Tom Brady in high school and I introduced him to his present wife.
August 6th, 2018 at 5:29 am
Tandyman,
Put me down as another fan who believes Tandy got screwed over. When Tandy is in, conte out, I don’t see the same confusion about assignments and delay getting over the receiver as is typical with conte.
August 6th, 2018 at 8:29 am
D1…. Thank you. I was beginning to believe I was fighting this battle alone, which I will continue to do in defending #37. I just know he’s a winner and has proven he can play in this league and certainly for the Bucs. Don’t believe he’s all world or anything but productive, efficient and prepared every Sunday!!! Again thanks for your comment and GO BUCS. Things will be better this season, can’t wait!!!
August 6th, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Iggy!