Unsettling Noah Spence Talk
April 18th, 2019
After general manager Jason Licht talked this week about defensive end Noah Spence, the No. 39 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Joe did a lot of head-shaking and sighing.
The comments were hard to stomach.
Licht was asked about Spence and how he was to fit in the Bucs’ scheme coming out of college.
Spence was viewed as a designated pass rusher, a “DPR,” Licht explained, essentially a guy joining a new Bucs 4-3 defense that allegedly was to be flexible with former defensive coordinator Mike Smith showing his share of 3-4 looks, which rarely materialized.
“I just happened to think, we knew at the time, that he was probably better suited for a 3-4, but we still saw the value where we took him as an edge rusher, sub-rotational DPR,” Licht said of Spence. “So, I don’t think it really delayed his development. I just happen to think in his case that playing in a 3-4 is probably what he is more ideally suited for.”
Huh?
Yes, Joe understands what Licht said, but it sure feels misguided. You draft a guy at No. 39 overall who was best suited for X but you thought he had enough value that he could contribute for Y? That’s not exactly a recipe for getting the most out of a player.
A minute earlier at his news conference, Licht said of two cornerbacks drafted with premium picks, Vernon Hargreaves (2016) and Carlton Davis (2018), that they are a better fit in press coverage in Bruce Arians’ blitz-blitz-blitz defense versus Mike Smith’s big-cushion, off-coverage defense.
“Those guys are better suited for [Arians’ defense],” Licht said.
Again, Joe gets it, but why was all that draft capital used on players whose talent (and confidence?) couldn’t flourish completely within the current scheme?
Don’t get Joe started on whether Justin Evans (2017) was the right safety choice for Mike Smith. And the fact the Bucs drafted defensive backs Ryan Smith (2016) and M.J. Stewart (2018) and changed their positions so quickly gives Joe a headache.
Joe’s hoping a majority of the blame is on Mike Smith and his influence and ineptitude. The alternatives are unthinkable.
April 18th, 2019 at 11:44 am
GM gibberish ….SMF’nH !
April 18th, 2019 at 11:48 am
Really makes you wonder, doesn’t it?!
April 18th, 2019 at 11:48 am
Shows the disconnect or lack of communication between Licht and the previous regime. Hopefully that has been corrected.
April 18th, 2019 at 11:49 am
There definitely seemed to be a disconnect between the front office and the coaching staff in terms of the types of players we drafted. Licht did not draft players that fit into Smith’s scheme. And Smith was not scheme flexible as he said he was. Licht seems to have been drafting players that fit into Bowles’ defensive scheme for the past few years, more so than Smith’s. Hopefully that means we have a handful of players that Bowles can use and we don’t have as many holes as once thought. I guess that’s a crap ton of wishful thinking. But Licht and the coaches were not on the same page the past few years.
April 18th, 2019 at 11:49 am
JLicht is absolutely the worst GM in football. Every time he opens his mouth he proves it….
April 18th, 2019 at 11:53 am
And, not for nothing, we still employ the same GM!
April 18th, 2019 at 11:53 am
Colonel Angus Says:
April 18th, 2019 at 11:48 am
Shows the disconnect or lack of communication between Licht and the previous regime. Hopefully that has been corrected.
_____________________________
COMPLETE DISCONNECT. I’m ready for Licht to just stop talking. He’s still been above average in terms of drafting, but saying things like this just makes me want to scream. You seriously are admitting you drafted multiple guys that didn’t fit your system? JFC.
April 18th, 2019 at 11:53 am
I loved that Q&A period because it was obvious what the media was trying to figure out with Mike Smith vs Jason Licht on players.
IMO his answer made tons of sense:
1. Even as a DPR (designated pass rusher), he was worth the value in R2 to them for his ability to do that even if he wouldn’t be playing all downs due to 4-3 scheme. This actually made sense and worked as he had 5.5 sacks in that role and brought a lot of pressure / some key plays in games.
2. For some reason, the coaches decided to change his role / body type and try to force him to play the run when it wasn’t his strength, instead of doubling down on his DPR role.
Basically they drafted him to be a 4-3 DPR and he did as well as you could expect most R2 rookies to do in that role. Instead of just working on his role as a DPR the staff tried to force him into being a full time player as a hand in the dirt 4-3 DE and it just didn’t work.
I might be wrong but as Joe says “The alternatives are unthinkable”
GO BUCS
April 18th, 2019 at 11:54 am
And agree with others this is an indictment on the entire office not having a cohesive plan with developing the players.
Also noticed he stressed player development a ton in that presser
April 18th, 2019 at 11:55 am
In his defense the sorry excuse for a defensive coordinator practices press coverage and 3-4 every off-season and never used it in season
April 18th, 2019 at 11:57 am
Joe
Have u ever considered that this has been in the works for a while? V a is perfect for a 3-4 and then both Davis and Stewart being press? No, Joe has not considered that Licht planned on Dirk Koetter having a losing record with a loaded offense and enough talent on defense to approach being an average defense. Next will you think the plan might have been for Ronald Jones to be a colossal bust?–Joe Like maybe Bruce was going to be the guy since last year but they waited on bowles and to see if maybe koetter could turn it around with one last shot? McCoy cried the last game of the year like he knew he was gone cuz of the 3-4.
There’s a lot to indicate this was always the plan. Not to mention sticking with licht.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Same thing with burning a 2nd round pick on a RB who wasn’t known for catching passes or blocking, knowing that Koetter doesn’t have a fondness for rookie backs who can’t catch or block.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Many considered Spence “the best pure pass rusher” in his draft class.
Mike Smith said many times when he first got here that he was going to incorporate 3-4 looks. It never happened.
What’s unsettling to me is how far Noah Spence was in somebody’s dog house in 2018. The only significant action he saw all year was in the 4th pre-season game – and that felt more like a punishment of some sort – than a legit chance to show what he could do with an allegedly healthy shoulder…
It will be nice to see Spence given another legit chance at playing time – and being put in better positions to succeed won’t hurt his cause.
Its a make or break year for Noah Spence’s NFL career obviously.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:01 pm
spence has been playing out of position….
benenoch has been playing out of position…..
ryan smith played out of position….
mj stewart played out of position…..
spence played in the wrong scheme….
VHG played in the wrong scheme….
c.davis played in the wrong scheme…..
yet no one at OPB could figure that out in the 3years they were there…..lol….it took me 8games in 2016 to see what was going on….lol…
tj ward tried to tell folks smitty and his defense were trash and yet folks bashed him ….lol….
the problem has been poor coaching not talent…..BA & TB will prove it…
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Licht never ceases to amaze me. Is he really as stupid as he sounds. Once again I say keep your pie hole closed.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Pickgrin Says:
April 18th, 2019 at 12:00 pm
.
.”Its a make or break year for Noah Spence’s NFL career obviously.”
there are a whole bunch of names on that list….depressing !!!
April 18th, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Jason Licht was making personnel decisions, but Lovie Smith had final say over 53 man roster.
When Smith was fired, Bucs players lobbied hard for Koetter, and Koetter kept Smith ‘s assistants for the most part.
Koetter was not a good choice for Head Coach and Licht’s input into coaching staff decisions seems to have been limited, – not everyone was on the same page- resulting in Buccaneers dysfunction
Maybe with Licht and Arians on same page, things will change- haha
April 18th, 2019 at 12:08 pm
The more I listen to Licht talk, the more I think we need a new GM. He just doesn’t seem to understand how to build a winning program. I sure hope we win this year, if not his time in Tampa should be over
April 18th, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Mike Smith sucked, but I dont know how you can not blame Licht for these screwups. Real bad look. But we all know hed be gone if it wasnt for his pull in landing Arians
April 18th, 2019 at 12:09 pm
buccernutter
you may be on to something…..
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Oh okay joe, so I post a legit question and you proceed, yet again like you do when u disagree, to condescend me? Joe’s really not seeing — or feeling — anything condescending. Joe’s just talking football like Joe would with anyone. –Joe.
And Joe’s world, where Devin white is a bad pick and Johnny manziel should be the starting QB.
Come on man. Real talk. Dirk was almost let go the end of last year. Of course they had faith he could turn it around but Bruce was on the couch. You don’t think any convos went down between the two with the possibility of Dirk tanking like he had done? Not sure I had to clarify my context was a backup plan. Smh
That Jones comment is just immature and yet again, condescending. You’re a master deflector/manipulator. I can picture you screaming like u did on the podcast when people suggest taking Devin at 5. It’s like a playground in here.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:17 pm
813 apparently not
Apparently my idea is the equivalent of expecting Jones to be a bust when we drafted him. Dumbest logic I’ve heard today.
I better stop cuz step one is condescend someone then step two is block them.
That one got to your feelings. Lol
April 18th, 2019 at 12:17 pm
He isn’t wrong, or problem is he is the fool that keeps drafting players that didn’t fit with the schemes we are playing. I’m hoping Arians has a much larger presence in the draft process to make sure we don’t draft the best cover 3 corner on the board this year.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Butternut it is like a playground in here but, if you haven’t figured it out, it’s Joe’s playground.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:24 pm
If they would have replaced Mike Smith after the 2017 season, I think we would be talking about just picking the best player available in this draft.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Been saying this all along its not the gm or the takent….its the power that had been given to prevuous coaching staffs thtas screwed up
April 18th, 2019 at 12:27 pm
It is what we all thought it was.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Licht is like a Vegas gambler that keeps doubling down trying to recover from previous loses….
April 18th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Joe is surprised by this????? He took a kicker in round 2!!!!! He took a 2nd or 3rd round corner at pick 9 or so in vh3. If jason would just say out loud what he is thinking before the pick then someone could stop him.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:31 pm
I’ve herd there was a lot of frustration, by the staff, in trying to draft for the defensive side of the ball. It seems, the personnel that defense requested…was not consistent with how they were used. You have to admit there have been a lot more misses on defense and offense. Could it be that the defensive side of the ball didn’t know what they want or how to use them?
April 18th, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Guess we won’t know until they put on the pads. Aways thought VH3 was playing out of position, but he has been injured so much in his career. Now Spence looked like a fish out of water from the get-go. No Conspiracy theory. I think all concerned were honestly dedicated to winning. Finally I have said for months that there are several players on this team that are capable of much better play in the right scheme with the right coaches.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Soe
Ha yep. Looks like I need this site more than it needs me.
Jbf, where Johnny manziel is a great idea but talking to Bruce about a future job is like purposefully drafting a bust. ????–Joe
April 18th, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Walterfootball latest mock
R1-Ed Oliver DT
R2-Chauncey Gardner Johnson S/CB
R3-Oshane Ximines OLB/DE
R4-Benny Snell RB
R5-some CB
I could live with it but god I wish we had 2 2nd round picks to spend one on an interior OL. In this specific mock, it’d have been ideal to trade back in R2 actually to possibly get another R3 pick to sprinkle in a pure OG.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Get Jason the hell outta there
April 18th, 2019 at 12:38 pm
How exactly do you draft CB’s that are specific to off coverage?
April 18th, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Again, it’s stunning to me there are people out there that think Backstabbin’ Jason Licht has done a great job and is one of the best GMs in team history.
Altered Ego, your new name is hilarious! I wish I thought of that first.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Licht is clueless full of FAKE NEWS
April 18th, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Lol yep and now my response has been edited.
How is that not clear? You literally just said, “next will you think the plan might have been for Ronald Jones to be a colossal bust?” After my post. Isn’t that pretty clear what I just said? Smh
I wish we could debate in person. You wouldn’t be able to edit what I say and you certainly wouldn’t be so condescending.
Oh well. Back to inside linebackers don’t contribute enough to warrant a #5 pick posts.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:47 pm
How is what u said not condescending? Lmao 😂
Now we’re playing coy.
Jedi mind tricks.
Man I love your site but you will never admit being wrong.
So many readers here think Joe is engages in stuff like that. It’s really not so. Joe’s just direct and it seems to stun some people. Podcast listeners are aware that Joe talks about being wrong often. –Joe
April 18th, 2019 at 12:47 pm
IMO, the owners share much responsibility. Years ago they claimed the reason for Koetter’s retention was for “continuity.”
And then Bucs fans everywhere, myself included, the Joes, much of the brainiac media, everybody, everywhere thought that retaining Smith was the best personnel move the Bucs made in prior offseasons. Again, for that nebulous “continuity.”
What we DIDN’T realize that the “continuity” we were going to get was just more crap defense.
I don’t have huge criticisms of the Bucs O. Yeah, there were areas that needed improvement. But playing from behind with the inability to stop the run or pass causes problems with the offensive strategery and playcalling.
I am totally fine with blowing up almost every area of this defense.
A GM works for the owners and gets players. The coaches have to coach them. I hold Licht less responsible for this s#!tshow dumpster fire than coaching.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Here is the very good news…..we will find out soon as to whether the players simply didn’t fit the system or the players aren’t that talented.
Spence, VH3, Davis, Stewart, Rojo and others…..
April 18th, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Buccernutter we think a like bro. I could give a rats @$$ what anyone thinks. This whole change was pre-planned. It all came together perfectly. No hitches in getting the ol gang back together. Vea wasn’t kookies pick last draft. That was Arians selection.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:53 pm
But you can’t talk like that round here,people get a little sensitive when you go that route. Just watch the thread.
April 18th, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Joe someone made a comment on an Ira podcast that some coaches were hated by the scouting staff and front office because they lied about how they were going to use certain players. Is this a case of Mike Smith telling Litch I can use player X in scheme Y but then smith turns around never uses scheme Y and instead installs scheme Z?
April 18th, 2019 at 1:03 pm
Iron:
As much as Joe likes Dirk Koetter, he is culpable in the disaster the past two seasons. He let malcontents take over that locker room, sucked up to DeSean Jackson (after he gets into a fight with an assistant he names him captain???), benched the franchise quarterback and his complete indifference to the defense doomed the team. How and why he brought back Mike Smith is honestly irresponsible and we may never know why Koetter tolerated that outside of his friendship with Smith.
April 18th, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Nos
Ya you’re one of the few I respect bro. Unfortunately I learned when I was blocked for years for debating doug would be brought back. Nothing about his performance, just that he would be retained, which he was.
Funny how much braver these fans are who are faceless and ironically, more sensitive.
April 18th, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Yes to Ed Oliver. The man is a beast full of dog.
April 18th, 2019 at 1:10 pm
N. Spence a DPR? The same guy who could not sniff a QB after 3 years in the league and umpteen attempts against 3rd & 4th string tackles in last years’ preseason?
Maybe Spence is revived in this new defense but really, does anyone expect that, and for what reason(s)?
April 18th, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Every 3rd post on here is Buccernutter whining about something.
April 18th, 2019 at 1:27 pm
Joe, that may be true and I hope so because I value people who can take humility but in this particular example, you were in fact being condescending and not direct. No matter what **** u repeatedly try to feed me.
I’m not stunned. I’m annoyed, but I don’t have the luxury of editing your posts.
Like I said I wish we could discuss in person, maturely. Perhaps one day.
April 18th, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Holy Cow Buccer
Grow A Pair
If Joe gave you crap for a Dumb Post give it back
Joe might be Wrong and HE will admit it
Joe admitted GMC isn’t worth 13 million
MAN UP.
April 18th, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Buccernutter…….I’m glad you have said it because I have always thought what you’re saying just didn’t wanna mention it here. Ive been know to come off with some pretty hairbrained ideas before……….Gotta keep some of them to myself or they’d call the the Crazy guy on JBF.
I think Joe took the idea to the extreme………I don’t think you’re saying Jason planned on Dirk crapping his pants. But he was well aware that if a coaching change was going to happen Bruce was the first canidate.
I believe this could have been part of the reason Licht snagged Minter off the streets. He could have listened to a bit of outside advice when he grabbed Harris & Adams too. It’s just seemed odd that we could find 3 quailiy football player on the cheap which we never been able to do………It’s proof of nothing but it sure does smell like Licht had bit of outside help on those calls.
O e thing I’ve always appreciated about Jason is that he is a forward thinker who always keeps an eye on the future………The best example is when he brought in McCown to be our answer at QB. I firmly believe that Jason made that move because his eye was on the 2015 QB draft……..And no, no. I’m not saying he planned on McCown to fail, our team just happened to flat out suck that year. They liked McCown but only as a patch job…….Licht didn’t believe in Jonny Football of Bridgewater or Carr. His plan was to make a move for the Winston draft. Which unfortunately and disturbingly included quitting……………,……..And yes. That move hasn’t paid off but it was made in the absolute best interest of our franchise. Many GMs would not excerise that type of patience and would have drafted a QB in 2014. I can respect Jason’s thought process.
April 18th, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Proves Licht is a dumbass!!
April 18th, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Licht is a Football Meathead in a savy mans position and he just constantly defines himself as such through his own statements . But some how insulated like a Government !!! Yes it’s Real , It’s a Bucs Life !!!
How can it be ,Glazers !!!
April 18th, 2019 at 2:06 pm
If the Bucs win this year does that mean Licht is not a dumbass?
April 18th, 2019 at 2:14 pm
I give Tampa Bay media my fair share of critism but I will give them their credit here. Great job of questioning our GM to prompt a quote like this.
And a credit to Joe for catching on to a great quote like this that gets ya thinking.
April 18th, 2019 at 2:14 pm
So Licht, being the genius that he is, continued to draft and acquire players that did not fit his team’s defensive system. PRICELESS!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Where’s the BPA crowd? Because that’s what Licht is saying here.
April 18th, 2019 at 2:22 pm
I’ve never really thought much on Spence. He showed some nice moves in his rookie season but more often then not he got himself completely wiped out of plays. All in all he was an I effective player which was fine cause he was only a rookie…….You look to see a player make improvements in his 2nd year………….but we never saw that so Spence is just a ineffective player.
Then I read this article and maybe it’s not that simple. If he’s been played out of position that would explain him getting wiped out of plays consistently……..I’m willing to see what he looks like in August. But he’s three years in, I want to see something tangible. Otherwise we need a coaching staff good enough to find and train somebody who is better(for all you CAP nerds that means you dump Spence for somebody at minimum wage who is better…… Hidden CAP $$$ that you do that find on the calculator).
April 18th, 2019 at 2:24 pm
If the Bus s win this year does that mean Licht is not a dumbass?
April 18th, 2019 at 2:41 pm
buccernutter
nawl, you’re on to something…..and it makes sense imo…..
im pretty sure licht saw some of the lack of development by the players in 2017 but had no choice but to stick with dirk simply because he was the best option and we just fired a coach after 2years…..
im think licht mightve reached out to BA just to ask what he thought about the roster and scheme…..he was just an “analyst” at that point…..BA probably said you dont have 5-11 talent, you have 5-11 coaches…..if i had this roster i would do x,y & z……play this style of football….your lacking in these areas…..
licht took note and figured out fast dirk and smitty were clueless and headed for another 5-11 season….the knives started to get sharpened and heads started to roll…..lol….
bottom line is, licht knew he was gong to make a move after the chicago game imo…..
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 2:45 pm
A train
Bruh you evidently aren’t aware of who was actually sensitive. May want to slow it down and read before you partake in Internet drama. Looking like mark Zuckerberg. Last time I gave it back I was banned for years.
GO OUTSIDE.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:01 pm
Ah Jimmy Jack and 813. 2 more dudes I respect on this site. Now I know I seem biased cuz you’re agreeing but I’m referring to your content which is usually A game.
I’m just a little flabbergasted anyone would shoot down the notion so quick that our gm was prepared for the next regime when they were so close to nearly firing koetter 12 months ago. The question is when did this plan materialize? Is it ridiculous to suggest it was 12 months ago? I guess to some.
Joe took me quite literally as in the plan was to set Dirk up for failure and prep Bruce’s staff. Not what I meant but I can see how it’s misperceived due to the quality of intelligence prevalent on this site.
Roster moves have indeed coincided with bowles’ preferences on defense. Now he may believe that’s just a coincidence and that’s cool, but we just agree to disagree. And like you said Jimmy, licht has been foreshadowing moves for years.
813 we both know they didn’t have a ton of faith in Dirk last February. Dude even said his favorite time of the season was the last game. Coincidence? Hmmm. A topic Joe never elaborated on. Seems like someone knew his demise way before February. McCoy did too. It’s only rational for ANY business model to prepare for the future in the event their current investments don’t pan out.
Now February 2019 Bruce is hired and his staff is put together fairly quickly. Oh and it’s the largest we’ve ever had. Throw in their relationship. Hmmm
But what do I know? I secretly think licht drafted rojo with the hopes he bombed. You know, since I mentioned it’s POSSIBLE Jason prepared for the inevitable with someone he’s had prior success with. Along with roster moves that are better suited for the future but could work today.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:03 pm
813………hilarious that Licht knew Dirk was a goner after that Chicago embarrassment …………That abomination was not a one- time singular event. Heck, the week before it probably even more embarrassing.
A Dirk coached team was good for a few stinkers per year.
To add a bit of fuel to the fire Licht probably didn’t even pick Dirk. That pick was predestined to be an internal hire. Dirk was hired for the sake of continuity and was retained for the sake of continuity……………I guess just chalk it up to another stupid lesson learned from the Glazers of reasons why not to hire a HC.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:07 pm
obviously, licht was planning ahead and looking into the future….thats what good GM’s are suppose to do right….lol….
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Waiter this Coffee Tastes like tea! I’m sorry sir, I must have given you the Hot Chocolate by mistake! ????????? 2 things are totally clear to me now. 1) Head coaches and not Licht were making the personnel decisions. Therefore because of his friendship and belief in Smith, Koetter was doomed from the beginning. 2) Mike smith was influencing Koetters decisions. An offense minded coach and an antique defense guy making decisions. Recipe for complete disaster which is what it was. I think the new coaching is gonna make all the difference!
April 18th, 2019 at 3:12 pm
Here’s a novel concept…. draft really good players then put them in situations to succeed. Go back two seasons ago with Spence. Coming off of shoulder surgery with a quick turnaround, Smith wanted to turn him into a every down base end (coming off of the 5.5 sack rookie year) Put him in preseason games, a preseason btw that most people from Joe Thomas to Clinton McDonald said he would be a double digit sack guy, on running downs so that he could work on run stopping.
Take a pass rushing specialist and make him concentrate on run stopping. This makes as much sense as drafting a RB in the second but not playing him because he needs to block better.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:12 pm
That’s it z31! What an excellent job contributing to the content and topic by addressing how another stranger on the internet’s opinion is considered whining cuz it made u feel some sort of way. That’s cute. I’ll watch for your comments that prioritize male emotions over football in the future.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:21 pm
It was never a plan but Licht had to see the writing on the wall. I mean, come on, the team fired Mike Smith 5 games in. The term “dead man walking” was used quite often in Nov & Dec.
Licht knew Dirk was not going to be able to rally this team together.
I have not been a Dirk fan since the Dallas game in 2016. Since then this team had been nothing but absolute torture……..But still, down the stretch last year I had hoped our team leaders and players would step their games up and proove they could figure out how to win. Maybe foolish but I don’t like giving up hope in my team……..Most people hated the decisions but I thought it was cool that the orginazation stood behind Dirk and let him try and rally us to a micarle 5-0 playoff finish………It didn’t work but it was fun watching to opening kickoffs and having false hope for for the first half of quarter 1.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Shortly followed by a sudden and sharp smack back to reality.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:29 pm
We may have different definitions of plan. It may have not been definitive but a strategy was certainly conceived.
I agree with u JJ. We had faith Dirk could make it work. When they decided to extend him there was optimism. Most certainly. But there was also realism too as in this could fail miserably. Smith’s defense was already trash. Dirk was having issues with players. There were question marks.
At some point, earlier than people think, a battle plan for 2019 was constructed and retaining licht speaks volumes.
Lovie hired licht. Licht retained Dirk cuz of the offensive strengths. In reality he never hand picked his coach til now. We hear all the time how bad licht is on this site. Let’s be real, if Arians wasn’t hired licht would be gone. But when did they decide to pair the two is the question of the day.
I got a feeling this pairing is going to be fun….and successful.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:34 pm
Well hopefully he’s good in a 3-4
April 18th, 2019 at 3:40 pm
And everybody always wants to remember some fantastic 4 game win streak in 2016 but I’m calling straight BS unless you also mention the three game collapse that finished that season.
This team prooved they are not playoff material in Dirk’s first year. From there they have only gone backwards. We got worse under Dirk.
First let the Bucs get good then we can be great!!
GO BUCS!!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 3:44 pm
If the Bucs win this year does that mean Licht is not a dumbass?
I will ask this question daily. When I’m here
April 18th, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Ya I have to admitted I fell for the 4 game outlier too. Lol
You could just tell when Dirk assembled his staff and implemented policies, it was like an experiment.
The way Bruce is doing things thus far is like a well oiled machine. Oh and trust that Bruce wouldn’t have put up with djax’s **** either.
Don’t get me started on my thoughts on Bruce’s opinion of McCoy.
Go Bucs!
F*** z31, f*** atrain, JJ 813 nos bos are cool and f*** the casual fans.
I’m out.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:49 pm
Oh the tone on licht is gonna change very quickly. Again lol.
April 18th, 2019 at 3:52 pm
I don’t blame Licht for being a bumbling idiot.
I blame the Glazers for continuing to employ the bumbling idiot….when all evidence has suggested that he should have been fired long ago.
We have clueless owners.
That is the problem.
And I don’t trust them to make a good GM hire next cycle.
Too much evidence shows they fail more often than not.
April 18th, 2019 at 4:06 pm
The have never won consistently in 42 years it’s not going to start now regardless of what the delusional optimists preach. A franchise with 2 good years out of 42 does not deserve a free pass
April 18th, 2019 at 4:14 pm
Oh dang Buccer
I thought you wrote
How is what u said not condescending?
Condescending ( Pinky out —-Sip Sip Tea))
FOOTBALL TALK. HAHAH
Try something like
“BS Joe I’m call Licht out for setting up the next coach Becca he sure wasn’t drafting for the current one”
Something a like that
April 18th, 2019 at 4:14 pm
tmaxcon Says:
April 18th, 2019 at 4:06 pm
The have never won consistently in 42 years it’s not going to start now regardless of what the delusional optimists preach. A franchise with 2 good years out of 42 does not deserve a free pass
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so are you saying BA will be winning with Koetter’s team….thanks for summing up 42 years in one simple black hole of depressing thoughts….
April 18th, 2019 at 4:15 pm
By the way I haven’t been banned yet But all my posts are looked at by the Hall Monitors
April 18th, 2019 at 4:16 pm
Shut up bro. We are Tampa Bay fans we know the drill. We suck ass for 20 years and then we get a good team for a few. We get our one shot then it abruptly falls apart(like a single MNF loss to P.Manning/Dungy).
The point is it’s been right about 2 decades. Wake up man!!!! The Bucs are about to play good football again…..Let’s just enjoy our 2-3 year window for now then we can go back to whining about half centrury’s of losing.
April 18th, 2019 at 5:14 pm
Licht drafted players for what the team wanted to do. Mike Smith did what he wanted to do.
April 18th, 2019 at 5:33 pm
AlteredEgo Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:
you are welcome sir…. somebody has to be the voice of reality and honesty here… no one celebrates or rewrites history from a mediocre failed past like a dungy nuthugger aka low standard bucfan….
bucs are wasting Jameis just like dungy the clown and mckay wasted the franchises only true legend Warren Sapp…
April 18th, 2019 at 5:35 pm
JimmyJack
why settle???? why not raise enough hell to force the owners to compete… why just accept the fat girl…. it makes no sense. never never settle!!!!!!!!
April 18th, 2019 at 5:46 pm
@Joe … “Joe’s hoping a majority of the blame is on Mike Smith and his influence and ineptitude. The alternatives are unthinkable.” Aahh yes, Scapegoat Smitty is still serviceable. Bunch of horsepuckey Joe … reality is that Jason Licht has ZERO clue how to pick defensemen. When are you going to start holding him ACCOUNTABLE?
Far too many JBFers (and many others) SPECULATE on what’s been going on BEHIND THE SCENES, without a SPECK OF EVIDENCE BEING PRESENTED. Many have contended that Licht drafted defensive players who didn’t fit Mike Smith’s defensive schemes BASED ON SMITTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS. Huh? Why in the world would Smitty recommend drafting Player X (long-term 3-4 defense) if he really needed Player Y (his current 4-3 defense)? In what universe does that make any sense whatsoever?
Reality is staring us all in the face, and that reality is that Licht drafted quite a few players who didn’t meet our defensive NEEDS or our defensive concepts at the time. Personally I wouldn’t even consider many of them to be BPAs when & where they were selected. No one writing here has presented a single shred of evidence that every selection Bucs have made … GOOD OR BAD … should’ve fallen on anyone else’s shoulders other than JASON LICHT.
And Joe, lines like “The alternatives are unthinkable” blow my mind. What’s ‘unthinkable’ is for the Bucs team that I’ve faithfully followed for over 35 years now to keep pressing on down this sorry, losing road. OK, rant over. Time for dinner.
April 18th, 2019 at 6:03 pm
He drafts press corners for off coverage, 3-4 OLB for a 4-3 base scheme, a short armed & stout NT with an aging 3tech making 13 mil a year
Regardless of the coaching, how do they whiff on so many picks? Besides all the small school OLineman being swapped around like chess pieces in a game of checkers, the Ryan Smith failure, the HORRIBLE Stewart pick, passing on many better RB than the ones he picked EVER
He needed a boss to guide him, something DK certainly was not – now he has one…and if you watched the Prime special, it was easy to see BA was a contributor in the war room, the GM was absolutely in charge –
I believe our war room will be quite the opposite…
April 18th, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Lol okay atrain you can post for me next time then.
April 18th, 2019 at 7:16 pm
2 words
Vic Beasley
Watch and learn people.
April 18th, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Hate how much this team to change players positions. Draft and sign players for the position they are skilled at. Just like Ali 3 positions in 3 years. Stupid
April 18th, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Licht has been drafting and signing multi-scheme players since he took over the helm.
This is why I had been thinking for a long time that there was a serious disconnect between the coaching staff and the front office.
Mike Smith and his defense never matched up with the personnel. I think Licht knew that he was going to hire a new coach a couple years ago already.
April 18th, 2019 at 10:43 pm
Reason number 146 why Licht should have got canned.
April 18th, 2019 at 11:48 pm
Koetter was clueless. That we know.
Mike Smith came to town preaching the end of Tampa 2 and the return to Raheem Morris Tampa 2.0. (A multi-look flex defense). In the end the Mike Smith Defense was the worst in Bucs history (the 1976 Bucs were actually better because they were moving towards a very good defense).
I am hoping that this team makes it to 9-7. It would be a good first year.
It is clear to me that Licht and Koetter were not on same page when It came to defensive talent and how to use them.
Dirk was not Head Coach material. He allowed special teams and defense to squander draft picks and games. Dirk only cared about offense. And even then the o-line and running game sucked.
All the pieces are in place to either get rid of Lickt at mid season or to give him a 4 year extension. I’m thinking he will get an extension
April 19th, 2019 at 5:19 am
My handle says it all
April 19th, 2019 at 10:00 pm
McKay built one of the best d’s in history and a dam good offense , Dungy Wares That and Yes because the whole NFL annointed Dungy a False King , McKay did keep him a year to long !!
McKay was heads and shoulders above Licht and Greenberg put together all by himself !!! Like it or Not McKay was the most important piece this franchise ever had and is hands down the most deserving of the Ring of Honor by far over anyone ( I know he’s not a player) …….. he had better FA signings, contract extensions and trades than anyone else and it’s not even close. His moves may rival the best ever in the NFL . I Ra you should have been all over this for years . Licht May want to review the 5 years prior to the S Bowl !!! Licht couldn’t hold McKay’s Spit cup !!!