They Are Balling Out
July 28th, 2021
Talkin’ defense.
Yeah, in the practice notes, Joe often writes about the offense. Because it is the offense that has the ball and mostly (though not always) dictates whether a play succeeds or not.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t guys balling out on defense.
Who? Well, that question was posed to Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians yesterday. Arians pretty much said, pick a name.
“It’s more like who hasn’t?” Arians said when asked who was standing out on the defense through the first three training camp practices.
“Everybody in the starting group looks more than ready to play. That second field (backups) has been executing better than the first field, so we should be good in depth, getting all those reps.”
This is the second time in three days Arians gave major props to the rookies and bubble players. Two days ago, Arians was asked what his impressions were of Field No. 2, which is largely populated by future UPS drivers, IT security types, high school football coaches and beer truck drivers. Arians was asked for his impressions after watching the first day’s tape.
Arians said he was “shocked” by the lack of mental errors from the backups given their lack of NFL experience. Then yesterday Arians raved about the team’s depth, which was a goal to address entering this year’s draft.
So the defense is ready to play and the backups are using their heads in practice? Sounds like good problems for Arians.
July 28th, 2021 at 12:09 am
Hey, Joe! Haven’t seen any Godwin comments.
How he’s doing?
Thanks for the coverage.
Go Bucs!
July 28th, 2021 at 1:30 am
Things that make you go ‘hmm’.
July 28th, 2021 at 6:28 am
Depth is going to be extremely important, always is as a matter of fact. Injuries are just part of the game. Nice to hear the back-ups are playing well so far.
July 28th, 2021 at 7:23 am
populated by future UPS drivers, IT security types, high school football coaches and beer truck drivers.
Perhaps there are a few NFL players for other teams this year….
July 28th, 2021 at 8:06 am
Simple… Coaching 101 … throw a bone to the 54 to 89 on the depth chart to keep them motivated
Everyone busting their asses in that group knows how STACKED the roster is and so in that group are probably wondering if they made the right choice going to training camp with this team.
July 28th, 2021 at 9:07 am
I think a lot of the success of the backups results from the starters serving as mentors. This could be the most unselfish group of players in Bucs gear we’ve ever seen. It’s all about team first and do whatever you can to improve performance from top to bottom. Love it!
July 28th, 2021 at 9:12 am
A lot of guys with slim chances. Preseason games will be a chance to stick if any have really good performances. My brother in law went to three camps with three different teams. Was one of the last cuts each year. Was always one of the fastest runners in camp but on the small size. Close but never a cigar.
July 28th, 2021 at 9:58 am
It means the defensive backups are better than the offensive backups!
July 28th, 2021 at 11:48 am
Would love some grant stuad red beard info!