Battling For A Starting Gig?
August 10th, 2021
Balling in camp.
So let Joe get this out of the way right away: Antoine Winfield is a starting safety.
Now, what about the other safety position?
Normally, Joe would say “Jordan Whitehead” without blinking an eye. However, with Whitehead’s mysterious injury that Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians wouldn’t elaborate on, is that opening the door for Mike Edwards?
Last year Edwards balled out coming off the bench to play critical minutes in both the NFC championship game and the Super Bowl.
Remember, in the second half of the NFC title game, both Whitehead and Winfield were lost to injuries (Winfield wasn’t even active for the game).
During this year’s training camp, rarely does a day go by that Joe hasn’t seen Edwards make a play of some sort. Often, it’s a pick.
So Joe asked Arians about Edwards and Arians seemed to reinforce Joe’s assessment of Edwards’ third training camp.
“Aw, he’s been a ballhawk,” Arians said. “He had a great day yesterday. He’s had a good solid day every single day.
“[He’s] communicating so much better. He’s really made a nice step forward.”
Last year the way Edwards practiced in training camp, and noticing how many snaps he was getting with the first-team defense, Joe thought Edwards was going to start. Instead, that gig went to Winfield.
Edwards sure never embarrassed himself when he did play last year.
Now, Joe is wondering if Edwards will be named a starter to open the season?
August 10th, 2021 at 4:05 pm
He scared the crap out of me with the bad angles his rookie year. Glad to see he got way better.
August 10th, 2021 at 4:09 pm
Ironically Edwards was drafted because he was a great tackler in college. Once he got in the NFL he missed tackle after tackle. Last year his tackling improved to the point where he was as good a Jordan. This might be the year he proves he is a full time starter.
August 10th, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Nope, the house of cards is starting to fall thanks to Jordan Whitehead
August 10th, 2021 at 4:21 pm
Bill panick bought a entire team in free agency because he knows Tom Brady made him.
August 10th, 2021 at 4:22 pm
Edwards was a ball magnet last year. He just made plays so I’m ok with him being a starter.
August 10th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Love Mike Edwards….if he doesn’t make the play…he helps other to.
August 10th, 2021 at 4:57 pm
Next man up
August 10th, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Can’t pay everybody and with Mike Edwards on the roster Whitehead will want more money than we may be able to pay and same probably goes for Cappa as well. Didn’t lose guys this year but Super Bowl win or not guys in the last year of their contract will be paid after this season
Edwards and Winfield will be starters next year
August 10th, 2021 at 6:18 pm
Welcome, Tiraspol, etc. The new (or is it the same) JoeBucsFan troll.
August 10th, 2021 at 6:20 pm
What the heck? Damn auto correct! Should be Tkras, etc.
August 10th, 2021 at 6:22 pm
getting a beer belly
August 10th, 2021 at 7:08 pm
You guys are slacking on the Ira Kaufman podcast. Pretty sure y’all put out more in the middle of May. Let’s go!
August 10th, 2021 at 7:45 pm
Mike Edwards is a different type of free safety compared to a good box type with a healthy Whitehead. Whitehead might be the better position with a tighter group near the line.
August 10th, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Wow, what a problem to have, the competition on the back end and when one is out, you don’t lose much if anything at all. It’s a new day in Tampa Bay until you have to pay. The contracts DBs and LBs are getting, if Bucs win another one, these guys are sure to be looking to lock up that generational cash
August 10th, 2021 at 8:29 pm
This is awesome news. If Edwards has picked up his game, more depth for once at a position we’re always struggling at. Look at the poor Aints; they are dying for secondary help but big contracts have toasted them.
August 10th, 2021 at 9:31 pm
He has had plenty of time to watch film. I am not sure that I trust that bad foot to make it through the season. It would be nice if it did, but it hasn’t done so yet.
August 11th, 2021 at 9:44 am
Tkras is one of those people we will never see again once the Bucs hit 10 wins this season. She’s like a knockoff Tmax. At least he was a little creative with his trolling.
August 12th, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Dude is def a ballhawk.
Not necessarily a hard hitting bone cruncher like Whitehead though.