Rough Coach’s Review For Jaelon Darden
September 29th, 2021
Joe threw an empty Bromosa beer can Sunday when rookie returner Jaelon Darden appeared to trip over nothing.
Joe was a bit frustrated after Darden prevously had taken a kick return wide rather than opt to hammer what appeared to be an inside lane.
It was the fourth-round pick’s first action of the season, so it’s understandable. Maybe nerves got to him, but Joe also hasn’t seen much of the retuner instincts in Darden that were touted by the Bucs power brokers in spring and summer.
Bucco Bruce Arians reviewed Darden on his Buccaneers.com audio show yesterday, and the head coach seemed lukewarm on Darden on fourth down, and on offense.
“I thought he handled the ball really, really well as far as the punting game and the kickoff return. He stretched it pretty good — just learn to hit it. It’s a little different speed than preseason when you’re playing against the really good guys. He had a chance to really hit one on an kickoff return and he ran all the way around the corner. But I thought he handled the ball well. Receiver-wise, he’s still got a ways to go. And he’s got time. He’s got time to get better.”
Joe’s not sure Darden could have done anything differently on the wide receiver screen he caught for no gain. He was swallowed up in a hurry. Darden got two other snaps Sunday with the offense.
Top Bucs returner Jaydon Mickens was out Sunday with an abdomen injury. His status should be updated later today.
@JoeBucsFan Sipping the "official beer of the podcast", @BigStormBrewing #Bromosa 🍺☀️🌴🍊🌀 pic.twitter.com/fxwUYYjAKI
— Dave Estel™ (@DiggityD78) August 8, 2021
September 29th, 2021 at 10:31 am
I had high hopes for Darden but he looks scared out there
September 29th, 2021 at 10:37 am
He’s used to running around guys where he played in college. He needs to learn quick he can’t do that in the NFL. I hope he turns out alright, but right now he ain’t near ready.
September 29th, 2021 at 10:40 am
Previous Buc comparables…somewhere between Dexter Jackson the deuce & Robert Herron. Happy to be wrong about that of course…
September 29th, 2021 at 10:43 am
Honestly just doesn’t look like he’s NFL caliber. Need to be fearless at his size (way easier said than done).
Hopefully he proves us wrong but looks like this one may be a swing an miss (draft is a crapshoot…)
September 29th, 2021 at 10:45 am
We knew in preseason the kid didn’t have what it takes. The guy is a college player and will never advance to an nfl level WR. Time to move on and try out another KR.
September 29th, 2021 at 11:04 am
NFL Fans, are a fickle bunch.
Bucs training camp : “Darden is the next Antonio Brown”
Regular season, week 3 : “Darden is a Bum”
September 29th, 2021 at 11:23 am
Kid should only get a few touches every game with the goal of making positive yardage, no where near ready for prime time.
September 29th, 2021 at 11:24 am
I believe Darden is great and should be giving a chance to play every game especially the Patriots game coming up on Sunday night. Every new player need encouragement to become outstanding. Darden is small and extremely fast so we should encourage him!!
September 29th, 2021 at 11:40 am
The “Brady affect” should kick in soon
September 29th, 2021 at 11:41 am
Richard Sherman will likely toughen him up as well
September 29th, 2021 at 11:46 am
If there’s one thing that bothers me about returning kicks it’s running east and west. Same with run plays.
Stop running sideline to sideline! Find a crease and hit it as hard and fast as you can. There is waaaaay too much tip-toeing going on!
September 29th, 2021 at 11:51 am
Mickens is a better return man IMO
September 29th, 2021 at 12:15 pm
his performance was very reminicent of dexter jackson’s debut.
September 29th, 2021 at 12:17 pm
What crease?……..our ST doesn’t block well…..
As for WR….what?…..he got one WR screen and had 3 players on him the second he caught the ball…..
How about some slants…..if he gets open he could take one to the house…but Tom doesn’t like to throw them often.
September 29th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
He shall not play another down for this team.
September 29th, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Mickens got banged up too Sunday? Holy mackerel, the Rams not only took us to the woodshed; they beat living crap out of us (Dean, Miller, Gronk, Mickens as a minimum?).
September 29th, 2021 at 12:46 pm
Brady believes in this kid. That’s all we need to know.
September 29th, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Mickens was already injured which is why he didn’t play Sunday.
September 29th, 2021 at 1:32 pm
I think if we ever have a game where we get ahead by a few td’s, put Darden in for every snap after that and for the rest of the season like that–that is all he gets for now and all he should get.
September 29th, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Once he gets used to the game speed he will be fine practice definitely different than a live game
September 29th, 2021 at 5:26 pm
We saw Darden’s college skill set does not transfer to the NFL. Defenders at this level are too fast. Darden has to unlearn his instincts and develop new instincts and skills ! That will take awhile.
September 29th, 2021 at 5:27 pm
First game for a rookie 4th round pick. Take a chill pill.
September 29th, 2021 at 7:08 pm
He seems scared. Idk if it’s getting creamed or messing up, but he seemed nervous
September 29th, 2021 at 9:57 pm
He looks like he can evolve into a great returner. That screen was dreadful. Everyone saw that. RoJo has so much of a better chance to get at least 4-5 yards.
September 30th, 2021 at 3:39 pm
This guy will be good player for somebody if not buccs. Stop listening to Bruce Arians. If it wasn’t for Tom Buccs wouldn’t be shiii