Bruce Arians: Jaelon Darden Will Take Over Returner Role
October 21st, 2021
It’s go time for Jaelon Darden — Act II.
The Bucs’ rookie fourth-round pick isn’t about to crack the mighty Bucs lineup at wide receiver, but he’s getting a second shot at the returner job on Sunday.
Jaydon Mickens, the Bucs’ Super Bowl returner, was the go-to guy to open the season. Then Darden got a shot against the Rams and didn’t do anything with one punt return opportunity and two shots at kickoffs. So the Bucs went back to Mickens.
But Mickens got cut early this week and was re-signed to the practice squad already, though it seems he will not be getting a late-week call-up to the roster.
Arians said it’s back to Darden on Sunday at The Licht House against Chicago. “He’ll break out this week as our punt and kick returner.”
Darden clearly has strong short-space quickness, but it seems he needs work on catching the ball and just exploding straight ahead, hitting a hole and trusting his instincts.
Joe has a feeling the Bears will be punting a lot on Sunday, so Darden was a given a great week to re-establish himself.
October 21st, 2021 at 3:52 pm
Because Jason Licht doesn’t wants to prove that he didn’t PISS AWAY another draft pick
October 21st, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Mickens must have a lot more self confidence than Rojo
October 21st, 2021 at 3:59 pm
If only Jason Licht was good at drafting the Bucs would have a good team.
October 21st, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Pete, news flash-no team hits on all their draft picks. licht’s hit percentage is way higher than average.
Cmon, we are in the midst of the best two season stretch of bucs football probably ever. Can’t we all just enjoy it lol
October 21st, 2021 at 4:10 pm
The Ghost of Dexter Jackson lol
October 21st, 2021 at 4:13 pm
lol it’s week 7 Pete. You might need to give the kid more than 2 months. We can’t all go from mopping to floors to the fryer at Burger King in a week like you did. I can tell from your comments that you haven’t been a fan very long…
October 21st, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Pete needs more medication.
October 21st, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Let’s Go Darden! Make some plays out there!
October 21st, 2021 at 4:29 pm
“It seems he needs work on catching the ball.” Didn’t he do that for four years at North Texas? Just asking. How much more work should he need?
October 21st, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Medicated Pete aka TMAX aka Realist?
October 21st, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Darden. Yawn. I hope he does well of course but he has shown nothing thus far to indicate he is a serviceable returner or WR.
October 21st, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Really exciting to have a guy with Dardens potential back there. And shame on anybody who has a problem with giving this kid a chance.
October 21st, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Medicated Pete Says:
October 21st, 2021 at 3:52 pm
Because Jason Licht doesn’t wants to prove that he didn’t PISS AWAY another draft pick
More Like licht and the Bucs want more out of the return game mickens is what he is. He was drafted for explosiveness let’s see if he can take a step Pete.
October 21st, 2021 at 4:42 pm
common sense move….mickens had plenty of time.
just protect the ball!
October 21st, 2021 at 4:48 pm
Agree with Robert above. Our Bucs have not seen a playmaking returner since the age of Clifton Smith and Micheal (run Micheal run Micheal) Spurlock. Just protect the ball and any good play after that is a plus.
October 21st, 2021 at 4:53 pm
One cut and dip!!! You dance, you die!!! Simple kick and punt returner philosophy.
October 21st, 2021 at 5:12 pm
Two hands on the ball, just don’t screw up. Good luck young man.
October 21st, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Still waiting to see his PR/KR highlights from college.
October 21st, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Casual Observer … Great comment; that was EXACTLY what I thought. He’s a punt returner AND a wide receiver and his major weakness is that ‘he needs work on catching the ball’? Oh wow, it’s likely that the NFL unemployment office is littered with receivers who they said the same thing about.
October 21st, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Is Mickens in Arian’s doghouse?
October 21st, 2021 at 6:15 pm
It seems the Bucs are forcing Darden into the kick returner roll before he’s ready. Not a good sign.
October 21st, 2021 at 6:26 pm
Maybe it’s because AB is injured and they wanted another shifty receiver out there.
October 21st, 2021 at 6:29 pm
He will be fine its just punts nobody returns KO’s, there always in the endzone.
October 21st, 2021 at 6:36 pm
I have a feeling Darden won’t be on the team at the end of the year.
October 21st, 2021 at 6:49 pm
He will be the #1 receiver in 2 yrs.
October 21st, 2021 at 6:50 pm
One cut a GO!
No dancing!
October 21st, 2021 at 7:11 pm
Well, in his first appearance he looked scared. He was still fearful when I saw him again but getting better. He never has run vertically (that I have seen) so hasn’t been very effective, but maybe he’s doing better in practice? Idk, so far he hasn’t shown me much and I hope he will on Sunday.
October 21st, 2021 at 7:23 pm
That’s some pressure.
October 21st, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Medicated Pete – Platinum Gorilla Glue or Sour Secret would be my suggestions.
October 21st, 2021 at 7:31 pm
Does anyone remember Jalen small amount of chances, think it was PS, he had what could of been a good punt return with his speed getting to outside but the blocking wasn’t there? I do. Mickens has always been trash. Take it from the end zone and end up behind the 25 yard line all day. This might of been the plan the entire time for the trade up fourth rounder. Handful of games and practices before we give him the chance.
October 21st, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Just catch the ball & don’t fumble……a good start….yards are a bonus with our poor blocking.
October 21st, 2021 at 11:07 pm
I could actually see him getting a screen pass or two on Sunday.
October 21st, 2021 at 11:35 pm
Can’t get experience unless he gets put out there. Mickens looked good for one game and after that hasn’t looked that great. @Homesimpsonrocks I think you maybe on to something with that.
October 22nd, 2021 at 9:04 am
I’m still trying to figure out why Darden is even on the team. It seems as though Mickens is in AB’s or someones dog house. Has shown much more than Darden. Like I said before the Bucs do make some weird moves. On a side note I would consider trading Rojo to the Giants for a decent draft pick & then possibly signing Marlon Mack.