“I’m Definitely Back”
July 30th, 2022
Bucs safety Keanu Neal, the 2017 Pro Bowler.
Sadly, a lot of fans in Tampa and across the NFL write off safety Keanu Neal as a washed out safety who never was the same after blowing out his knee late in the 2018 season and then his Achilles in 2019.
Neal turned 27 this week and has a very different opinion.
“That’s all fuel to me,” Neal said of his skeptics. “Yeah, you’ll see this year. I’m definitely back.”
Joe pushed Neal on the state of his body following those injuries and four days of training camp to assess himself. Neal insists that he’s absolutely the same player that he used to be. Remeber, Neal was a Pro Bowler in 2017.
Getting back in pads and into full-speed play on Monday is something hard-hitting Neal is looking forward to very much. He said it’s not only good for him to gauge where he is in his preparation, it’s good for the team collectively.
Just imagine if Neal really is back to form after last season, after Dallas had him playing out of position at linebacker. He’d be that good, and working alongside Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield and stud veteran Logan Ryan.
July 30th, 2022 at 3:45 pm
We sure do need someone who knows how to tackle. Maybe he can show Todd how to teach the other guys to tackle. And — bonus — know their assignments.
July 30th, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Still hard to believe, we are going to have 3 old enemies that could be big contributors this year! Neal, Gage & Julio! Love it. Go Bucs!!!
July 30th, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Will def pick up Gage as my 3rd fantasy receiver this year. Have a feeling he really has a big year, even with Julio. He is hungry!!
July 30th, 2022 at 3:58 pm
O man if Neal is “back,” we are in for a treat, in the form of Whitehead-esque hard-hitting.
Good. It’s what I crave. Bone-jarring, legal hits. As some have reminded me, the hard-hitting safeties of yesteryear like Lott are gone now.
Lay as much wood as you safely and legally can, Mr. Neal. We need an Enforcer in the secondary.
July 30th, 2022 at 3:59 pm
I mean, SOMEBODY needs to make the likes of Thomas and Kupp afraid to catch a ball on us.
July 30th, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Hopefully he lays the wood on the slimy saints, and gets payback for Goddys injury!!!!!
July 30th, 2022 at 4:07 pm
Yep, NCBucfan. Hey I’m in NC also, by the way. Wish I was closer to Tampa to watch some games. 🙁
July 30th, 2022 at 4:10 pm
I know D-Rock. Have a buddy that has a nice house down there and season tickets. I’m gonna try to get down there for a game or 2. Gotta enjoy the good times while they last!
July 30th, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Awesome to hear, NC. Take full advantage of your situation while you can and while the GOAT is in town!
July 30th, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Yessir, and might go to the Charlotte for the Panthers game. Panthers fans are annoying, but not as much as Saints fans!!
July 30th, 2022 at 4:31 pm
What part of NC are you in D-Rok?
July 30th, 2022 at 4:42 pm
NC Buc Fan, D-Rok
I’m from Wilmington…….got the state covered.
July 30th, 2022 at 4:46 pm
D-Rok,
Sweet!
July 30th, 2022 at 5:11 pm
This is one bada$$ sumbitch and I just hope he takes it easy on our offense in practice or we won’t have anyone left for the games.
July 30th, 2022 at 5:13 pm
I’m near Greensboro, NC, NCBF.
July 30th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Me too D-Rock. Near Burlington
July 30th, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Only 30 minutes from me, NCBucfan. Wow, small world, eh? 🙂
Wife and I cancelled crappy Spectrum after the Ram’s loss (Spectrum sucks!) but now I’m not sure where to get my beloved Bucs games from on TV. Any suggestions?
July 30th, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Unfortunately the Sunday ticket on directv. I will be dropping them after this year, apparently Apple will own Sunday ticket next year. The only reason I have directv, the Bucs!
July 30th, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Goathumper,look at Todd’s film when he played, Coach B knows tackling, but maybe your extensive experience with goats could be translatable on tackling techniques along with your extensive NFL experience. Quit throwing shade at Coach B. It is rule changes and limited contact practices that are contributing to a league wide sloppy tackling. Plus ,the players are so much more athletic ,bless them all for the courage to enter the fray lighten up Goatman . We got this,Super Bowl bound! !…
July 30th, 2022 at 6:11 pm
OK thanks NCBucfan. I’ll look into it.
July 30th, 2022 at 6:28 pm
On paper, a fantastic add to our secondary if he can stay healthy. Love that he’s versatile as an LB, too. Could be hugely helpful.
July 30th, 2022 at 7:50 pm
NC Buc- Hulu is what I use to watch all my Bucs games. And you can record them too.
July 30th, 2022 at 8:33 pm
TBDJ82,
I need to check that out!
July 30th, 2022 at 10:14 pm
Moneybacker
July 30th, 2022 at 10:19 pm
Todd called his players out for tackling poorly in 2021, snowflake. He is the DC and the Head Coach. He is accountable for their training, education, practice habits, and ultimately their performance. When his coaching shows up as making a difference, I’ll be the first one to applaud.
The Bucs are winning because of the offense, not the defense.
July 30th, 2022 at 10:52 pm
Thankfully JL saw whet many of us saw, of course he did it’s his job – and got some vets that can do what Todd hasn’t been able to do. Demonstrate by example how to cover , how to tackle, and how to communicate. Keanu Neal and Logan Ryan give me some hope. They can help Todd. We won’t be seeing a cover zero blitz with no one covering Cooper eith those two on the field.
July 30th, 2022 at 11:28 pm
A hard hitting SS that can replace Whitehead. Sweet.
July 31st, 2022 at 12:49 am
I just remember him when he was a pro bowler when he played against the Bucs….. that man was in on every play! Dude was just a stud! If he’s 90% of what he was the dude is going to be huge for us! Fingers are crossed 🤞 on this one.
July 31st, 2022 at 6:05 am
If this dude is back to his old self I’d feel a lot better about our secondary. Seeing is believing though and I’m still mortified considering the killer qb’s that we face in the beginning.
July 31st, 2022 at 9:31 am
@DJ82,
I will have to check out Hulu – thanks for the tip!!
July 31st, 2022 at 9:49 am
I have Hulu, and wasn’t able to watch buc games, do you have to be in certain areas? I was only able to see like the prime time games. Every other game I have an app, and it’s able to mirror it.
August 2nd, 2022 at 12:53 pm
South Tx
I’m in mass. And could watch the Tampa
games on Hulu
August 3rd, 2022 at 10:00 am
R e m e m b e r is the proper spelling.