Scotty Miller Goes To School
July 2nd, 2022
The whole vibe surrounding Bucs receiver Scotty Miller has Joe confused.
Miller transitioned slowly during his rookie season out of mighty Bowling Green State University. A year later in 2020, Miller quickly became Tom Brady’s BFF and vaulted his way to postseason-hero status after a 33-catch, 501-yard regular season.
During that Super Bowl season, Miller was one of the fastest receivers in the game and the fastest guy on the Bucs, per various chatter coming from One Buc Palace.
But last year, Miller suffered a nasty early-season turf toe injury, missed a bunch of games, and then sort of disappeared from the lineup. It happens. But what Joe doesn’t understand is why so many fans now seem to be writing off now-healthy Miller as a major player in the offense.
Miller turns 25 later this summer and is a fourth-season veteran in a contract year. He’s also added 15 pounds of good weight and is one of the most determined dudes in the Bucs’ locker room. Shouldn’t fans expect Miller to be back to his 2020 form?
It wasn’t long ago that analysts were saying Miller was more of a big-play threat than Antonio Brown, but now Miller is more of an afterthought for so many (not including a starting Colts cornerback).
Joe is not taking the bait. A healthy Miller is a very special weapon for the Bucs, especially if Russell Gage is ready to go alongside Mike Evans early this season. Joe is confident there are more than a handful of corners who want know part of Miller sticking with Miller 1-on-1.
As for the headline here, Miller has been working hard this summer at Receiver School (video below).
Split Release work with @MillerTime___10 pic.twitter.com/HetxL7feWd
— Receiver School (@ReceiverSchool) July 1, 2022
July 2nd, 2022 at 6:42 pm
A week of looking good in underwear football certainly doesn’t mean he’s healthy from a turf toe injury last year, but I hope he is healthy. Can come up out of nowhere and nag. RIP Justin Evans.
July 2nd, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Miller had better have a great, injury free camp, or he’s on the bubble.
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:04 pm
Cue the so called fans who call him a one trick pony.
If anyone watched the Chargers game from 2020 they would have seen Scotty catch them deep, intermediate and short, 7 for 110 I believe. I can’t wait to see him healthy again. And hopefully a little of AB’s route running skills rubbed off, as no one ran better routes than Nutjob.
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:11 pm
I am with you Joe. Not sure why everyone is so down on him. Looking for him to bounce back and have a good year but he does need to stay healthy. Don’t try telling me that Jaelon (I am afraid to get hit) Darden is better than him!!!
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Quick feet and long speed, undersized with a huge heart – rooting for him to shine again
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Who’s gonna beat as a receiver when his competition also has to have special teams skills better than him
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Scooter >>> Dardung
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Never say never. Hope he balls out and becomes an important factor. Speed kills.
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:28 pm
What are you folks on? Miller is a sub par route runner. He has trouble getting of the LOS. He’s even worse at the top of routes. DBs play through him. And, he can’t stay healthy. If that doesn’t scream cut bait, I don’t know what does. Sure, he’s very fast. But, what good is top end speed of you can’t get open without a free release. The added weight may help, but I doubt it.
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:29 pm
If he consistently catches what Tom’s throwing, they’ll be BFFs again.
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:29 pm
If
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Pewter power
When was the last time the Bucs have had skills on special teams? Justin Watson and Ryan Smith were both great gunners and they’re gone. That’s been about all I can think of. Did someone pick up Minter? ST captain and a good backup ILB. I hope we can get him back if he’s still floating.
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:40 pm
Imagine sleeping on Scotty
July 2nd, 2022 at 7:55 pm
I agree that Scotty has not been a great route runner but his knack for getting open and making the timely big play on offense makes him a solid contributor. I mean he was on pace for 1000 yards before AB showed up. Moreover, he played well as a gunner on a special teams towards the end of the year.
Overall, he’s been a great teammate and has produced when healthy and his number is called. Hopefully he can recapture some of his 2020 form and beyond.
July 2nd, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Would love to see him stay healthy and become more than a big play threat.
July 2nd, 2022 at 8:24 pm
One of the UFA wide receivers should make the squad and two may make the practice squad! “BEAM ME UP SCOTTY’
July 2nd, 2022 at 8:38 pm
I would love to see the Bucs cut bait with Darden who has no heart and is a total p**sy! Scotty Miller will go down in Buccaneers history for his catch that sent the Packers home in the playoffs in 2020. That was one of the best and most timely plays in NFL history. I guarantee the Green Bay fans and Aaron Rodgers haven’t forgotten. He is just entering his prime and I expect him to have a big year and resume his role as one of TB12’s favorite targets.
July 2nd, 2022 at 8:53 pm
If he stays healthy then there is no doubt that he will show you that he is a good receiver. All he needs is to be given a chance. He wil definitely stand out. He has already showed as a part time player that he has skills. KNOW Use HIM!
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:09 pm
Brady will show us everything we need to know about Scooter if he’s healthy. I’ll trust Brady’s evaluation of Scotty rather than a Patriots troll. Brady will know more about Scotty’s route running than an internet expert.
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Looks good to me but what do I know? 😁
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:21 pm
That bomb Brady threw to Evans in the Rams game doesn’t happen if Raheem Morris didn’t call for his safety to shade to Millers’ side in an attempt to keep a “lid” on Scooter. Evans made the play and beat Ramsey, Brady threw the ball, but Scotty drew the extra coverage away from our best WR.
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:25 pm
So many negative Bucs’ fans. No wonder we are one of the worst fanbases.
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Good call Dooley. They left Evans one on one and shaded the safety to Miller.
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:40 pm
That’s right Dooley! Clearly it was due to Scooter being a horrible route runner, you always want to double those guys.
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:43 pm
I’ve never seen “know” mistaken for “no” and I spend way too much time on the internet.
Bravowh, Joewh!
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Guys , I got a nasty turf toe injury in my big toe knuckle chasing my damn cat around the house believe it or not while watching the bucs play years ago . That suckered with not even a doctors visit killed me for almost a YEAR ! and for a while after that , if I hit it wrong or bent it wrong would be sore in that knuckle for a few . Point is , thoes are nasty injuries especially if you ball out & they have ended careers ! Scotty can frigging play & I for one think if all the way healthy and working hard at his craft , can be a nice weapon for brady and the bucs . If all the receiver’s were healthy right now , I’d have scotty ranked behind evans, Godwin, gage & then scotty..he’s our #4
July 2nd, 2022 at 9:56 pm
Scotty’s video has an Uncle Rico quality to it.
July 2nd, 2022 at 10:23 pm
If Scotty didn’t have the injuries in 2020 and AB didn’t sign, Scotty would’ve had over 1000 yards that season. He had great chemistry with Brady and was developing very nicely. If Scotty stays healthy, I expect great things. Yes he’s very fast but he’s quicker than people give him credit for. If he’s healthy and Tommy is comfortable with him, watch out.
Same can be said for Grayson and Perriman though. It will be an interesting camp.
July 2nd, 2022 at 11:01 pm
Over 1000 yards? That’s insanity. Extra weight and health won’t improve his deficiencies. Miller’s game is entirely reliant on full speed. He doesn’t have the lateral quickness to get open quickly. Miller needs a 5/7 step drop from the pocket to be effective. I seriously doubt the bucs will be doing much of that. He’s at best a 4th opinion, and if the other recievers shine in camp, he could very well be cut. He’s a 6th round pick. Let’s get real folks
July 2nd, 2022 at 11:25 pm
When you are in your 4th season you are a veteran and nobody cares what round you were drafted in anymore. He is a legend in Tampa and one of TB12’s favorite receivers. There is no way he gets cut. He is our 3rd or 4th receiver going into camp. And why wouldn’t we do some 5 or 7 step drops. We have the best OL in the league. We are definitely going to be taking some shots deep. And he will be able to break off some of those routes as well and do some quick outs to keep them honest.
July 2nd, 2022 at 11:41 pm
🥱 Rodter filler or cut
July 3rd, 2022 at 2:45 am
Now Byron Leftwich have taken command of the offense, i hope he puts the smaller quicker receivers in the slot a lot more, similarly to what Brady had with Patriots. The slot would perfect for a guy like Miller.
July 3rd, 2022 at 5:33 am
The problem is he’s so small-when DBs actually press him(within a couple yards) he’s not likely to make it to the spot on his route in time..teams like the Rams and Saints arent gonna give him a free release off the ball
July 3rd, 2022 at 7:03 am
WTF does Cheetah Hill do other than run straight down the field faster than anyone on the defense? I see no reason for the hate here
July 3rd, 2022 at 7:22 am
Hey Joe everyone thought Miller and Johnson would progress not regress. Still have to prove yourself every day. Hope they both get better, but they both have to show that their keepers. GOBUCS! PS They both let the team down last year and so did Darden. Those three have a lot to prove.
July 3rd, 2022 at 7:41 am
Love Scotty Miller….but he needs to be more than a one trick pony……or….he won’t be resigned…..WRs are plentiful in FA & the draft….the competition is immense…..but, I’m pulling for him to succeed.
July 3rd, 2022 at 7:50 am
Thinking the same thing as Joe here. Miller had great chemistry with Brady in 2020 and was leading the WR group in production. And there’s the catch in Green Bay. Then takes a back seat to AB and gets injured in 2021. How is he all of a sudden on the bubble. The kid is obviously working hard and is a vet now, not a wide eyed kid from Bowling Green. Look for him to be the #4 or #5 WR.
July 3rd, 2022 at 8:05 am
@Gob you’re trying way too hard to dislike Scotty Miller, it’s kind of cringe to be 100% honest. Idk where you get the “poor” route running take from, maybe a glance at his 4 year old scouting report coming out of Bowling Green. No lateral quickness? Have you watched the double moves he makes in between releasing off the LOS and route brakes, because there are a handful of youtube links I can give you to prove other wise. Millers speed demands a cushion pre-snap and to attempt jam him at the LOS is a gamble because if he gets loose and gets targeted the defense is going to get gashed. Not saying he’s a complete WR, but I’ll take him versus any team 3rd or 4th CB w/o blinking.
July 3rd, 2022 at 8:22 am
Miller has his moments and a great weapon when others are double teamed but as many pointed out on this site he is a one trick pony his success is soley based on his speed. You’ve seen the best of him.
July 3rd, 2022 at 8:31 am
Cheetah Hill has more diverse route running skills than Scooter…no. serious comparison to the PROduction…😂 he gets traded to cravens later…
July 3rd, 2022 at 8:34 am
Scotty has “IT.” He makes plays, I can only hope we take advantage before someone else signs him up next season.
July 3rd, 2022 at 9:35 am
Yes the usual names that never have anything good to say. And so many WR available. Lots don’t get signed and when all ours went down they were able to sign some quality ones to fill in last year. Yup. Dime a dozen.
July 3rd, 2022 at 10:27 am
I’m glad Scotty Miller is doing better. It wasn’t too long ago when Bucs ex-Coach Koetter told the world that DeSean Jackson would “take the top off of defenses”. This is what the Bucs were looking for in the Lost Decade, and Scotty Miller has proven that he can actually do that and create opportunities for other receivers. With Godwin recovering, we’ll need the other receivers to step up.
July 3rd, 2022 at 10:44 am
Miller was timed at his pro-day with a 3-cone of 6.97. That’s pretty quick. However, developing that quickness into production at the LOS to avoid jams requires a ton of practice. It’s good to see Miller practicing because if he can get good at avoiding jams, his speed will take over after 5-10 yards. Does he have the POTENTIAL to be a super-quick, shifty slot guy? I think so. Just keep grinding, Scotty – you’ll get there because you have heart and desire.
I like him on our roster this year, as the 3rd/4th or even 5th WR. Keep him!
July 3rd, 2022 at 11:18 am
Dooley …Gob is what happens when you’re really not a Bucs fan. 🙂
July 3rd, 2022 at 12:33 pm
“Miller was more of a big-play threat than Antonio Brown”
LOL!O!LO!L!OLOLOLOL!!!!
What a stupid comment. I mean, I understand Simms point, not that Miller is a better WR, just that he’s a bigger big play threat – but even with that, LOL!OLOL!, what an idiot. No.
Miller is a one trick pony – he’s the fast white WR that will run by guys who think he’s a typical try-hard white WR. The probably was that he made some big plays, and teams know he’s not a try-hard white guy, and so they don’t treat him like one anymore. The player Miller made vs the Packers was made by the corner, clearly, had no idea that Miller had jets, and Scotty ran right by him. Teams know who he is now, and he can’t do that anymore. With that said, if he really was slowed by injuries, and it’s not just an excuse, then best of luck. It’s going to be hard to make this roster I think.
July 3rd, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Love Scotty. Gut tells me he will have a great year. Be TB’s new Edelman.
Now if we could just get Gronk back.
July 3rd, 2022 at 2:06 pm
The moronity of so many is astounding. Scotty haters obviously missed the first half of the 2020 season. Of course AB was better in every way, so Scotty became a seldom used situational player, but what a great contributor in that role.
He is more than a one trick pony. See what Dooley said.
And for those that think Miller will be the next Edelman- ROTFLMAO!
Gage will start the year in the slot in 3WR packages and Godwin, Evans and probably Tyler Johnson will all spend time there. Scotty is only similar to Edelman or Welker because of his skin color. That’s it.
How some of these maroons find the bathroom is a mystery. Maybe they don’t.
July 3rd, 2022 at 4:17 pm
Ya gotta love Scooter Miller!!! I expect great things from him this year!
July 3rd, 2022 at 4:34 pm
It’s great to see him training hard and learning. It would be tremendous if he learned how to be a great, precise route-running slot receiver. He already knows how to fly and make big plays. It’s the chain-moving littler stuff that this offense needs to keep Brady happy.
July 3rd, 2022 at 5:10 pm
How can anyone call him a “one-trick-pony” when he can run AND catch? Besides, being a veteran you could at LEAST call him a colt.
July 3rd, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Lololo I agree Munch, AB comparison, c’mon, Simm’s needs to lay off the crack and comparing Scotty to two iron men like Welker and or Edleman is just as foolish. Scotty wouldn’t last 3 games as a slot receiver.
July 4th, 2022 at 7:09 pm
Go BG Falcons
July 8th, 2022 at 6:23 pm
The number one thing I like about Scotty Miller is that no matter who is faster than him he always has confidence in him self that’s something you gotta have . We need 2020 scotty miller if he can play like he did about 2 years ago that would perfect