Exceeding Expectations
August 12th, 2022
Todd Bowles loves Logan Ryan.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles has only been in charge for a handful of months and is somewhat measured in praise of players.
Oh, Bowles will talk up a guy if he is practicing well or flashes skills. But Bowles isn’t over the top with his praise.
Except for Logan Ryan.
The free agent pickup over the offseason, Ryan has splashed in training camp with several tipped passes at the line of scrimmage. Joe also knows of at least two picks Ryan had in the first five practices against vacationing Tom Brady.
Bowles was asked about the expectations of Ryan and fellow newcomer Keanu Neal.
“I think they’ve exceeded them,” Bowles said. “Logan has been unbelievable from a workout standpoint, an intelligence standpoint and learning everything so quickly. I haven’t seen a guy learn our defense that fast, and not just the safety spot but the corner and the nickel spot.
“And not just learning it – that’s not taking away from his play, because he knows how to play as well. He brings a lot to the table there.”
You only need to listen to Ryan speak once to understand what a smart guy he is. The fact Ryan is picking up this defense so quickly is great on a number of levels. Hopefully, he can take Zyon McCollum under his wing. McCollum has displayed at times his crazy good athletic skills. Add smarts to athletic skills, look out!
Bowles also noted what a valuable addition Neal is.
“Keanu is nothing but a pro since he’s come in,” Bowles said. “He’s dropped his weight, going from linebacker in Dallas to coming in now [as a safety]. We know how he is in the run game.
“The great thing was he understands the passing game, he understands the angles and his drops have been very good. So I’ve been very pleased with both of them.”
Last year, depth really bit the Bucs in the behind in the secondary. And while it stings losing Jordan Whitehead, adding players like Ryan and Neal really could make the secondary a dangerous weapon.
August 12th, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Should Logan Ryan get the green dot? It would free up Devin White to work his craft.
August 12th, 2022 at 4:49 pm
I’d like to see Logan Ryan take Todd under his wing.
August 12th, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Bt
Good point. But may not be on field enough. Usually linebacker anyway at middle level.
Here is the thing. With those comments. I think all 4 safeties will play quality snaps and the best producers get more. But sounds like Neal is starting strong safety probably on earlier downs wherein make come out if second and third and long. And i think ryan will get slot with occasional edwards / winfield playing there for disguise. Cause dont forget smb now listed as outside db. Think his time there is done unless injuries. And same reason winfield taking reps there. Cause dean will win that outside 2 spot by dallas.
August 12th, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Logan Ryan, your new slot corner.
August 12th, 2022 at 6:50 pm
The DBs had an excellent Day 1 practice with Miami but were torched Day 2. Part of the reason might be that preseason emphasizes man coverage rather than zone.
August 12th, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Thank god there is free agency
If we had to field a team with drafted players….
August 12th, 2022 at 8:09 pm
The drafted players are the majority core of the team. Some folk from the panhandle may be dain bramaged.
August 12th, 2022 at 9:10 pm
Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal could both start–and upgrade the secondary.
August 12th, 2022 at 10:39 pm
Goatfarmer that’s frigging hilarious!