Day 1 Impact, Game 1 Leader

September 24th, 2022

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

During their two years together in Nashville, Mike Vrabel considered Logan Ryan a pain in the neck.

In a good way.

Ryan would routinely walk into Vrabel’s office and question the defensive schemes of Tennessee’s head coach. It didn’t take long for Vrabel to realize the range of Ryan’s football intelligence, so he learned to take those visits in stride.

Now, it’s Todd Bowles’ turn.

Bucs defensive back Logan Ryan is having a wide-ranging impact. Ira Kaufman caught up to him this week.

“I’ve always had a mind for the game,” says Ryan, who made a critical play last week in New Orleans, forcing a fumble to stymie a long drive. “I was a quarterback through high school, then played defense in college. I’ve always wanted to know the game from both sides. Vrabel used me in a lot of different ways and I was kind of a voice in the locker room to ask why we’re doing it this way.

“Mike and I had a great working relationship. Football ages you like dog years. Call me old man, I don’t feel it and I don’t think I’m playing like it. Experience is the best teacher in life. I’m fortunate to have so many games under my belt, lots of big moments, but you still have to bring it every day.”

At the age of 31, Ryan lends a veteran voice to a young secondary that has played exceptionally well through two games. The longest-tenured Buccaneer is thrilled Ryan’s aboard.

“I knew he was a great leader even before he came here,” says Lavonte David. “He’s a guy who can catch up with this defense real fast and help other guys see the game the way he sees the game. He’s definitely made a big impact.”

Logan Ryan is mentoring Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield, Jr.

This is Ryan’s fourth NFL stop, having played for the Patriots, Titans and Giants. When Ryan speaks up in Tampa Bay’s defensive meetings, he carries a big voice.

“It’s been great to hear him ask those questions,” says Antoine Winfield Jr. “Why are we doing that? He’s a vet, super smart, and he makes our room more versatile. He’s also played a lot of nickel, so I ask him a lot of questions about the way he handled certain situations or his technique on a particular play.”

It’s a heck of a coincidence that Buc corners and safeties have displayed more communication skills and understanding of Bowles’ complex schemes since Ryan arrived in March, one week after his release from the Giants.

“Logan’s real smart and he has so much experience,” says Jamel Dean, who picked off two Jameis Winston passes at the Superdome. “He’s seen so much that everything comes to him instantly. He’s all about communication and playing your game.”

Ryan is enjoying his mentor role, helping Buc coaches mold a stifling pass defense. He knows Bowles, a former NFL safety, has lofty standards for this secondary.

“They’re young. but they’ve won a Super Bowl together and played in big games,” says Ryan. “We’re not playing checkers, we’re playing chess. It’s not a simple defense. Disguising things and communication are some of my strengths as a player. Coach Bowles has put a lot on our plate. We’ve also been doing a lot of extra meetings and extra preparation. When the head coach is the D-coordinator and played in an NFL secondary, he’s going to have high expectations for our position group.

“I’m spending a lot of time with him to get an idea of how he wants things to get done out there. The difference between this week and last week is I think Jameis lost his patience a little bit there and started to force the ball. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t tend to lose his patience. Guys like him and Tom Brady have great control over the game, so you’ve got to stay patient as well. You can’t get flustered because he’s going to keep taking what you give him. He’s got a great arm and he’ll test you over the top if you lose your patience.”

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Ira Kaufman Fires Away On All Kinds Of Bucs-Packers Angles & Serves Up Predictions, And More

13 Responses to “Day 1 Impact, Game 1 Leader”

  1. gotbbucs Says:

    He’s a Schiano man.

  2. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    A great addition to the secondary, for sure!!!

  3. 1#bucsfan Says:

    Sooo glad we got home

  4. teacherman777 Says:

    Great signing.

    Schiano had an eye.

    Steven Means is still in the NFL!

  5. Dave in Winter Park, Fla Says:

    Logan Ryan is a Future NFL Head Coach. And Ryan learned at the feet of the master, Bill Belichick.

  6. Crickett Baker Says:

    I don’t know much about him, but he sounds good. Hope he remains healthy and can teach me. 🙂

  7. BucsfanFred Says:

    I sure hope that communication remains strong. Two tough games coming up.

  8. dls5492 Says:

    Future Coach.

  9. D-Rok Says:

    As soon as this guy was signed, my immediate thought was “He will make this secondary better.” And lo and behold, this secondary is lights-out better. Who’d have thunk it?

    Ryan could be a good reason we win the Super Bowl this year. He’s that impressive. Glad we signed him.

  10. D Says:

    He looks to be, without a doubt, the best free agent signing this year. Being the only one that can stay on the field, doesn’t set the standard too high though. Smdh

  11. Goatfarmer Says:

    Glad he’s such a team player he didn’t mind being cut.

  12. LakelandSteve Says:

    Great article Joe. Love it!

  13. Anonymous Says:

    Trade SMB we need lineman plus he’s a starting Super Bowl champ and he’s on the bench. He’s not the blame for the Super Bowl lost it was the head coach who seems to be in the sideline when he’s not supposed to. When Bowles record is messed up trust me he’s gone to, he’s nothing but a scape goat Uncle Tom.