A Different Perspective Of Ted Hurst
August 11th, 2026
Analysis from different view.
So Joe has heard other offensive players talk about Ted Hurst, as well as Bucs coaches, specifically Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
But Joe wanted a different perspective. A different player’s angle. A veteran player’s view. So why not a defensive player?
So Joe sought out Bucs inside linebacker Alex Anzalone. He’s not a guy known for hyperbole. He’s seen a lot in his days so he’s not quick to jump on bandwagons.
So Joe hit Anzalone with a question: What does he see from the rookie wide receiver from the football hotbed known as Georgia State?
“Yeah, he’s starting to come alive a little bit,” Anzalone told Joe shortly after he walked out of the Bucs’ walk-in meat locker they have for training camp right near the players’ entrance ot One Buc Palace.
“The best thing he has [going for him] is the 50/50 balls. That’s definitely starting to show. And I’m sure the front office is happy.”
Yeah, when it appears you hit on a third-round draft pick, that tends to get people raises and job security.
Joe told Anzalone, while Hurst doesn’t look anything like Chris Godwin, Hurst reminds Joe of Godwin in that just like Godwin, Hurst makes contested catches look routine.
“Yeah, I think he has natural hands,” Anzalone said. “And you can tell the way he comes down with those 50/50 balls.”
But Anzalone was level-headed about Hurst. While it’s nice Hurst is showing promise in August, he’s several steps away from being a polished NFL stud.
“He still has a lot of growing to do,” Anzalone said. “So much of offense is alignment and making sure you are in the right place at the right time. That’s difficult for young receivers.
“So I think as he continues to grow in that regard, he will be even better.”
Still, Joe remembers when Mike Evans was a self-described fat rookie in training camp. Even then he was making plays where he looked like a man among boys.
Hurst isn’t there yet. So the comparisons to Evans really aren’t fair to Hurst. But thus far with the first worthless preseason game in a few days, Hurst is sure demonstrating he’s got a lot to work with.
August 11th, 2026 at 4:39 am
The only legit comparison right now is , he was brought in to play the same position, X receiver. From the X the only thing you really need to learn early is run deep, fast, come down with the 50/50 balls. That he can already do. He has a great receivers coach that will help. I expect him to do well right out of the gate. Would not be surprised if he has a better season than Evans does with SF.
August 11th, 2026 at 4:51 am
Camp is about coming together as a team, the same page stuff, and establishing some kind pecking order going into Week 1. Camp heroes are springing up everywhere, but the rude awakening of the regular season has a tendency to send many of these guys back to the obscurity from where they came. Like all these newbies, it’s a wait and see with Ted Hurst.
Camp is also a time for coaches to learn a thing or two.
Last week while driving, I was car radio listening to George Kittle (hoping for a Evans story) ramble on about the football IQ of Kyle Shanahan. Specifically, his greatness at situational football—the fourth down gamble, when to use time outs, etc. Kittle’s praise for his coach was off the charts.
Then I thought of Todd Bowles.
Then I attempted to think of players espousing his greatness.
Then I remembered these players do not exist.
Then I remembered how a time keeper was hired to tell Todd, “A time out would be good about now.”
Finally, I thought, ‘If the Bucs do well this year it won’t be because of Todd Bowles, it will be despite Todd Bowles.’
And then I thought how the Glazers had let down their fan base.
It’s a fingers crossed and hope for the best upcoming season, folks. May the ball bounce our way …
August 11th, 2026 at 4:53 am
This guy looks like a long term keeper that should not have the drama and helmet tapping to come out after 3 plays because he feels a twinge in his hammy. LFG!
August 11th, 2026 at 6:16 am
Players say they love Bowles all the time, so that’s nonsense. And when to go for it on 4th down is a simple chart anyone can look up. Essentially, teams should be going for it on 4th down way more than they typically do. The Bucs lost every game they were losing at halftime last year so they need to work on *that*.
August 11th, 2026 at 6:22 am
JA – Yeah, Kyle Shanahan is a genius. And yet, he has not won a Super Bowl as a head coach or as an assistant. He holds an 0-3 record in Super Bowl appearances.
It amazes me how the 49ers are so highly regarded while the Bucs are snubbed even though the Bucs have won two Superbowls since the 49ers won their last one (with a Bucs ex-QB).
August 11th, 2026 at 6:51 am
I don’t miss Mike’s quads and hammies.