“Get Your Popcorn”

August 6th, 2014

Joe’s written countless times how Bucs’ big money left tackle Anthony Collins has never started half a season.

Yes, he had successful seasons Cincinnati, but they were as a fill-in starter. But Collins still commanded serious offseason cash from the Bucs.

Today, Joe took the opportunity to ask Collins the magic question, “What do you see to media and fans who wonder whether you can play a full season and be a top left tackle?”

“Get your popcorn. Time to show the game,” Collins said.

Ok, Anthony, Joe’s going to fire up some popcorn, and not the crappy microwave kind. Joe can’t wait to watch “the game.”

Collins, 28, is a huge key to the Bucs’ season, and he’s had a good training camp, squaring off with Michael Johnson and others at right defensive end. He’s also been one darn fired up member of the O-line, and he talked Joe about how competitive this training camp is. It was Collins, after dominant blocking on a Doug Martin run earlier this week, who slapped defensive line coach Joe Cullen on the ass so hard he dropped his pencil and looked stunned.

“Coaches told us from Day 1 to go 100 percent every play [against Michael Johnson] like you’ve done for six years, so that’s what it’s been,” Collins said. “There’s no 90 percent. He’s getting better. I’m getting better. We’ve seen a little more of each other than in past camps.”

Collins also said the Tampa swelter brings a different edge to August football.

“It’s competitive out here. It’s like every training camp [I’ve experienced], but I think the heat and the humidity adds to it a little bit,” he said.

Joe likes Collins, but he’s got a lot to prove, like nearly every member of the Bucs’ offensive line.

3 Responses to ““Get Your Popcorn””

  1. mpmalloy Says:

    We so need this.
    Any light at Tackle would be cause for celebration.

    Malloy’s brain is spinning with 70’s soft rock
    songs about really “needing” someone.
    America, Bread, James Taylor, etc.

  2. buc4lyfe Says:

    Every player in every camp has a lot to prove. Who had the top offensive line in the nfl last year Joe, I bet the line wasn’t playing in the super bowl. Everyone in the NFL has question marks so I don’t think it’s time to hype anyone or panic until game 3 of the preseason is in the books.

  3. Bucfever40 Says:

    Joe-I know you keep reminding us that Collins was only a part time starter in Cincy, but when he was in there, he gave up the fewest sacks in the league. Another thing, he was the top free agent tackle on many team’s list, the Bucs happened to be the most proactive team and snatched him up!