Tim Crowder Off Raheem’s Radar?
July 25th, 2010
Joe’s got a quick trivia question for you.
Who led the Bucs in solo tackles among defensive linemen in 2009?
[Insert Jeopardy music]. … OK. The answer is Tim Crowder. Yes, defensive end Tim Crowder, the former Broncos second-round pick who was snatched off the scrap heap last September after being cut by Denver.
Now Crowder, who just turned 25, impressed Joe with his motor and athleticism. The guy sure seemed like a solid backup end with good potential.
But in a feature penned by the St. Pete Times’ Stephen Holder today about the Bucs defensive line, Raheem The Dream’s published quotes omit Crowder and appear to label him a forgotten man.
“You look at it and you have Roy, you have Kyle Moore, you have Brian Price and you have Gerald McCoy,” Morris said. “I’m not saying those are the only guys who are going to play, but that’s a nice core group of guys who can grow together.”
With the Bucs reporting for training camp Friday, the hope is that these linemen are mature enough to push each other and shorten their learning curves at a position that requires patience. Morris said he saw evidence of that in Miller and Moore last season as rookies.
“Kyle Moore had some growth and development to do,” Morris said. “His background and his serious demeanor coming from a winning program (USC), all those things kicked in, and you saw it at the end of last year and going into this offseason. Hopefully it keeps going on that upward (trend) for these guys because, you know as well as I know, not too many D-linemen come in this league and right off the bat become immediate contributors.”
Joe’s glad everything “kicked in” for Moore, so says Raheem The Dream. Joe assumes this was after Moore got past his habit of snoozing through meetings.
So where was Crowder in that Holder story? Not a mention at all by Raheem The Dream or Holder.
Former Bucs defensive lineman Steve White, a JoeBucsFan.com analyst, months ago predicted Crowder could be on the outside looking in entering the 2010 season. So it goes for guys like him, White explained in a detailed analysis of Crowder’s season and immediate future.
You would think that after the strong season Crowder turned in as a backup and with the injury to starter Jimmy Wilkerson, that he would be a lock to be on the roster next season. But having been a backup for most of my career, I can tell you that he is probably still on the bubble more than most fans would think.
For one thing the Bucs drafted Kyle Moore last year out of USC and they are probably going to be pushing him to get playing time this season. For another, its been widely acknowledged that we have to upgrade our defensive line. That means you can expect the Bucs to bring in some more ends either via free agency or the draft. And one thing you never can know or control as a player is how one of those other guys will perform.
It sickens Joe that there’s so much ego in the coaching/GM ranks that a guy like Moore is going to be all but gift-wrapped a starting job because he was a fourth-round pick of the present regime, versus an “outsider” like Crowder, who’s just one year older and seems more deserving. And by no means is it just the Bucs who have that attitude when it comes to players.
Joe just hopes Raheem The Dream runs the best starter out at left end on opening day.
July 25th, 2010 at 9:17 am
I sure hope not. While Crowder has impressed me, I don’t like Moore at all. If you watch his college highlight tape, it just doesn’t look impressive at all. I don’t think he’ll ever translate to the NFL. He also did nothing last year.
Meanwhile Crowder, in very limited play last year, racked up 37 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and was a noticable force in many games.
I just wanna see the best man win the starting job. Right now I have a very hard time beieving that is Moore.
July 25th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Raheem’s job is on the line this season. Every head coach’s job is on the line every season. If Crowder out plays Moore in the preseason, preety sure Morris is gonna play the best guy. Still believe the Bucs will sign another DE, along with another OT, so our starting LE may not be on the roster yet. Ego plays a part in all business, but it’s hard to be egotistical when you’re unemployed! One of those Lil” checks and balance things” that makes the world go ’round. Stylez G. White is proof of that!
July 25th, 2010 at 9:42 am
“Raheem’s job is on the line this season”
Don’t tease me like that Captain.
July 25th, 2010 at 10:01 am
That was a tease Eric, Raheem is an EXCELLANT coach! I foresee him coaching the Bucs for the Next FIFTEEN years! I told the organization that I’ll CANCEL MY SEATING arrangements if they let him go, IRREGUARDLESS of his record. I think he’s gonna win FIVE SUPERBOWLS here, and be inducted in the HALL OF FAME!! He’s the MAN!! Eh, or he might fall on his face and get canned this year. To early ta tell. Either way, Eric, he’s the head coach of YOUR Buccaneers this year! You lucky rascal! Bet you already bought your ” Raheem-I Am the Dream” T-Shirt! Wear it with PRIDE buddy, and wear it alot!
July 25th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Sounds like Raheem’s pis_ed that Crowder hasn’t been hanging at One Buc Place this off season.
July 25th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I honestly think that unless Moore really blows it up this preseason, Crowder will be the starter at LDE starting the season. Crowder actually had a pretty good year in Denver his first year (I live in Colorado and am forced to listen to Bronco news), but he didn’t fit the change to the 3-4 system (which is why he was let go). A line of Crowder, McCoy, Miller, White with Price and Moore rotating in could be pretty decent. Crowder and White both have pass rush ability on the ends, but can’t beat the double team consistently. With McCoy/Miller/Price on the inside we should see more edge rush. I also like the idea that Black may be getting more pass rush opps from the LB spot.
Nobody knows yet how the season will work itself out, but there are certain things that look good on paper so far.
July 25th, 2010 at 11:29 am
i wouldnt be too suprised if mccoy slides out to left end on some obvious passing downs and they bring price in at undertackle
July 25th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Joe, I’m with you. I think Crowder can really play. I think he can be a starter in this league. Maybe not good enough to start for a super bowl contender, but that’s not us. I like him a lot and definitely want to keep him. Moore is ok, but nothing special. then again, he could be another Crowder in a year or two.
July 25th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Lakeland Bob- is that true? Crowder hasn’t been at One Buc for voluntary OTAs? Wow! He’s fighting for a starting job, you’d think he would be a regular fixture there! Kinda makes you wonder how bad he wants it!
July 25th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Raheem didn’t mention Stylze G White in his quote their either, I don’t here anyone saying they think he’s gonna get benched. He was just listing off the young guys that he and Mark and drafted, giving himself a little pat on the back. I don’t see that as an indication of whose going to start at all.
Also, Capt. Tim, I hate to be that guy but irreguardless is a made up word… its just regardless.
July 25th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@MichiganBucsFan if made up word drive you nuts then you must love Raheem
July 25th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I wasn,t referring to the OTAs Capt,I meant the practice facility.Raheem mentioned how Dre Moore is in there on his days off working out with Dakoda Watson.Raheem also mentioned every Dlineman on the team except Crowder.Probably no big deal.
July 25th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Lakeland Bob- gotcha, but it brings up a good point. Holler out ta Joe– has Crowder been at the facility, fighting for his spot? Can ya find out? Inquiring minds( ok, Lkld bob n me) wanna know!
July 25th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I don’t believe Raheem will annoint anyone anything. I think camp & pre-season will decide who does what, and the best man at every position will get the job. Cream floats to the top, but so does the oil.
July 25th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
camp & preseason are designed to find out who’s performing best, but performance is a personal assessment … remember Leftwich/McGown
July 26th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Steve White referred to the Bucs drafting a DE…well we have a year until that can happen now, so Crowder has the chance to prove himself.
As to Moore, I suspect that our lineup of DTs will help him do well.
Personally, I see Styles taking a hike after this season, unless he proves himself to be a must have player.
July 26th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Yes, I know irreguardless isn’t a word. Neither is”yer”, “ain’t”, “ta”, or “whatcha”. I use’ em for a Lil artistic flair! And so help me, Joe, one word about “pirate speak”, and yer on yer own!! Lol . Still waiting for that retraction and “welcome Back”, or did the Good Captain fall from grace?
August 16th, 2010 at 2:01 am
I live in Texas and happen to have heard that Crowder works out on a daily regime when he is in the state. Seems he doesn’t believe in slacking off.