Hardy Nickerson talks about focus for his linebackers

No team or coach will ever gripe about versatile guys, who in a pinch can play more than one position well. That is called depth.

But if Bucs LB coach Hardy Nickerson had his way, a linebacker would never play two different positions unless absolutely, positively necessary. [read more]

Bruce Carter was signed specifically to play middle linebacker, Bucs LB coach Hardy Nickerson explained.

Today was the first chance Joe had to chat with defensive coaches of the Bucs since December victory in the Chase for Jameis. A lot has happened since.

One free agent the Bucs picked up was linebacker Bruce Carter. In the past, the athletic Carter has mostly played outside, where he used his playmaking skills to make a few extra shekels. [read more]

There’s a big name Buccaneers player that talked an awful lot about being sick of losing this offseason. [read more]

Listening to Buccaneers defensive line coach Joe Cullen chat today, Joe felt like there was a roulette game going on. [read more]

Gerald McCoy speaks

The Buccaneers trotted off the practice field today and Gerald McCoy was fired up. [read more]

The Buccaneers’ running backs depth should be soothing, especially when considering the fizzle rate of stud college backs. [read more]

The geeks at Pro Football Focus have high praise

Lord only knows where this Bucs team would be without Gerald McCoy to anchor the interior of the defensive line.

Then again, the Bucs were a horrible 2-14 last year, winning the Chase for Jameis. [read more]

All this talk about mentors borders on nonsense. Mentor this and mentor that. Who is going to be that guy’s mentor?

What the hell are you paying a coaching staff for if you need a scrub player to be coaching up a starter? Geez, folks. Quick, who was Jim Kelly’s mentor? Or John Elway? Or Andrew Luck? [read more]

Noted SI.com NFL analyst Doug Farrar claims Jameis Winston has a few bratty Jay Cutler habits.

There is so much to like about “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston.

He’s a winner. He has charisma. Teammates love the guy. He is resilient, and the dude is just freaking deadly when the chips are down. Lethal, in fact. [read more]

Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

The Bucs have wasted no time promoting their No. 1 overall pick, “America’s Quarterback,” Jameis Winston.

And why not? The nation is captivated by young Jameis. [read more]

Bucs WR Mike Evans was involved in an interesting task yesterday.

It seems Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans had a cool gig yesterday. What it means isn’t exactly clear.

Via the Instagram account of Texas A&M receiver Ricky Seals-Jones, appeared a selfie with Evans in the background in what appears to be a warehouse of some sort. [read more]

With the Buccaneers opening the Jameis Winston era against Tennessee in Tampa, Joe happily has begun his research into all things Titans.

And Joe found a telling nugget. [read more]

Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com

Without accepting the sudden and mystifying notion that Logan Mankins has become 10 years younger, found a barbecue grill and is truly motivated to play for the Bucs, Joe is taking a wait-and-see approach to the offensive line. [read more]

Several offseason player transactions could have dramatic impact.

Take the Eagles trading for Sam Bradford, for example. If he goes down and the Eagles miss the playoffs, then Chip Kelly won’t be able to walk down Broad Street without bodyguards. [read more]

Doug Martin was leaner than ever in this July 2014 photo. Now he’s changed his body again.

Doug Martin was puzzled by a question from Joe this week. [read more]

Jameis Winston and Buccaneers rookies paid a visit to Jameis A. Haley veterans hospital in Tampa. (Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers.)

This is the first time I realized how sports really keep them up, keep them happy. — Jameis Winston [read more]

Of course, Jameis Winston’s college head coach, Jimbo Fisher, is a huge cheerleader for America’s Quarterback.

But Fisher revealed last night that he advised the Bucs not to hear his cheers until they went deep into Jameis’ background. [read more]

Doug Martin spent much of his Thursday afternoon helping inspire kids in Clearwater, along with Demar Dotson, Keith Tandy and Leonard Johnson. (City of Clearwater photo)

How about your Buccaneers making an impact in the community!

Joe was sweating in the sun on Thursday watching Leonard Johnson, Doug Martin, Keith Tandy and Demar Dotson answer questions from Clearwater kids and exercise with them as part of the NFL’s Play 60 program, highlighted by the Buccaneers presenting a $10,000 check to fund youth programs.

The players had very different stories but similar messages. [read more]

Combine what happened on the field in December with what we now know was Bucs general manager Jason Licht fixation on “America’s Quarterback,” Jameis Winston, and it makes you go, “Hhhhmmm?” [read more]