Bucs Fan Behaving Badly In Minnesota

October 31st, 2012

A drunken (?) Bucs fan was dragged out of the Metrodome last week during the Bucs beat down of the Vikings. Bucs fan got mouthy with Vikings fans and it didn’t go over too well with the locals, nor the cops. Watch how one cop puts the Bucs fan in a nasty headlock and slams him to the concrete stairs. Let this be a lesson on how not to act during road games. Lucky this dude wasn’t in The Black Hole. Joe would have already read his obituary.

(Hat tip TheBigLead.com.)

Barber Says Adrian Clayborn Is Greg Spires

October 31st, 2012

Pressed to pinpoint who on the Bucs reminds him of members of the glory-days Buccaneers teams, Ronde Barber pulled three names out his pocket last night on the Buccaneers Radio Network on WDAE-AM 620.

The most direct comparison, Barber said, is Adrian Clayborn and Greg Spires.

“They are the exact same player. Just like, workman, do all the grimy hard work,” Barber said of the Clayborn-Spires similarities.

Barber also evoked No. 55.

“I look at Lavonte David and I see a young Derrick Brooks, not necessarily how he plays, but just like his instincts and just his knack for football,” Barber said. “That was one thing Derrick really had, just kind of a knack for the game. Lavonte’s absolutely shown that in the first part of his career. “

And while Barber said Mark Barron and John Lynch are completely different players, the sounds they bring to the field are similar.

“I haven’t heard pads pop like that, (laughs) you know, since four-seven left,” Barber said.

The comparisons are not fair, but they’re still fun to hear and consider. And coming from Barber, they’re very credible. Greg Spires was a fierce pass-rusher but, of course, the Bucs are hoping to get more from Clayborn than they did from Spires.

Halloween Party Tonight At Tilted Kilt

October 31st, 2012

Click on through below to learn more about Tilted Kilt, one of Joe’s favorite hangouts. The world famous Kilt girls will be in rather naughty costumes tonight at their big Halloween party. The beer, drinks, food and fun will be flowing.

Arron Sears Isn’t Walking Through That Door

October 31st, 2012

Bucs fans have been been gripping like Joe has never seen before in the wake of the awful news that All-Pro left guard Carl Nicks is out for the season with a bum toe (which Joe has seen before and it’s gross) and placed on the injured reserve list.

The offensive line, which figured to be the Bucs’ strongest unit in training camp, has been wracked by injuries, including All-Pro right guard Davin Joseph, who was lost for the year in the preseason with a blown knee.

The Bucs are now down three starters from the start of the season, including former starting right tackle Jeremy Trueblood, who was benched for subpar play.

The Bucs offensive line is currently a shambles. Happy Halloween.

Bucs fans have panicked as a result and Joe understands. The Bucs running game was just starting to rumble and now, well, good luck. Joe has read comments, received e-mails and heard calls on sports radio from Bucs fans wondering if this guy is available, if that guy is available, can the Bucs trade for so-and-so?

Bucs fans are so desperate that Joe was even asked about the possibility of Arron Sears returning to the Bucs fold.

For those who aren’t aware of the sad story of Sears, a promising young Bucs guard, Sears developed mental disorders and last Joe heard, was unable to take care of himself as he bounced from jail to institution for a bizarre string of incidents.

No, there is no magic potion to replace Nicks. The Bucs are not the only team in the NFL with offensive line issues. The Steelers, for example, have been ravaged by offensive line issues and they are making a go of it.

This is what the Bucs will need to do. Suck it up. Find a way to win.

This saga reminds Joe of a conversation he heard between Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan, co-hosts of “Movin’ the Chains,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Back in September when NFL teams locked in their 53-man rosters, Kirwan and Ryan discussed guys walking the streets who, in an emergency, could be signed by a team and contribute.

Both co-hosts found a name or two of an unemployed player who could come off the street to play at just about every position until they came to offensive line. When Ryan asked Kirwan for an out-of-work offensive lineman who could help out in an emergency, Kirwan, after a long pause, simply said, “No one.”

Ryan agreed, that offensive lines across the NFL were so thin, that no one could walk into a team’s locker room and be expected to be able to stop a cool breeze.

This is the pinch the Bucs find themselves in. Rally behind (likely) Ted Larsen, who to be honest is better at left guard than right guard, and hope for the best.

There is no savior to come in and replace the irreplaceable, Nicks.

Koenen Sets Modern-Day Record

October 31st, 2012

Lost in the wash out of the Bucs’ stunning win on Thursday Night Football was Michael Koenen setting a modern NFL record of 21 consecutive touchbacks.

Koenen hit the mark against the Vikings, and the streak was broken when Percy Harvin took a kickoff out of the end zone.

Hats off to Koenen. Clearly he was well worth the bounty rockstar general manger Mark Dominik paid him before the 2011 season. Raheem Morris didn’t get Barrett Ruud or Cadillac Williams in free agency, as he wished, but he did get the best punter/kickoff guy in the business.

There’s no question that the entire Bucs kicking game is top shelf. For leg lovers, Sunday should be quite a showcase. Shane Lechler (one of Chucky’s early mancrushes) and Sebastian Janikowski are old masters of their craft.

Barber Credits The “Ball-Disruption Circuit”

October 31st, 2012

Sure, Greg Schiano has missed some details this season, but there’s no question that he and the Bucs are dialed in successfully on a majority of details and fundamentals.

No. 1 on that list is ball security and forcing turnovers, explained Ronde Barber on the Buccaneers Radio Network last night on WDAE-AM 620. Barber talked about how he “raked” at the ball when Mark Barron had Adrian Peterson wrapped up Thursday, forcing a key fumble and impacting Bucs’ win against the Vikings.

“We practice it every single day. It’s part of our ball-disruption circuit that we do every single day,” Barber said. “[Turnovers are] the No. 1, and we’re reminded of this daily. And it’s I think why we’re taking such good care of the football.”

With a +7 on the turnover ratio scale, the Bucs are among the best in the NFL. No running back has coughed up a fumble, let alone turned it over.

Some scoffed at the relentless Pop Warner-like ball security drills the Bucs went through all offseason and, per Barber, continue to perform daily.

All Joe knows is that they are working extremely well. Score one for the New Schiano Order.

Carl Nicks On Injured Reserve

October 30th, 2012

The biggest blow to the Bucs playoff chances just happened today with word from Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune that All-Pro left guard Carl Nicks was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury.

@RCummingsTrib: Bucs LG Carl Nicks lost for the season to a toe injury. He’s been dealing with that injury all year long.

There simply isn’t a bigger hit to the Bucs than this. The Bucs’ offensive line is now officially a shambles. Nicks joins fellow All-Pro right guard Davin Joseph, who’s on injured reserve.

Just when the Bucs started to get a running game going with Doug Martin bursting onto the scene, now he will be dodging for his life more than exposing creases and holes in the offensive line.

Joe’s seen that toe numerous times. Frankly, Joe’s not sure how Nicks was playing on it to begin with.

Joe’s not sure how the Bucs recover without the human armoire on the roster. Ted Larsen at left guard?

This is a crushing blow. No way to sugarcoat it.

GMC Not Expecting To See Change In Blocking

October 30th, 2012

Recently, Joe asked Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy if he had noticed a change in opponents’ blocking schemes against him now that end Adrian Clayborn was out for the season. GMC said he had, that he was seeing much more double-teams.

GMC wasn’t using this as an excuse. He said it was his job to fight through double-teams.

Now that Da’Quan Bowers has been activated after missing the first six games with an Achilles injury, Joe wondered if Bowers logging playing time last week against Minnesota caused a let-up in pressure on GMC.

No, GMC said, he did not see a change and isn’t expecting a change to occur in the near future.

“I don’t think [opponents] would change initially because it was [Bowers’] first game back and so they didn’t know what he could do, they were just getting the feel of it. So I don’t think the blocking schemes changed that much.

“I still had a lot [of blockers] slide to me, but I think they will [change] though when [Bowers] gets in his groove. Now they will be like, ‘Well, now what?’ Honestly, your best bet [as an offensive line coach] if you don’t have an inside threat, you want to slide [blockers] to your DeMarcus Wares, your Jared Allens. Your best bet is to [protect the] inside because that is the shortest route to the quarterback. Regardless of if Mike Bennett is playing well or Bowers comes in, I will still expect [double-teams].”

Joe can understand where GMC is coming from. It’s one thing to worry about Bennett, who is playing lights out. But when there are two ends as serious threats, such as Clayborn and Bowers, then teams will have to account for both Bennett and Bowers.

When Bowers gets up to speed, it will thin out opponents’ offensive lines which means GMC and others could go wild.

Schiano Welcomed Ray Rice Comparison

October 30th, 2012

One might think a guarded coach like Greg Schiano would shy away from comparing a rookie running back to a complete, two-time Pro Bowl RB like Ray Rice.

But just the opposite was true yesterday during The Greg Schiano Show on WDAE-AM 620. Schiano was very specific about how Doug Martin is like Rice, who was Schiano’s workhorse at Rutgers. “The patience, the vision, the balance,” was the direct comparison delivered by Schiano.

The leader of the New Schiano Order also explained that Martin has the unspoken greatness understood by students of the game.

“He’s got IT,” Schiano said of what makes Martin special. “As a football coach you know what that is, and Doug has it.”

This is very high praise for a kid who’s only played seven games. But Martin has made Bucs fans forget their Trent Richardson fantasies, which is an accomplishment in itself.

Joe remembers when Raheem Morris likened Mason Foster to Ray Lewis. That was comical at the time, but the way Foster is playing that might not be so farfetched.

Leonard Johnson Ready For More

October 30th, 2012

Last week with the Bucs still down a cornerback thanks to Aqib Talib’s suspension and Brandon MacDonald dinged up, former Largo High School quarterback and free agent rookie Leonard Johnson got the call for his first NFL start.

He played well, very well in fact, and had a pick and if there was a decent replay, may have had two picks.

Bucs coach Greg Schiano raved about Johnson’s play against the Vikings during his Monday press conference and said he is confident with Johnson if he should be called into starting duty again. Talib still has to serve one more game for his sentence and there’s the looming suspension for fellow Adderall fan (allegedly), Eric Wright.

Mark Cook of PewterReport.com buttonholed Johnson late yesterday to get his take on his play.

“I just went out and tried to have fun and do everything I was asked to do,” Johnson said. “The fact I was able to start in nickel and dime (coverages) was something I looked forward to doing all week. I didn’t want to put too much thought into it or pressure on myself about going out there with the first team. I just wanted to hang out and let all be natural.

“That’s the kind of approach I take when opportunities like that present itself. All week I was just telling myself – I do a lot of self-talking – that the bigger the stage, the bigger I perform. I told myself that all week knowing that if I just took care of things in practice I’d feel confident and then I’d be able to go out and perform. I always visualize having big games. I didn’t actually visualize that (the interception), but I just knew something big would happen.”

Now Joe may not be totally objective when it comes to Johnson, who Joe has known since Johnson was a freshmen starter for Largo. But Joe thought the Bucs got a steal when Johnson slipped through the cracks of the draft.

Johnson, from people Joe has spoken qirh, has improved since signing with the Bucs, which is exactly what one would hope. If Johnson gets the call in the coming weeks, let’s just say Joe has more confidence in Johnson making plays than he does Myron Lewis.

Tampa Bay Limo Deals From Paradise

October 30th, 2012

It’s time for that limo night out that’s going to wow your woman and open her mind to adventure!

Or maybe you just want your office holiday party to be safe and sound, transported by a small luxury bus or Tampa party bus from Paradise Worldwide Transportation.

The holiday season is here. Relatives are coming to hound you. Wedding bells are ringing. It’s time to click through below and visit the best damn Tampa Bay limo company.

 

Parrish Gets Big Vote Of Confidence

October 30th, 2012

Roscoe Parrish doesn’t look like a good punt returner anymore like he was four years ago, but the leader of the New Schiano Order thinks otherwise.

Speaking on WDAE-AM 620 last night, Greg Schiano said he expects big things from Parrish in the second half of the season, and the head coach says he gets a special feeling when Parrish catches a punt.

“I do think Roscoe is the guy to do it. I think he’s experienced. He’s still got a lot of pop to him,” Schiano said. “You know, I get excited when he fields it. I kinda feel like something could happen. It hasn’t yet, but I think it will.”

Joe also gets excited when Parrish fields a punt. But it’s not for what might happen next; Joe’s only excited because Parrish, in fact, fielded it.

Joe hopes as much as the next fan that Schiano’s evaluation is correct and 30-year-old Parrish can revive his glory days with the Bills in 2007 and 2008, but Joe’s not seeing a dangerous punt return game in the Bucs’ future until they can address it in the offseason.

If you want to know how Parrish is “vibin’ in my car,” then check out this new video below from CBSSports.com.

  • Caution, Parrish attempts to sing.

 

“The Ladies Do Like It”

October 30th, 2012

Tiquan Underwood revealed some of the mystery and intrigue surrounding his throwback coiffure

It started as a dare-you wager a little over a year ago, but now Tiquan Underwood is all-in with his trademark high fade.

After all, a look like that has its perks.

 “The ladies do like it,” Underwood revealed on the Buccaneers Radio Network last night. 

Joe found this to be a very interesting phenomenon, which led Joe to consider reviving a mullet, but only if Rachel Watson would be impressed.

Underwood said that while his hairstyle is a conversation piece, it does check in as a close second to lovely-locked Tom Brady, his 2011 teammate.

“He has the hair every game. He has the suit on every game. Stylish. Very stylish,” Underwood said of Brady. “That’s a tough one to compete with. So, I would give Brady the edge in the hair.”

Trade Deadline Extended To Thursday

October 30th, 2012

“The Professor,” John Clayton of ESPN, discusses top targets for a deal as the trade deadline has been extended to Thursday. Share your thoughts on Clayton’s words.

Michael Bennett, Star In The Making

October 30th, 2012

Nothing like playing your best football during a contract year, and that is exactly what Bucs left defensive end Michael Bennett is doing.

Bennett, whose contract is up after this season, has been a wildman for the Bucs, both when he goes inside on occasion or when he stays outside. Even the numbers crunchers at ProFootballFocus.com agree. They broke down the tape of the Bucs win over Minnesota last week.

After a fast start to the season Gerald McCoy came up with a quiet performance on Thursday night, so the job of the leading the Bucs’ defensive line was left to Michael Bennett. After a couple of subpar performances out of the bye week Bennett rebounded with a strong all-round game in Minnesota. He made his presence known as a pass rusher (one sack, one hit and three hurries), was solid as ever in run defense, and forced one of the fumbles that helped turn the game in Tampa Bay’s favor. There Bennett exploited some poor ball security from Viking wide receiver Jerome Simpson in pursuit to a slant route to create the turnover which set up the Buccaneers’ drive to a 13 point lead. The brother of Martellus made his presence known from the first snap of the game, reading a play action rollout from Christian Ponder to force a throw away, and kept chipping in all night long. His night culminated in a sack of Ponder in garbage time as he comfortably got the outside of Phil Loadholt to register his first sack since the bye week. Just another workman like performance from one of the more underrated defenders in the league.

The thing that impresses Joe about Bennett is he is doing this with no help from the other side since Adrian Clayborn went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Still, Bennett is able to wreak havoc. This is a good thing. Now if Bowers can stay healthy and improve, an already solid Bucs front line will only get better.

Great Food Deals With The Hooters Calendar

October 30th, 2012

Click here or below to find your nearest Original Hooters location.

Wright’s “Appeal Is Probably A Few Weeks Away”

October 30th, 2012

Jay Glazer went deeper on the Eric Wright drug story yesterday

FOX Sports NFL guru Jay Glazer, who broke the news on Eric Wright’s alleged looming suspension for Adderrall use, a report no Buccaneer official denied, now says Wright’s “appeal is probably a few weeks away.”

Glazer joined the Booger and Rich show on 98.7 FM yesterday and explained that Bucs officials, Wright and suspended Aqib Talib likely collaborated to lead Talib to forfeit his appeal option while Wright pursued his. Thus, the two cornerbacks would not be off the field simulaneously.

The NFL gives players ample time to appeal, Glazer explained, and Glazer said he still maintains hope that Wright can win his case and beat a suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. Glazer says he knows Wright personally and considers him a great guy.

Joe was intrigued by Glazer’s assertion that Talib likely worked with the Bucs to help Tampa Bay’s depth at the position. If true, it was a selfless move after a selfish move.

Schiano Says Smith Is Prototype Buccaneer Man

October 29th, 2012

Lots of Bucs fans ask the question, “Where’s Michael Smith?”

Typically these fans are obsessed with the rookie running back’s blazing speed and/or they don’t see what Arrelious Benn brings to the table as a kick returner and would prefer the rookie get activated one Sunday and get good shot there.

The leader of the New Schiano Order was pressed on this topic by a listener this evening on The Greg Schiano Show on WDAE-AM 620. He responded by saying he thinks Smith’s time will come in some capacity –“he just needs to stay patient” — and praised the young man for being an exemplary “Buccaneer Man.”

“Michael is really a good football player,” Schiano said. He’s “a hard worker … all the things we’re looking for in a Buccaneer Man.”

Schiano also spoke with similar love for Myron Lewis, sans the coveted “Buccaneer Man” label.

ESPN At Sea – Discount Code joebucsfan

October 29th, 2012

Joe engaged in a virtual group hug with heavyweights over at ESPN. And as a result, Joe is proud to present the amazing ESPN at Sea cruise leaving from the Port of Tampa. On this fantastic Royal Caribbean cruise, you can hang out and watch the “BIG GAME” with Mike Alstott, Jermaine Phillips and other former NFL players (more should be announced soon), along with greats from the world of soccer.

Click below to check out Joe’s special page at the ESPN at Sea website, where you can find the discount code joebucsfan, and learn about the cheerleaders on board. There’s also a great “BIG GAME” cruise from Ft. Lauderdale.

Eric Wright Should Start, Unless…

October 29th, 2012

If both Aqib Talib and Eric Wright are unavailable Sunday, Bucs coach Greg Schiano indicated Myron Lewis could get a starting nod.

The leader of the New Schiano Order, Greg Schiano, took to the podium at One Buc Palace today and before a question was asked about a certain cornerback who has a certain history with pills, who has allegedly been tested positive for Adderall, Schiano explained he was prohibited by NFL policy from commenting about what is or is not happening with Bucs cornerback Eric Wright.

Despite not speaking about the issue, neither the Bucs nor the NFL is denying the report by FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer that Wright tested positive for the league-banned Adderall.

The Bucs already have a cornerback serving a four-game sentence for the very same charge, embattled Aqib Talib.

If Wright is suspended before the Bucs play Oakland on the left coast Sunday, the Bucs will be down both of their starting cornerbacks, both for Adderall. Schiano explained that is is business as usual with the Bucs if or until the NFL comes down on Wright.

What’s unknown is whether Wright has or will appeal, which would delay his suspension. In the Bucs locker room today, not surprisingly, Wright was nowhere to be found.

Schiano did explain why Wright was seen early this afternoon working on a stationary bike — proof that he has yet to be suspended, as suspended players cannot step foot in a team facility. Schiano said Wright has an Achilles injury not considered serious.

Even if Wright is not suspended, the Achilles could force him to the bench. If the Bucs are without both Talib and Wright Sunday, Schiano said both Leonard Johnson and Myron Lewis will be the next men up.

“I really cannot discuss it and neither can Eric,” Schiano said of the situation. “That comes down from the league. It’s not appropriate [to discuss].

“He was on the bike; he has an Achilles that is a little bit of a concern. I think he will be OK, but I cannot predict.

“We always have depth at corner. That’s one of the key positions — we always try to have depth. I was really pleased with the play of Leonard Johnson the other night. That is important, he is getting a lot of repetitions out there today, Myron Lewis got repetitions out there today. These guys prepare as if they will be the guy and if they get their chance you hope they are ready.

“It is the age old definition when preparation meets opportunity; hopefully that is what is occurring, if that is going to be the case.”