SB Nation - Michael Clayton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks - Open Thread

John Morgan — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:45:45 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Red Bryant (79) is an exciting tools talent desperate for NFL experience. Instead Seattle activates Craig Terrill.

Blow em out, Hawks.

H/T SSReporters:

INACTIVE: RB Louis Rankin, LB D.D. Lewis, G Mansfield Wrotto, DT Red Bryant, WR Nate Burleson, TE Cameron Morrah, DT Derek Walker.

Bucs inactives

INACTIVE: CB Derrick Roberson, DL Michael Bennett, G Shawn Murphy, T James Lee, WR Michael Clayton, WR Terrence Nunn, TE John Gilmore.

Seattle's season is over but for experience, yet Seattle refuses to play young players like Morrah, Walker and Bryant. When the season is in balance, even if only abstractly, I understand a team playing the best player.

Play the damn kids.

Week 15 Player Profile: RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams

Craig T — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:13:40 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

If the Bucs want to win another game this season, this man will need to put the team on has back and carry them to the finish line. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Overview: Austin Powers might be known as the "international man of mystery", but several Buccaneers hold that title here in the bay area, and Cadillac Williams is as much of a man of mystery as anyone. He's been suspiciously absent from the Buccaneer backfield (and the endzone) far more often than most of us would like or expected this season.

Really, mystery should be one of the words used to describe this season. To most of us, it's been a mystery why Raheem and the Buccaneer front office cleaned house and proclaimed that they were looking to go in a new direction and that this would be a violent, physical team. They went out and got RB Derrick Ward to create a RB triumverate of Ward, Caddy, and Earnest Graham. Clearly, with Caddy coming off of two torn pattelar tendons, they wanted to ease him back in the game and they saw something they liked in Derrick Ward as a possible featured back.

Flash forward to Week 15...

The Bucs sit at as arguably the worst and least physical team in the league with a 1-12 record and a basement-worthy rank of rushing yards per game. Rookie Josh Freeman has supplanted two ineffective Buccaneer quarterbacks. Despite his hot-and-cold see-saw performances from week-to-week, the Buccaneers continue to throw at a percentage that would make Tom Brady and Peyton Manning blush. The line can't get a consistent push and the running game is nearly non-existent.

Many fans are angrily calling out the coaching staff not just for the painful results this season, but for the questionable offensive philsophy the team has taken, especially since the FOTF (Face of the Franchise) Josh Freeman has taken over the reigns of the offense. Why do they refuse to run the ball consistently? We hear it week in and week out on Total Access and at the weekly presser that they're going to find a way to run the ball more, but that proclamation gets thrown out with the trash come Sunday, as Josh Freeman continues to air it out 60-70 percent of the time.

The Bucs certainly aren't without playmaking talent at running back. They've got a couple of guys who've thrived at different times on this team, one of whom is our main home run threat and fan favorite, Cadillac Williams. Although never putting together an MVP-calibur season, he's shown to be able to give the Bucs a big-play threat and carry the load when needed... and healthy, which has been a problem for him. He hit the ground running, literally, in his 2005 rookie campaign, exploding onto the scene with 1178 rushing yards at a respectable 4.1 yards per clip. Lingering injuries and Gruden's love affair with the short pass in lieu of the run limited Caddy's opportunities from '06 through '09. Despite the devastating patellar tendon injuries that sidelined him for parts of '07 and '08, he's come back running hard and determined... and it appears the previous regime and current staff forgot he can run like this...

Highlights: The first two plays are an exhibition of why you stick with the run early and often, even when the sledding gets tough early, and worth looking at a little more closely. Just as our defense did against Thomas Jones in the 2nd quarter last week, players miss tackles, take bad angles, and miss assignments, leading to big plays. What's great about having a guy like Caddy is that he can make that big play...hit that home run.

First play is a single back, two tight end set. A simple dive play. Caddy hits the A-gap with a good burst and quickly finds the optimal route to a 12-yard gain and a first down. The key on this play is two-fold, in my opinion... the line, all 5 of them, got a good 2-yard push on the front 7 and locked up their defenders right between the pads. Michael Clayton made a heck of a block on the outside linebacker, which was probably made a bout a 9-yard difference.

On the very next play, a tremendous individual effort from Caddy resulted in the first Buccaneer points of the game. Strong right I-formation, off-tackle run called. However, the end comes into the backfield unblocked and Caddy, recognizing his lane closing, hits the L1 button and cuts left away from the play and takes it to the garage. It almost looked like an iso counter. Good vision, quick feet, and good speed.

Against New England, Caddy runs a simple iso up the middle for a solid gain, showing his willingness and ability to put his head down and run over defensive backs. Faine and Joseph pushed back Wilfork and Trueblood pushed out the defensive end nicely, creating a big alley for Caddy. It's also nice to see a guy coming off two devastating knee injuries not being afraid to take contact with multiple defenders and push hard for the extra yards.

Finally, Caddy hits the hole against Washington, puts on a move, and takes it for almost 20 yards. Although he has not managed to stay on the field, which certainly can't go overlooked if you're looking for a running back to feature, he has good straightline speed and can get to the linebackers more quickly than other backs. That split-second difference makes a huge impact in the runnign game if the line is having a hard time holding their blocks.

Prospects for Week 14:

Despite promising us several times that they're going to find ways to get the running game going, I just don't see them sticking with the running game, which is a shame because as I said before, big plays can be had on the ground just as they can through the air with far less risk of a significant negative play or turnover. Seattle is actually pretty good against the run, ranking 5th in the NFL in 81 YPGA. Despite their blowout loss last week, Seattle held the Texans' backs to a combined 85 total rushing yards. Based on the Bucs' offensive tendencies and Seattle's solid run defense, I'd expect about 11-13 carries for 50-65 yards and maybe one score on Sunday.

Jets Flight Connections 121209

dvdvil — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:56:37 -0000

Kerry Rhodes will not shut up.

Rex Ryan praises Lito Sheppard.

Rex Ryan praises D'Brickasaw Ferguson.

Rex Ryan and Bart Scott praise Josh Freeman.

Mike Pettine praises Larry Izzo.

Damien Woody praises Alan Faneca.

Braylon Edwards praises Kellen Clemens.

Brad Smith and Wallace Wright celebrate with a middle school in New Jersey.

The Jets are thankful to Eric Mangini and learn from the Browns' upset.

Mark Sanchez, Dwight Lowery and Robert Turner will not play on Sunday.

Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton and RB Carnell Williams might not play either.

More connections after the jump.

Miami will be playing against last week's Defensive Player of the Week.

New England might be playing wihout a healthy Adalius Thomas, and with a subpar Tom Brady.

Buffalo will not have Demetrius Bell for the rest of the year.

Once again, Wayne Chrebet is quoted in an NFL concussion policy article.

The topic of NFL injuries is becoming more serious.

Former Buccaneers HC Tony Dungy is still very involved in the NFL.

His other former team is currently still unbeaten, along with the Saints.

I would like to stress again that Darrelle Revis and Thomas Jones need to go back to the Pro Bowl. Please vote for them here. Polls close on Dec. 21.

Lastly, Rex Ryan talks about growing up in Toronto:

Jets Flight Connections 121009

dvdvil — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:15:55 -0000

HC Rex Ryan decided that QB Mark Sanchez will not play this Sunday. Rich Cimini reminds us that he thought of it first.

Fellow rookie and first round pick QB Matthew Stafford will not start either.

Fellow rookie and first round pick QB Josh Freeman is getting ready for the Jets game.

The Buccaneers have their work cut out for them, and having WR Michael Clayton might help.

The state of the upcoming opponent had nothing to do with the Sanchize being inactive. Attached to Dave Hutchinson's article are videos of Rex, Mark and back-up QB Kellen Clemens.

Hofstra product and Tampa Bay HC Raheem Morris knows the Jets just plan to run the ball anyway.

Clemens will get another chance to start, possibly his last shot to show what he can do. WR Braylon Edwards compares Kellen's situation to Browns QB Derek Anderson's experience.

The Jets and the Giants are keeping New York somewhat optimistic.

Former Giants RB Tiki Barber thought Mark would be okay to play.

Speaking of RBs, I once again urge you to vote early and vote often for Thomas Jones for FedEx Ground Player of the Week.

And again, you can send CB Darrelle Revis and other Jets all-stars to Miami by voting them in the ProBowl.

More connections after the jump.

Here is a nice summation of the Jets' clearest path to the playoffs.

ESPN.com says the Jets are in good position with their running backs.

RB Leon Washington is a big bargain. Browns HC Eric Mangini thinks highly of him.

Do the Jets actually have "the best front seven" out of the top five defensive teams right now?

This article names Darrelle Revis as Defensive Player of the Week.

This blogger compares Revis to 1994 Defensive Player of the Year Deion Sanders.

This blogger, for some reason, compares and contrasts the Jets to the Cowboys over the years.

Even K Jay Feely should have a productive Sunday for fantasy football. Pick Thomas Jones for your running back this week, as well as the Jets defense.

This article mentions Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew's no-TD play against New York, as well as his experience with Jets fans.

University of Washington QB Jake Locker looks at Mark Sanchez's decision to turn pro.

Even though Patriots QB Tom Brady recently became a daddy, he still made it to work on time, unlike these guys.

New England activated DL Titus Adams, who used to be on the Jets practice squad.

San Diego activated DT Antonio Garay, who used to be on the Jets practice squad.

Miami LBs Jason Taylor and Joey Porter did not practice.

Bills WR Terrell Owens says, "Just shoot me."

And lastly, here is a video of the Jets defensive players talking about their squad:

A lesson on judging play calls from Bill Belichick...sort of.

Niko Houllis — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:01:07 -0000

Scott Norwood's 47 yard FG attempt in SuperBowl XXV from Tampa,FL

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As anyone who has read BucEm for more than ten minutes this week knows, there has been a lot of heat on OC Greg Olsen for his play calling. Since youve read this far, your an avid Buc'em reader and you know how I feel on the subject for the most part. Since there is a moral to this story, the comment section and FanPost/shots section are too small for this.

It is true, that there is a time and place for a proper play call. Its also true and I'm sure every agrees that any play has any possible chance to succeed at any time, but they have their share of odds to succeed or fail.

If its 3rd and 22 from your own 20 yard line and there is only 30 seconds left in the game and you have no timeouts, running the ball is not only stupid, its giving up. Going into a game situation where you are at the opponents 1 inch line, its first and goal, plenty of time left, and you throw the ball 4 times, is pretty silly too.

Now you don't have to be a football expert to see these examples are extremes to say the least. But the line between extremes and an extreme game plan are a little harder to discern. Jon Grudens 48 passes in the crazy wind in Giants Stadium with a rookie Bruce Gradkowski was crazy by anyones definition. Yet two dropped passes by Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway could have seriously changed the outcome of that game. Would a win though change the outlook on the game plan as being unsound?

So when I say that for the most part, complaining about play calls is usually very inaccurate, Im more than referring to the fact that any play, even a 3rd and 22 run has a chance to succeed, and that even if it does, its still not going to be looked at as a smart call. But where is the line we draw where the outcome DOES determine if a playcall is a 'good' or 'Bad' one?

Probably no one has the right to tell us this info, but with the advent of Madden Football games, your average football fan can now 'judge' their play calling abilities against a computer. Some, like every facet in life, take it to the extreme and think they are capable of doing the real thing better than the real people! ...and some really could!

But to me, the perfect example of a good play call is a successful one and a bad play call is one that fails, is found in a story about one of today's best coaches, and his shining moment in history.

Unfortunately, you will have to jump to read on...

Our story is about Coach Bill Belichick, but not Head Coach Bill Belichick, but head defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, of the New York Football Giants. The Head Coach is Bill Parcells, and Belichick is his prized DC. The year is 1990, and the Giants win the NFC Championship game and must face the powerful Buffalo Bills in the Superbowl.

Now keep in mind, hindsight is perfect 20/20 vision. We know now the Buffalo Bills are 0 for 4 Superbowl contestants, but at this time, Buffalo was considered an almost unstoppable offense. And the Giants would have to face Buffalo without Phil Simms, their starting QB who had been knocked out for the season, giving way to back up Jeff Hostetler.

So Bill Belichik devised his defensive game plan. It had all of the Giants defensive players up in arms. The plan? Allow Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas to get 100 yards rushing. According to Bill's master plan, the Giants defense must set itself up in a way to allow Thomas to get 100 yards of rushing, something any defense prides itself on its ability to PREVENT! Having their trust of course, the G men obliged.

He explained that this would give the Bills a confidence that they could run the ball successfully against the Giants when they needed to, which they did. Everytime Buffalo was in a short yardage situation, they ran the ball, and usually picked up the first down, and fell right into the Giant's DC gameplan.

Because as you know, when you run the ball, you eat up clock time. On the other side of the ball, the Giants were running Otis Anderson. He too gained 100 yards, and between the two, running the ball, kept the powerful Buffalo passing game either on the bench, or held in check as they felt more comfortable running the ball for 5 yards and a first down than passing for it, which would have probably gotten the 1st down and more yards.

While the game plan kept Buffalo's powerful passing game from making a difference in the game, Buffalo's equally powerful running game gave the Bills one last chance to win this game. The Bills moved the ball in the final minutes getting Buffalo Kicker Scott Norwood lined up for his now infamous 47 yard field goal attempt.

It was wide right. The Bills lost.

Bill Belichick's defensive game plan now sits in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio. The defensive game plan, in the Hall of Fame, is considered pure genius. How a great defense like the NY Giants would set up a game plan designed to give up 100 yard rushing attack because he knew it would turn Buffalo's running game into a weapon against itself put not only the game plan in the Hall of Fame, but earned fame for Belichick as well.

But all of it hinged on Scott Norwood missing his 47 yard FG attempt. If Norwood nails his kick, Buffalo wins, and the Giants defensive game plan looks like the stupidest plan in the history of the league! Why would you give up 100 yards on purpose?!?

The moral of the story; Most times, not all, not always, not every time, A good play call is one that works, and when it doesn't work, well, it just wasn't that good of a call.

New Orleans Saints' Defensive and Special Teams Player Grades @ Bucs

saints-nation — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:24 -0000

by Chris O'Meara - AP

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Below are the grades for the defense and special teams @ Tampa Bay. Some terrific play all around.

Saints vs Buccaneers coverage

Saints vs Buccaneers recap

Saints vs Buccaneers boxscore

Will Smith: B+ (2.83) Smith finished with 3 tackles and a sack. He did a reasonably good job of putting pressure on Josh Freeman, and was able to waltz in untouched for an easy sack on a missed blocking assignment. It was nice to see Smith help against the run on a number of occasions, too.

Charles Grant: C (2.37) Grant finished with just 2 tackles, and he knocked Freeman down once on a pass rush. His pass rushing was mediocre, and his run defense was mediocre... so he gets a mediocre grade to go with his mediocre GPA.

Bobby McCray: D+ (1.89) What happened to this guy? He was a very solid pass rusher last year, but his reps get lessened each week mostly due to his complete lack of production. At one point in training camp they were talking about installing packages that would include McCray blitzing from the linebacker slot. Whatever happened to that? No tackles for McCray in this game despite a decent number of snaps. He was complete neutralized on pass downs, too.

Anthony Hargrove: B- (2.44) Just one tackle for Hargrove, but he did a good job getting push on passing plays up the middle, and he recovered a CRUCIAL fumble that broke Tampa Bay's back.

Remi Ayodele: B (2.19) Ayodele plugged up the middle much better than usual and forced the Tampa backs to often bounce their runs outside, allowing the Saints' linebackers to make plays. He finished with 3 tackles and also showed more effort than what I've seen in the past. The main problem I've had with Ayodele is he has a lazy streak where he won't play to the whistle, but I didn't see that in this game.

Scott Fujita: A- (2.72) Fujita is back and playing at a high level. This was arguably his best game of the season. He was making terrific reads and had a very impressive play getting in the backfield and hitting the Bucs' runner for a loss. His tackles were sure and he showed no ill effects from the calf injury that slowed him down. His biggest play was a blitz off the backside where he sacked Freeman and knocked the ball loose, leading to Hargrove's big recovery. Nice to see Fujita making plays, he's been missed. He was a major reason the Bucs struggled to move the ball after that first drive.

Scott Shanle: C+ (2.77) Quiet day for Shanle, who really didn't do much until the second half. There were no major mistakes, but some of the bigger runs early in the game were plays going right at him where he didn't absorb the blocks very well.He was solid in coverage and ended with 2 tackles.

Jonathan Vilma: A- (3.00) Vilma was all over the field, looked fast and was steady. He finished with 6 tackles, a defended pass, a knockdown on a blitz, and an interception. When he gets a clean look at stopping a rusher he almost always makes the play. I don't think he's playing at quite the level he was a season ago, but he clearly makes everyone around him better. Nice to see him get that pick, he made a fantastic catch covering a tough customer in Kellen Winslow Jr.

Randall Gay: C (2.59) Gay was pretty solid in coverage before leaving early with a tweaked hamstring. From what I've heard it sounds unlikely he'll be back in time for the Monday Night game.

Malcolm Jenkins: A- (3.07) Jenkins made a terrific interception, the first of his career, going to the ground to come up with a low pass. He benefited from Antonio Bryant slipping, but still jumped the route well and showed terrific hands. He led the team with 7 tackles on the day and 2 defended passes. He held a very good receiver in Antonio Bryant to just 3 catches. Bryant did have a 21 yard reception against Jenkins at one point, but the coverage was picture perfect and Bryant just made a ridiculous catch on his outside shoulder - not much you can blame the rookie for there. He really stepped in and did not miss a beat.

Roman Harper: B (3.23) Harper dropped an easy interception, jumping a route well but failing to come up with the catch. If there's one thing I've learned from watching Harper all the years is the guy has the worst set of hands I've almost ever seen. He finished with just 3 tackles, but was sent blitzing a number of times. He was able to register a half sack, and he also knocked Freeman to the ground two other times.

Darren Sharper: B- (3.15) Sharper was fine. No real chances to get a pick this time. The few times he was in a good position, the ball by Freeman was so poorly thrown that Sharper had no chance. He finished with 5 tackles and was especially helpful against the run. His grade suffers because of yet another personal foul 15 yard penalty. He's had at least 4 or 5 this year. It was a blatant facemask penalty, and there really was no need for him to do that.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar: C+ (2.73) Dunbar finished with 3 tackles and played in spot duty late in the game at linebacker. He was aggressive and did ok. He over-pursued twice but with the game so far out of reach it's hard to grade him. I'll give him some love for doing a great job on special teams, though.

DeMario Pressley: B- (2.78) This guy deserves to start alongside Sedrick Ellis. There, I said it. I know there's a love affair going on with just about any avid Saints watcher and Anthony Hargrove, and the coaching staff seems enamored with Ayodele, but Pressley has been the tackle performing most consistently. I see him sometimes get pushed off the line of scrimmage, but once when that happen he bounced back up the middle and ended up making the tackle. Even when he's beat he plays to the whistle and shows terrific effort. He finished with 3 tackles and did a decent job rushing the passer.

Pierson Prioleau: B- (2.67) He finished with 3 tackles and did a fairly good job in coverage. With the Saints depleted at corner thanks to the injuries to Torrence and Gay, he stepped in and helped hold down the fort.

Usama Young: B (3.17) Young also lent a helping hand at corner with the Saints shorthanded by injury. He was pretty good, especially helping in run support. He finished with 2 tackles. His grade gets a boost, too, from 2 spectacular special teams plays. First he forced a deep punt to be fair caught inside the 20 with terrific downfield coverage, then he dove on a ball and downed it at the 1 yard line after another great punt by Morstead.

Leigh Torrence: C (2.00) Torrence was placed on IR, I'm told, and that's too bad. The guy was finally getting some playing time. Sure, he wasn't the best corner but you can't argue with the guy's toughness. He separated his shoulder and came back in the game to play and make a tackle due to the Saints' injury problems. He finished with 4 tackles and teamed up with Harper to get the other half of a sack on Freeman. He was also responsible for the touchdown pass to Michael Clayton, though, and I feel like his coverage was spotty enough that a better quarterback could have made him pay. I'm surprised as far as he was playing off receivers that Freeman didn't take advantage of the short routes in front of him.

John Carney: A- (2.77) Carney did his job, so it's hard to give him a worse grade. He hit a big 38 yard field goal to break a 7-7 tie, and at the time it was important. He also hit all 5 of his extra points, but once again got one or two barely inside the upright.

Thomas Morstead: A+ (3.03) He was booming the ball all day long. I tip my cap to you, Mr. Morstead, and I can't tell you how glad I am the Saints kept you over Glenn Pakulak. He was, in a word, fantastic. Every kickoff he booted went into the end zone, and as the game progressed they kept getting deeper and deeper (I believe his last 3 were touchbacks). Clifton Smith is known for being one of the most dangerous returners in the NFC, and Morstead completely neutralized him. He also blasted 4 punts for a 48.8 average, and pinned two inside the 20 (one of those at the 1). He only had one of his punts returned for 11 yards, so he ends up with an extremely impressive net average of a little over 46 yards. Without question his best game as a Saint.

Courtney Roby: B+ (2.93) Roby was pretty good returning kickoffs. No standout plays but he returned 2 kicks for a 25.5 average. His coverage skills, however, are what earned him his grade this time. The play that Usama Young made at the one was only thanks to a great athletic and head's up play by Roby, as he dove into the end zone and tipped the ball back into the field. For some reason the Bucs challenged that play, too, which had to be one of the dumbest challenges of all time.

My Defensive Player of the Game: Malcolm Jenkins
My Special Teams Player of the Game: Thomas Morstead

Poll

Who Was Your Defensive Player of the Game?

Malcolm Jenkins

200 votes

Scott Fujita

113 votes

Jonathan Vilma

111 votes

Chris Reis (didn't play enough to get a grade, but I'll give him props for his pick)

17 votes

441 votes | Poll has closed

Rookie mistakes take their toll on Freeman, Bucs.

Niko Houllis — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:16:31 -0000

More photos » by John Raoux - AP

Josh Freeman was vulnerable to rookie mistakes today vs Saints.

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For awhile there, the Bucs defense was keeping the game close. But they dont call it a team sport for nothing. All three aspects of the game must be clicking, and after the 1st quarter, the Bucs offense behind rookie QB Josh Freeman started to commit too many turnovers. At one point the Bucs stopped the Saints 4 of their first 5 possessions and had a tie 7-7 game, but Freeman threw too many interceptions and the game got out of control.

The defense came out flying around and actually had pressure on Drew Brees. Defensive Linemen Kyle Moore got some action and the Defensive line with a lot of newcomers in the lineup like Dotson and Bennet, were getting close to Brees a few times and Bucs defenders like Ronde Barber were playing lights out. Josh Freeman threw a beautiful ball to the back corner of the endzone where Michael Clayton was waiting.

Before the half however, mistakes started to add up, and the defense allowed 10 quick points just like the Miami game last week that set the tone for the second half. It's apparent that Josh Freeman will have a great advantage next season going through the OTAs, minicamps and Training camp as the starter with valueable reps. Ball security failed Freeman at first, then after falling behind, the Saints rushing attack was able to gouge the defense for large chunks of yards.

The Bucs play at Atlanta next week, then play at Carolina before coming home against the Jets, in a match up of rookie signal callers Freeman and Sanchez.

New Orleans Saints' Defensive and Special Teams Player Grades @ Rams

saints-nation — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:15:20 -0000

by Jeff Roberson - AP

about 1 month ago: St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) is stopped by New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant (94) as Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, left, looks on during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in St. Louis. The Saints won 28-23. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Below are the grades for the Saints' Defense and Special Teams @ the Rams.

Saints vs Rams boxscore

Saints vs Rams coverage

Saints vs Rams recap

Will Smith: B- (2.78) Smith registered yet another sack which also forced the ball loose, but unfortunately the Saints weren't able to recover. The Rams ended up scoring on the next play on a long pass to Avery. He's been getting better and better this season rushing the passer. Against the run he was mediocre. He finished with just 2 tackles.

Charles Grant: B+ (2.41) Grant was terrific against the run for the second straight week. He finished with 5 tackles and was present on many of the stops the defense made against the run in the second half. 2 of his tackles were plays where he beat his blocker and was able to meet Steven Jackson in the backfield for a loss. His play was aggressive and his tackles were hard to break. He even had a couple of decent pass rushes, and I felt he deserved a half sack on the sack given to Ayodele.

Bobby McCray: B- (1.96) McCray showed some nice ability against the run for once, and this time he got more pressure on the quarterback. Just one tackle for McCray in the game, but I at least saw him involved, active, and always in pursuit. A promising performance given how invisible he's been.

Anthony Hargrove: C (2.42) Hargrove did finish with 4 tackles, and his pressure on Marc Bulger was good, but he's still a little light to play the run effectively. He was pushed out of the way often and mauled on several of Jackson's big runs.

Remi Ayodele: C (2.09) Ayodele got a coverage sack, and just 1 tackle. He was surprisingly pretty good rushing the passer and he pancaked Bulger on another play just as Bulger released his pass. Otherwise, he was eaten alive on running plays and did a poor job of playing at the point of attack. Sedrick Ellis needs to get back in the lineup healthy because the last three weeks watching the Saints attempt to stop the run have been painful.

Scott Fujita: C- (2.53) Fujita was feeling things out early and he seemed rusty in his first game back from a calf injury. He was juked a couple of times by Jackson and allowed him to run through weak arm tackles at other times. As the game wore on, though, he seemed to get better and better as he adjusted back to the game speed. He was in the right place for most of the game and played well in coverage. He finished with 4 tackles, and I hope he'll play more like he did in the second half for all of next week.

Scott Shanle: B (2.81) Nice to see Shanle bounce back and play a pretty solid game. Like Fujita, he was pushed around a little early and seemed to be too tentative in his reads. He did make a couple of terrific open field tackles on a very hard to bring down Steven Jackson, though, and those plays could have been massive gainers if Shanle doesn't come up with the tackle. His tackling technique is very sound, and it's nice to have a linebacker you can trust. True to form he also did a good job in coverage. He finished with 6 tackles including one for a loss.

Jonathan Vilma: B- (2.93) Mixed bag for Vilma. He did have 8 tackles and seemed to get better as the game wore on, but he also had a number of opportunities to make plays where Jackson made him look like a backup. Vilma did a good job on a blitz of hitting Bulger, and almost got a sack at one point but Bulger released the pass as he was going down. Vilma also missed a couple of assignments in the passing game, allowing Daniel Fells to make plays.

Marvin Mitchell: B- (2.45) Mitchell had 2 tackles, including one which was a vicious hit. Overall he didn't make mistakes and looked good against the run and pass in limited duty.

Tracy Porter: C (3.11) Before Porter left the game with an injury, he was having a forgettable game. Assigned for a large part of the game to cover rookie Brandon Gibson, who had no catches on the season going into this game, he was beat all too often. On the play he was injured, he was not only beat but completely blew the tackle. Porter finished with 2 tackles. The news that his injury is only a strain is huge, though. The Saints need him desperately, and the fact the he should be back in time for the stretch run and the playoffs is crucial.

Randall Gay: D- (2.67) Gay was beat on two touchdown passes to Donnie Avery and the Rams in general picked on him all day. He looked slow and despite good coverage on the second touchdown he showed terrible ball skills. Gay did finish with 4 tackles on the day. Gay in my estimation is best used in the slot as a physical corner. I know the Saints were short handed, but matching him up against a burner like Donnie Avery was a terrible matchup. I heard whispers of Jason David comparisons (ahem, Saintsational) and that is going a little too far. Just because he can't run with Donnie Avery it doesn't mean he has no clue out there. Gay will be fine, just a rough day for him lined up against a receiver that is as fast as just about anyone. Next week against Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton I think Gay will look better.

Malcolm Jenkins: C+ (2.92) He was ok, not great. He finished with 2 tackles and put nice pressure on a couple of blitzes. He did have one devastating hit on Bulger that the Rams' quarterback barely got up from. He also had a big "defended pass" late in the game, where he ran with Avery before getting hit in the back with the ball. One thing I was impressed by was a running play where it was Jackson, a blocker and Jenkins, and Jenkins did a good job of sticking his head in there and trying to take out Jackson's legs. He slowed Jackson down enough to make it an easy tackle for his teammates. Malcolm is pretty physical for a corner.

Roman Harper: B+ (3.26) Another solid game from Harper. He's becoming a pretty steady performer for the Saints, and brace yourselves because he actually looked good against the pass. He was around the box a good amount, especially in the second half, and finished with 8 tackles. He did a good job, mostly, of limiting Jackson's effectiveness at the second level. He had a key pass breakup late in the third quarter on a 3rd down in the red zone forcing a Rams' field goal, and he was involved on the hail mary attempt breakup.

DeMario Pressley: B (2.84) He was pretty good against the run. Sure he was pushed around at times and somewhat responsible for the yardage Jackson amassed, but he looked aggressive and I liked his hustle. Given the fact that Pressley is essentially a red shirt rookie that's only in his second game as a pro, he's performed admirably. He had 5 tackles including 2 for losses.

Pierson Prioleau: C+ (2.67) Prioleau gave up a couple of passes but also laid some nice hits. He finished with 3 tackles and helped the Saints out when they were so thin on the final drive in dime coverage.

Usama Young: B+ (3.33) At times Young looked like a harder hitting, faster version of Darren Sharper. He had a terrific break on the ball on his interception, and he also defended another pass showing nice anticipation. He finished with 4 tackles and had some nice hits. His grade could be better, but he took a couple of bad angles on Jackson at the second level and did a bad job of wrapping up at other times which allowed the Rams to gain more yardage.

Leigh Torrence: C (2.00) Torrence did finish with 4 tackles, and showed pretty good coverage specifically on a deep ball late in the game, but in general he played too far off his man allowing easy throws underneath. He was beat at least twice on slants. He was responsible for Gibson once Porter left with an injury and he did very little to slow him down.

John Carney B- (2.67) No field goal attempts and Carney finished 4 for 4 on extra points. I'm sure some of you are thinking: well, he did everything we asked him to do, why doesn't he get an A or an A-? Well, first off, the best I'd give him for that minimal of a contribution is MAYBE a B+, but couple that with the fact that the Saints were forced to punt once and go for it another time on 4th down because Carney's leg strength was unreliable and there you have it. As much as I like Carney and trust his accuracy, it's a bummer that we don't have an option we currently trust with the game on the line and the ball at our opponent's 35 yard line.

Thomas Morstead D+ (2.89) Morstead didn't have any touchbacks on kickoffs, but his depth was ok. His punting performance was actually pretty dismal. He averaged just 37.3 yards on 3 punts, and netted just 20.6 per punt if you count 2 touchbacks and a 10 yard punt return. On his last punt he blasted it out of the end zone, but it sounded like there was a coaching mix up and he was just following instructions.

Courtney Roby A (2.88) Roby took one to the house to open the second half and break a 14-14 tie. His speed hitting the hole on that return was impressive and no Ram ever had a chance at him. I'm happy to see Roby solidify his standing as the team's returner. I also liked that on a deep kickoff later in the game, he didn't let the big play go to his head and he downed it for a touchback. He also came close to making a nice play as a gunner on a punt that bounced inside the 5, but punt returner blew him up before he had a chance to down the ball prior to it going in the end zone. Glad he didn't get hurt on that play, it was a vicious hit and we need him.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar: B (2.83) Dunbar threw an awesome block on Roby's return, and he was credited with a tackle as a gunner. I could have SWORN I remember him making two tackles, though. None the less, he was involved downfield and had a good day on special teams, so I thought I'd give him his props.

My Defensive Player of the Game: Roman Harper
My Special Teams Player of the Game: Courtney Roby

Poll

Who Was Your Defensive Player of the Game?

Usama Young

108 votes

Jonathan Vilma

20 votes

Roman Harper

102 votes

Charles Grant

55 votes

285 votes | Poll has closed

Did Referees blow the call? See for yourself... in SLOW Slow Motion

Niko Houllis — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:07:15 -0000

We slowMo-ed the slo Mo! Not that it matters what speed you play the tape, the ball was caught by Michael Clayton as came down to the ground, and in fact the ball did not come loose until it was stripped out after he rolled on the ground.

Take a look for yourself Buc'em readers, and tell us what you think.

The more things change (Offense), the more they stay the same (Defense)

Niko Houllis — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:55:02 -0000

More photos » by Hans Deryk - AP

2 fourth quarter comebacks in as many weeks for Mr. Freeman gives Bucs fans a reason for optimism.

Browse more photos »

Two weeks in a row now, Josh Freeman has led the Bucs from behind in the 4th quarter; this time down 22-13 in the 4th qtr behind the excellent kicking of Conor Barth, and timely interception of Quincy Black. If anything, the Bucs may have scored too early after Blacks interception when Cadillac Williams stretches into the endzone for the go-ahead touchdown.

The first sign of a problem was a 15 yard, enforced on the kickoff penalty on Kellen Winslow, but the Bucs covered the return team and kept Miami pinned deep in their end of the field. The defense once again has failed this team as they allowed the Dolphins to drive down the field in under two minutes.

While there may be no pressure to win right now, the Bucs still fought for 60 minutes and showed us some signs to be optimistic about this team's future.

If anything, the play of the game may have been the end of the 1st half atrocity perpetrated by the officials when they ruled Michael Clayton had fumbled a caught ball when replays clearly showed the ball was caught and the play was dead. This resulted in 10 Miami point the Bucs had to fight back from.

Yet the defense did show some fight, but holding MIami to 5 of 14 third down conversions was little consolation to giving up 199 yards on the ground, something the Dolphins clearly went to on the final drive.

And so the season goes on, Tampa Bay is developing an offense which just needs to show up a little earlier, and a kicker which is a position that has sorely been missed in 2009 until today. The defense however is still simply undermanned. Defensive Tackles, Ends and a few guys in the secondary are going to be needed if this thing will be turned around next season. Today, we saw a little bit of the foundation the future will be built on.