SB Nation - Geno Hayes

Dolphins vs Bucs: 5 Good Questions

Matty I — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:15:17 -0000

In preparation of Sunday's intrastate battle between the Dolphins and Buccaneers, myself and Niko from Buc 'Em - SBN's Bucs blog - have exchanged some questions about each other's team. Niko's responses to my questions about the Bucs are below. Be sure to head over to Buc' Em to see my responses to his questions about the Dolphins sometime in Thursday.

Matty I: While many aren't surprised with the struggles that Tampa Bay has gone through this season, I don't think anyone thought they'd struggle this much. What's been the single biggest reason for Tampa's disappointing start?

Niko: Its hard to put it on one reason, but the bottom line is the Bucs did for 2009 what they were supposed to do probably in 2006 or 2004. Instead of rebuilding, they kept plugging in BandAids, and now in 2009, that was all that was left. Youngsters, and bandaids. The little flesh colored plastic bandages were removed in the offseason, and now this team has to put together a real team like it did for Tony Dungy in 1996.

Matty I: Josh Freeman made his first career start on Sunday against the Packers and, from an outsider's perspective, played relatively well in leading his team to their first win. Can you break down Freeman's game in a nut shell (strengths, weaknesses, etc...)?

Niko: We were all amazed mostly at his poise. Here is a kid who did not start out brilliantly, and had many drops kill his completion percentage. But unlike other quarterbacks in recent years, Freeman was able to convert 3rd downs and convert red zone opportunities into Touchdowns instead of FGs. He did great moving around and throwing on the move.

Matty I: Many might not be very familiar with these Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tell us a player or two that Dolphin fans might not know too well right now but will certainly be familiar with by the end of Sunday's game.

Niko: Wide receiver Sammy Stroughter (#18) was an up and coming college player who had three or four close relatives die all at once. He suffered from depression at the worst time, going into his senior season and the combine. The Bucs got a steal picking him up in the 7th round and he is going to be a leading receiver for Freeman in the years to come. He ran a kickoff back for a TD, too. Geno Hayes from Florida State wore Derrick Brooks number in Tallahassee, and he has taken his old job now, too. Hayes is coming into his own as a linebacker.

Matty I: How do you see Sunday's game unfolding? Who wins and why?

Niko: We're really not sure how to grade the Bucs win over the Packers, but we know we are still not stocked with enough talent on defense to implement Jim Bates defensive system which Dolphins fans know oh so well. I think it will be a close game and feel that Miami will run for over 250 yards - and we know what happens when you run for that much. If Miami cant run for 100 yards, it will spell trouble for you.

Matty I: And finally, same question back to you. If you could have any player on the Dolphins' roster, who would it be?

Niko: Ted Ginn Jr. would be nice, as we are lacking in WR help.

Thanks to Niko for his time. And be sure to head over to his blog for a little Dolphins talk.

And yes, I too almost fell out of my chair when I read that Niko would like to see Ted Ginn in Tampa Bay. But jokes aside, I wonder if that statement by Niko should tell us something about how others feel about Teddy. Are we being too hard on him because of his draft status - which isn't Ted's fault at all? Maybe there is still hope for him. If nothing else, assuming the Dolphins find a receiver who can stretch the field this offseason, perhaps the Dolphins should call up Niko and help him persuade Tampa's front office to give up a draft pick for Teddy.

Throwback lesson: Accountability comes in many different colors

Niko Houllis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:21 -0000

by Brian Blanco - AP

Would you trade these two today?

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They were told they had to wear something a little different than what they were used to this week. The players probably had different reactions when they first heard the news, that they would not be able to show up in their regular work outfits. No, this time, they would have to make a little change.

And no, for the first time in a month, I'm actually NOT talking about throwback uniforms or Bucco Bruce. As a new rule, Head Coach Raheem Morris enacted a dress code among his players. Proper attire only.

When asked during his press conference to explain why, he simply hinted that these are little punishments, and that they are not to be read into too deep.

Its hard not too Raheem. Especially when the reading ends up with the good guys winning, the bad guys going home without their little cheese hats, and some guy at quarterback thats going to have us forgetting all about the dozen or so quarterbacks that have started in this decade. But Morris took away music during workouts, and then the right to wear whatever they want to on their way to the stadium. He hints these things can be brought back once players buy into the system...or meet his requirements. In other words, it sounds like Raheem has a little more control over this team than some are giving credit for.

We've been a microwaved society for many years now, but it seems these days even that is not fast enough. We are now a broadband, 'give it to me now or I don't want it' culture that demands results without waiting through the questions.

Could Geno Hayes play? We didn't know, and fans wished Derrick Brooks was still on this team. Same fan has no answer to what would be done next season.

People on this very site had put a label on Josh Freeman and based it only on two things 2) What he did at Kansas State for the 10% who watched K State football, or 1) Because they listened to someone else who said so. Now we see that Josh Freeman does come as delivered...that is, a Quarterback with Franchise Potential. A QB who has a CHANCE to be a Marino, an Elway...right here in Tampa Bay.

He already has 4th quarter comeback number 1 on his resume, and the season just got fun to watch again...as we watch this probable Offensive leader take over a team and guide them...to wherever players like him take teams.

We have no idea where Raheem, Josh, Jim Bates and Co. are taking this team, but maybe now the journey will be a little more fun so the 'doom and gloom' personnel can give it a break for a week or two; and give Mark Dominik a chance too. In a deep draft, the Bucs have stocked themselves up for the future.

Like Shannon Sharpe once told the New England fans mockingly as he had a phone in his hands up to his ear, while the Broncos were destroying the Patriots....

" Don't worry...Help is on the way! ..Help is on the way"

Slow it Down: Confused Defense

UNFNOLE — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:48:14 -0000

More photos » by Mel Evans - AP

End Result of the play we dissect: Weaver's TD over Geno Hayes.

Browse more photos »

This week Inside the Play (courtesy of Niko) brings you a defensive failure. I do want to warn you this can be nauseating in slow-motion. This week we have some music to keep you from being bored! **The video will be inside of the thread due to its size and intrusiveness to the website. Enjoy*

Pre-Play: The very first split second of the play is cut-off, so I am not sure if there were stunts, an audible (which I would assume there wasn't) or what have you. However, you can still tell what formation they ended up in. The Eagles are in a standard I-Formation with Brent Celek (TE) to the Right. Desean Jackson is up top with Jeremy Maclin on the strong-side. LeSean McCoy is in the backfield along with Leonard Weaver.

The Bucs are in their base 4-3 defense. Tanard Jackson is cheating torwards the LOS (most athletic FS will do this often). Ronde Barber is up top covering Jackson.

Play: It's Play-Action. As you know, the goal is to freeze the S and LB's. Jackson runs what seems to be a post route while It looks like Celek and Maclin are running some sort of Wheel and Corner route, however whatever it was, was ran poorly. As they McNabb is making the play fake to McCoy it gives Weaver enough time to get to the 2nd level. From here he runs directly at the Mike and the runs straight for the sideline.

The Bucs act like they have never seen this before. First, watch Geno Hayes. He completely bites on the play action and realizes Weaver just ran right by him. If you watch the slo-mo enough you will get enjoyment from the move he makes to recover. However, look at the pocket. It was a 5 step-drop play and the closest DL to McNabb is Wilkerson...4 YARDS FROM HIM. The Defensive Line got completely manhandled here. Tanard Jackson gets a great jam on Weaver but then sees Jackson behind him. It def. looks like the Bucs are in man coverage so I am not sure why he reacts the way he does. This could be the result of absence from the team and not building a good on-the field rhythm with the other DBs. Because he pulls off of Weaver (which seems to clearly be Hayes man due to his reaction) Weaver now has a huge cushion and is wide open. McNabb wisely finds Weaver.

Because the WR ran everyone off of the sideline Weaver has only Hayes to beat. Hayes recovers well and covers a lot of ground, takes a good angle and makes a great effort after his missed assignment, but it's not enough. You will also clearly see a block in the back on Tanard Jackson, away from the play (which didn't impede Jackson from making a play, but regardless, it's still a penalty).

I am not sure how old all of the readers are. My guess is you vary in age. If you are in high school or younger playing football, watch Weavers fundamentals. He makes a crisp break to the sideline and gets their as quickly as possible. When he pulls the ball in, he makes sure it will be on his outside arm. If he keeps it inside, Geno Hayes has an excellent chance to create a fumble. He also doesn't leave his feet trying to "reach" for the end-zone. The second he leaves his feet he loses all power. He stays low and allows Hayes to tackle him into the end-zone. Very fundamentally sound.

The result is a 20 yard Touchdown to a FB who had 2 receptions for 14 yards coming into the game.

With game 5 coming up, a look at some Top 5's.....

Niko Houllis — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:00:19 -0000

game 5

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Some Top 5 things from our 5th game of the season, at the Linc in Philadelphia!

5 BEST PLAYERS ON THE FIELD FOR THE BUCS-

The new 2009 Cadillac Williams looks BETTER than the 2005 model!
Tanard Jackson returns to help out at safety. Is he just sticking his thumb in the dyke?
Chris Hovan is becoming a vocal leader on the defense.
Geno Hayes and Quincy Black are quickly catching up to Barrett Ruud. Linebackers are becoming best unit on the team.
Ronde Barber's body is in a state of temporal flux. His body is in his 30's, while Barber's legs are in his 20s.

5 PLAYERS STRUGGLING TO KEEP THEIR JOBS BASED ON PERFORMANCE-

Gaines Adams received a stay of execution from the govonor last week, but one quarter does not a season make. He may not get a chance this week with an injury bug.
After week one, Michael Clayton had Raheem Morris and Steve Duemig daring anyone to call and ask why the Bucs resigned him. Both signed up for unlisted numbers this week.
Kellen Winslow has 5 catches for 35 yards over the last two games. Young Quarterbacks best friend my BEEP!
Jeremy Trueblood is supposed to be part of the strongest unit on the Bucs. Instead he is becoming the weakest link with 4 false starts in 4 games. This after leading the Bucs in penalties last year.
Josh Johnson may not exactly deserve to be on this list as he only has one start for the team, but this team has already got a QB that it expects to have to deal with growing pains for. Johnson looked sharp on his first pass, but looked every bit the roll of the young first start QB afterwards. Going against the Eagles defense will not be J.J.s fault, but a very poor outing could bring Leftwich back up to 1 on the depth chart; at least until Faine returns and/or the bye week when we could see Josh Freeman. more after the jump...

5 WAYS THE BUCS CAN WIN THIS SUNDAY-

Eagles veterans get 2002 NFC Championship flashbacks and drive to the Veterans Stadium location instead of the Linc.
Matt Bryant releases the Matt Bryant Day Curse and new kicker Shane Andrus makes all his kicks.
Josh Johnson is able to find K2 and Jeremy Stevens 7-10 yards downfield consistantly.
Our fully restored 2005 Cadillac Williams is featured by Morris in the run & short passing game.
Bucs defense continues to show improvement and faith buying into Jim Bates' system.

5 REASONS TO WATCH THE ENTIRE GAME-

Your a Bucs fan, die hard, and you dont miss a single game.
Your a glutton for punishment.
You were the one screaming for J.J. to start this preseason, and here he is.
You enjoy watching the 2 guys who make the most money on the team get overpaid to not do their job.
Your part of the 10% that does NOT root for the underdog, and will scream "NO MERCY" in the 4th Quarter.

and last but not least...

5 THINGS WERE TIRED OF HEARING FROM THE FOX BROADCASTING TEAM

How the Bucs don't have Derrick Brooks on the team anymore.
The fact that fantasy football players pick every opponent vs the Bucs to win.
Our 28th or 31st rankings in either catagory.
That Monte Kiffin isnt on the team anymore. And finally...
Anything from Tony Siragusa!

5 Questions with 'BucWildGuy'

Ed Valentine — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:35 -0000

via i.cdn.turner.com

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With our New York Giants facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend, I traded questions this week with 'BucWildGuy' from our Bucs blog, Buc 'Em. His answers to my incredible questions are below. Check Buc 'Em for my answers to his queries.

Big Blue View: The first thing I think about when it comes to Tampa Bay is that Derrick Ward is there now instead of with the Giants. What are your impressions of Ward thus far? Is he having the kind of impact the Bucs hoped for?

WildGuy: I haven't been disappointed with Ward in the least. I don't think he's had a chance to show his stuff yet either, at least, not to his fullest capabilities. He's been in a very even split with Cadillac Williams and has even given some carries to Earnest Graham. Ward is currently over 4 YPC and when he gets the ball is a tough determined runner. He's shown good hands out of the backfield, which is a huge help. I haven't been able to really evaluate him as a pass blocker, but thus far he's been a huge help.

The Bucs would like to be a run first team and having him along with the other guys (Caddy, Graham) gives us a great 1-2-3 punch. I'm sure you and Giants fans can agree. In game 1 against Dallas, both he and Caddy were explosive and had great opportunities as the score was close. Ward looked like exactly what I thought/hoped he was. Of course, against Buffalo, we were down early so he didn't get as much playing time, but when he did tote the rock, he looks like a fit into our system

BBV: The season has not started well for the Bucs. Are you optimistic that things will turn around, or are you feeling like this will be a long season for Tampa Bay?

WildGuy: The optimist in me says we will turn it around, it's just a young team learning it's way. The realist in me says long year ahead. Our schedule isn't easy to open up and with a new system on each side of the ball and inexperience and youth all over the team, it could get out of hand fast. This will only be heightened if/when we bring in our rookie QB Josh Freeman. You don't typically see rookies come in mid-year and make huge strides. I'd love to sit here and tell the football world that the Bucs are gonna turn it around starting this week, but I'm fully expecting a rough year. They happen from time to time and as long as we make progress game to game and year to year, I can handle a down year.

BBV: I really know nothing about Raheem Morris. Does he have what it takes to be a long-term success as an NFL head coach, or do you think his tenure at the top will be a short one?

WildGuy: Good question with no real answer. When he was hired, I was initially excited. A young, energetic guy who didn't spew BS as did his predecessor. As time has gone on, Morris' inexperience has come to light. The firing of the OC just before the season (after he hired him), the Talib arrest, the Jackson suspension, these are all reflections of any head coach, we just happen to have a new one. I think the length of his tenure depends more on year 2 and Freeman. Year 1 is almost a free pass, he was given a bare cupboard and told to cook a masterpiece. Well, he was given ingredients to make grilled cheese, not a 10 course meal. Next year will show his ability to teach, turn a team around, and see what the young QB can do. If he doesn't make progress, you could be hearing about the always popular "hot seat" and names like Schottenheimer, Cowher, etc.

BBV: Give me a couple of Tampa Bay players Giants fans might not know a whole lot about, but who we should keep an eye out for on Sunday.

WildGuy: Sammy Stroughter is developing into a nice #3 WR. He's a 7th round rookie out of Oregon State. Geno Hayes is looking good as a starter and, dare I say it, replacement of Derrick Brooks. The guys that drive our team, Leftwich, Caddy, Ward, Bryant, Clayton you know about. On defense, outside of Ruud, the aforementioned Hayes, and Aqib Talib, that's about it. In the run game I'd look out for Geno Hayes. Fast, quick hard hitting weakside linebacker. In the passing game (defensively) there isn't much to look out for. Our pass rush is non-existant. On offense, the names are familiar.

BBV: One of my favorite questions. If you could take one player off the Giants' roster and put him in your lineup, who would it be? Why?

The obvious pick to some people is Manning, but I feel pretty comfortable at QB. The main guy(s) I'd take are any of your dominant pass rushers. Tuck or Kiwanuka to start. Those guys get after the QB and we could use a dominant pass rusher. Feel free to leave one of them behind this weekend.

Thanks, 'WildGuy.' I have to make one comment on these answers. With Byron Leftwich starting, and the mess that the Buccaneer quarterback situation has been the past few seasons, I can't believe he passed on Manning in answering the last question.

Game Balls - A review of the Bucs/Cowboys game

Buc Wild — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:43 -0000

It's tough to look back at a loss objectively and try to pick out the good and bad without being jaded by personal feelings on players. That being said, let's take a look at the recipients of Buc 'Em's game balls (both good and bad) for Week One. I'm going to do my best to not name entire units or teams as winners, but try to find individuals who deserve to be singled out.

Game Balls

Carnell WIlliams - I'm already breaking the rules about not making it personal. But who can argue with me. First game ball has to go to Cadillac Williams. Dude was a beast yesterday. 13 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, 0 injuries. A great stat line for Cadillac. Watching him run with determination, with force was a great thing. He looked like an NFL feature back. He hit the hole strong, he made good reads and cuts, and he finished his runs. In fact, his least impressive run was his half dive half jump into the endzone. But the fact that he has become part machine with two knee injuries and is playing in the NFL, on Sundays, and scored against the first string D, just an awesome story. I hope we have 15+ more games of that.

Ronde Barber - I'll be the first to admit I was concerned with him coming into this year. Count week 1 as a win for him. Made some nice plays, did NOT get beat deep, had a sack, a few deflections and a near pick. I'll take it.

Geno Hayes - Don't want to get all sacrireligious on the Bucs here, but we'll just say an FSU grad played the WLB spot very well today.

Honorable Mention: Byron Leftwich, Michael Clayton

Anti Game Balls

Before I get started here, I could use a better name than Anti Game Balls, just not feeling creative this morning.

Sabby Piscitelli - I'm gonna go easy on him here, because I still want to do the "Grading out the Offense/Defense" columns, where he will be roasted. But good grief. For a guy who was supposed to be a starting safety even BEFORE T-Jack got hurt, this was embarrassing. Learn to stay with your assignment.

Jermaine Phillips - Took some pretty bad angles on the ball. Decided to go back to 2006 or 2007 with all the missed tackles (I counted at least 5 at the game). Granted, he is being asked to go from LB to S, but c'mon, learn to wrap up. That horrid missed tackle on Miles Austin (but he did tackle Mack!) was a reminder of how up and down he can be. A story is also circulating that Phillips threw a cup of water and ice along with a dozen or so "F" bombs into the crowd after hearing Sabby being heckled. Keep this in mind, it may turn out to be a bigger story.

Mike Nugent - After watching Niko's highlight video, he's right, that blocked field goal was not Nugent's fault. I assumed it was due to a low kick, at least partially, but that didn't seem to be the issue. The big concern. He missed a field goal before half. The bigger concern, it missed the entire net by about 5 yards. Ugly. His kickoffs werent much better than Bryant's and on days when Folk/Buehler were finding the end zone on kickoffs, Nugent was about 12 yards short of them.

Raheem Morris - It was his debut, so expecting a Parcells-like experience was probably expecting a bit much. But here's how I see it. Through all the double talk, mishaps, and rookie head coach happenings, we ended up here. I thought the offensive game plan was pretty solid, and with all the missed assignments, its tough to make a call on how the defensive playcalling was.

But here's a fact I can't escape. Imagine you didn't know Morris, or where he was from or where he coached. But someone told you that before being head coach he was a positional coach. What position would you guess he coached based on Sunday's game? I'd guess either RB, QB, or OL. No way would I guess our head coach was the DB coach. These are his guys, there isn't one new guy in the bunch, so his coaching style and imprint is still on them. And as a head coach who used to be a positional coach, don't you think he still probably plays a tad bit more attention to them as opposed to others? I know I would.

But in the last few months we've had a player get suspended (Jackson), a player beat a cabbie, allegedly (Talib), a player miss several tackles and still take bad angles (Phillips), miss several jams at the line and be beat (Mack), and a player look like he had never played football before (Piscitelli). The only guy who didn't get lit up was Ronde. Most guys seem to stay close to their roots. Dungy, Tomlin, Parcells, Lovie, Reid, Gruden. They came from the Walsh system, Dungy system, etc and they still hold true to those roots. Morris was a DB coach, and the worst part of our team with NO new players was our DB's.

That says something to me. Maybe it's a one week issue. But with him coming from a DB background, these being his guys that he used to chest bump, pump up and coach, they were beaten badly all day long. I'm sure I'll get a mixed reaction on this, and I can't quantify it, but this seems like an issue.

Honorable Mention - Gaines Adams, Two Minute Offense

Have at it, dissect away.

GAME DAY RECAP-"Caution: Loss appears worse than it really is"

Niko Houllis — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:53:57 -0000

No Surprise really, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Dallas Cowboys, a team several 'experts' have in the NFL final four this season. What the experts did not expect was a Bucs team that marched 450 yards on the Cowboys defense, including 97 rushing yards to a tailback with two repaired knees, and 62 more to newcomer Derrick Ward; with neither getting more than 13 carries. Nor did they expect Byron leftwich to throw for 61% for 276 yards and a TD, without an interception.

In fact, the question marks all over this team were on the defense and getting pressure on the QB. The last thing anyone expected was fan favorite Sabby Piscitellii getting completely lost in coverage. With still another 3 weeks without safety Tanard Jackson, the Bucs will have to deal with T.O. next week in Buffalo.

(continued)

Special Teams were another sore spot on a franchise that has made a history of gaffs in that department. Early in the game, Mike Nugent had a chance to tie the game at 3 blocked when Tight End Jerremy Stevens let not just one, but two blockers in to converge on the FG attempt. Nugent himself was not without blame, and he missed his second attempt wide right; all together missing out on the 6 points that made up most of the difference in the game.

But no one was a bigger goat on the day than safety Sabby Piscitelli. Twice Sunday Sabby was out of position or took bad angles and allowed the cowboys two long touchdown runs of 66 and 80 yards. Kellen Winslow had a few good plays early on, but dropped a key fourth down pass with just under 7 minutes left in the game down by 13 points but still in the game.

On the other side of the coin, Raymond James patrons overjoyed with the running and return of Cadillac Williams, who churned out runs like it was 2005 all over again. Someone keep an eye out for his cleats, they may have been stolen back from the Hall of Fame. Williams ran hard at a clip of just over 7 yards per carry. Newcomers performed just as admirably, as Byron Leftwich gave it all staying in a pocket provided pretty well for the most part, and threw accurately and with command. Michael Clayton was a physical receiver like he has always been, but caught balls in traffic at key moments. On Defense, Linebackers Quincy Black and Geno Hayes stayed physical with the Cowboys.

Of no surprise to anyone, the Offensive line which has been building with high round draft picks over the last few years did a good job of opening holes for running backs and protecting Leftwich.

Up next, the Bucs travel to Buffalo for the first time ever in their history; the Bills can be watched tomorrow on MNF.

High Def Highlights of the game will be ready tomorrow Morning.

Grading out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense

Buc Wild — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:00:11 -0000

Looking back to Thursday's game, it's hard to imagine the way our defense played led to a loss. Granted, allowing 10 points is not bad, but a loss is a loss, or so I've been told. Let's take a gander at each of the units/positions on defense and how they fared.

Defensive Line

To me, this has been the biggest surprise. With a highly touted 3rd year player (Gaines Adams), some re-treads (Hovan and Sims) and Wilkerson, I don't think this group screams trouble. But after three games, they've been pretty stout against the run (though the end of the year isnt here yet) and have generated some pressure on passing downs. Adams hasn't quite made the impact I've expected, but I won't pitch a fit until the regular season comes. Wilkerson showed some nice moves and explosion on Thursday night. The big additions have been mid round picks Roy Miller and Kyle Moore. These guys not only add some depth, they have added playmaking abilities, shown in the game against the Dolphins. Chris Bradwell continues to show up. An interception and a forced fumble were generated by the DL, along with 4 sacks (only one by the first string). Grade: B

Linebackers

A mixed bag on Thursday night. Against the run they appeared to flow to the ball, and make some nice plays. Able to read and react. Against the pass, there a bit iffy. When picking up tight ends or running backs in man to man, they seem to use the trail technique, which is fine. But in zone, they appear lost. Not a good sign. Mystery man Barrett Ruud has yet to do anything in preseason. Count me as concerned. Geno Hayes has stepped up, and I'll admit, as an FSU fan, I'm happy to see him do well, but he was my pick to start all along once we let 55 go. Flip and Hayward are nice players at WLB, but I think Hayes is the right guy here. Quincy Black still hasn't showed that flash that the coaches talked about. Koutouvides and McCoy played well. The touchdown pass by Pennington was a result of too much time in the pocket and getting lost in coverage. All in all, not a bad night, but room to improve Grade: B-

Defensive Backs

If you remove Torrie Cox from the equation, the secondary played pretty well. No big plays, a sack (E.J. Biggers), and though some spotty communication, no real downfield threats. When you put Torrie Cox in, it wasn't pretty. Down the field plays, a few muggings, just not a good night. It's hard to predict how our secondary will do without T-Jack and possibly without Talib. Elbert Mack will need to step up and we will most likely have to count on Cox to some degree if Talib misses game time. If this group can maintain discipline as they did most of Thursday night, should be a decent group. And thus far, Ronde Barber has stepped up. My only question? We haven't played a team with a dominant receiver yet, will have to see how we match up there. But for Thursday night, I'll take the few big plays against Cox with everyone else showing up. Grade: B-

Overall

10 points, thats all that was given up and the touchdown came after undisciplined coverage by Cox, and Pennington playing sandlot football and hitting his tight end. Our first string gave up 3 points over one half of football, and didn't allow Miami to become any kind of threat. That's a pretty darn good performance right there. All in all, 4 sacks, a pick, a forced fumble and recovery, and 10 total points. You hold the opponent to 10 points, I'll take it every week. The defense has progressed and continued to look good in preseason. Though we had 4 sacks, one was by the first team. I'd like to see a bit more pressure generated. Grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) vs Miami Dolphins (2-0) Preview - Game 3 Preseason

Buc Wild — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:15:29 -0000

The third preseason game is the one that most resembles a regular season game as starters typically play about a half before giving way to backups. The fourth game is largely a scrimmage between camp fodder to see who will be the 53rd man on the roster.

This game holds some additional meaning for Bucs fans. It's the first home game (which I'll be attending), first chance for Cadillac to get on the field, and the game which should determine who lines up on opening day at many positions, none more ballyhooed than quarterback.

With a short week to prepare, the Bucs are looking to open up their home season in style. Let's take a look at some of the game info.

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009

Time: Kickoff at 8:00 PM ET

Where: Raymond James Stadium (Seating capacity of 65,857)

Where to Watch: Fox- Channel 13 (Brighthouse/Verizon) or 613/513in HD (Brighthouse/Verizon)

Where to Listen: 103.5 FM or WDAE 620 AM

Miami Dolphins

Miami is 2-0 and coming off a 27-17 win over Carolina. The Dolphins are a team built in the Bill Parcells mold. They aren't flashy, they don't wow you, but they get the job done. We all know the 2008 story for the Fins. 1-15 the prior year, they stormed the league and made the playoffs, concluding a remarkable turnaround. They won't sneak up on anyone this year as Sparano and company are on the radar.

Offense

The epitomy of an efficient, non high octane offense. The Dolphin's attack revolves around running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to power them. Chad Pennington is one of the most accurate passers in the NFL, but we all know the knock on his arm strength. He relies on reading defenses and anticipation to beat teams. The Dolphins were the first team to successfully use the Wildcat offense, with Ronnie Brown taking direct snaps. This year, they've added former Mr. Everything from West Virginia, Pat White, to not only add depth at QB, but to perhaps spice up the Wildcat attack. The receivers aren't household names, but Ted Ginn Jr is the deep threat, with Camarillo and Bess running the possession routes. They'll kill you with efficiency if the defense gives up 4 yards a pop. Pennington will play a half, and then give way to Chad Henne, who should take them the rest of the way.

Defense

A different group than most remember, although there is one new yet familiar face. Jason Taylor is back with Miami, and looks to provide the pressure. Joey Porter, his mouth, and Channing Crowder will be bringing the lumber at linebacker and the defensive backfield features Vontae Davis, Will Allen, and Yeremiah Bell. The run a 3-4 defense, and have the parts to be successful. No official word, but expect the starters to go a full half before coming out.

Previous Game

While preseason games don't mean much, going 2-0 is better than being 0-2. Beating Jacksonville by 3 and Carolina by 10 has the Fins ready to come to Tampa and look for their third win. This will be Miami's first road game of the year, after playing at Landshark Stadium for the first two weeks.

Top Story Lines - Miami

What will the Wildcat bring in 2009. As mentioned, Pat White can be a new and key part of the WildCat attack. Keep an eye on the running back split between Brown and Williams, as Brown looks to take command of the job and see more carries. The receiving trio will need to continue to be clutch, as big plays and Penningtons arm dont often collide. Anthony Fasano will probably end up being a big part of their success.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Once again the Bucs come into a game with the expectations to name a starter when it's completed. After a close win against Jacksonville, the Bucs are looking to chalk up back to back wins in their first home game of the year. This will be a key game in shaping the team as players are juggled into new positions

Defense

Big changes this week as Jermaine Phillips slides back to safety, Angelo Crowell hits the IR, and Geno Hayes looks (for now) to take over the WLB position. The front four will need to continue pressuring the QB. The run defense has been fairly stout thus far, and will receive a good test on ability and discipline with the Fins attack coming into town. The secondary will have to avoid the big plays against them and try to create some turnovers this week, as last week was a lesson in what not to do on defense.

Offense

We all know the big story. Who will be the QB? Each starter will go 1.5 quarters to see who can win the job. There still are some battles at running back (who knew) and wide receiver. Something to key on is the progress the OL makes this week. We need to continue to see progress being made, holes being opened and assignments being understood. When the starters are in, expect a more balanced attack, particularly to see how the run game does, and how the quarterbacks handle all situations.

Previous Game

A down to the wire win over Jacksonville, highlighted by Freemans, score and stumble. The Bucs sit at 1-1 after their win at half empty Jacksonville and look to continue on. Big plays were a part of both side of the ball.

Top Story Lines - Tampa Bay

Obviously the QB battle, but how about Cadillac seeing his first time since shredding his other knee? Word is, he will be the last player introduced. Flip moving back to safety is a move to watch, as well as the battle at kicker (if both play) and for the third wide receiver spot.

Players To Watch

- Cadillac comingback from his second surgery. If this guy gains any yards, consider it a remarkable, improbable comeback. All the pundits and talking heads left him for dead, I'm excited to see what he can do.

- Sabby Piscitelli: How will he fit in with Flip coming back to safety?

- Barrett Ruud: He has to make an impact this week. He's been invisible for too long

- How each quarterback handles the situation. This is the last fight for the job.

Things to Watch For

- Will attendance be as bad as everyone thinks?

- How will Morris' 2-2-1 splitting of series for running backs work?

- WIll the defense shut down the big plays?

- Can the D remain disciplined against the Wildcat

- How will Morris' home tenure start

Injuries

Kareem Huggins, Matt Bryant, Antonio Bryant, Dexter Jackson, Michael Clayton, Donte Nicholson, John Gilmore and Will Allen are all out of tonight's game.

Elbert Mack is questionable and will be a game time decision.

Prediction

I think Morris gets the team fired up and they play well. I'm expecting a 27-13 win for the Bucs. Particularly with our starters most likely going a bit deeper than Miami's

(Editor's note: This is preseason for the staff also. If there are other looks, pieces of info or segments you want, let me know. I figure a look at each team, their injuries, stat leaders, team stats, and stories on each side of the ball should work, but as always, I'm open to suggestions).

Cannon Shots: Quick Notes on the Bucs

Buc Wild — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:40:58 -0000

Couple of quick notes on the Bucs as they prepare for the 2009 season.

- Cadillac will play Thursday night, approximately 2 series with the starters and will be the last player introduced.

- Jermaine Phillips will be at safety for the Cowboys game. Geno Hayes should be the weakside LB starter. He's currently the leader and I don't see anyone over taking him.

- As we've discussed, the QB battle rages on. Both guys (McCown and Leftwich) will get 1.5 quarters each, with starters playing around them. This should give the coaches their last look and the opportunity to make the decision quickly.

- The set up for the running backs is interesting. Morris plays on using a 3 way split with the starter getting 2 series, the next guy in line getting 2 series, and the third back getting a series. No word on who will be what position going into the season.

If it works, that's what Id like to do. I want to into it with that thought

- Raheem Morris on the RB split

Some interesting info there for sure, particularly the RB situation. What do you think about a 3 way split?