SB Nation - Kyle Moore

Last years Trojans in the NFL

Paragon SC — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:49:27 -0000

The 11 Trojan draft picks from last year have played in a combined 95 games and racked up a combined 54 starts during their rookie seasons this fall -- and that's through just Week 13. The USC-bred rookies are already making quite a name for themselves. Mark Sanchez is quarterback of a 6-6 New York Jets team that's one game out of a playoff spot, linebacker Brian Cushing is a top candidate for defensive rookie of the year and linebackers Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews are forging star roles for themselves on their respective squads.

And that's just the beginning. Take a look at what all the Trojan rookies are doing during their first seasons in the NFL:

QB Mark Sanchez (New York Jets, 1st round, 5th overall pick) • 12 starts, quarterbacking a 6-6 squad that's one game out of the AFC playoff race

LB Brian Cushing (Houston Texans, 1st round, 15th overall pick) • 12 starts, 5th in the NFL with 102 tackles (No. 1 among rookies), 3 INTs, 12 passes defended (best among all LBs)

LB Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers, 1st round, 26th overall pick) • 9 starts (appeared in all 12 games), 13th in the NFL with 7 sacks (No. 1 among rookies), 2 forced fumbles

LB Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals, 2nd round, 38th overall pick) • 12 starts

DL Fili Moala • (Indianapolis Colts, 2nd round, 56th overall pick) • Appeared in 6 games

WR Patrick Turner (Miami Dolphins, 3rd round, 87th overall pick) • Appeared in 2 games

LB Kaluka Maiava (Cleveland Browns, 4th round, 104th overall pick) • 3 starts (appeared in all 12 games), 33 tackles, 2 forced fumbles

DL Kyle Moore (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4th round, 117th overall pick) • Appeared in 4 games

K David Buehler (Dallas Cowboys, 5th round, 172nd overall pick) • Appeared in all 12 games, 20 touchbacks (No. 4 in the NFL) in just 60 kickoffs, 66.6 yard kickoff average

CB Cary Harris (Buffalo Bills, 6th round, 183rd overall pick) • Appeared in 2 games

S Kevin Ellison (San Diego Chargers, 6th round,189th overall pick) • 6 starts (appeared in 9 games), 36 tackles

That is A LOT of freakin' production!!

It also reinforces why SC struggled so much this year...

You can't replace that type of talent over night!

FIGHT ON!

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.

Bates has Bucs following in Bronco's footsteps

Niko Houllis — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:00:21 -0000

Creator of the 29th and 31st ranked defenses the last two years.

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"Bates' philosophical synopsis includes many of the same terms espoused by (former coordinator). Accountability. Fundamentals. All-out pursuit. Steal the ball. The biggest difference is (former coordinator) never could consistently develop a strong pass rush, while Bates has a long history of coaching double-figure sack artists, most recently Jason Taylor and Aaron Kampman". Sounded good didn't it? This is what we were told in the offseason when we were given the (great) Jim Bates to replace the immortal Monte Kiffin here in Tampa. So we bit, and couldn't wait for Bucs corners smashing receivers off the line, and opposing runners hitting walls, Quarterbacks getting squashed and balls being thrown downfield to empty positions on the field.

Problem is, well, None of the last paragraph has happened so far, and the first paragraph is taken from a Denver Broncos media outlet in the 2007 offseason; an offseason Bates was given Carte-Blanch to fix a Bronco's Defense that gave up 26.1 points per game in the last 10 games of 2006.

Another nice surprise after the jump....

Before the commenting starts, let me make something clear; Yes...this is an about face for me. I've compared this team to 1996, the year Tony Dungy came in and the defense was lost at first, but improved each week. This is NOT 1996. That team got blown out opening day by the Packers by making 2 or 3 critical mistakes before the half that Brett Favre made the Bucs pay for with 2 quick scores before Tampa Bay even knew what hit. That ’96 team was never dead last in just about every single defensive statistic, nor the laughing stock of the NFL.

We know Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik were not keen on OC Jeff Jagodzinski, But did we tell the wrong coordinator to check out airfares on priceline.com?

Gaines Adams has actually gone backwards on us, something no one thought was possible, a testament to poor drafting that has plagued this team under Gruden/ Allen. But at least that will all change right?

Depends on who had control in the war room. Because the Broncos got that Credit Card statement and its due..! Mr. Bates went shopping in 2007 and came home with 3, that’s right, 3 upper round Defensive linemen. Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, and Marcus Thomas, two of which came from the Florida Gators. I guess they felt half of a College D Line was better than what they had. These three defensive linemen have an astounding 7.5 total sacks combined, in two full seasons, plus three games this year! And the best one, Crowder, did so well with his 4 sacks in 2007, (and none in 2008), that he is now on our team! And so the end result? Denver fell backwards from 15th in Sacks to 26th under Bates! Not to mention 29th overall defensively; With 3 premium draft picks on the line!

Its 6:30, does anyone know where Roy Miller and Kyle Moore are?!?!?

Ok, there is really nothing we can do about this right now, except watch the season unfold, and see if the Bucs, or the Broncos, used different personnel to run their draft. Makes you wonder If Dominic would let Bates do the picking, or just take in his opinion but mostly listen to his own scouts. All scouts are not created equal, and hopefully ours are a little more equal than others.

Otherwise, Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris will have some explaining to do at seasons end on how they missed the boat on BOTH position coordinators.

Bills/Buccaneers: Final Predictions from Buc 'Em

Brian Galliford — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:15:10 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to take the field of play in Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first time in team history tomorrow when they take on our Buffalo Bills. With both Tampa Bay and Buffalo coming off of Week 1 defeats - and yeah, one of those losses was a touch more excruciating than the other - desperation for a win is high on both sides of the field this weekend.

Buffalo will be without MLB Paul Posluszny, who is out indefinitely nursing a broken forearm back to health. Meanwhile, CB Terrence McGee is listed as questionable after missing Friday's practice with back spasms. Tampa Bay is not quite as healthy as Buffalo; C Jeff Faine (triceps) and CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder) are out, WR Antonio Bryant (knee) is doubtful, and DE Kyle Moore (groin) and TE John Gilmore (ankle) are questionable.

Joining us for one last day of pre-game fun are "Buc Wild" and "Niko521bucs," the lead bloggers over at SB Nation's Buccaneers blog, Buc 'Em. I asked them to make predictions for this weekend's big game, and they very kindly obliged. You'll find their predictions - along with my own - after the jump.

Prediction from Niko521bucs at Buc 'Em:

As hard as this is for me to say, if the Bucs don't win this week, they won't win for a long time, and the season WILL spiral into a 3-win season, no matter how good the offense is. My prediction is 24 to 23; whoever wins, it will be by that score. I hope we are capable of scoring extra points with our three touchdowns!

Prediction from Buc Wild at Buc 'Em:

I'll echo Niko's sentiments. This game, with games vs NYG, at WAS, at PHI, vs CAR and vs NE (in London) on the docket after this, seems to be the most winnable game. Now, any team can win on any day, but if I were a betting man, this would be the most likely victory out of our first 7 games.

We've looked at how Byron has done, we've see how the Bills move the ball, who they rely on. We've discussed the Bills' strengths and weaknesses, as well as the Bucs'. I think Buffalo will be a bit weaker than we think. They're already missing their starting middle linebacker, and may be missing their top corner (McGee) along with Lynch this weekend. If that happens, it lessens the hit of Bryant being out (if he ends up not playing).

I'm throwing my own Hail Mary here. I'm having faith that Bates and Morris fixed the problems on defense. I see a different scheme that generates pressure. I'm not too worried about T.O. or Jackson, its Evans and his speed that scare me. The Bucs O won't be as good, Leftwich will turn it over for the first time, but the Bucs will pound out a close game. The Bucs have to keep it close and weather the no-huddle storm. This is probably the last game I pick the Bucs to win for awhile, so slap me down for a 24-20 win.

Before I get to my prediction, I feel compelled to say something. If being up for a winnable game in between several difficult games is the best reason for predicting a winner, then there are two serious problems here: number one, the head coach is doing a terrible job of keeping his players focused, and number two, one is not considering the same exact factor for the other team. Buffalo follows up this game with dates vs NO, at MIA, and then "catch a break" with a home date vs CLE. So let's not pretend the Bills aren't desperate, too, shall we?

Prediction from yours truly:

As much as I'd like to see Buffalo prove all of its skeptics incorrect and really lay it to the Bucs after going toe-to-toe with New England - a supposed Super Bowl favorite - I just can't bring myself to actually predict it will happen. The Bucs are a tough matchup for the Bills because of their running game and their far-too-unheralded offensive line. I just don't think, ultimately, that the Bucs have enough defense to contain all of the Bills' offensive weapons - and yeah, it's been a long, long time since I've written anything like that. This game will be close for three quarters, and the Bills will pull away at the end. Bills 27, Buccaneers 17

Your predictions? They go in the comments section. Have at it.

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

Few questions answered as Bucs fall to Fins 10-6

Buc Wild — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:33:40 -0000

Thursday night was supposed to be a wrap up of everything we've seen in camp thus far. The excitement of the first home game with new coaches, getting to see the players for the first time, and settling the position battles heading into the last week of preseason. Only a few of those things were accomplished. The much publicized battles for certain positions were in full swing, but no one seemed to take control.

The game opened up and finished in some rain, with heavier rain falling in the 2nd quarter and the game even being delayed about 45 minutes due to lightning. And to be honest, the two lightining strikes were just about more exciting than anything the Bucs did on Thursday night.

The Bucs first string offense would take the field and after a nice drive to about midfield, they were stopped. Out came the punting team. Only this time, we were struck with some good fortune. The punt was blocked, but as the Fins recovered it, the Bucs were able to strip the ball and recover, giving them a new set of downs. They'd make it count, somewhat, as the drive stalled inside the 20 and led to a Nugent field goal.

The first team defense did a fantastic job of shutting down the Dolphins attack, holding them to a three and out before taking over on offense. The offense again would make their way down the field, converting some 3rd and longs to cash in another field goal to make it 6-0 Bucs.

The teams would trade punts, and Leftwich would give way to McCown after the lightning delay. McCown would get the team in field goal range, but take two sacks to knock them out of field goal range.

The only other scoring play of the half would come in the two minute drill as the Dolphins marched down the field and netted three points just before half, brining the score to 6-3 Bucs.

The first drive of the second half saw all the scoring it would take to win the game. The Dolphins would receive the kick and picking on Torrie Cox made their way down to the two yard line. The Bucs had their second string defense in at this point, but on a sandlot play, Pennington droppd back, spun around, reversed fields and found Anthony Fasano wide open in the end zone on a busted play with busted coverage. 10-6 Dolphins.

The Bucs offense tried to get in gear, but their next drive ended in a missed field goal by Nugent. He had two shots at it, made the first called back by penalty and missed the second. A third miss in three games isn't gonna bode well for Nugent.

The action slowed considerably until the 4th quarter when the back up Tampa defense forced two turnovers. Kyle Moore forced a fumble and Chris Bradwell intercepted a Chad Henne pass. The offense would slow and as Freeman tried to gain a foothold on a possibly starting job, he wasn't able to get it done. His drives were filled with misfired passes, bad protection and scrambling attempts.

The game was still within reach at 10-6 but on the Bucs last drive, Freeman went no huddle and though he moved the ball, couldnt convert a 4th and 10 to extend the drive.

A night that had the potential to set the team up for the long run ended up posing more questions than answers. The Bucs fall to 1-2 on the preseason and will have a full week of practice as they prepare for their final preseason game.

The Good - The running game. Cadillac and Graham looked great, while Ward struggled a bit. This is a huge luxury the Bucs have and it played out well last night.

The Bad - Failing to cash in on several red zone opportunities. Field goals wont get it done.

The Ugly - The quarterback battle. No one stepped up. There were no winners last night, only degrees of failure. It will be interesting to see how Morris and company approach this.

Grading out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense

Buc Wild — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:45:10 -0000

Continuing on with the "Grading out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers" columns, we'll take a look at the defense.

As usual, we are looking at the previous game (Bucs @ Jags) and how each unit/individual did relative to their position on the team, expectations and other factors. For example (fictitious): Gaines Adams getting 2 hurries against first string opponent is worth more to me than him getting 2.5 sacks against the 4th string JV team. When looking at a player/unit, we take into account what they did at their position. If McCown delivers a strike to a WR but the WR tips it to a defensive player and it gets picked, I'm not holding that against McCown.

To check out the grades, click the jump and read on.

Defense

Defensive Line

Gaines Adams - Perhaps it just took me calling him out in an open game day thread. Was non-existant for most of his playing time until he exploded for two pressures and an almost sack in 4 plays. When he does something other than speed rush, he can be a force. Needs to be more consistent in his play still. Grade: B-

First String - The pressure arrived in Jacksonville. After a week of stellar run play, but no pass rush, the DL added that missing caveat. Consistenly got up field, disrupted the back field on plays. Did show some fatigue, but with some good depth (which we have) may be the biggest improvement on the team from last year Grade: B

Roy Miller - No idea how he lasted to third round if he keeps this up. Was in the backfield, occupying double team (and winning occassionally), hitting runners, providing pressure. I'm pleased with the progress. Would like to see him against starters. Probably needs a bit more size to hold up for 60 minutes against double team. Grade: B

Kyle Moore - Another nice surprise. Pressured the quarterback numerous times. Moved inside and showed he could adapt to play DT or DE, which is HUGE as a defensive lineman. Could easily assume the starting spot opposite of Gaines if he keeps it up. Grade: B-

The Others - While the pressure was there, inconsistency killed this group again. Made some nice edge plays and were able to disrupt a few plays. But allowed Jacksonville to move too freely in two minute drill. Grade: C

Linebackers

Barrett Ruud - If you look at the box score you would think Ruud didn't play as he is listed nowhere, no stats, no tackles, nothing. He was in the game. This is back to back games where he has been average at best. It may be the new scheme but right now, he isn't making plays like he was last year. I don't see him as first to the ball. He did make a nice play in pass coverage on the tight end, but he has to re-emerge and fast. Grade: D+

Quincy Black - Still waiting to see that break out potential. He's around the ball alot but not making too many plays. Again, didn't show up in boxscore. Lined up at end a few times and if he can get soem coachign on some pass rush moves, he looks to be a fit there on 3rd downs. He probably ideally projects to a 3-4 system as the DE/LB hybrid. Grade: C-

Angelo Crowell - Our big defensive free agent acquisition is done for the year. Not the impact he (or we) wanted him to make. Good luck to you Mr. Crowell. Grade INC

The Others - Hayes? Phillips? Hayward? Not much of an impact. Phillips made a nice tackle on the play he got hurt, but missed one prior. Largely disappointing Grade: D

Defensive Backs

Sabby Piscitelli - Showed why coaches and fans are concerned. While he is a ball hawk, shows little discipline in coverage. Was beat 1.5 times (both long plays to Williamson). One he was beat deep, the other he overpursued. Must find a way to remain in position or will hurt us in long run. Grade: D

Tanard Jackson - I give him an A for not coming out stoned. Seriously, played alright, played longer than most starters and made some ncie open field tackles. Looked a step slow at times and missed 2 tackles that he seems to have lwarned from Flip. Grade: C

Elbert Mack - Hisnumber sshow differently, but thought he was more liability in coverage than usual. Was beat on long play to Williamson (the non-TD). Must learn on the job quickly. Grade: C

The Others - Arrington made some nice plays and showed the ability to finish plays and hang in coverage. Nice reaction and tipped pass in the end zone as it looked as if he was in zone and read the sideline pass. Grade: B-

If you take out the first play of the game, the defense played well and played pretty discipliend. The pass rush improved, the run game didn't go anywhere, and though we saw no turnovers, we did see more sacks and hurries. Unfortunately the first play did happen, and it was our starters. A leader needs to step up. Grade: C+

A look back at the first week of training camp

Buc Wild — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:30:09 -0000

More photos » by Brian Blanco - AP

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The players are out watching the new G.I. Joe movie. And deservedly so, they just finished the first week in training camp, one that was more physical than the last few seasons due to Coach Morris' mandate on wearing pads and hitting. We've seen and heard alot about the Bucs in the last week, but what have we learned? With week one fully in the books, let's take a position by position stop around the team and recap the first week of the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's 2009 training camp.

Quarterback - We all know about the expectations, question marks, and relative inexperience at the quarterback position. But how is the battle shaping up? Josh Johnson, though not performing poorly, seems like a man destined for the practice squad, either here or with another team. Josh Freeman has had ups and downs. The young gun definitely has the arm strength, but as you'd expect, he's still green. A three interception day in camp is not what you want to see. At this point, I'd expect him to have a clipboard in hand come opening day. The last two are the vets, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown. They'll be battling for the job all camp long. McCown has been fairly level while Leftwich started slow and has come on towards the end of the week. It'll be interesting to see who wins out. No one seems to separate themselves from the pack. I wonder if it's possible that Johnson could be kept on over Leftwich or McCown? Too soon to tell.

Running Back -Here we have the four headed monster. Earnest Graham has looked good, even ripping up equipment and ending a drill early when he pulled a cord off the goalposts. Derrick Ward is a bit hobbled right now, with his foot in a walking boot. Let's hope it's nothing serious. We need him this year. Clifton Smith is Mr. Everything right now, hitting special teams and running back. Cadillac is back at it on the field, looking good. His hands are still suspect, but he will be a valuable commodity during the year. No real movement on the depth chart here. Graham and Ward (assuming both are healthy) are the guys here.

Wide Receiver/Tight End - We know what we have in Antonio Bryant, and he hasn't let us down yet. Michael Clayton has come on strong in camp and looks like a number two receiver. The battle for the third spot continues and each day a new receiver has a strong day. Today was Cortez Hankton, but Brian Clark, Sammy Stroughter and even new addition Mario Urrutia have come on strong. Dexter Jackson started off strong but in recent days has started shying from contact again and dropping passes, not a good combo. Winslow and Stevens are known commodities and while Winslow was called out for his emotional outbursts, it's nothing we didn't know. As far as camp goes, no real surprises here as the top dogs are performing as such and there are some good battles going on for the lower spots

Offensive Line -Let's just hope everyone stays healthy. Jeff Faine is out with a groin injury and with Arron Sears still not in camp, we can't afford any more losses. The line is still adapting to the new zone scheme and for every great play and correct read, they have one that doesn't look so good. But that's to be expected in training camp.

Defensive Line -Big movers here. Gaines has been called out by the coach for a double digit sack year. Stylez G. White and Jimmy Wilkerson are having alright camps, but not spectacular. Chris Hovan hasn't had his name called much and I'd imagine he and Ryan Sims are incumbents in name only. The guys making some noise are newbies Kyle Moore and Roy Miller. Moore has been everywhere in the backfield drawing praise and Miller has been eating up the middle. I'd like to see Gaines get to the QB more and be more aggressive. This group, although the rookies are playing well, needs to step it up

Linebacker -Let's start with Barrett Ruud. I'm just happy he's in camp without that new contract. We need him to be a leader and he is doing just that. Jermaine Phillips can still hit you, but his reads have got to improve. He's learning on the job, and that will have some bumps in the road, but let's go Flip, you're a linebacker now. Geno Hayes may not be turning heads, but he's been alright. Consistent with only a few big plays. The big game changer thus far? Quincy Black. I hope his performance translates to the field. His performance in camp has been great and if he can make it count on Sundays then we have a pretty good player here.

Defensive Back -This group, well, it's been tough. Much like the OL, for every good play, there's a bad play. Ronde Barber has actually been fairly solid in the new scheme, something most Bucs fans didn't expect. Elbert Mack has been on fire, making play after play after play. Smart money is on him to be no worse than second string. The surprise? Aqib Talib and his poor play. He's been beaten, missed some tackles, just seems in a funk. Hope he can find his form quickly. The safety position has been quiet, with Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscitelli making few plays, but also being somewhat solid in coverage. Will Allen looks to be in the mix as a rotating player.

Special Teams - Josh Bidwell is doing his thing. The kicking battle is close. Though Mike Nugent has missed more kicks, I'd say he's in the lead just based on Matt Bryant sitting out with a leg injury. Bryant has to get back into camp and make some kicks to show he's the man in Tampa. Several players have been returning kicks and punts. Clifton has been back there, Sammy Stroughter, Elbert Mack, even Cadillac. Alot of faces back there, but it's gonna be Clifton's job to lose.

So there you have it, a quick run around camp position by position. As far as dominating story lines, here you go

- Padding up: Players in full pads and live hitting in most drills. Not usual for Bucs camp

- No rest for the weary: The cool down tent is gone, get used to the heat

- McCown running with the ones: He's had first crack most days with the first team, followed by Leftwich

- Cadillac is back: Hasn't missed a practice, good to have you back

- Injuries: The lack of injuries is a great thing, though a few players have been dinged up

- All players in camp: Outside of Sears, every player has been in camp, another good sign

Practice starts back up tomorrow morning and is followed with an afternoon session. Hope the players enjoyed the night off, it's a full day tomorrow.

Cannon Shots: A recap of Thursday's training camp session

Buc Wild — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:18:50 -0000

More photos » by Brian Blanco - AP

Morris should tell the team "Go play like that guy", I'd be happy with that.

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We're back at it again. Recapping the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's Thursday practice session. We'll have some updates on injures, a look at tomorrow's practice, and a surprising call out on a certain new Buc player.

Hit the jump to get the info

- Let's hit the injuries first. It was thought that Antonio Bryant would be back on the field today, but he was nowhere to be found. He's still considered day to day. A few other Bucs are dinged up and on that same day to day list; Kyle Moore and Derrick Ward are two of the bigger names. Michael Clayton (hamstring) and Jeff Faine (groin) are going to be out until next week. Nothing serious, but no reason to push it in camp.

- The afternoon practice for Friday was canceled. A full morning workout is still scheduled, but it looks like Morris is rewarding the players after a tough week of practice. The thinking is to alternate days with one session on day and two a days the next, to help keep the players fresh. Instead of practice Friday night, Morris and the team will be hitting up a movie. Let's hope it's something like "Remember the Titans", not "The Replacements."

- For everyone wanting to see what the future holds, Friday's practice will feature Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson at QB taking most the reps. This will be a good chance for either guy to step up with Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich getting some rest.

- Morris is still pointing towards McCown or Leftwich starting thus far. It'll take a few preseason games, but it seems the odds are in those guys' favor.

- Morris called out Kellen Winslow today. Pewter Report has the article here. Let's check out some of the quotes.

Oh, he's definitely talented, but I'm also starting to get an idea of the problems he's had, But I think it's the first time anyone has ever addressed him, talked to him about it. He understands, he looks me in the eye, I look him in the eye and that's it-my bad. If he does something good, I'll tell him my bad. Sometimes his emotional energy is going to give us a lift and other times it hurts. He's got to know when it's the right time.

As a Bucs fan, that makes me say, Yikes. This is pre-season and he's walking back to the huddle with his head down after a dropped pass? And flipping the ball around after a catch? We better start hoping he can pull it together emotionally. As talented as he is, we need his head in the game and don't need sulking or 15 yard penalties

- The wide receiver battle, particularly for the 3rd and 4th spot is getting pretty competitive. There are 4 or 5 guys vying for 2 spots, maybe 3 spots as a wide out. Keep an eye here, as anytime we line up 3 or 4 wide, these camp names will be on the field.

- Quincy Black and Roy Miller are still turning heads. I'm taking it with a grain of salt, but when these guys are running with the ones, and the coaches are throwing praises at them, that speaks volumes. It's easy to impress running with the camp fodder against the 3rd string O, but these guys are doing things against the ones with the ones.

We'll wrap it up here. One practice tomorrow then the team gets a night off. Well deserved rest for the squad. And when they come back on Saturday, it's a week until game time.

Gaines Adams set for a make or break year

Buc Wild — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:00:14 -0000

We've come to expect more from a top 5 pick in the draft. The 12.5 sacks in 2 years, while it leads all NFL players at his position in his draft class, is not up to the expectations. Gaines Adams has been a solid player, but a complementary one. Not demanding double teams, being average against the run, and with no real inside move, Adams hasn't struck fear into the opposing teams. Yet.

We've mentioned the raised expectations for the whole defensive line, but it's a bit different with Adams. The Bates' scheme has a history of elevating pass rushers to the "dominate" category. But all of the rewards in gametime come from an offseason of work and dedication. I'm pleased to see Gaines doing the offseason work outside of OTA's, training camp and any other team affiliated activities. In fact, Pewter Report had a nice look at what Adams did with his summer and former pass rushing great, Chuck Smith. (It should be noted that Kyle Moore also attended).

But for all the work, for all the expectations, for what we as fans want to see, the pressure is coming from the top. Head Coach Raheem Morris has made it crystal clear how Adams will be judged.

Double-digit sacks. That is what he is going to be graded on. There is no secret about it. I have no problem telling Gaines, ‘Hey Gaines, if you don’t do it this year, then you are going to be considered a bust.' I told him that in the team meeting. I tell him that every once in a while when we walk out together. He can’t wait. He is embracing it, and he is going to come out ready to play. There is no other thing that is going to define Gaines Adams more than his sacks and production. Production speaks volumes. That is how we have always lived.

- Raheem Morris via Pewter report article

That's pressure. Coaches generally don't give predictions, let alone specific benchmarks they want a player to hit. It's a high bar for Gaines, but one he needs to achieve as a third year player and former top 5 pick.

Gaines knows what is riding on this year. His reputation as a professional and as either a potential game changer, or bust. He's putting in the time, he's learning new upfield and inside moves (finally), and it seems he's doing what he can to set himself up for success.

The bar has been set. 16 games. More than 9.5 sacks. Bust or Bust out Year. By the beginning of January 2010, we'll know where Adams stands.