SB Nation User Blog: Craig T

Does Plaxico Burress Make Sense for the Bucs? (If I thought not, I should have my head examined.)

Craig T — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:20:38 -0000

In the vast netherregion that is the NFL offseason, the two things that probably interest Bucs fans most is 1) the QB race, and 2) will the Bucs land another playmaker this offseason. Recently, the Bucs have raised some eyebrows about their semi-open interest in Plaxico Burress, despite his pending legal troubles.

For those wondering what's going on with that case, he turned down a plea bargain this week that would've sent him to the hole for only 3 months. As he's facing a 3+ year minimum sentence if convicted, that seems like a helluva deal to pass on, but whatever. I think his plan is to fight this thing long enough to try to play this season, but that might not save him from a suspension courtesy of Mr. Commish.

Thus, assuming arguendo that he is eligible to play and that he'd be willing to sign a one-year deal or a multi-year deal contingent on his staying out of the pokey and eligible to play... does he make sense for the Bucs to sign. Of freaking course he does. Cut out all the, "well, he's a problem guy/he's a criminal/we don't need a guy like him" garbage. Don't tell me you wouldn't secretly be giggling if he signed with the Bucs. It's a pretty simple question: do you want the Bucs to win? Yes. Does he make the Bucs better? No doubt. Are the Bucs better off without him? No. Has he carried as big a prima donna attitude or ripped apart a locker room like Terrell Owens has? Nopie. He almost single-handedly carried the Giants to the damn Super Bowl. Without Burress, the Giants became a 9-7-talent team. Antonio Bryant wants to talk about Boldin and Harrison helping take the Bucs to the Super Bowl, but Burress can. He's already done it.

Burress brings the complete package for a wide receiver, especially one in the Bucs' system. He's clearly a home run threat capable of winning jump balls over diminutive corners. We've seen that. More importantly, in the Bucs' new run-first scheme, they'll face numerous 3rd and short distances in which they need a big receiver to go over the middle on slants/digs, or take a hitch/curl pass and muscle it out for a first down. Plaxico can do those things very well and would provide the Bucs with that big target over the middle they currently lack. In the running game, he's a big, long-armed blocker who could help seal outside running lanes along with slot receive and uber-blocker Michael Clayton. If the opposing defense moves their nickel corner or free safety over to help on Plaxico, the running game instantly opens up for big plays off-tackle without that secondary help in the running lane.

Regarding whether Burress would behave, keep in mind that he's basically on probation in the commissioner's eyes right now. Even if he plays this fall without suspension, he's going to have to keep his nose clean, and Rosenhaus, as scummy as he is, won't let him forget that. In short, he has every reason in the world to keep his mouth shut, stay out of trouble, and show the commissioner he's not a problem.

So there it is. Marriage made in heaven as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going to put up a poll with options I can think of... you all know where I stand. I want you to weigh in below and let me know why or why not the Bucs should push hard for Burress.

Kellen Winslow Speaks Out Regarding His OTA Absence

Craig T — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:26:59 -0000

Kellen Winslow Speaks Out Regarding His OTA Absence

Private Winslow explained to the Times why he's missed the first 5 practice sessions of OTA - he's still moving from his home in San Diego. Granted, um, he's been a Buccaneer for months and signed his lucrative deal on April 6... so you'd think he would've had time to get things in order long ago. Whatever, it's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned, but I don't know how his teammates feel about a guy getting somewhat of a pass this early. As long as he works his ass off when he shows up and keeps his nose clean, it shouldn't be a big deal.

Fun With Captioning: Morris/Dominik Edition

Craig T — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:37:40 -0000

via www.tampabay.com

Add your proposed caption. Enjoy

Season Tickets Available: Pick Your Seat May 16

Craig T — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:27:22 -0000

After years of allegedly having a sizeable waiting list for tickets, the Bucs are pulling the old "come out and choose your seat" day of yore, beginning May 16 @ 10 am at Raymond James Stadium. According to the mailer I just received, it'll be Saturday/Sunday, May 16/17 from 10 am to 6 pm both days. For those of you feeling like upgrading your seats or finally getting on board, enjoy the festivities.

Some folks take pride in being a season ticket holder. I prefer to just wait til kickoff and get what I want. Moreover, it'd be hard to sell tickets this year for face or better on ebay for games you can't attend... where someone can just call the ticket office and order tickets for face.

Bucs Sign Undrafted Free Agents on Monday

Craig T — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:02:20 -0000

Bucs Sign Undrafted Free Agents on Monday

Some notable players signed free agent deals today, including Quan Cosby, Greg Carr, Taurus Johnson, and Graham Harrell. Unfortunately, none of them signed with the Bucs. The Bucs did sign CB DeAngelo Willingham out of Tennessee, who brings good size to the table for a corner at 5'11, 215 lbs. The Bucs also signed a couple of local guys to tryout contracts - former Tampa Bay Tech standout/Notre Dame LB Maurice Crum and former USF DE Jarriett Buie. The Bucs worked out Crum a few weeks ago and appear genuinely interested in him. If he claims a roster spot, he could add some competition to the open tryout for the outside linebacker spots. Buie is a speedster who is a little small for a full-time DE, but could be effective as a situational pass rusher. He ran a 4.73 40 time at the combine.

DISCLAIMER: Someone chime in if they know more, but I believe a tryout contract is basically an agreement for a team to have the exclusive right to bring that player into training camp to tryout for the team.

Post-Draft Musings: What do we know now?

Craig T — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:57:30 -0000

More photos » by Craig Ruttle - AP

2 months ago: Josh Freeman, a quarterback from Kansas State, talks to the media after the was is selected 17th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall Saturday, April 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Browse more photos »

Sorry I missed out on much of the draft on here. It was bad enough having to miss significant chunks of the draft on TV. It was worse not being on here to celebrate and commisserate during the ups and downs of the draft. Wait til you youngsters get that ball and chain locked on your ankle (that's an adult joke for getting married, BTW). Not so easy to get a whole weekend free in my household in any non-football month. That said, it certainly was an.... interesting.... draft, both for the Bucs and around the league.

- Well, there we have it. Josh Freeman is the face of this franchise going forward. He's it. He's the man, like it or hate it. My opinion? Meh, ok. It was no secret that I stongly wished the Bucs would address another in the first round. However, it's clear the Bucs see enough upside and promise to stick their necks and reputation on the line by drafting him with the first selection of their tenure. Arm strength? Check. Size? Check. Confidence? Uh-huh. Coconut to play in NFL system? Don't know and probably won't know for at least 2 years. Unfortunately, the latter is probably the most important thing, so for those of us who are impatient by nature, it'll be frustrating to wait to see how he develops with his ability to adjust at the line, progress through reads, and read NFL defenses. To be clear, I am pulling for Josh Freeman to succeed. I have concerns that he will, but I really hope my guy Maxumas' faith in Mr. Freeman proves to be well-taken.

-So, at what point did Mark Dominik become sold on QB Josh Freeman? Perhaps that impressive road beatdown of the Texas Longhorns in 2007? Maybe the OU game where he threw for 400-something yards? Nope. Per Mark Dominik on AM 620 today, it was the Kansas game in which the Jayhawks hung a 52-21 smackdown of the Wildcats, where Freeman went 22-37 for 207 yds with 0 TDs and 3 picks. I...., um, don't get it. I admittedly didn't see the game, but I guess they saw something they liked.

-So what does the pick mean for the other QBs on the roster? I think Brian Griese will ultimately be the odd man out, and he might not see training camp. If he does, he will likely be battling Leftwich for a roster spot with McCown. Ultimately, I see Leftwich staying on the roster to mentor his new buddy Freeman and McCown possibly earning the starting gig come the start of the season. It wouldn't shock me if Freeman earns the starting gig, but I have to think the Bucs will work him into the league slowly. Josh Johnson will likely be passed down to the practice squad.

-I was frustrated that a guy like Jeremy Maclin fell in the Bucs' collective lap. I think Maclin was possibly the steal of the draft and will form a sick connection with McNabb. Suddenly, the Eagles are starting to form a fearsome passing threat, with Maclin joining the always dangerous receiving RB Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, and now Cornelius Ingram. I hope this one won't end up hurting down the line.

- DT Roy Miller was an excellent pick. He was the strongest DT at the combine, putting up 225 36 times (wow). His strength is stuffing the line, eating blocks, and holding his ground in the running game, which is certainly what we're looking for in both our D-tackle positions. Right now, he's got the size to play both tackle positions at 310. Raheem said today that he envisions Roy's playing weight to be between 301-310 pounds. As long as he stays on the heavier side of that range, he should be able to fill both tackle spots with ease. I think the Bucs got good value here.

-DE Kyle Moore also addresses a need, so I really can't knock the selection of him (didn't like trading up to get him, but whatever). He did have six sacks last season, but tended to disappear in some games. I like his size at 6'5, 270 lbs... which should make him a potential every down pass/rush DE. He should be able to rush either at LDE or possibly inside in passing situations.

-I'm a little disappointed the Bucs didn't do more to take an undrafted free agent WR after the draft, namely Quan Cosby or Greg Carr (as well noted by JScott). It seems apparent that Coach Morris is bringing in tons of competition at each position, so why not do the same for the WR position? I think it could use another potential playmaker or two, especially for a slot guy. Maybe it means they have some faith in Dexter Jackson, or maybe they have someone else in mind they think will step up. Sammie Stroughter might have the goods to compete for significant playing time in the slot and may earn a long look as a returner.

Seattle Seahawks Lift Franchise Tag Off of Leroy Hill

Craig T — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:01:20 -0000

Seattle Seahawks Lift Franchise Tag Off of Leroy Hill

After addressing defense with their first pick by nabbing outstanding OLB Aaron Curry, the Seattle Seahawks have removed the franchise tag on OLB Leroy Hill, making him an unrestricted free agent free to negotiate with any team. I know we seem to talk ad nauseum about so-and-so signing with the Bucs when someone hits the market and it never happens, but this guy is a proven player, and a player the Bucs could plug in and start. If I'm Mark Dominik, and I've just ~~soiled my pants in the first round~~ passed up an opportunity to address the defense in the first round by trading down or drafting an impact player, I get on the phone now and call his agent. My goodness gracious, you've got the cap room.... just get it done. If you sign him, suddenly your draft looks a heckuva lot better. You'd have the impact defender you'd hope to have gotten in the first round, your alleged franchise QB, and a DT that'll add depth to a suspect line.

Bucs poised to draft QB freeman? League source says so.

Craig T — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:59:03 -0000

Bucs poised to draft QB freeman? League source says so.

Lord, please don't let this be true. For those who told me I was stupid for continuing to worry despite signing Leftwich (at no harm of cutting Leftwich for the Bucs, I did point out before!), you all know what you can do. Raheem, Mark... guys... get your heads on straight. This had better be posturing. We'll know in 24 hours.

Buc'Em Interviews with 1560 AM "The Game" in Houston

Craig T — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:36:18 -0000

Buc'Em Interviews with 1560 AM "The Game" in Houston

I had an interview with Houston radio station 1560 AM The Game yesterday about what the Bucs might do on draft day. They were astute enough to check in with all the SBNation blogs to get our takes on what needs our respective teams have and who we think our teams might draft. Check it out online at 7 pm EST Thursday.

Tuesday Evening Irrelevance: Fun with Frank Caliendo, aka John Madden

Craig T — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:22:44 -0000

I'm tired of trying to figure out what the Bucs will do on draft day. I think we've covered it. I have nothing. Instead, how about a tribute to the great, recently-retired John Madden with a little humor... enjoy.