Possible Two Headed Monster?

The often injured yet highly talented Austin Seferian-Jenkins getting sidelined in week 2 of the season may have been a blessing in disguise. Why, because the bucs reacquired tight end Cameron Brate from the Saints practice squad. Brate who stands 6'5 and weighs 245 is one large target and his alma mater is Harvard. So he's one big smart man. He was praised early in the season for his work ethic and keeping his nose in the playbook.

“Cam is a very bright guy,’’ Winston said. “He’s a hard worker. Cam, he gets here close to the time the quarterbacks get here. He’s always working, getting his body right. He’s definitely cherishing and definitely taking adantage of this opportunity he has"

Although having a big brain is good, that doesn't always translate into performing on the playing field. But hey, it doesn't hurt one bit. He was one of a hand full of players that were able to grasp new offensive coordinator and now head coach Dirk Koetters offensive playbook. He accredited it to his fine education at Harvard.

“The biggest thing I learned at Harvard was definitely time management,” said Brate, who grew up a Bears fan in Naperville, Illinois. “I learned how to balance football and academics. Now, I can devote myself 100 percent to football.’’

 Time management in the NFL is exactly what you need to keep yourself out of trouble (Johnny Football?) and to learn the ins and outs of the playbook to better perform on the field. Cameron Brate has the right head on his shoulders and now needs to work on his craft. Dirk Koetter had a few nice words about Cam himself.

He’s definitely developing,’’ Koetter said. “Cam is a guy that we almost let slip away there. We really saw the potential in Cam. He can run a little bit, he has good ball skills, he’s getting confidence in himself and he’s improving every week, which is all you can ask from any player.’

Brate ended his season with 23 catches 288 yards and 3 touchdowns, not big numbers but showed flashes of what he could become. If Seferian Jenkins can stay healthy and Brate can continue to develop and put on weight, the buccaneers could be looking at a two headed monster at TE. Thats a huge "IF" but looking at the mismatches those two could produce are mouth watering for a play caller and I bet Koetter himself is smiling thinking of ways to utilize them. Time will tell.