Inconsistent Ground Game Has Hurt The Bucs

This season has been a fun one as the Bucs have won eight games and have a chance to win 9 which would give them a winning record since 2010. Unfortunately, the Bucs will likely not be in the playoffs this season but they have a good foundation to build on for the 2017 season. One of the main reasons this team won't be in the playoffs is the lack of a good running game. In 2015, that was the strength for the offense as they could gash teams with big runs as well as control the clock.

For whatever reason, the ground game could just never get going this year. Injuries to Doug Martin and Charles Sims didn't help, then Jacquizz Rodgers was doing well and then he got injured. So for the Bucs running game, it has been two steps forward and then one step back as it was close to breaking out but never met.

Inconsistent play along the offensive line hasn't helped either as they have struggled to create holes along with allowing too much penetration. This is going to be one of the keys this off-season as the Bucs need to solve their run game issues. This offense is at their best when they can use their play action passing game and control the clock with the run as well. Unfortunately in 2016, it was the downfall for the offense.

There is No Tomorrow!

Today is it for the Bucs as they have to win against the Saints if they want a shot at the playoffs. The team is coming off a tough loss against the Cowboys in which they didn't bring their best but still had a shot to win the game. That can't happen today as the Bucs need to bring their best and play their best game of the season. Jameis says today is do or die as the playoffs start now for them against the Saints.

“Absolutely and we start on the road. We know that we’re going to be on the road in a tough environment against the Saints, so yeah, it starts now. We’ve got to start preparing for the show.”

All three phrases as in offense, defense, and special teams need to help each other and play physical, smart Bucs football. Be aggressive and don't let off the pedal, run the football with authority and use play action as much as possible for Jameis Winston who is at his best in play action throws. The offensive line needs to man up and come to play today. Coach Koetter needs to creative but also simplistic in the redzone, use more fades and slants inside the 20.

As for the defense, the front four just needs to win their one on ones and get after Drew Brees. Attack them, dont defend them be aggressive and jump routes all day. The defense has been really good lately and needs an awesome performance today. Gerald McCoy, Noah Spence, Robert Ayers, Kwon Alexander, and Lavonte David all need to step up today and be star performers. Now for special teams just make good kicks and please have a big return as we could use one today. There is no tomorrow and let's hope the Bucs come out and play like it.

The Game Within The Game: Bucs v Cowboys

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The weekly piece that goes deeper than "Win the turnover battle" and "Establish the run" for "Keys to victory" against the ________. This week the Dallas Cowboys.

Spread Out The Defense: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went under the hood after the Thursday Night game against the Atlanta Falcons, did some fine tuning and turned their season around. Most if not all of the changes that were talked about have been on the defensive side of the ball. What has gone largely unnoticed was the Bucs commitment to keep Jameis Winston on his feet. Since the Chicago game Dirk Koetter has called a ton of max protection to keep Jameis upright. You can't complete a pass if the quarterback doesn't have enough time to throw it. Look for this recent philosophy to change Sunday night against the Cowboys.
     Dallas's pass rush doesn't scare opposing teams and has been a talking point for Cowboys fans and media members all season long because of their lack of production. The Bucs have the opportunity to get more receivers and backs out into the route. Which in turn will spread out the Cowboys coverage and open more windows for Winston to throw into. The lack of a threatening Dallas pass rush could open up the Buccaneers offense and lead to the offensive explosion Buc fans have been waiting for.

Ali Marpet vs Sean Lee: Dallas Cowboys WLB Sean Lee has 130 tackles on the season, good enough for 2nd in the NFL. Lee is coming off a franchise record 22 team credited tackles against the NY Giants last Sunday night. Doug Martin hasn't had a big run so far this year. On those plays where he is just a step or two from breaking one, most have come behind Kevin Pamphile and Donovan Smith. This may come has a surprise since Marpet is widely considered the Bucs best offensive lineman. The reason for this is that the Buccaneers use Ali's ability to get to the 2nd level and cut off the backside pursuit. Lee has more than twice as many tackles as any other linebacker on the Cowboys roster and lines up on the weak side of the formation. Look for the Bucs to run left and pin their hopes on Marpet's athleticism to hamper Lee enough to break off a big gain.

Jason Witten & Sealver Siliga: Dallas Cowboy TE Jason Witten in all likely hood will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday. In the past two games Witten only has 4 catches for 26 yards, not surprisingly, arguably the Cowboys worst two offensive performances. Teams are taking away Prescott's security blanket, look for the Bucs to do the same.
     Buccaneers DT Sealver Siliga is an immovable object. the Cowboys offensive line an unstoppable force. Whomever wins this match up on 1st down will determine how well Ezekiel Elliott plays Sunday night.

You can follow us on Twitter @realbucstalk
Thanks for reading and as always GO BUCS!

 
   

Use What You Have!

So often during each week the media asks Coach Dirk Koetter whats going on with the offense and their usual go to assumption is that there isn't good enough personnel or people around Jameis to get the job done and Koetter always responds the same way as you can read below.

Love Koetters response to reporters about personnel "we can cry all we want about personnel but no one cares and everyone has issues"

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) December 13, 2016

He went further about personnel-"the guys that r out there playing are good enough to b here and it's our job to find a way to make it go"

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) December 13, 2016

Koetter above all knows what he has on his offense. Its a lot more than just superstar Mike Evans. There are plenty other options like Cam Brate who is always open in the middle of the field, Charles Sims in the flats, Adam Humphries with the WR screen. This offense has weapons they just have to used corrected and at the right times. Football has always been about X's and O's, you don't have to win by just being bigger, stronger, faster, but by being smarter.

Obviously we don't have the pure speed option but that doesn't mean we don't have guys who can do things with the ball in space like Sims and Huff. Which brings me to that point. Koetter and Winston need to find a way to get the ball in all of our playmakers hands as that will open everything up for Evans as well. The game of football is like the game of chess, its strategy and breaking the other team down based on weaknesses and we need to see this offense take control of the Cowboys 28th ranked offense against the pass today.

Big Game Coming For Jameis on Sunday Night?

Lately the talk has been all about the Bucs defense and rightfully so as the unit has been the best in the league during this winning streak. However, the offense has struggled to put up points consistently and have had issues mainly finishing drives in the redzone with touchdowns. I think this week that changes as the offense knows it needs a big game sooner or later, and I think it starts this Sunday night in Dallas. Cowboys defense allows almost 70% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks but only allow 18.3 points per game. This is mainly due to the Cowboys offense having the ball most of the game because of their dominant run game.

I expect the Bucs offense to have a similar gameplan in how they attacked the Falcons in week 1 in which they took advantage of the checkdowns to open up the deep passing game. With this being a big primetime game, I believe Jameis is going to take that next step and have one of those elite games that he has shown at times this season. Jameis is at his best when he is spreading the ball around and is just hitting the open man and I expect that to take place against the Cowboys.

Him and Evans have been quite the duo this year and I think Evans will get his looks but Jameis needs to trust his other weapons as well. I just really like this matchup for the Bucs offense as the Cowboys defense don't have a great pass rush and don't really blitz as they will keep 7 in coverage most of the time. This is why I believe a big game could be in store for Jameis and the offense as they have the guys to take advantage of this cover 2 defense. Having Humprhies, Sims, and new guy Josh Huff in the lineup should help open up the offense as I think Koetter is going to cut it loose a little bit. The defense has been dominant, now it's time for the offense to have a complete game and I think Jameis is going to lead the way.

DT Sealver Siliga Was Brought In To Stop Ezekiel Elliot

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt 

    Sealver Siliga joined the Buccaneers in November of this year after spending the first part of his career employed by the elite teams of the NFL. Stops with the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and finally Seattle Seahawks before the Bucs plucked him from the waiver wire. His acquisition came as a bit of surprise, since the Buccaneers had just gotten healthy on the defensive line and it wasn't looking like a position they needed more depth in.

      In Real Bucs Talk tradition we took a deeper look and found not only is a player like Siliga sorely needed but his role should dramatically increase the last few games of the season and hopefully into the playoffs.

     Sealver Siliga, who wears number 70 for the Bucs, is a mountain of a man tipping the scales at a whopping 345 lbs. Described as like having 3 guys in there by All Pro DT Gerald McCoy and someone who needs 4 hands to keep under control by Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken. If both of these statements are true expect Siliga to face a lot of double teams this Sunday, which is good news for the Buccaneers. Freeing up other defensive linemen especially McCoy to get extra one on one match ups to get pressure on Dak Prescott and bottle up rookie running back sensation Ezekiel Elliott.

     Look for big number 70 to be in on mostly 1st downs to take up blockers and clog up inside running lanes. The Dallas Cowboys run the ball on 1st down more than any other team in the NFL. Siliga's should be found on the field on all 3rd and short situations and goal line as well.

     With the importance of being able to stop the run as the weather turns late into the season as well as the playoffs. A player of Siliga's size and skill set will be needed. Credit GM Jason Licht, again, for having an eye on the future and bringing in Sealver 5 weeks ago so he would be up to speed schematically when his number was called. If Siliga has an impactful game you can add him to a long list of fringe players that have played a big role in the Buccaneers win streak.

You can also follow us on Twitter @realbucstalk
Thank you for reading and as always GO BUCS!

Preparation Has Been The Difference

Usually preparation is key if you want to have success in anything that you do especially for NFL teams. For the Bucs, their success has been because of better preparation in practice and in the film room. Both players and coaches have said it during this streak that everyone has brought in and are putting in the work necessary to get better every day. This is what the great teams do as it all about preparation and what the team does during Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's practice to ensure they are ready to put it on the field Sunday.

Better preparation can lead to better opportunities and these last 5 weeks the Bucs have taken advantage by forcing turnovers and on offense taking better care of the ball. Players are in position to make plays and it's awesome to see. This comes from working hard in the film room and knowing opposing teams tendencies and anticipating what they will do next. For instance, here is Lavonte David talking about the Keith Tandy interception against the Saints via Buccaneers.com.

“It was a great play by Tandy, man. Great communication on the back end and those guys, they practice it all week. We do a great job throughout the week of talking, so those guys in the back end, they did their talking and they knew what play was coming. Tandy was able to jump in front of the ball and make a great play.”

I can't remember a recent Bucs team knowing what play or plays to look for which tells you this team is trusting their coaches and also putting in the work every day. This is what separates the great teams from the good teams as the great teams usually out prepare the other team allowing them to make one more play than their opponent. Here is more from Keith Tandy talking about the interception via Buccaneers.com.

“It’s a formation we’ve seen on film, and Bradley (McDougald) was just talking to me, ‘I’m coming to you so sit on it.’ We’ve been trying to get our scout team to run the route all week and they couldn’t run it right. You always know in crunch time situations that teams go to one of their favorite plays, and that was one of their favorite plays.”

 That is what is allowing this team to be successful as great preparation can create opportunities to have success. With 5 wins in a row, they are taking advantage of it, and lets hope they can do the same in Dallas on Sunday night football.

Bucs Offense Must Get Back to The Basics

The Bucs are winning again which is awesome as their defense has been terrific during this 5 game winning streak. However while that is great, the offense has been struggling to get any kind of consistency going especially in the redzone. They are 21st in scoring efficiency with a rate of 34% which is not very good and is something they must improve down the stretch if they want to play in January. This offense starts with the running game as it opens up the play action passing game which is what Jameis is best at. It's been a struggle all year for the run game as there have been injuries, inconsistent O-line play, along with opposing defenses forcing Jameis to beat them.

Personally I think it's time to get back to the basics as this offense needs to make everything simple and dont try to get too fancy. I think the Bucs need to get away from running out of the shotgun formation and purely run out of the I-form or singleback allowing Doug Martin and company to run downhill. Everytime the Bucs run out of the I-form or singleback up the middle usually good things happen. So if the Bucs start with that, it could help the offense more down the stretch also think the Bucs run better with the three wide formation as well.

As for the passing game, it's real simple in which Jameis needs to trust other guys besides Brate and Evans. Take what the defense is giving you and stay ahead of the chains. This past game Jameis had other guys open but instead got too locked on Evans or Brate and it ends up being a wasted play. With that being said they need to find a way to isolate Evans and Brate more in the redzone as the Bucs are leaving too many points on the field. Need to get back to more slants and drag routes over the middle to help open up space against the opposing defense. Jameis expects it to get better via buccaneers.com.

“No, we didn’t (perform well). We’re going to look back on this film and say, ‘A win is a win.’ Coach Koetter’s going to get after us. The coaches should get after us, because like Robert [Ayers[ said, ‘We’re terrible.’ We’ve got to continue every week to get better and better. The offense, we have to play better for us to win football games.’

Bucs D Leads The Way Again!

The Bucs did it again yesterday as their win streak has reached 5 games and are now 8-5 on the season. The defense was outstanding as they held the high powered Saints offense to 9 points defeating the Saints 16-11 eliminating them from playoff contention. The Bucs offense did just enough as they were smart with the ball having zero turnovers and rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo made all of his kicks. Jameis Winston was a little off with his accuracy in this game but did enough to help the team win. Running back Doug Martin didn't have stellar numbers but ran hard and helped the Bucs controlled the clock limiting the possessions for the Saints offense. Head coach Dirk Koetter blamed himself for the offensive struggles, he says it must get better.

“That’s one of the things that’s crazy on the stats. I felt like we had 215 penalties and I look at it and they had twice as many as we did. I’m not satisfied at all with how we’re playing on offense. We definitely left points out there. We’re going to get a chance to play these guys again in two weeks. I’m sure both New Orleans’ offensive coaches and our offensive coaches are going to be feeling the same way. We’ve got to play better. And both (sets of) defensive coaches are feeling pretty good about the way they played.’’

“The main reason we’re leaving points on the field is the play-caller is not going a good enough job.’’ 

It's all good coach as long as the team wins and the Bucs have won five straight which keeps them tied with Atlanta for the division crown. Let's get back to the main reason for the Bucs streak and that has been the outstanding play of the defense. The unit has been flying around the field making plays all over the field. During this five game streak, they are allowing 12.8 points per game, 298 yards per game, and 2.8 turnovers per game making this unit the number one defense during this stretch. Another great stat is that the defense has only allowed one Td during their last three home games which was the fluke hail mary play by Jay Cutler and the Bears. Winston knows how good this defense can be when they are healthy and they finally are.

“Absolutely. Our defense has been playing amazing. It starts with our leaders on that defense. [Defensive tackles] Clinton McDonald, Gerald McCoy and [linebacker] Lavonte [David] have taken it to a whole new level. [Linebacker] Kwon [Alexander] is stepping up, it’s amazing. When our defense is healthy, you see what they’re all about.’’

Buc ball is back and the defense is getting better every week and it's really fun to watch the unit play. Huge game this Sunday against the 11-2 Cowboys as they have a great O-line and really play great team ball. Bucs will need to bring their "A" game and I believe they will. Let's keep this streak going!

Don't Drop The Ball!

Today the Buccaneers start the final stretch of the season against their division rival the New Orleans Saints. Every game is critical as the Bucs are 7-5 and are currently in the playoffs but still tons of work is ahead. Now is not the time to let up as this team needs to keep winning as they have a chance to win the NFC South. It's imperative that this team doesn't drop the ball today like they did last season as they went on to lose the final 4 games of the season.

However, that was last year and this current team looks to have the right mindset as they are now expecting to win every game. The leadership from the coaches and players have been outstanding and this team not only has the confidence but they also truly believe in one another. Today against the Saints who were the team that killed their season last year, I expect this team to come out with fire and passion and show the fans that this is a new team. So let's start fast and defeat the Saints like this team is capable of.

The Bucs Defense Is On The Hunt; So Why Not Give Them Spirit Animals

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt 

     The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has turned their season around. After surrendering over 1,000 yards of combined offense against the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons in back to back weeks. The players and coaches took a look in the mirror and came back from the mini bye week with a better understanding of what it takes to help win games defensively in the NFL. By simplifying the scheme and improving communication the defense has been the catalyst for the Bucs during this 4 game winning streak. By recording sacks and causing timely turnovers the Buccaneers defense has gone from the hunted to the hunters.

     During the Seattle Seahawks game rookie corner back Vernon Hargreaves was "Mic'd Up" and his "performance" went viral throughout the Tampa Bay area. If you haven't had a chance to watch it you should, I can guarantee you will be laughing and shaking your head at number 28. Soon after the suggestions for nicknames were all over social media. Vernon has just recently decided on a nickname but more on that later.

     The social media explosion about Hargreaves and recent resurgence of defense in Tampa Bay are the inspiration for me to assign each member of the starting defense a spirit animal. An animal that embodies each players style of play or persona. Now it's time to see who will be on the hunt this Sunday.

Gerald McCoy: The Lion The king of the jungle and the best player on defense. The All Pro isn't the most vocal leader but he is the most respected.

Robert Ayers: The Tiger I tweeted out a couple of pictures and video clips hash tagging Ayers with this spirit animal and he liked them both. So I'm taking that as an endorsement. The biggest of all the big cats, once the tiger gets a taste he can eat nothing else. I'm speaking of quarterbacks of course.

Will Gholston: The Snow Leopard Master of camouflage, you never see him until it's to late. I rarely notice Gholston on the field before the play then BAM! The runner goes down like he was shot by a sniper and then you see 92 getting from the pile.

Noah Spence: The Cobra Possibly the lightest DE in the league, but also possibly the quickest. His amazing "get off" and fast striking hands makes the archenemy of G.I. Joe the perfect fit. I sent in a question during his All Access radio show about this nickname and he didn't poo poo it. So endorsement number 2.

Daryl Smith: The Silver Back The senior citizen of the defense with 13 years in the NFL and counting. He's past his prime but to take him lightly would be to your peril.

Kwon Alexander: The Cheetah Speed, speed, and more speed. Sometimes he's going in the wrong direction but I guarantee he'll get there 1st.

Lavonte David: The Panther The most underappreciated of the big cats, but the panther brings steadiness and balance to the game. Look no further than Bagheera from The Jungle Book.

Vernon Hargreaves: The Joker After his cackling outburst during the Seahawks game, the names Hyena and Jackal (by yours truly) were flooding social media. On Fridays Bucs Live VH3 shot both of those names down, by the end of the 3rd segment Vernon had put his stamp of approval on The Joker. It doesn't fit with my theme here, but he was the inspiration, so he gets what he wants. If there is any doubt about the Hargreaves nickname phenomenon, I found this on Twitter this morning.

  
Brent Grimes: The Fox You have to be sly to still be playing at such a high level at the corner back position after 10 years in the league. Grimes baited Carolina quarterback Derek Anderson into throwing an interception on 1st down from the goal line. 1st down people! Brent you sly fox you.

Chris Conte: The Black Widow There is no in between when it comes to spiders. You either love them or hate them,just like Conte. He can be instant death to his own or opposing team. i.e. Cardinals, Rams game bad, Chiefs, Bears game good.

Bradley McDougald: The Barn Owl Definitely not the most feared predator nor is McDougald. Just when you have forgotten all about him he swoops in and makes a big pick. Like a mouse from an open field.

follow us on Twitter @realbucstalk 
thanks for reading and as always GO BUCS!




    

The Game Within The Game: Bucs vs Saints

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     How to beat the Saints: Stop Drew Brees, don't turn the ball over, run the ball effectively, and eat up the clock.

     Well yeah.

     Here are three not so obvious keys to the game to look for on Sunday that could insure another Buccaneers victory.

Pressure Up The Middle: Let us face facts, stopping New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is tougher than herding cats and almost as impossible. For example, Brees had 34 passing yards with just over 2 minutes left in the 1st half of last weeks game against the Lions and then came roaring back and finished with a total of 319 yards. One of countless passing feats Brees as pulled of in his career.
     One of his many strengths is moving up in the pocket and delivering a strike downfield. This is why the Bucs interior defensive lineman need to keep in their rushing lanes and push the pocket into Brees lap. Effectively taking away his ability to extend the play and find receivers deeper down the field. Ideally, hindering his ability to step into throws and giving him the general feeling standing in front of a pile of tumbling luggage all afternoon long,

Open Field Tackling: Drew Brees is very decisive with the football. He progresses through his reads is as fast as any quarterback in the league. Often he settles on the check down route just before the pocket collapses around him. A back or tight end that has leaked out from the pass protection scheme and settles into space. Waiting in the wings to make a reception and pickup some positive yardage.
     Closing the yardage gap and making immediate stops can turn a possible 7-12 yard gain into a 0-5 yard gain. These extra yards nearly always make the difference between a fresh set of downs or getting the Bucs offense back on to the field. This responsibility is going to fall squarely on the shoulders of linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander. The duo, as of late, seem to of shaken of the overall slow start and have begun to replicate their play from last season. The Buccaneers ability to limit the Saints short passing game could hinge on these two players tackling ability on Sunday.

Injuries: Normally I would not use this as a factor, with the release of  Fridays injury report you know who is in and who is out. Football is the ultimate next man up sport so there is no crying about how the game would of been different if so and so would of played. I'm looking at you Seattle fan. But the the injury report out of New Orleans is so interesting, and could play a big role in the Bucs game plan on both sides of the ball.
     Early in the week it was big news that on Thursday, leading rusher Mark Ingram and leading pass catcher Michael Thomas were both held out of practice. The pair were limited on Friday but their health arrow is trending up and I expect them to start Sunday.
     However starting center and 2 time Pro Bowler Max Unger didn't practice all week and is listed as questionable, same for leading tackler, linebacker Craig Robertson. The Saints don't have an official backup center listed on their depth cart but whomever it may be if, Unger can't go, will have almost zero experience and will be lined up in front of All Pro Gerald McCoy for most of the day. Robertson who has exactly 100 tackles on the season would be replaced by newly acquired Sam Barrington who only has 56 tackles in his 3 year career, 53 of which were recorded 2 years ago while playing for the Green Bay Packers. If either of these two players can't go on Sunday it will be a huge downgrade in talent and a beacon of weakness that the Buccaneers can exploit on both sides of the ball.

you can follow us on Twitter @realbucstalk
as always thanks for reading and GO BUCS!
   
   

Josh Huff Should Help The Return Game

Due to multiple injuries at the receiver position, the Bucs have called up third year pro and former Eagle Josh Huff. Huff has good playmaking ability as he has good speed along with solid hands and can make defenders miss in the open field. In his time with the Eagles he put up decent numbers as a Wr, but was outstanding on special teams as a return guy. With just 42 kick returns, Huff has put up over 1000 yds averaging 27.7 yds per return and 2 tds. Huff has six returns of 40 yards or more in his short career which is really good. So not only can Huff help this team on special teams, the Bucs are expecting him to be a threat on offense as well. Quarterback Jameis Winston spoke about him today and had nothing but good things to say about Mr. Huff per buccaneers.com.

“Josh Huff man, he’s blazing [fast]. [He] has a lot of abilities that would definitely add to our repertoire. We really are excited to have him up on the 53-man active roster] and to see what he’s going to do on game day.”

Hopefully Huff can provide a spark in the return game and be a playmaker for Jameis on offense. Huff knows that this is his second chance and he needs to make the most of it. The good news is that Huff still has confidence in himself and his game and is ready to do whatever the Bucs ask him to do at a high level via buccaneers.com.

“Any time you go out, you want to have confidence, whether you’re playing the Saints or any other team in the league. This league is all about confidence and if you have confidence, you’re able to do a lot of things that you know you’re capable of doing. My big thing is confidence and knowing that I can do the things that they’re asking me to do and going out and executing at a high level.” 

Huff should see some snaps on offense this week vs the Saints mixing in with Russell Shepard and Freddie Martino. Hopefully he can provide some juice to this offense and make some big plays to help the Bucs win their 5th straight game.

                               

So I Have A Concussion, How Do I get Back Out On The Field?

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt by clicking HERE

     Concussion protocol is nothing new to the Buccaneers this year. Wide receiver Mike Evans was in in out of protocol in less than a week. While right guard Kevin Pamphile took longer and missed a game. Now the Bucs have Adam Humphries jumping through the hoops. So what exactly does a player have to do to get back out on the field and get to playing again?

     All NFL players go through a neurological test sometime during the preseason to get a baseline. This baseline status is used to evaluate a players recovery during the week through a series of physical test that gradually increase in difficulty. Once a player returns to his baseline he can begin his recovery. Complete an exercise, baseline normal? Move up to the next, and so on and so forth until the player is cleared for full participation.
     
Rest and recovery: Until a player returns to the "baseline level of signs and symptoms and neurological examination," only limited stretching and balance activities are recommended. Electronics, social media and team meetings are all to be avoided.

Light aerobic exercise: The NFL recommends 10-20 minutes on a stationary bike or treadmill without resistance training or weight training. The cardiovascular activity is monitored by an athletic trainer to "determine if there are any recurrent concussion signs or symptoms."

Continued aerobic exercise and introduction of strength training: Increased duration and intensity of aerobic exercise with strength training added. An athletic trainer will supervise to watch for recurrent concussions signs or symptoms.

Football specific activities: The cognitive load of playing football will be added and players will participate in non-contact activities for the typical duration of a full practice.

Full football activity/clearance: A player returns to full participation in practice, including contact without restriction.

     If you want to read the official NFL document, I've added a link to a PDF file HERE.

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Thanks for reading and as always Go Bucs!!

Bucs Make it 4 in a Row

It's another victory Monday as our Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into San Diego and got another big win defeating the Chargers 28-21. The Bucs have now won 4 in a row and are looking like a dangerous team as they have beaten three great teams in the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Chargers. The culture is changing as this team is expecting to win now instead of hoping to win which is a big difference. Qb Jameis Winston is putting this team on his back and willing them to victories and was outstanding again yesterday.

Jameis ends up 20-30 66% 1TD 1int and 280 yards. Qb rating of 93.8 and yes yep his TD streak alive.

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) December 5, 2016

Given the fact he is doing this guys like Russell Shepard and Freddie Martino since both Adam Humphries and Cecil Shorts went out with injuries is very impressive. Go to guy Mike Evans was shut down as he only had 38 yards but Jameis just keeps making plays. He found Cameron Brate for the game winning TD as Brate continues to find ways to get open.

Winston hit 9 different receivers et again and guess who the leading receiver was..?? Cam Brate 6 for 86 yards and game winning TD.

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) December 5, 2016

This team is playing with confidence and when you put talent and confidence together it can produce something special. The Bucs have that right now as this team is finding ways to win instead of finding ways to lose like they were earlier in the season. The defense is making big plays during critical moments of the game and are playing physical. Robert Ayers, Gerald McCoy, and Lavonte David are making big time plays and our being leaders for this unit. Those guys said enough is enough and challenged that locker room and so far it has worked. Next up is the Saints at Ray Jay, it's going to be a playoff atmosphere. Bucs are 7-5 and tied for first place in the NFC South and right now have the last wild card spot. I will end it with this awesome video below, enjoy.

Post-game locker room 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!

Get hype, #Bucs fans!#SiegetheDay Bring on the Saints! pic.twitter.com/nc0isUnAJK

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) December 5, 2016

2 Out Of 3 Last Week, What To Look For Against The Chargers

by Douglas O'Connor
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     Chances are that writing about Mike Evans, Jameis Winston and the turnover battle will just be a regurgitation of obvious keys to victory that you have read this week and all season long. Here are some lesser known things to watch versus the Chargers that can deliver a Buccaneers victory.

Open Field Tackling: San Diego Head Coach Mike McCoy's offense relies heavily on draws, screens, and rubs (legal picks). Getting his athletes the ball in space and letting them make a play. Outside corner backs Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves are going to have to get off blocks and make solo tackles against bigger Charger receivers. When you hear "another great open field tackle by a Buccaneer", coming from announcer Sam Rosen, you know they've been doing their job.

Rush Lanes: I spotlighted this one last week as well but for a totally different reason. Rush lanes were important against the Seahawks for keeping Russell Wilson in the pocket. This weeks importance has to do with stopping the draw. Buccaneers DT need to stay in their lanes, pushing the pocket back and clogging the middle giving Gordon nowhere to go. MIL LB Kwon Alexander will also have to challenge the releasing center instead of using his speed to slip the block awarding Gordon an easy cut to get into the secondary. Here against the Rams is a 3rd and 19 that went for a 1st down. Bad lanes and slippage from Kwon left the runner uncontested until he reached the 3rd level.

Disciplined rush lanes will be a factor in keeping Gordon from doing this against the Bucs on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/1akfZvOANx

— Douglas Sean OConnor (@Ren_Daxt) December 3, 2016

Max Protection: Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter believes in protecting the passer more than spreading out the defense. Last week the Bucs threw the ball out of a 6 OL set and have used backs and receivers to chip opposing DE to ensure his quarterback remains upright. The Chargers have 20 sacks on the year with half coming from two players, Melvin Ingram and rookie Joey Bosa. Look for the Bucs to continue this trend and allow Jameis Winston to progress through his reads and pick apart a poor and beat up San Diego secondary.

     Seven out of eight experts have picked the Chargers in this game, for the record these same experts all picked the Chiefs and the Seahawks too. The more I look at this game I see a double digit win for the Bucs. San Diego is 6th against the run but their leading tackler is out this week leaving 3rd stringer Korey Toomer at ILB. I think the soaring confidence and new found nastiness of the Bucs OL puts up a nice performance in the run game. The ability to run the ball and the extra protection for Winston equates to the Bucs easily moving the ball up and down the field. The Chargers offensive scoring numbers are inflated by all the short fields their defense have been giving them. Couple this with San Diego's leading receiver will be wearing a brace on his shoulder for a torn labrum and the new look Buccaneers defense stinginess. I envision lots of smiles on the team flight back to Tampa.

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Odds And Ends About The Chargers Game

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     Not all interesting components of the Buccaneers, Chargers game can be generated into a full story. So I have put together some "oh really" tidbits and posted them all together for easy consumption.

Gerald McCoy pulled Chargers RB Melvin Gordon to the side after interviewing him on press row during Super Bowl week. Giving him a pep talk about his disappointing rookie season and telling him just to keep working. Things will get better. Gordon is 4th in the league in rushing and rushing touchdowns, after coming in 29th last year with zero TD's.

The Chargers run the ball over 55% of the time on 1st down.

Head Coach Mike McCoy has elected to receive the past two games, even though the Chargers have won the coin toss.

Phillip Rivers starts fast but steadily declines as the game goes on. 1st quarter QBR 108.4 then continuously drops till it bottoms out at 76.9 during the 4th.

Rivers hasn't thrown a touchdown pass on any San Diego drive that starts on or inside their own 20 yard line.

When trailing late in games, under 4 minutes. Rivers is throwing for less than a 50% rate with 4 interceptions and 0 touchdowns.

Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter said while talking to the San Diego media that you teach offense through the eyes of the quarterback. Koetter has been fielding questions about Jameis Winston for almost 2 years and this is the first time I've heard this.

Casey Hayward a free agent pick up from the Green Bay Packers. Where he played almost exclusively inside nickel corner, is tied for the lead league for interceptions. Hayward has moved to outside starting corner back this season and has shadowed some teams elite receiver. Mike Evans is expected to draw Hayward all day this Sunday.

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