Hamstrings:What, Why, When, & Where.

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The recent "setback" of Buccaneers running back Doug Martin had a lot of fans throwing their hands in the air in frustration. Fully expecting to see their pro bowl running back lining up behind Jameis Winston in San Francisco.

    Hamstring injuries are commonplace in the NFL and are notorious for taking so much time to heal. The Buccaneers over the last 2 years have put two draft picks on IR due to hamstring injuries, Kenny Bell and Devante Bond. So it's not something that is easily overcome.

     I decided to do some research about the injury in hopes to understand why it's so common and information on the best treatments. I found a pages an pages of medical journal papers, but since I'm no doctor a lot of it information was lost on me. Then I came across an ESPN Training Room post that broke it down for us workaday types. Would you like to know MORE.

     You can follow fellow staffers @realbucstalk. Thanks for reading and Go Bucs!

Five Players Who Need to Step Up

Tonight we will get a good look at most of the starters as they will play into the third quarter against the Browns. The Bucs also return to Raymond James Stadium for the first time since last season so hopefully we can start the home slate with a win even though its preseason. With roster cuts around the corner, I wanted to take a look at 5 players whom I feel need a good performance tonight.

1.) WR-Kenny Bell- There were big expectations going in for this season for Mr.Bell but for some reason he has having trouble producing on the field. I see the ability there but he has to find a way to be productive when he is out there and so far that hasn't been the case. Hopefully tonight he can show some flashes of that potential that is in him.

2.) RB-Peyton Barber-  Tonight will be big for Barber as he is trying to impress the coaches enough to gain  the 3rd Rb spot. I think Barber will bring the intensity tonight and hopefully can show what he can do in the run and pass game.

3.) S-Major Wright- Yes he is in trouble of being cut I believe due to the emergence of Ryan Smith and Keith Tandy whom both continue to make plays. Wright is a solid veteran but he might be in trouble if he doesn't make any plays tonight.

4.) CB- Johnthan Banks- I was really high on Banks going into training camp as I thought for sure he was going to bounce back in a big way. Unfortunately it hasn't happen as Banks has fallen to the bottom of the depth chart and is struggling to gain any ground. I hope he can get some time with the ones and twos tonight to show something but it's not looking good for him.

5.) DT/DE- Cliff Mathews- Matthews is someone who has come on strong as of late and was a starter last week with McCoy out. If he can have a solid game tonight, he could make this team as the fourth DT if the team decides to keep 4. Matthews has good agility and strength along with some decent pass rush moves. Keep an eye on him tonight.

Post Game Thoughts

Well last night didn't go exactly how the Bucs would have liked to start the preseason opener, but even though there were negatives there were some good positives as well. Most important thing about preseason is evaluation and see what needs to be improved for the next game in efforts to get better as a team. Last night's game did just that as it show some really good things and that there is still work to be done. With that being said here are some of my thoughts from the game.

Kenny Bell is in trouble- Bell did not help himself last night with an opening the game with a fumble on kickoff return. Plus didn't make any impact in the passing game so overall it wasn't the start he was looking for. Good news is he has three more games to prove himself and that he is capable of being a dependable wideout.

Screen game is in midseason form- The Bucs offense struggled to move the ball, but had great success with their screen game which produced most of the passing yards last night. It was just fun to watch, and when ever it was called a big play happen. Now again it's preseason but it was good to see it being properly utilized.

Defense looked properly coached- What impress me most about the defense is they all looked like they knew where to be on the field. It was assignment sound football as all three levels of the defense were working together. The front four had a pass rush plan and guys in coverage were in their spots which led to some coverage sacks. This defensive staff is big improvement.

Robert Ayers looks like a good FA signing- Robert Ayers was probably the best player on the field last night. He was being physical at point of attack and was consistently winning his one on one matchups. If healthy, he is going to have a solid year for the Bucs.

Penalties and Turnovers are still an issue- This will be improved due to Dirk Koetter's mentality, but it was not pleasant to see last night as it was one of the big themes of the offseason. The good news it is preseason and none of this counts and there are still more preseason games to correct it.

Overall, I don't look too much into last nights game because it is preseason and its just a glorified scrimmage, Now just look for improvement in next week's game against the Jaguars and if we don't take a step forward in that game then it might be time to worry a little.

Adam Humphries Wins Slot Receiver Spot

Going into training camp, one of the big position battles was the slot receiver position. Well that battle came to an end today as coach Koetter named Adam Humphries the slot Wr going forward. Humphries has overcome a lot of obstacles as he was an undrafted signing last off-season, and went on to be a big part of this team as the season went on. He just continues to get better with his route running and might have the best hands on the team which allows him to be a consistent target for Jameis Winston. Coach Koetter calls him Mr. consistency and said he is going to be a big piece of this offense for the upcoming season.

"Definition of a consistent player." -HC Koetter names Adam Humphries WR3

WATCH full 🎥: https://t.co/SBuCXZmch8 pic.twitter.com/bfF5FptcWK

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) August 1, 2016

I like Koetter ending the speculation early and recognizing Humphries as the slot Wr as it allows the offense to build chemistry. Humphries is one of the hardest workers on the team and is being awarded as he should be, hopefully he can be a Wes Welker type for this team, and continue to be money on third down. I know Bucs fans were hoping last year's 5th round pick Kenny Bell was going to be ready to take that spot but he is just not there yet. Doesn't mean Bell wont play as he is still valuable on special teams and can be used as a rotational wideout on the outside and inside depending on matchups. Now the wide receiver battle shifts to the 4th through 6th spots which means some good players will be let go.

Competition at Slot WR Shows on Day 1

The Bucs have two star receivers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson whom both will be a big part of the offense this year. However, the bigger story is who will be the team's slot receiver as a fierce competition is brewing there and it showed today. The top two candidates are Adam Humphries and Kenny Bell whom both are entering their 2nd season. Humphries was one of the big surprises last year while Bell didn't play due to injury after shining all off-season. Well the competition might have just gotten tougher after today's performance by special teams ace Russell Shepard. Shepard hasn't been able to produce as a receiver, mostly making his impact on special teams but perhaps this year is the year that changes. Making big plays against Brent Grimes helps via JP Peterson.

Russell Shepard catches deep ball from Jameis beating Brent Grimes by a couple steps

— JP Peterson (@JPPetersonSprts) July 28, 2016

Again they are not in pads so until that happens we can't get too high on this but it is encouraging to see. Shepard is a guy I have always been high on as the physical tools are there, but it's about putting the mental side of the game together too. Today was a good start for him as he was making big plays consistently, but he is going to have to be consistent everyday if he truly wants to be a bigger part of the offense. Not to be out done, Kenny Bell made big plays today as well showing his speed and quickness like in this video via Greg Auman.

Video: Jameis Winston hits Kenny Bell on quick pass at #Bucs practice. pic.twitter.com/DinKr57ybe

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 28, 2016

Again same goes for Bell as needs to be consistent and prove he is capable of doing this in game situations. Then there is the current slot receiver Adam Humphries who is Mr. reliable and right now has the edge to win the position. Humphries has great hands and is very consistent in his route running as he shows here via pewterreport.com.

Winston to @adamhumphries13 #BucsCamp pic.twitter.com/XecGO0iT0T

— PewterReport.com (@PewterReport) July 28, 2016

This is only day one of camp but this slot receiver battle should be a fun one to watch as we inch closer to the start of the season.

It's Only About Winning

The culture is changing at One Buc as it is all business from the management down to the players and they only want one thing and that is wins. The message is being sent that it is time to win this year, and no more excuses will be allowed. From Gm Jason Licht, head coach Dirk Koetter, and star Qb Jameis Winston delivering the message loud and clear that there is one stat that matters and that is winning games. One player who gets the message is 2nd year receiver Kenny Bell who just wants to win via bucsnation.com.

“I’ve never really set personal goals for a season in terms of catches and yards,” Bell said. “I know that people say that it really helps and that it gives you something to shoot at, but I just wanna win football games with this team. I truly enjoy this organization, I truly enjoy my teammates, the coaching staff. I really just wanna win, I wanna win so bad. That’s what I would like to make happen this year.

This is a great mindset to have and hopefully it spreads throughout the whole roster. This team is building a winning culture like Jameis said back in January. Accountability is finally coming back to this organization as everyone is either doing their jobs or else they are gone. The days of nonsense looks to be gone, and there is only one thing on the mind and that is getting wins.

Jameis Culture Change Noted

Kenny Bell sat down with bucs team insider Casey Phillips on a segment called "Slice" at Buccaneers.com where Bell revealed the true effect Jameis is having on the buccaneers team.

I've never looked up to a player the way I look up to Jameis Winston. That energy and the mojo that he brings to the football field and how contagious it is on an NFL football field, with grown men who have families and stuff going on. Its one thing to be a leader in college, a vocal leader and guys get behind you, but to walk into an NFL locker room and take it over and be as contagious as number 3 has been is something thats truly unbelievable and he doesn't get enough credit for it. He's truly changing the culture of our team. Obviously its not just him but he's a huge reason.

Bell is a true believer in Jameis Winston and I would assume the rest of the bucs team feels the same. Winston is alpha dog this team has always needed and he's showing that not only by his actions but by the words of his teammates. Winston is the leader of men this losing team has been begging for and will be the direction leading forward. The bucs will go as Winston goes and it seems like the arrow is pointing up.

Humphries is Ready to Compete for Playing Time

Adam Humphries has some stiff competition for the slot receiver and returner positions as we get closer to July. Humphries was one of the few bright spots on the team last year as he stepped up nicely filling in for the injured Louis Murphy as the slot receiver. He is not the biggest or the fastest but reliable and that is what you want from your third receiver. Humphries had a decent rookie season hauling in 27 catches for 260yds and one touchdown. Humphries is working hard to improve in all areas and feels he has already improved via Buccaneers.com.

"I do feel like I'm a better player [this year]," said Humphries. "I feel like every year I need to improve and that's what you have to do to stay in this league. I had a good offseason and I feel like so far in OTAs we've improved. Personally, I feel like I've improved and that I've performed well this offseason.

Humphries looks up to New England's star receiver Julian Edelman and wants to evolve his game similar to him by being precise in his route running and overall lateral quickness. If Humphries can become anything close to Edelman then the Bucs got another steal and the offense will be in good hands. Humphries is going to have to earn it as he faces tough competition from Kenny Bell and Evan Spencer. The receiver position will be a fun one to watch come training camp.

Will Young Receivers Show Improvement?

The bucs seem to have competition across the board this year but one position that doesn't seem as deep is the wide receiver position. Jason Licht skipped addressing the position in the draft and free agency as well. Is that because he is confident in the young receivers on the current roster?

The bucs have 3 second year players that still have room to grow and could potentially be a difference maker in Donteea Dye 22, Adam Humphries 23, and Kenny Bell 24. Dye was more of a deep threat last year and didn't manage much else as he totaled only 11 catches for 132 yards and one score. Humphries on the other hand seemed to be a sure handed slot guy that could make strides this year as he totaled 27 catches for 260 yards and one score as well. Kenny Bell had a redshirt season due to injury last year but was the only one of the 3 to actually be drafted last year and has the most all around game.

The bucs truly need a slot receiver and difference maker at the wide receiver position and they are hoping that guy is currently on the roster. 2nd year receivers can make big strides in development so I'm not going to say theres no chance these guys aren't it. Training camp and preseason will tell all and push the best guy to the top. This should be an interesting competition to keep and eye on.

Deep Passing Game Will be Focal Point in 2016

It's early but so far during practices the Bucs offense are making big plays in the passing game. This is what Dirk Koetter wants as it is all about making explosive plays on offense because it's really hard to drive the length of the field every time. Last season, Jameis was inconsistent with his downfield passing, and it is something he has been working on so far during this off-season. Just take a look at this pass in which he hits Kenny Bell in stride for a touchdown.

Video: Nice touchdown pass from Bucs QB Jameis Winston to former @Huskers receiver Kenny Bell. pic.twitter.com/TEkQZMizfH

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 24, 2016

It is plays like this that can change the outcomes of games, and if the Bucs want to be a playoff contender they are going to need to make more plays like this. Now a lot goes into the deep passing game as there has to be protection from the oline, the receivers have to be precise, and lastly the Qb must throw it on time. With the Bucs going into the 2nd year of the offense, we should expect better execution from the deep passing game, and most importantly the team has the pieces to attack downfield.

With Evans, Vjacks, Murphy, Dye, Bell, and Sims the Bucs have the weapons to go deep often to create big plays. This team should be able to create mismatches consistently allowing them to convert on big plays often. Expect Jameis to be better with his ball placement and accuracy because of improved chemistry with his teammates and better understanding of the offense. So look for Dirk Koetter to attack the seams and the deep middle of the field in 2016, big plays are on the way.

Big Play Guy

There can never be enough weapons for this buccaneer offense and Winston spoke about how he's excited to get last years 6th round pick back on the field.

I spent more time with Kenny Bell last year than I spent with the rest of the guys, because we live so close to each other. So I'm very excited for him, looking forward to him doing big things. He's a big play guy, he can stretch that field for us.

Kenny Bell although a late round pick possesses that deep threat speed and is a hidden freak athlete noted by his 4.37 forty yard dash and 41.5 vertical leap. The man known as "Afro Thunder" for his hair that can barely fit in a helmet, can really stretch the field and is most likely the only legitimate speed threat on the bucs roster right now. He may not possess the quick twitch ability to make people miss, but football is all about north and south and he sure can do that. Consider last year a redshirt season for Bell and for him to compete heavily for the slot and kick return duties.

Roddy White and Dirk Koetter Reunion?

When the news broke of Roddy white being released by the Falcons, the first thought across everyones minds were that he would reunite again with Dirk here in Tampa. Dirk and Roddy have a long history together and White became the player he is today with a lot of guidance from your buccaneer head coach. Both had kind words to share about each other here per espn, Vaughn McClure.

Koetter about White:

"I tell friends of mine all the time that Roddy White is the single-most competitive football player I've ever met in my life," Koetter said. "I've just never been around a guy that his desire to win and compete would let him overcome injuries. He would do whatever it takes -- whether it be blocking, catching, running with the football -- just whatever you needed to help you win a game, Roddy would try to do it."

White about Koetter:

"Dirk's my guy, but he's watched me and how I grinded over the years, just dealing with injuries and going out there playing football," White said of Koetter. "He knows me in and out as a player; my strengths and my weaknesses. He put me in a lot of positions to make plays in his offense, and I had a lot of success. It's just kudos to him to say I'm one of the toughest guys he's ever been around, that he's ever coached. That speaks volumes of how I've just tried to come to work and be on my game to help our team win." 

 Its obvious the two have had great success with each other but the question is does White have anything left in the tank? White is 34 now and is no longer the deep threat he used to be evident by his big drop off last year with only 43 receptions, 506 yards, long of only 25 and one TD. His NFL career is slowly coming to an end right before our eyes.

White could consider reuniting with Koetter and coming to Tampa Bay to try and revitalize what little gas he does have left in the tank or he could go and join a serious playoff contender and end his career with a Superbowl ring. The latter is most likely, yet if he did want to join the Bucs I would have no issues with it, as he would provide another dependable option for Jameis and help groom young receivers coming up (Kenny Bell).

The Forgotten Man

I remember this past training camp as I kept saying to myself  there is number 80 again making another big play. That would be former Nebraska star, Kenny Bell who was selected in the 5th round last year by the Bucs and was expected to have an immediate impact right away. Bell was doing just that throughout the off season as he was making big plays day after day. Him and Jameis were creating a bond on and off the field as Jameis would look Bell's way often. Bell displayed great hands, smooth route running, and great burst down the field.

Bell was on his way to be a regular contributor, unfortunately the injury bug hit and it caused inconsistent play during the preseason, ultimately led to being put on IR and done for the season. Hopefully, this year Bell can pick up where he left off, and come back even stronger because the Bucs could use his downfield speed. I know Jason Licht still believes him, this is what he said about him after the draft: per Pewterreport.com

“His skill-set is best for outside,” Licht said. “He can stretch the field. He also has the experience playing inside. We see him really making a push for contributing and playing a big role for us this year. He’s got upside to be a starter as well.”

Ideal for Bell this year is to really improve his consistency as player and make a push to be that number 3 receiver and play number 2 at times. The Bucs should know pretty quickly when they return to workouts in early April, hopefully Bell is back to his playmaking ways like he was as a cornhusker.

Potential 2nd Round Pick?

I agree the Bucs need help on defense but also thinks it could use more playmakers for Jameis Winston to throw to. I think the Bucs could use more speed especially someone with down field speed that can create explosive plays like coach Koetter wants. Let me introduce you to my favorite player in the draft, Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman. He was the 2015 Biletnikoff award winner which given to the best receiver that year as he went on to have 74 receptions with over 1300 yards and 20 tds. The main stat is 19 yards per catch which shows he is consistently making big plays which is what the Bucs need.

Even though the Bucs drafted Kenny Bell last year, who has good speed and has potential but I see him more as number three or four receiver where Coleman has legit number 2 possibly number 1 potential. Historically, Baylor receivers have not been great in the NFL as they run in an system that doesn't allow them to run the full route tree which limits their potential. However, scouts believe Coleman has the potential to break that streak as he has rare athletic ability and brings a toughness on the field that few can match. Most scouts compare him to Emmanuel Sanders, but I see a potential Steve Smith. Coleman stands at 5-10 185, but plays much bigger than his size and is a fierce competitor like Smith has been his whole career.

I think a potential receiving corps of Evans, Coleman, and Bell would be very dangerous and give Jameis the playmakers he needs to be very successful, making the Bucs offense that more explosive. Coleman has great hands, legit speed, and can make people miss with the ball in his hands. I think Coleman would be great value in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft, and could be an instant impact player for this team.