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

by Douglas O'Connor
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     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!!

Future Center?

The theme of this off-season has been versatility as the Bucs have been looking for players that can play multiple positions. They have been also cross-training players as well with one of them being RG Ali Marpet who has been taking snaps at center during OTA's. Marpet could be the future center for the team since Joe Hawely and Evan Smith are both entering contract years. This is just smart by the team as it builds depth and most importantly its going to make Marpet a better player. Here is the news per Greg Auman.

Bucs going through their no-helmet walkthrough portion of OTA practice with curious wrinkle: Ali Marpet getting some work at center ...

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 2, 2016

The Bucs are also working guard Kevin Pamphile at center as well who could see more playing time this year and is someone that is on the rise. Ali Marpet did so well at guard last season that he will probably stay there but it is always good to expand your abilities as a player. This will allow Marpet to see the game from a different aspect which will only help his techniques and his approach. This is just another smart move by this coaching staff.

Updated:Glennon on the Move?

Updated: According to Rick Stroud, Mike Glennon is unlikely to be traded during the draft this weekend. Bucs were hoping for a high third round pick, but it looks unlikely now.

Re: questions about #Bucs trading @Mike_Glennon. Based on available QBs etc., I believe there's almost no chance he is dealt. Plays TB in 16

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) April 29, 2016

One of the big questions for this draft is, "Will Mike Glennon be traded"? I say it should be explored and pushed hard by Bucs Gm Jason Licht to get a deal done. With Jameis Winston on the team, I don't see a need for Glennon and with him being in a contract year, the Bucs should try to get something for him. Bucs have had talks with the Jets about a possible trade, the Broncos are also believed to be interested in the 6'6 gunslinger.

Don't expect a trade tonight but keep an eye on the Qbs that go first round, and if either the Broncos or Jets don't get a Qb tonight, look for the Bucs to start receiving calls on Glennon. An extra third or fourth round pick would be super beneficial for the Bucs as Jason Licht could turn that into a impact starter for this team. Lets hope the Bucs can get it done this weekend.


                          

Expect Surprises Tonight

The NFL Draft is always exciting as fans and draft experts try to predict every pick, but every year there is always that surprised pick that makes fans get that shocked look on their face. This draft could be full of them as after the top 6 guys (Ramsey,Bosa,Nkemdiche,Stanley,Tunsil, Jack), the talent level is similar amongst the remaining players. No one thought Leonard Williams was going to fall to the Jets at 6 last year or guys like Marcus Peters and Nelson Agholor going in the top 20. Expect no different tonight, as surprises will be plenty tonight as teams try to make the best selection for their team.

Once the Chargers are on the clock, the draft will officially begin as the first two picks are expected to be Quarterback. The main point is nothing is for certain in this draft and expect the unexpected as every Gm's draft board is different, and guys that might be regarded as second round talent could go first round instead. None the less, the draft is always entertaining and tonight should be just that. Can't wait to see the first surprise move tonight as there is always that one move that is the talk of the draft.

                                

Continuity on Offense is Key

Head coach Dirk Koetter spoke with the media today and the big message was that last year is in the past and its time for the team to move forward. Last year, the Bucs had the 5th ranked offense, but Koetter says it must be better by scoring more points in 2016 if they want to obtain more wins. The good news for the Bucs is they have continuity on offense with their core offensive staff and players returning for the upcoming season. Koetter says the offense needs refinement but should be much improved with everyone coming back.

Dirk Koetter says continuity on offense w/coaches, players, scheme and philosophy means you should EXPECT that offense to improve in year 2.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) April 11, 2016

Koetter went on to say the team needs better execution throughout the offense and must be more efficient in their red zone scoring. The offense should be a strength for this team as Koetter and Winston are heading into year 2 meaning both should be improved as a result. This offense could be really fun to watch in 2016 as this team finally can build with the same scheme which hasn't happen in a while for this franchise.

Evans and Winston Working to Be Dynamic Duo in 2016

One of the main issues from 2015 that is being discussed often during the 2016 off-season is improving the chemistry between Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. With the team returning to workouts today, both Mike Evans and Jameis Winston talked about their chemistry being better on and off the field in 2016.

Jameis Winston says he & Mike Evans are developing a closer relationship on & off field so they can depend on each other at key moments.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) April 11, 2016

Evans agrees with coach Koetter by saying they were off last season and they are striving to get it right for 2016 per Greg Auman.

"We've been hanging out more. We're both busy guys, but we find time to hang out and throw when we can," Evans said Monday on the first day of the team's offseason conditioning workouts. "I agree with (head coach) Dirk Koetter: Our chemistry was a little off last year, mostly on my end though. I feel it won't be a problem this year."

This is a good sign of things to come and shows that both of these guys want to be great and are putting in the work to do so. Winston said that he and Evans just worked on deep balls during the first couple of workouts they had together, which was inconsistent last year. Jameis Winston is a workaholic according to Mike Evans, as Jameis is just non-stop in his pursuit of getting better.

Evans says Winston is a workaholic and is always finding him to go to work. #Bucs

— Gil Arcia (@GilArciaTBC) April 11, 2016

Looks like both Winston and Evans are ready to improve in 2016 and be one of the best quarterback/receiver combos in the league.

Mike Evans Expects to Be Better in 2016

The Bucs need wide receiver Mike Evans to be elite in 2016 as he was good in 2015 but was way too inconsistent throughout the year. Now heading into his third year, he is looking to be that elite number one receiver that is expected of him from his coaches and teammates. Bucs players and coaches reported back today for offseason workouts, and Mike Evans was first to speak today and says its fair to say he had a sophomore slump per Greg Auman.

Bucs' Mike Evans: "People will say I had a sophomore slump last year. I guess that's fair ... I've got to get back to my fundamentals."

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) April 11, 2016

Evans needs to stick to his strengths and that is catching the ball as in 2014 he was catching everything that was near him, so look for that to return in 2016. Evans has massive size and is good at being a physical wideout and needs to display that more this season. Evans expects to be better and expects his team to be better in 2016 per Gil Arcia

Evans feels team will be much better in 2016.

— Gil Arcia (@GilArciaTBC) April 11, 2016

Lets hope Evans can find that consistency because when he is right, he is one of the best receivers in this game.

Seahawks Wanted Sweezy Back

One of the Bucs big acquisitions this off-season was guard J.R Sweezy, who is expected to be the starter at the left guard position. Sweezy had a lot of suitors after his services as much as ten teams and for him to pick the Bucs says he really wants to be here. According to Anthony Becht, Sweezy's former team in the Seattle Seahawks had very high regard for him and tried very hard to re-sign Sweezy to bring him back. (click here to see video)

Becht went on to say that Sweezy is everything the Bucs want in their offensive lineman, which is strong at point of attack, athletic feet, and able to finish. Sweezy who is only 26 is going into the prime years of his career, and should bring some power to the Bucs running game which should be stronger in 2016. Sweezy and Ali Marpet should form one of the top guard duo's in the league which is only good news for the Buccaneers.

Hidden Edge Rusher On The Bucs Already?

Last year, Gm Jason Licht made an under the radar pickup by getting DE Howard Jones right after preseason had ended. Jones started the season on the practice squad before being called up in week 5 in which he had 2 sacks in his first game. Jones became a regular contributor and ended the season with 5 sacks as a rookie. Jones is another small school guy playing division 2 football at Shepard University, where he set the school record for sacks with 34.5. Jones is really athletic as he was a receiver coming out of high school and was converted to linebacker at Shepard. He put on over 50lbs during his time there and is still raw as defensive player now in the NFL. However, having 4.54 40 and 40.5 inch vertical really helps Jones overcome technique issues and allows him to win on just pure athleticism.

Jones is still figuring things out on defense as he is still very raw with his hand technique and overall pass rush game, if he can find a consistency there the Bucs could have something special. Jones has good size at 6'2 238lbs along with long arms at 34 inches making him similar to Von Miller or Khalil Mack type. Jones still could probably add another 10 to 12 pounds to fill out his frame, which would make him stronger and could be more of every down type DE. The good news for Jones is he has a great defensive line coach in Jay Hayes who should make everyone better on the defensive line. Another good thing is Jones is a perfect fit for this new defense that Mike Smith is going to bring in which we will see more multiple looks meaning some 3-4 fronts at various times. Jones could easily become standup guy in a 3-4 playing a hybrid role as a outside linebacker/defensive end type player.

Howard Jones has all the tools to become something in this league, lets hope with Jay Hayes now on the staff, he can become a consistent player and provide some edge rush which this team could use heading into the 2016 season.

Breakout Player for 2016?

Buccaneers Gm Jason Licht has done a great job of finding talent from the undrafted pool or through waivers. For instance, Jacquies Smith, Howard Jones, Jude Adjei-Barimah, and Cameron Brate just to name a few. Licht speaking with NFL.com writer Marc Sessler today, feels that Brate could be the breakout player for the Bucs in 2016.

Asked Licht if the Buccaneers had one player he saw as a potential breakout guy for 2016.

He went with third-year TE Cameron Brate.

— Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL) March 21, 2016

Realbucstalk agrees as we feel Brate has upside and can grow into a very good balanced tight end. He brings size, good hands, underrated speed, and is a decent blocker. If ASJ can stay on the field to go along with Brate, the Bucs could have something similar to what the Patriots had 2010 with Gronkowski and Hernandez. Having Brate become a breakout player in 2016 would be a big boost to an offense that will be pretty potent already.

Jameis Says Keep It Simple

During his college days, Jameis Winston was known for going for the big plays and loved to go down the field most of the time. However in the NFL, things are much different for the quaterback as he must look at all of his options and decide in a split second whats the best option for that play. Coming into the league last year, Jameis thought he could replicate what he did in college, thinking that every play can be a big play, which isn't the case against NFL defenses. Jameis would struggle early on as he threw seven interceptions in his first four games, including four in one game against Carolina. After that game, Jameis changed his play and fared much better the rest of the way, ending the season with over 4,000 yards, 22tds and 15 ints.

Now reflecting back on his rookie season, Jameis says he needs to keep it simple and by doing so will lead to more success in the years to come. With Dirk Koetter as coach, Jameis will just continue to get better because he is being told the right things from his coach. Here is Jameis talking about his best lesson from 2015 per mmqb.si.com:

“Something that coach Koetter taught me that really helped me with my whole game: Just do the simple things. I’m such a passionate player, I always want to make big plays and I always want to have excitement. It seems so cliché saying this, but do the simple things and you’ll be OK. Don’t overdo. It just sounds like, OK, it’s like reading the Bible. The Bible tells you from right and wrong and you do that and you will have a good life. But it’s really that easy: Make the simple decision. If you don’t get too over-hyped, if you just make smart decisions and do the right thing, the sky is the limit.”

If Jameis Winston can continue to work on making the simple play, he is going to be one of the great quaterbacks in this league very soon.

Early Draft Predictions

Today marks 88 days until the 2016 NFL draft and its never too early for mock drafts to be sprouting out from everywhere. Any ordinary Buccaneer fan can say without a doubt the biggest need the Bucs have is on the defense. But what position in this Swiss cheese defense? Early mock draft have that answer in Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves lll. Per draftcountdown.com

After shoring up their offense last offseason it’s now time for the Bucs to shift their focus to rebuilding a defense that has a number of holes.  Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III might be the best fit when factoring in both value and need.  The major knock on Hargreaves is a lack of ideal size / length.  While there is precedent for sub-6’0” cover guys coming off the board in the Top 10 overall it doesn’t happen often.  Hargreaves has a chance to be one of the exceptions.  Despite his somewhat diminutive dimensions Hargreaves plays a lot bigger due to an aggressive, physical mentality.  Hargreaves will be paid handsomely  for his coverage ability though, where his speed, quick feet, fluid hips and instincts allow him to stick to opposing wideouts down the field.  Hargreaves is also a playmaker in the secondary, finishing his Gators career with 28 pass breakups and 10 interceptions in just three seasons.  Think of Hargreaves as a rich-man’s version of Jason Verrett.  Tampa Bay must also upgrade at defensive end and address a severe shortage of pass rushers but at the end of the day the back-end of the defense is a more pressing concern.

Corner would be a perfect start to fixing the pathetic excuse for a secondary the Bucs put out there every Sunday. Hargreaves is a Tampa boy coming from our own local high school Wharton. What better than to come home and play for your Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The guy has elite skills and was rarely thrown to in his 3 years at Florida and still came up with 10 ints. I feel he will be gone by 9 but this is a perfect scenario, more crazy things have happened before. 

Play on the Edge Not Over the Edge

It seemed while watching the Bucs, you were just waiting for a yellow flag to be thrown on every other play. Unfortunately this is what happened as the Bucs were the most penalized team in the NFL this past season.  The Bucs had 143 infractions which is just unacceptable, and it cost the team some more wins this year.

Enter Mike Smith, who when with the Falcons did an outstanding job of limiting penalties and his teams were usually at the top with fewest flags. Smith is all about playing smart but physical at the same time, he does a great job of putting an heavy emphasis on reducing flags because it takes a toll on the team if occurs too many times.

“The defensive pass interferences are probably the toughest ones to deal with, then the egregious late hits and things like that. You want guys to play tough, you want them to play smart, though. We want to be tough, we want to be aggressive, but we’ve got to play smart. We always talked about taking it right up to the edge, but let’s not go over.”

Mike Smith added that its extremely important to play penalty free football, especially on defense.

“One of the things that I think is very important is that you strive to play penalty-free football. On defense you have to play penalty-free football because if you don’t you’re getting a lot of opportunities to have the spot fouls. The things that really hurt you are the defensive pass interferences or the silly, dumb penalties. As a defense we’re going to strive to play on the edge, not over the edge. That’s a fine line and when teams play on the edge they’re ready to play and they’re ready to play the way the game is supposed to be played.”

I completely agree, the Bucs got to stop the flags if it wants to make the playoffs in 2016, with Koetter and Smith here I think there's a great chance of that happening.