Bucs Offense Will Have Room to Operate

Big day for the Bucs especially the offense as they have added much needed speed with the signing of former Redskins WR Desean Jackson. Jackson has been a dynamic playmaker his whole career and was really good last season producing another 1000 yard season in which he led the NFL in yards per catch with 18. Even at 30 years old, Jackson still has top notch speed and hasn't slowed up yet as he continues to produce big plays. Jackson had 4 catches of 50 yards or more last season so definitely provides big play ability and can be that explosive playmaker for them.

More importantly, now having Desean the Bucs offense is going to have more space to operate as an unit. The run and passing game are going to get better looks when he is on the field because of his speed. Opposing defenses will be forced to play more zone looks which means more cover 2 and cover 4 looks which means safeties are playing back. In other words, the Bucs will get more 7 man in the box looks which will allow the Bucs to be a more effective running team. If the Bucs can run the ball which Koetter wants to do, then that will open up the play action passing game for Jameis Winston. That's where Winston is at his best when he can use the play action giving him and his receivers more space in the middle of the field.

Jackson should also see favorable matchups as well because they can't double him and Mike all the time. So I would expect to see Jackson be moved around and working in the slot at times to exploit certain matchups. This offense just got way better with the addition of Desean Jackson and guys like Cameron Brate, Mike Evans, and Adam Humphries are all going to reap the benefits. His veteran presence, swagger, and playmaking ability will help the Bucs take a big step towards that next level.

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.

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.

You can follow @realbucstalk on Twitter Here

Thanks for reading and as always Go Bucs!!

Adam Humphries is Stepping up to The Plate

Going into this season most thought the slot receiver spot was going to be a weakness for the Bucs offense, but so far we have all been wrong. Kudos to Adam Humphries who has worked really hard and has improve his game in every aspect this offseason. Humphries took over the slot early this pre-season, and has not look back. He has done a great job on special teams by providing consistency in the return game averaging 10 yards per return.

Most importantly, he has been a reliable target for Jameis, coming up with big catches on third down and making big plays in the screen game. Humphries has 18 receptions for 201 yards so far and is coming off a big game with 9 catches for 100 yards. Humphries does a lot for this offense as he is an excellent blocker and is great at working the flats and over the middle for Jameis to find him. Hopefully he can keep this going and Koetter and his staff can keep finding ways for him to grow in this offense. This offense is on the verge of being special and it needs players like Adam Humphries.

Adam Humphries is the new Julian Edelman.
Runs great routes for the Bucs, and all those white WR narratives#deceptivespeed

— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 25, 2016

Vjax Is Still Playing Well

Vincent Jackson has been getting a bad rap as of late and the hate needs to stop. People are talking as if he's washed up and done. Yes, Jackson is in his 12th year and 33 years old but watching the tape he still is doing his job. He has been targeted 16 times and only has 6 catches for 62 yards. As I stated earlier in the week, a bunch of those targets were way off target by Winston and thats something he needs to fix, but Jackson has shown his worth on many other occasions. He may not be getting all the catches and yards Evans is getting but he is getting open as you can see below.

Great pocket, plenty of time and Winston air mails it. Don't blame Vjax when he's open 15 yards down the field. Winston needs to do better pic.twitter.com/ccL2ggVfTd

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) September 21, 2016

Again smart to pick on Brandon Williams the rookie but way off target. Vjax is open just need to deliver. pic.twitter.com/Y1eJJW8wOV

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) September 21, 2016

He also shows his ability to block and be used in different ways here as he springs open a big play for Adam Humphries.

1st and 20 on this play. The organization of everyone blocking is beautiful. Vjax with the first initial block. Get to these basics! pic.twitter.com/Jas491985V

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) September 22, 2016

Ever since Jackson joined the bucs in 2012 he has been known to drop a ball or two a game so that is no big story. He still has the ability to get open and make big plays down the field. Any way you look at it VJax is still a mismatch in our favor as he's 6'5 230 and can easily box out any corner in front of him. He knows he's still good and he showed it here, per Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Times.

I feel great. I still feel like I’m playing at a very high level. Our coaches have all the confidence in me, obviously, my teammates do as well. So for me, it’s just continue to do my job. I don’t have to try and do too much or press or anything extraordinary. I trust my training, I know I can make plays and when those opportunities come – I hope more come my way – but I’m just going to continue to do my job.''

Jackson has alway been a true professional and he will show up. Given that he is fully healthy, Jackson should be targeted much more and he will produce and make Winston's job so much easier. I'm not concerned at all about his ability and expect him to produce in the coming weeks. Oh and guess what, he has another 5'11 corner covering him this week.

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.

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.

Potential Sleeper at the Receiver Position?

The Bucs have talent at the receiver position with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson leading the way, along with Louis Murphy, Russell Shepard, and Adam Humphries. Evans is a true number one and will be a dominant force for years to come. Jackson is on the older side as he is 33 but is still very productive and should bounce back if healthy. Murphy and Shepard are both decent players but nothing special as both have plateau. Humphries has potential as a slot receiver and displays consistent hands and hopefully can continue to get better.

However, there is one receiver that was mainly on the practice squad this past season that is starting to make noise and that is Evan Spencer out of Ohio State. Spencer is only 23 and has good size at 6'2 208lbs plus he has the speed and hands as well. Teammate Mike Evans had good things to say about Spencer per pewterreport.com.

“He’s a hard worker,” Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans said. “He’s 6-foot-1 and he has good speed, but he has really good hands. That’s what people don’t realize. He has really good hands.”

If Spencer can provide consistency and show the ability to make big plays, he could very well beat out Louis Murphy or Russell Shepard for a roster spot on the team. The Bucs need a speed/deep threat and perhaps that is Spencer. Maybe this is why the Bucs passed on drafting a receiver this year.

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.

Prospect Analysis: Sterling Shepard

The Bucs have weaknesses all over the defensive side of the ball but you can forget the fall in production in the passing game when Vincent Jackson went down due to injury. You could blame it on Jameis being a rookie or you could look at it as there aren't enough receiving weapons for Winston to get the ball to. Step in Sterling Shepard as a target in the draft to help Winston find another option.

Sterling Shepard exploded in his senior year with Oklahoma putting up 1,288 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns. Shepard is a fluid athlete that doesn't slow down in his routes and can plant his foot in the ground and change direction with ease. His hands are more than capable but many of his catches can be attributed to shorter routes. Although a small frame 5'10 194, Shepard possess enough strength and effort to get his nose dirty in run support. Shepard was a workout warrior during combine workouts posting a 4.48 forty yard dash, 20 reps on the bench press and a 41 inch vertical leap. All those numbers prove Shepard is an above average athlete and well worth a high draft pick but how high?

Most projections have him as a 2nd round pick, so would the Bucs pick a wide receiver that high considering the Defensive needs. In my honest opinion I feel Licht views this as an extremely talented D-line draft and he will attack that accordingly, but if Shepard happens to fall to our pick, I wouldn't be surprised to see him taken.

Shepard could bring an option to Tampa that hasn't been here in quite some time. The Bucs receivers are Tall and long, making them take time to get open. Shepard would be a perfect slot receiver and a mismatch for any defender in the middle of the field as he has that make you miss ability no receiver on the Bucs possess. Tampa has high hopes for Donteea Dye and Adam Humphries, but a player with the abilities of Shepard is hard to come by and would immediately come in and be a contributor on the offense as well as be another weapon for Winston to utilize.