The Buccaneers Need A RB1

Buccaneers RB - Doug Martin

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt  

     The 5 year $35.7 million contract Doug Martin signed during the 2016 off season was intended to shore up the Buccaneers backfield for a minimum of 2 years. Giving the Bucs, along with Charles "Chuck" Sims, a extremely productive one, two combo that would make opposing defensive coordinators burn the midnight oil devising a game plan to stop the duo.

     Now with Martin's suspension and Sims inability to run the ball between the tackles. The Bucs have two UDFA running backs , two blocking fullbacks, and an ex-college QB under contract to fill the Doug Martin void.  

     I'll go over what the Bucs have, what's available in free agency, and draft prospects the Bucs could be looking at to fill their huge running back need.

What The Bucs Have

     Doug Martin is under contract as of time of post, but that may change. There are so many factors to the Martin situation it's hard to know what will happen. Here is what we know. 

• Martin has served 1 game of his 4 game suspension. 
• It takes a total of 5 failed banned substances test to receive a 4 game ban.
• Martin's 2017 guaranteed money can be voided by the Bucs.
• This move will not accrue any dead money on the Bucs salary cap.
• If this happens Martin will become an UFA.
• Cutting martin will save the Bucs $27.7 million over the next 4 years.
• The Bucs have until June 1st to make a decision.

     As a football fans we all hope that Martin can clean up and make it back into the league, but the fact is that trust was broken. Martin broke the trust of fans and most important the trust of his employer. An employer that just rewarded him with $19 million in guaranteed money.

     So the question is, does the Bucs need at running back trump the very real possibility of Martin getting suspended again?

     If Martin tests positive for the 6th time he will be banished from the league for an entire year and will have to apply for reinstatement. Given this, Martin's history with injuries, and the cap room the Buccaneers would save. I think that Doug Martins days sporting the pewter and red on Sunday's are over. We here at Real Bucs Talk wish him all the best but his contributions as a Buc are over.

     Charles Sims had his chance to shine in the 2016 season. After Doug Martin went down in week two the RB1 job was his to lose, and he did just that. His week three showing against the Rams was positive, averaging 4.2 yards per rush and 11.5 yards per reception. He even found the end zone. However the following week against Denver his averages dipped to 1.9 and 3.5 respectively.

     Many critics, myself included, pointed out that the holes were there but Sims tap dancing behind the line of scrimmage when asked to run between the tackles was killing the Bucs run game. Charles came up lame after the Broncos game and didn't return for ten weeks. Essentially ending Sims chance to become a long term solution.

     Sims is a valuable cog to the Buccaneers offense but needs to get the ball in space to be most effective. He has excellent hands and has the speed to take it to the house from anywhere on the field but if it's 3rd and 3 or less, Sims has shown he's not the guy.

     Peyton Barber, a UDFA out of Auburn, was promoted from the practice squad to the 53 man roster on September 8th 2016 because of injuries. Spelling the starter for a few plays at a time was all the action Barber could muster. Barber runs with some power but lacks in the "make ya miss" part of his game, especially when running between the tackles.

     When...  Yes I wrote when the Bucs sign a free agent running back and draft another this off season. Barber will become a victim of the numbers game. There will simply be no room for him on the active roster. The Buccaneers would love to have him on the practice squad, but now that Peyton has some actual game tape. It won't be long before a team plucks him away from the Bucs.

     Russell Hansbrough is another UDFA , bounced up and down from the practice squad to the 53 man roster all year long. He wiggled his way into two games but never logged a carry. I expect a similar role for Hansbrough in 2017.

     Austin Johnson & Quayvon Hicks are two old school fullbacks. If you need two tough yards or a Mike linebacker blocked, these are your guys. If you want to run a jet sweep around the edge leave these two on the bench. Jason Licht has been trying to find someone to fill the traditional fullback role since he became GM. Johnson or Hicks might be that guy.

   

   National Gridiron League- Australia

     

     Blake Sims,  has passed for the second most yards in a single game in the entire history of the University of Alabama. Now he's trying to make a team in the NFL by switching to running back and isn't giving up easily. In less than two years time Sims has tried out for the Packers and the Redskins. Signed with the Toronto Argonauts and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. Even went as far as to sign with the Wollongong Devils of the Australian based NGL. (I didn't know that league existed either). Finally returning to the states and landing with the Falcons and now our Buccaneers. Blake has a cool story but that's about it. Sims might not last until the first round of cuts in training camp. Camp body, nothing more.

Free Agents

     Le'Veon Bell is by far and away the number one free agency running back in 2017. The chances that the Pittsburgh Steelers letting him leave town are less than a Mormon winning the lottery. So he's off the table. Searching the next best free agent running backs turn up names like Isaiah Cromwell, Eddie Lacy and Danny Woodhead. Not exactly the whose who of RB1, which the Buccaneers desperately need. 

     Jacquizz Rodgers is the only Free agent running back that makes sense for the Bucs. Including his time in Atlanta, Rodgers has spent four years in Dirk Koetter's offense. He can run with some power and has enough speed to run away from most linebackers and safeties. Rodgers is also above average in picking up the blitz. I don't think he is a long term solution for the Bucs but he is the free agent to hold down the fort until the running back the Buccaneers take in the draft is up to NFL speed.

The 2017 NFL Draft

     Thankfully for the Buccaneers the 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with so much running back talent that a few teams could get NFL caliber starters as late as the 4th round. Since there are so many players that the Bucs could take I contacted a friend to help us out.

     Riley Auman, @junioraumanac an NFL Draft evaluator that really puts in the work and is a big Bucs fan. If I ever have a question about a college prospect, he is the first person I reach out to. Riley was kind enough to let me use his Top 20 Prospect Grades Chart. These are  precombine grades and are subject to change.

Updated look in at my top twenty-five running backs for this upcoming draft.

Stock Up? Marlon Mack.
Stock Down? Donnel Pumphrey pic.twitter.com/tPxKKARiFS

— Riley (@junioraumanac) February 11, 2017

Any of these top 17 players could be lining up in the Bucs backfield next season. Perine, Foreman, Mack and Hunt are my personal favorites.

What I Think Will Happen

     The Bucs will cut bait with Doug Martin. Bring in a 2nd tier free agent vet, Jacquizz Rodgers, to start the season. Buying time for the drafted rookie, 1-17 above, to become acclimated to the nuances of the NFL.

     I would like to thank Greg Auman with his help on the understanding of the Doug Martin contract.

you can also follow us @realbucstalk

Thank You For Reading and as always GO BUCS!

Bucs Offense Need More Explosive Plays

In 2015, the Bucs had a lethal running game which created explosive plays for the offense and allowed them to be more efficient. In 2016, due to injuries and inconsistent line play, the Bucs had no running game which didn't help the passing game to create explosive plays downfield. Now part of this is due to the offense not having much speed to work with which is why the Bucs were at the bottom in yac(yards after catch) yards.

In this league, it is all about explosive plays and the Bucs went from averaging 9 explosives to only 7 in 2016. This off-season, the Bucs need to figure out how they can achieve more explosive plays whether it's via the run or pass. Everyone has a part in it and unfortunately both Doug Martin and Charles Sims were out multiple times this season due to injuries. Those two combined for more explosive plays in 2015 than the whole team in 2016. Jameis Winston needs to improve his deep ball accuracy, but more receivers besides just Mike Evans on the outside will help that too. Coach Koetter needs to be more creative and diverse in his play calling. Simply, the Bucs need to add more speed to this team and get guys in here that can make one guy miss and take it to the house for 6.

The good news is Bucs Gm Jason Licht knows this and will be definitely upgrading the talent at the skill positions this off-season. This offense can be dangerous as it did a great job converting on third down but it is hard to score in this league on 10 to 12 play drives everytime. Taking care of the ball and hitting on explosive plays is what wins games in this league now. Koetter talks about this all the time and have to believe that him and Licht are going to do what they can to add that missing ingredient which is called speed.

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.

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.

Bucs v Eagles Film Doesn't Help Much

by Douglas O'Connor

follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced of against Chip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles on November 22, of last year and walked out of Lincoln Financial Field with a 45-17 win. Jameis Winston threw for 5 touchdowns tying a rookie record and Doug Martin ran for a whopping 235 yards. Initially you'd think that the Bucs could dust off that game tape and use it as a blueprint against the now Kelly led San Francisco 49ers. Sure the offense schemes are the same but just about everything else has changed.

Offense
     Chip Kelly's offensive scheme is the same, but obviously the players have changed. The biggest change is at quarterback. Gone is the turnover machine Mark Sanchez replaced by a more mobile and more dangerous Colin Kaepernick. Sanchez threw 3 interceptions and put his team in a hole almost from the start. Now that Kaepernick is at the helm the read option will be a much bigger part of Kelly's game plan. 

     Dirk Koetter's offense put up 45 points and over 520 yards of offense against the Eagles last year. Giving Chip Kelly an up close and personal look at all of the Bucs offensive weapons. What makes the tape near worthless is that 2 of the 5 offensive touchdowns and 365 of the 520 total yards won't be on the field Sunday. Mostly in the form of Doug Martin, Charles Sims, and Vincent Jackson.

Defense
     Granted the Eagles offense didn't do a lot to help out their defense. 4 turnovers and only 7 points, but the offensive game plan the Bucs conceived for Philly is pointless now. Not only are the players different, but so is the coordinator and scheme. When Chip Kelly "moved" from the Eagles to the 49ers he didn't bring then defensive coordinator Billy Davis instead he hired Jim O'Neil away from the Cleveland Browns. The only thing that is a consistent factor between the 2 defenses is that they both lineup in a 3-4.

     The Buccaneers defensive film against the Eagles will be the most helpful, but with the hiring of new defensive coordinator Mike Smith his plan won't be identical. The addition of 4 new Bucs that will see significant playing time and Kaepernick's mobility changes the defensive approach enough to use the the tape more as a guideline not a blueprint.

     You can follow fellow staffers @realbucstalk
     As always thanks for reading and Go Bucs!

         
     

Run Game Needs to Help Jameis

The Bucs running game has struggled so far to say the least as they have missed Doug Martin's impact but their execution as an unit has been subpar. If the offense wants to get going and more importantly help Jameis play better, the ground game needs to be a focal point and must be an effective weapon for the team. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken spoke with the media today and shared his thoughts on the running game and how they can help Jameis more via buccaneers.com.

“We’ve hit it earlier, we’ve got to be able to run the ball better. We’ve got to be more precise in the way we run routes and come open quicker and I’m sure there’s some of those things he can be better at. So collectively, we’ve got to do a better job of that. Like you said, nothing’s good when you get your quarterback hit that often, but we’re ready to move on, we’re ready for the Panthers on Monday night and we’re expecting their best and they’re certainly going to get ours.”

Monken went on to say that Bucs need to do a better job of playing to their running backs strengths more and making it easier on them as well via buccaneers.com.

“I think that, again our sample size is really small, in terms of this year. I know over time – Charles is a very versatile player, he really is and a good football player. And we try to do a number of things with him and we expect him to continue to improve. We’ve got to do some things that schematically favors the things he can do and we’ve got to do some things probably better that take advantage of ‘Quizz’s’ talent.” 

Being more efficient in the ground game is going to help Jameis be more comfortable but also give him more opportunities to make plays down the field. This offense has to stay committed to the run game though and try to maintain balance throughout the game. Bucs should be averaging 30 rushing attempts a game regardless of how effective it is because it will keep the defense on their toes. Plus running the ball wears an opposing defense down which helps slow down the pass rush of the other team. Monday night, the Bucs need to run the ball with purpose and stay committed to it for the whole game.

Bucs Depth is Being Tested

The Bucs have had some tough injuries to deal with during the first four weeks of the season. Losing Jacquies Smith for the season, Doug Martin, Luke Stocker, and Robert Ayers these past three games has been tough blows to overcome. Now Bucs DT Gerald McCoy, Rookie DE Noah Spence and TE Brandon Myers are now on the injured list. The Bucs depth has been tested and it has hurt the running game and pass rush the most.

Backups in Howard Jones, and Devonte Lambert have done ok so far but they are no Ayers or Smith. Then on offense the Bucs are missing Stocker's run blocking and their best player in Doug Martin who can break tackles and bring power in the ground game. Sims has done a decent job as his strengths are in space and tends to struggle running between the tackles, but for the most part has done great as a pass catcher. Bucs Cb Jude Adjeh-Barimah talked to the media yesterday, and said it's no excuse as injuries happen.

“It’s hard because those are your brothers and you don’t want to see them go down, but at the same time it’s an opportunity for guys to step up. As I think about it last year, part of the reason why I got on the active roster is because of an injury. It’s an opportunity for guys to step up and to really make a comfortable role for themselves on this team and help us win. It’s the NFL, injuries are going to happen. We’d love to have [defensive tackle] Gerald [McCoy] and all those guys out there every day, but we need to the next man to step up because the standard remains the same and we have to keep up the level of play as if he were in there.”

Players and coaches have to do a better job as injuries will continue to take place and it's up to the backups to raise their games and play like starters. Bucs depth needs to rise up to the challenge because it's being tested right now.

Sims Needs To Be Used!

Charles Sims had his first crack at the starting lineup due to Doug Martin's hamstring and to be honest he did really well. Sims only carried the ball 13 times for a total of 55 yards and one touchdown to go with 6 catches for 69 yards. Totaling 124 yards on 19 touches, thats an average of 6.5 yards every time he touches the ball.

Sims has that make you miss ability that no other Buccaneer possesses and it needs to be utilized more. The Bucs need to continue to run the ball and get the ball in the hands of Sims more so that they can have a more balanced attack. Once the Bucs went down 4 in the 4th quarter running the ball didn't seem to be an option for Coach Koetter and that needs to change.

To look at last year as an example, the bucs won 5 of the 6 times they gave their lead back 20 carries or more. Sims isn't Doug Martin but he has talents of his own and he looks like he can do just fine filling in for now, you just have to give him the ball more. Obviously they have trust in him as they gave him the ball in a high pressure situation late in the 4th against the Rams and he shined bright.

Those who think Sims is a bad RB. 4&1 and the #bucs have trust in him to get it. Get off his back. He did very well, needs to b used more. pic.twitter.com/OwIQyYVMbd

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) September 27, 2016

 Sims will have to be a big contributor next week against the Broncos dominant defense whose only weakness seems to be against the run as they allowed the Bengals Jeremy Hill to rush for 97 yards on only 17 carries. Koetter needs to stay balanced and use the rush just as much as the pass. Winston shouldn't have to throw for 50 times every game.

Bucs Mistakes Cost Them Again

Another loss for the Bucs as they lose at home vs the mighty Rams 37-32 in which the Bucs had an ten point lead at one time. Again it was penalties, turnovers, missed kicks, and defensive breakdowns that gave this game to the Rams. The Bucs needed to have this game as the road ahead will be very tough. Watching the offense I was impressed as they showed a lot of great things and from a gameplan perspective it was near perfection. The offense did have two costly turnovers as both led to touchdowns which is something that must be fixed going forward if the Bucs want to win more than they lose.

Charles Sims, Adam Humphries, and Cameron Brate really stood out in this game as they made explosive plays and had three touchdowns between Sims and Brate. The Bucs spread out the Rams defense and took advantage as they mixed up their route tree very well with comeback, out, and slants. The offensive line was pretty solid and to only allow two sacks against that front four is quite accomplishment. Along with the turnovers, the other thing that was a negative was our two point conversion plays which I thought could have been better like throwing a fade jump ball to Evans.

Now on to what cost the Bucs this game, as defense and special teams were just not good enough and the Rams benefited. On the positive note, the defense did force two turnovers and scored on a pick 6. However, there were too many negatives as the defense was just too inconsistent throughout the game. Defensive breakdowns has killed this team so far as they have been allowing too many explosive plays. Two passing touchdowns of 30 yards plus by Case Keenum to Brian Quick and Tavon Austin just shouldn't happen. The defensive coaching staff and players need to do a better job of finding what works and sticking with it. If this defense is going to improve, the pass rush has to show up and right now it is just not there.

Lastly, Roberto Aguayo has to make kicks, it's his only job and for some reason he didn't have the confidence that he usually displays. Winning in the NFL is tough and is even tougher when your kicker misses an extra point and a chip shot field goal. Overall, this team is showing positives but still has a long way to go to become a playoff contender any time soon.

Bucs Will Have to Adapt With Martin Out

The Bucs running game took a hit today as the team learned it is going to be without starting running back Doug Martin for at least 3 weeks via Ian Rapport.

Following the results of his MRI, #Bucs RB Doug Martin is expected to be out about three weeks with a hamstring injury, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2016

This sucks but the Bucs are just going to have to adapt their offense to fit their running backs in Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers. If I was Dirk Koetter, I would try running out of more spread formation looks which should allow Sims and Rodgers to operate in space which is their strengths. Mix it up with zone runs out of singleback three wide formations which forces the defense to take defenders out of the box. Shotgun runs will help as well like inside zone runs and draws to keep the defense off balance.

Expect to see more usage of Sims and Rodgers in the passing game with designed screens and them split out wide to create mismatches. Koetter should put them both on the field at the same time to run some misdirection runs as well and get them out in the passing game to take advantage of the Rams linebacking unit. Bucs will need to be creative with Martin out at least till the bye week, and remember to stay balance on offense but play to your strengths of your team. This formation below is something we should see often with Sims in there and hopefully he can make plays like this.

Explosive Plays

The Bucs offense played pretty good in their win yesterday against the Falcons putting up 31 points and over 350 yards. The Bucs were balanced in their play calls with a good mix of run and pass and took advantage of what the defense was presenting to them. However, all great offenses in this league make explosive plays and the Bucs made three that won them the game yesterday. Let's take a look at each one.

Charles Sims made the play of the game

The Bucs got a big stop on defense right before the half in which coach Koetter quickly called timeout to give the Bucs offense enough time to score some points before the half. Bucs went no-huddle and Jameis found rhythm as he went 7-10 on the drive. Two key plays were the passes to V.Jackson on third and 10 and then on first down to get 7 yards. That set up the Bucs with 2nd and 3 on the 24 yd line with 24 seconds left in which the Bucs at the very least will get three points. Charles Sims took over with a short pass over the middle and made 6 defenders miss on his way to the endzone putting the Bucs up 17-13.

HOLY S*** CHARLES SIMS https://t.co/4d4kb22MJN

— Trevor Sikkema (@TrevorSikkema) September 11, 2016

Jameis to an diving ASJ 

The Bucs have been harping all week about starting fast, well the team did that to start the second half. The Bucs went down the field in 4 plays covering 75 yards ending with a fantastic play from Jameis to tight end Austin Seferian Jenkins who made a great catch on the ball for the score. This play was just Jenkins beating his man to the endzone and Jameis put the football where only he could catch it.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins got those hands though 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3dUT3c3rzR

— Football Posts (@FballPosts) September 12, 2016

Mike Evans is Elite

In the first half the Bucs only targeted Evans once, and if they wanted to win that would have to change in the second half. It did as Evans made play after play setting up a beautiful 45 yard touchdown pass from Jameis to Evans which showed the potential of this offense. Again pretty simple play as Evans just got over the top of the defense and Jameis delivered an perfect ball right into the hands of Evans.

In my 25 years on this Earth, I have never seen a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team play offense like this. This is fun https://t.co/Kr8HrupAYa

— Trevor Sikkema (@TrevorSikkema) September 11, 2016

Koetter has been talking about making explosive plays all off-season because of how hard it is to drive the whole field. It was the difference in this game and the Bucs are 1-0 going into week 2.

3 Negatives From Week 1 Win

The Bucs got a huge win today on the road against the Falcons and as of right now are in first place in the division. However, not everything was great today as their were some negatives in today's ballgame.

O-Line Lacked Punch

The O-line had it's moments when it was good but it was average for the most part today. Too many hits allowed on Jameis today as pass protection was too inconsistent. Same with the run blocking as it was on and off throughout the game. There wasn't many holes for Doug Martin or Charles Sims as they did a good job of making defenders miss to gain extra yards. This unit must be better if this team wants to win consistently.

Coverage Breakdowns/Lack of Pass Rush

Since the Bucs are playing in a new defensive scheme there are going to be mistakes made at times during the game. The Bucs had multiple breakdowns in pass coverage today, mostly coming from the linebackers and safeties who failed to switch to their guys coming into their zones or were late getting over. The good news is this can be fixed with communication and watching the film. Another negative was the lack of pass rush which did get 3 sacks today, but needs to produce more consistent pressure throughout the game. The loss of Jacquies Smith didn't help today but the Bucs need more from Ayers, Spence, and the rest of the D-line going forward.

Keep Attacking on Offense

The Bucs really found their rhythm in the 2nd and 3rd quarters as they scored 21 consecutive points to go up 31-13. The Bucs were attacking the mismatches in the Falcons rookie linebackers and young corner Robert Alford whom both couldn't stop Mike Evans or the Bucs tight ends. Then for some reason the Bucs stopped attacking those weaknesses and went away from what was working. Sometimes offenses can try to get too cute and over think things when all they have to do is just keep going with what is working. The Bucs need to simplify things on offense and just attack at all times.

Bucs Win!

Coach Dirk Koetter comes away with his first victory ever as a head coach in the NFL beating the Falcons 31-24. Jameis Winston put on a passing display going 23-33 281 yds and 4 tds versus only one interception. The offense took the game over right before the first half after Jameis found Charles Sims who made an amazing play to put the Bucs up 17-13. Then in the second half, especially in the third quarter the offense made two big plays that put the team up 31 to 13.

Jameis stayed hot starting the opening drive in the third, going deep to ASJ who beat his man for a great touchdown catch which put Tampa ahead 24-13. Then after a defensive stop, the Bucs went right back on the attack, and Jameis hit Mike Evans for a beautiful 45 yard touchdown pass giving the Bucs an 31-13 lead. After that though not much happen, as the offense seemed to lose their tempo and would only gain 41 yards after that Evans touchdown. 

On the defensive side, there were positives as they held the Falcons to less than 60 yards rushing and only allowed one Td out of 4 redzone attempts. The Bucs had three sacks which is solid but was still lacking consistent pressure throughout the game. Gerald McCoy and Kwon Alexander were outstanding today as they made huge plays especially at the end of the game to help the Bucs close out the win. Overall, a great win to start the season as winning division games on the road are never easy so with that being said it's great to be an Bucs fan today!

Most Consistent

Dirk Koetter was asked today who he thought was playing the most consistent in these first 5 days of camp and of course he gave the big names like McCoy and Lavonte David but he also gave some names that you wouldn't have thought.

Alterraun Verner and Brent Grimes at corner, Chris Conte at Safety. On the offensive side of the ball Demar Dotson, Right Tackle, off to a fast start. Cameron Brate, Tight end, fast start. Doug Martin and Charles Sims, fast starts.

Its great to hear him name drop players like Verner who had an off year last year and Dotson who is coming off of an injured season. Its also good to see Cameron Brate's name in there, showing that he has improved and is showing that on the practice field. Its still really early in camp but getting the attention of the head coach is a good sign. Time to keep improving and getting better day by day.

Finding an Identity

Before last year, I was always saying the Bucs need to find an identity on offense and defense and stick with it. Now this was an issue due to the revolving door with the coaching staff and players as their was no consistency on both fronts. However, with Dirk Koetter taking over the offense last season we finally saw an identity on offense which was playing a balance style with establishing the run early with medium to deep play action passes mixed in. The Bucs found their identity which was playing physical by using their strengths which was running the ball to open up the play action passing game. With the Bucs offense going into their second season in the same scheme they look to build upon last year and continue to enforce a physical style of play on offense with explosive plays mixed in.

This offense is built to run the football so why not take advantage of that and make it known to opposing teams that its going to be a physical game when they play the Bucs. Now Koetter wants an balance diverse offense but it is good to know that the offense has something it can lean on every week and that is the running game. With two good running backs in Doug Martin and Charles Sims plus a physical offensive line led by second year guys in Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, this running game could reach a new level this year. Koetter will likely bring back the 6 man o-line along with the 3 tight end sets which he used to run and pass out of which confused opposing defenses.

The play above just shows what this offense is capable of and that it could be one of the better offenses in the league this season. With pretty much the same personnel returning, hopefully the Bucs can build on the identity that was formed last season and continue to be a smash mouth explosive offense in 2016.

Charles Sims Improving

Doug Martin got all the recognition last year due to his monster year running the ball but the numbers Charles Sims put up as a primary back up rushing and receiving were respectable as well and it looks as if he will improve on those numbers this year. Running backs coach Tim Spencer spoke earlier this week and hinted at seeing Sims being used more out wide to utilize his receiver traits.

He can catch the ball but in terms of receiver wise, didn't quite have those adjustments together but you saw that later in the year and hopefully we've been working on that a lot this year, so I think you should see some improvement this year from him.

Later when asked what Sims has improved on

Route running, reading on the run, Chuck can run routes thats one thing he can do, he can run all the receiver routes really. 

 Sims may be behind Martin on the depth chart but that doesn't mean he can't be used wisely as he is the lone player on the team with that make you miss ability that needs to be used in space and it seems like Koetter and Spencer noticed that and are primed on using him in that capacity. The game of football is all about match-ups and using Sims out wide against any LB in the league is a win for the Bucs.

Will Sims Role Increase This Season?

One of the Bucs best players on offense last year was running back Charles Sims as he put up solid numbers in his first full season. Sims had over 1000 yards combined, rushing for over 500 yds while receiving for over 500 yds with 4 tds as well. Sims was the ultimate change of pace RB for Koetter's offense while also being the perfect compliment to starting running back Doug Martin. Sims has that ability to make defenders miss and is very dangerous once in the open field. Sims has good speed, excellent hands, and really showed improvement as a inside runner last year. He display toughness and a good motor as his legs were always moving when running the ball. This led to more broken tackles in which most of the time Sims would rarely get taken down by the first defender.

However, he is most dangerous when he is used as a receiver out of the backfield or split out wide allowing him to operate in space. This is why I think his role could increase this season with him being used on special teams as a returner, and in the slot position as a receiver on offense. He could be electric as a returner with his ability to set up blocks and able to make defenders miss which is what the Bucs need on their special teams. Then on offense I could see him being used as a slot or outside receiver to create mismatches on the outside which would lead to more explosive plays which coach Koetter likes.

Hopefully Sims can be even better heading into his third season and should have an increase in playing time this season. Sims and Martin might be the best running back tandem in the NFL and both will have the opportunity this year to show their versatility which makes them so dangerous. Look for Sims to continue making big plays on offense and hopefully he can duplicate or surpass last years production.

The Return Of The Rocket Backfield?

Rocket backfield is a term that former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden use to say quite a bit and even used it at times during his tenure. Rocket backfield is when the offense features two running backs in the backfield instead of the traditional halfback and fullback formation. It can be quite effective as it creates more headaches for the defense and can cause more mismatches in the passing game. Gruden used it heavily when he was with the Raiders and Eagles, and it help those teams put up a lot of points.

Now fast forward to today, where the Bucs have maybe the best running back duo in the NFL with Doug Martin and Charles Sims. New Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter is very creative as he came out last year with a very effective six man line formation and using a three tight end formation to help lead the Bucs to the 5th rank rushing attack. Could Dirk get more creative and bring back the rocket backfield formation, and utilize the talents of Martin and Sims even more, that remains to be seen. 

One thing is for sure that we will see more of is Sims being used more in the slot and out of the backfield to create mismatches for the opposing defense. Sims has natural hands and is a pretty good blocker as well. So it is possible that we could get a rocket backfield look from the Bucs offense this year which could make the offense more dynamic. Koetter wants more explosive plays so the rocket backfield might just be in the works for 2016.

Franchise Tag Deadline Tomorrow

With the Tag deadline coming up in less than 24 hrs, what's ahead? Many teams are debating putting the pricey franchise tag on certain players looking to strike it big in free agency. One of those players in Olivier Vernon of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are being slow to make a decision says Profootballtalk.com

Per a league source, the Dolphins plan to sleep on it one more night, taking full advantage of the tag deadline. Which makes sense, since it’s a deadline-driven business.

Vernon wil be on Bucs GM Jason Lichts radar no doubt about it if he makes it to free agency and he will be awaiting tomorrows decision. Vernon may be the best edge rusher on the market if he does make it to free agency, which would most likely push Licht away due to such a high price tag. Licht also has a big decision himself with the Bucs own Doug Martin. Sources close to the Bucs have stated that it is highly unlikely Doug gets the tag, via Pewterreport.com

However, the likelihood of that happening is almost zero, as the price to keep Martin in Tampa Bay would be in the one-year, $12 million range. That’s a steep price for a running back with two excellent seasons sandwiched around two years of less than 500 yards rushing and multiple injuries.

Although we all love Doug and what he has done here in Tampa, Jason Licht is looking out for the best interest of the team and paying a running back upwards to 12 million a year is not that. Especially when Licht has his own hand pick guy (Charles Sims) waiting behind Doug. I still believe Doug will end up signing back later but anything can happen once large dollar signs begin to be thrown around.

Lamar Miller Buzz

The longer the Doug Martin waits to sign back or test free agency the more rumors and buzz come out about other running backs that the bucs may be interested in. Latest name to pop up is Lamar Miller of the Miami Dolphins. Miller is 5'10 225 yet doesn't look it, as he has a slender frame. Yes, Miller is quick and can catch the ball out of the backfield but we have that already with Charles Sims.

The best quality of Miller is his age as he is still only 24 and has been pretty much injury free his entire 4 year career. He topped the thousand yard mark once in 2014 and has been just par ever since. It could have been from sub-par O-line play but is Lamar Miller really an answer to go to if Doug Martin does choose to test free agency?

If Martin does decide to leave and though I doubt he does, I would suggest the Bucs stay true to the guy they drafted and give Sims his shot. Sims totaled over a thousand yards rushing and receiving last year and looks as if he will only grow more in new head coach Dirk Koetter's offense. Running back is no longer a highly coveted position now a days and highly skilled backs are falling farther and farther in the draft as Lamar Miller himself was a 4th round selection. The rumors will continue to fly in as long as Martin is still in limbo with his decision. As far as Miller is concerned, I would shy away.