37 Days: Verner's Quiet But ProductiveJustin Pawlowski @CommishOnlineJuly 9, 2015
As we countdown the days until the Bucs' 1st preseason game, we discuss a different Bucs player at length.Coming off a big year for the Titans in 2014, expectations were high for Verner in a Bucs uniform. While he might not have lived up to the big year he had in 2013, Verner was substantially better than other free agent signees Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins.Verner put up huge numbers with the Titans when he snared 5 interceptions and have 22 passes defensed. In 2014, Verner's statistics dropped down to his career averages of 2 interceptions and 9 passes defensed. Realistically, Verner's 2014 season is more of the norm and a good fit for him.Verner came to the Bucs during the 2014 off-season as a player who was targeted as a good fit for the new Bucs defense under Lovie Smith. Verner's instincts and experience makes him a threat in the Tampa 2 scheme."Whatever they call for me to do in this defense, whether that's a Pro Bowl year or not, that's not really my concern," Verner responded when asked if he can become a Pro Bowler again. "I'm just trying to get more wins, and all of that stuff will come."With the continuing growth of Johnthan Banks, Verner may continue to see his role diminish to more of a secordary type of role to Banks. As of right now, Verner is still the top corner for the Bucs and a player relied upon to slow down an opponent's top receiving target. I would expect Banks to overtake that role this season.
