If you spot a genuine opportunity to make a run in a given year, you have to seize it.
Newsflash.
We already did.
And, now, we’re staying competitive. All while paying off the cc and still in a minor rebuild.
By the way, how’s Verse, Latu, and the other 1st round EDGE rushers performing so far?
I'm sure they’ve been extremely impactful and difference makers for their respective teams.
@donkey_hunter - “Newsflash?” Who says that anymore and why so defensive.
We’re commenting here because we’re a solid team with the potential to be even better.
As for “We already did”? Let’s remember we’re only six weeks into the season. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. Our top-ranked scoring offense has propelled us to a 4-2 start, and while our offense has been strong enough to win five games, our defense can play much better.
For a more in-depth response to your questions, check out my reply on the other thread. Again, this isn’t and shouldn’t be viewed as a finished product.
Yes we are still in an ongoing rebuild pointing toward 2025, however, we have veterans in their prime and as we can see injuries do happen. All it takes is one significant injury to derail the best laid plans of mice and men. What if (God forbid knock on wood) Wirfs tore an ACL in 2025 training camp or Mayfield lands on his throwing shoulder or whatever. If you see that your team is shaping up into a contending team and you need a piece here or there you should do something. No, the Bucs aren't going to trade a Day 1 or even a Day 2 pick, but there are areas that need addressing, particularly the linebacker position, a punter. A veteran depth player here or there would not hurt. Teams have already started with the wide receivers shuffling teams. Are they doing the wrong thing? I don't think so. The Bucs aren't going to go all in in 24 at the expense of 25 and beyond, but I don't think trading a 7th round pick is going to be critical.If you spot a genuine opportunity to make a run in a given year, you have to seize it.
Newsflash.
We already did.
And, now, we’re staying competitive. All while paying off the cc and still in a minor rebuild.
By the way, how’s Verse, Latu, and the other 1st round EDGE rushers performing so far?
I'm sure they’ve been extremely impactfdo ul and difference makers for their respective teams.
I think Simeon Rice joined the Bucs a year or maybe two before the Super Bowl. I think Keyshawn trade is 2000.
That team had been all the way to the NFC Championship.
Not sure you would put this team on that level yet. and we are still rebuilding from a similar approach with Brady
@donkey_hunter - “Newsflash?” Who says that anymore and why so defensive.
We’re commenting here because we’re a solid team with the potential to be even better.
As for “We already did”? Let’s remember we’re only six weeks into the season. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. Our top-ranked scoring offense has propelled us to a 4-2 start, and while our offense has been strong enough to win five games, our defense can play much better.
For a more in-depth response to your questions, check out my reply on the other thread. Again, this isn’t and shouldn’t be viewed as a finished product.
Not defensive at all.
Was simply pointing out the obvious, that you continue to overlook.
2020-2022 was the “window of opportunity” you continuously reference. And, we absolutely seized on that opportunity. Super Bowl win. A few plays from a return to the NFCCG (and most likely a 2nd SB appearance). Brady bringing the franchise the national recognition that will most likely play a huge role in Evans and LVD getting to Canton. So on and so on…
That all-in/seize the opportunity came with a price (like they usually all do). And, we essentially started a soft rebuild/reload last year (while overachieving in the process).
There were multiple holes all over this roster, with minimal cap space, and multiple years of dead cap.
This wasn’t something that was going to be fixed in one offseason…or even two.
As @biggs3535 accurately pointed out in your other thread, nearly every single FA you wanted to bring in would have resulted in us not being able to re-sign one of our own.
So, who did you want to sacrifice? Winfield? Evans? Wirfs? LVD? Baker?
Nobody is arguing or saying that the EDGE room is a bounty of treasure. Pretty sure we’re all in agreement that it’s ass.
But, this isn’t Madden.
And, we don’t need to give up precious draft capital and nuke a recovering cap situation to bring in a vet like Young, Reddick, etc. simply for Bowles to drop them into coverage on half their snaps.
We’re currently rebuilding towards that next “window”. We’re not in it now. Give it time. We’re moving in the right direction.
Donkey Hunter - good post! I find myself agreeing with most of your points.
What I’m suggesting is that the Bucs should seriously consider exploring a trade with the Raiders for Crosby. If there’s even a chance, we need to be in the conversation. It would be a real shame to see him go to Detroit while we didn’t even make an effort.
Every season brings new opportunities, and this year we have an offense capable of scoring big. If we can acquire a standout player without jeopardizing our future, I think it’s worth pursuing.
Great post!@donkey_hunter - “Newsflash?” Who says that anymore and why so defensive.
We’re commenting here because we’re a solid team with the potential to be even better.
As for “We already did”? Let’s remember we’re only six weeks into the season. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. Our top-ranked scoring offense has propelled us to a 4-2 start, and while our offense has been strong enough to win five games, our defense can play much better.
For a more in-depth response to your questions, check out my reply on the other thread. Again, this isn’t and shouldn’t be viewed as a finished product.
Not defensive at all.
Was simply pointing out the obvious, that you continue to overlook.
2020-2022 was the “window of opportunity” you continuously reference. And, we absolutely seized on that opportunity. Super Bowl win. A few plays from a return to the NFCCG (and most likely a 2nd SB appearance). Brady bringing the franchise the national recognition that will most likely play a huge role in Evans and LVD getting to Canton. So on and so on…
That all-in/seize the opportunity came with a price (like they usually all do). And, we essentially started a soft rebuild/reload last year (while overachieving in the process).
There were multiple holes all over this roster, with minimal cap space, and multiple years of dead cap.
This wasn’t something that was going to be fixed in one offseason…or even two.
As @biggs3535 accurately pointed out in your other thread, nearly every single FA you wanted to bring in would have resulted in us not being able to re-sign one of our own.
So, who did you want to sacrifice? Winfield? Evans? Wirfs? LVD? Baker?
Nobody is arguing or saying that the EDGE room is a bounty of treasure. Pretty sure we’re all in agreement that it’s ass.
But, this isn’t Madden.
And, we don’t need to give up precious draft capital and nuke a recovering cap situation to bring in a vet like Young, Reddick, etc. simply for Bowles to drop them into coverage on half their snaps.
We’re currently rebuilding towards that next “window”. We’re not in it now. Give it time. We’re moving in the right direction.
I just don’t see this happening - if the Raiders even consider it, it would be costly from a trade perspective - the Bucs would have to think this would be the move to push us over the top. As DH said, THAT won’t be the case if you’re dropping that premier edge into coverage.Donkey Hunter - good post! I find myself agreeing with most of your points.
What I’m suggesting is that the Bucs should seriously consider exploring a trade with the Raiders for Crosby. If there’s even a chance, we need to be in the conversation. It would be a real shame to see him go to Detroit while we didn’t even make an effort.
Every season brings new opportunities, and this year we have an offense capable of scoring big. If we can acquire a standout player without jeopardizing our future, I think it’s worth pursuing.
….but maybe you think the Bucs brass will reassess after the Ravens game?
What I’m suggesting is that the Bucs should seriously consider exploring a trade with the Raiders for Crosby. If there’s even a chance, we need to be in the conversation. It would be a real shame to see him go to Detroit while we didn’t even make an effort.
I’m 100% with you here!
His overall situation (age, current deal, etc.) makes him a unicorn that I would be on board with making a big move for.
@white-tiger - that’s a whole separate issue. If our coach is dropping Crosby in coverage we’ve got bigger issues than we realized.
When Shaq was dropping damn-near 20 sacks, he wasn’t dropping into coverage very often. We’re seeing these edge players drop more often because they aren’t beating guys one-on-one and getting to the QB.
If a miracle happens and Crosby comes to Tampa, he’ll be rushing the QB the overwhelming majority of the time.
We’re seeing these edge players drop more often because they aren’t beating guys one-on-one and getting to the QB.
uh . .
I’m remembering JPP dropping into coverage…
So Bowles is either dropping ends into coverage because they’re not very good getting there, or because they’re very good getting there…
…but I do get/agree with the point.
