Cannon Fire: Buccaneers Tribune

[Jukemwr21]

Looking ahead to the 2016 Draft and eventually the season we want to get into the heart of things and dig deep into this organization. We asked our readers to come up with three good questions for new team owner Paul Jukem, to kind of get a feel for who he's going to be as an owner for our beloved Bucs.

Q1.) Being a former player, what can you bring to the table as an owner when most of the men in your position often become coaches?

PJ: "I would have to say that being a player was an important chapter in my life, and that I left the game healthy, and wiser to the league and what it has to offer. I know this league backward and forward and with all this young talent we have here, I think I can be a little more hands on with how our players conduct themselves both on and off the field."

Q2.) What are you looking forward to this season and where do you see the team going?

PJ: "I love the young talent we have on this team, and the size, the size of these kids is incredible. Obviously we justlet go of our HC so I look forward to the interviews to come, but I believe in our GM Jason Licht. He's been around the league enough to know a good coach when he sees one. As for our aspirations for the season you have to be thinking playoffs in this league right? Jameis has matured a lot over his rookie season and I think he makes us a contender not only in the division, but also he conference. It all starts with him.

Q3.) Is there any concern for us fans to be worried about re-location?

PJ: "Absolutely not! I wouldn't dream of moving this team. We have the best fans, uniforms, and atmosphere of any team in the league. We're on the rise, and there are no sinking ships in these waters..."

Thanks to our new Captain for the interview!

Draft Needs: There are several holes on this team that need to be filled either through free agency or the Draft. The Bucs have the cap room to fill spots on the OL. I'd look for them to bring in some veterans to help protect that young gun slinger they have. On offense the first opportunity that comes to mind is RB. Nothing against Doug Martin but he hasn't been able to stay healthy in recent years and for that has shown signs of decline. A HB in the 2nd round might not be a bad idea, as I would look for the Bucs to build the Defense through the draft.

Be sure to atend the Draft Party at Raymond James Stadium in April tickets go on sale in January.

 

[Jukemwr21]

Griffin Murphy Press Conference

Bucs fans can rejoice as this is a special day for #BucsNation. Today TB owner Paul Jukem hired Griff Murphy to be the new head coach of the Buccaneers. The press conference was packed with reporters and beat writers from every major sports network as well as beat writers and several network reporters. The monologue was as follows ICYMI!

TB Beat Writer Roy Cummings: Coach Murphy you briefly spent time as the New England Patriots Interim Head Coach following Bill Belechick's retirement. Why you were under him what was the greatest lesson you recieved from Coach Belechick?

CM: That's a tough question to answer! BB has taught me so much but if I had to narrow it down I'd say it would be in the scouting department; He has such a great system he uses up their in NE.

Fox Reporter: Coach you're the first coach for TB in a while not to use the favored Tampa 2 Defense. What scheme are you bringing to this organization?

CM: I'll be bringing a Hybrid Defensive scheme to the Bucs this year. You will see 4-3, 3-4, 4-6 and several other things that I'm sure you all have seen out of NE.

ESPN Beat Writer: Coach Murphy how do you plan to attack a division that consistantly every year changes hands, and has a different winner every season?

CM: All teams have weaknesses, and the NFC South is no different so look for us to attack weaknesses from each team in the division, as well as all the other teams we play. One game at a time.

Sounds like his mentor rubbed off on him, which when your mentor is Bill Belechick I think thats a good thing.

 

[Jukemwr21]

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - Today we kick off the first preseason week and want to showcase some of the things that happened in the offseason, including the Draft. Which we will dive into after we discuss free agency.

Free Agency
The Bucs were really aggressive in FA, signing some top free agents and bring a lot of talent to the team. They did fail to land their biggest target, losing Chandler Jones to the Detroit Lions. Not crying over spilt milk, we managed to sign other big name free agents such as Alfred Morris, Tashaun Gipson, and Jerod Mayo. Cody Parkey, a young kicker out of Auburn who has solid leg power and good accuracy. TB re-signed Denario Alexander and James Michael-Johnson back to the team after they briefly tested FA. A surprising addition is that of Ricardo Lockette; You might remember Lockette from SB49 when Malcom Butler jumped in front of him to pick off the pass and win the game. All of these guys will play key roles this year as the Bucs make a push for the playoffs.

Draft
Tampa Bay had a pretty good draft this year taking Rashawn Hart with the 9th pick in the draft, he comes in and fills an immediate hole in the secondary. Hart is quick to the ball and will help the Bucs in run support. Look for him to play a lot in tonights preseason matchup with the Lions. After trading two 2nd rounders to come back up in the 1st round 9 picks from the Chiefs first round selection, they grabbed Derron Binns LT, who has since been switched to LG. He's very versatile and has great strength as he was top in the draft at the bench press with 43 reps.

Tune into tonight at 7pm EST/6pm CST to watch your Bucs face the Detroit Lions in Detroit. Below is a map of training camp facilities.

 

[Jukemwr21]

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - We kick off the season tonight people! The Bucs are looking more ready than ever. The front office has made the moves neccesary to put us back in the playoffs. This team is not just about the rookies that we have this year, it's about our second year players, and it's about our newly signed free agents. The biggest test of the season may come as the first test of the season. That's right we face off against last years number one seed in the Carolina Panthers. You can bet that they are going to come out firing and "keep pounding." I think our defense can go mono E mono with the Panthers defense. Our offense rated first in last season in points and yards. We need to build on that to make a push into the playoffs.

The defensive leaders have to take control of our team this year. LaVonte David, Gerald McCoy, and Alterraun Verner need to unite this D and pull them out the last placed slump that they were in last season. Newcomers Jerod Mayo, and Tashaun Gipson should bring some much needed support to those three guys. We've already seen that in training camp this year.

Breakout canidate of this year has to be Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He is a big-bodied target that will overpower the defense. Jameis Winston has shown the ability to lean on him when times get tough, and he has shown up time and time again. He can move for a big guy and just snatches the ball right out of the air. Look for defenses to struggle guarding all this size on our offense this year. Every reciever is over 6'2" on our roster. We should see a nice balanced attack with the addition of Alfred Morris at the half-back position his power reminds some of a young Marshawn Lynch.

In closing I think this team is going places, and will be very productive this season. If we as fans can rally around this team they will feel the love and show up to play on Sundays. Good Luck to our boys and let's go!

 

[Jukemwr21]

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - We are a one quarter of the way through the season. The Bucs are looking rough through the first 4 games. The defense is much improved this year and is forcing some good turnovers. On the offensive side things are struggling to come together but seem to be on the rise after moving some personell around. In this article we will go over the first 4 games a little bit and then follow it up with some of the transactions that have taken place this season.

WEEK 1- @ Panthers - This is obviously a rivalry division game, and I think the Bucs came out and showed that they will not be run over in the division this year. It went back and forth all game long and the Panthers were a little shocked to see a much improved Bucs squad coming at them. What lost this game for TB is a play late in the game a deep pass headed for deep down the field for Kelvin Benjamin and a blatant PI call on rookie Rashawn Hart; Set up a go ahead and winning field goal as time expired.

Week 2 - @ Packers - Just like week one this one came down to the wire and was decided on the defensive side of the ball as neither team moved the ball that well and both defenses limited big plays. Lavonte David gave the Bucs hope with a late game INT but after a TO by Winston, Randall Cobb iced this one late catching a ball in the middle of the field and going down on his own to run out the clock. Green Bay held on to win 21-16.

Week 3 - Vs. Chargers - Another close contest left the Bucs heartbroken. Three trips to the redzone and three FGs were the end result. Our defense could not limit A. Hunter the Bolts new hotshot QB and 2nd year pro Melvin Gordon, allowing both to find the endzone. The Chargers left RJS with a 17-9 victory.

Week 4 - @ 49ers - The Bucs shot out to 10-0 lead early in the first, as the offense looked to be having a fantastic day. The defense broke down in the second quarter. Jameis Winston showed real maturity in this game throwing 2 TDs and no interceptions, only fumbling once late in the game. The defense only gave up one big play deep down the field on an 80 yrd pass to Quinton Patton when Scott Tolzien realized he was being guarded by a LB. Ultimately the D came up big in this game picking off Tolzien 3 times including rookie Rashawn Hart's first career reception.

TRANSACTIONS: The only transactions to report are the well known trade for Justin Blackmon who had a really good showing in his first game in a Bucs uniform. He snagged a 42 yrd TD from Winston with some impressive RAC. The other transaction that took place early in the season is the resigning of LOLB Danny Lansannah after he failed to catch any interest in Free Agency.

Outlook - The Bucs play host to the defending champion Seattle Seahawks as they make a trip to West Florida. It's very possible for the Bucs to make a playoff push if the offense can get in sync and start playing like the talented group we know they have the potential to be. Here's hoping! Tune into to see your Bucs in action tomorrow.

 

[Jukemwr21]

Mid - Season Review

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - The Bucs are looking a lot better since the last article was written. Our team is now 6-3 and shows no signs of stopping, knocking off two unbeaten teams in the process. Tampa Bay is alive and well; witht he playoffs in sight they have a positive outlook on the season. As before, we will breakdown each of the past 5 monumental wins!

Week 5 - Vs. Seahawks - This game on paper looked to have the makings of a blowout; with the undefeated defending champs coming to town. Last year was a different story with a different Head Coach, and this year is much different. Bucs Nation had no idea of what would transpire. Seattle looked to be on point as they drove down the field for the first score, and Tampa Bay responded with only a field goal. A defensive battle ensued and at the half it was 10-7 Tampa Bay. All game long and especially in the second half the Bucs defense gave Seattle fits on 3rd down. They were only 33% on 3rd down for the entire game. Jameis Winston got rolling against the LOB and Mike Evans pulled in two Tds for a 27-20 victory.

Week 6 - @ Broncos - This was a battle and neither QB could find a way to get it done, both only throwing for 1 TD. Jameis Winston absolutely imploded in this game throwing 4 INT and only 181 yards through the air. Alfred Morris and Charles Sims had our young gunslingers back and tore it up on the ground totalling 206 yards on the ground. Late in the game after a clutch Johnthan Banks interception, Winston drove from the 33 yard line and made an excellent leadership throw just as Aqib Talib hit him, connecting with Charles Sims for the go ahead TD.

Week 7 - Vs. Redskins - The game against the Redskins was an absolute confidence win for Winston and the Bucs. QB1 had his best game to date throwing 4 touchdowns and no interceptions, on 233 yards passing. The ony brightpoint for the Skins was that they were able to stop ex-redskins RB Alfred Morris from knocking anything out of the park on them. Otherwise, they failed to do anything else even remotely commendable, even giving up a KR touchdown to rookie Kirifi Woods (His 3rd on the year.) The final should've been 45-17 but we let RG3 throw a late touchdown to Celek making it 45-24.

Week 8 - Vs. Panthers - Both teams were pretty excited for this matchup, even having some fun over Twitter. In the end it was no fun at all for the Panthers who never really got past the 50 yard line. The defense made a mockery of Cam Newton, sacking the Panthers QB 9 times and picking him off 6 times. The ground gam was once again held in check by Carolina's run stuffing defense, and were able to limit the Bucs to just 3 FG's in the first half maing it 9-0 Bucs. In the second half somehow someway the Bucs fought there way into the redzone and scored on a boot leg run by Winston after he escaped Shaq Thompson and walked into the endzone. One huge grab later for Mike Evans on the 2 point conversion and the Bucs sealed it up, only having to preserve the shut out and they did just that. Final 17-0 Tampa Bay.

Week 9 - @ Saints - Another division rivalry game, another win. In this one Jameis Winston threw for a season high 298 yards and 3 TDs. The Saints took the lead early but could not hold down our surging Bucs and this game got ugly for awhile with the score at 31-13, and late in the game Drew Brees who was good through the air, threw hsi only TD to Brandin Cooks late in the 4th quater making the game 31-20 Bucs.

As the Bucs enter a bye week look for a press conference on the the state of the franchise to come during the coming days.

 

[Jukemwr21]

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - We are 3/4 of the way through the season and the team is a strong 7-5 sitting just outside the playoffs. With 3 division games left, can the bucs win the division. Though Carolina has the division lead, Tampa is only one game behind. We will review the last 3 games below and look onto the end of the regular season.

Week 10 - Bye Week

Week 11 - Vs. Cardinals - The battles between the NFC South and West have been epic and drama filled all year, and that continued in this game. The Bucs jumped out to a 10-0 lead, and played well through the first half of play. The second half was a different story and saw the Cardinals battle back to make it a game. The final drive was on Jameis Winston to drive down the field for a winning field goal and he did just that. Cody Parkey drilled a 45 yard FG to win the game with no time left on the clock.

Week 12 - @ Raiders - This game was anabsolute slobber knocker and came down to a key turnover in OT. The Raiders and Bucs are both looking for playoff spots. The intensity in this game was amped up and you could tell that both teams had come to play. The Bucs shut down Amari Cooper, with him only having 2 catches for 33 yards. Late in the game the Raiders picked off Winston and took it to the house. Which looked to all but seal the game but the resilliant Bucs team went right back down the field and scored, and after a quick 3 and out the Raiders couldn't keep the Bucs from scoring another TD tying it up and taking it to OT. The Bucs started witht he ball and were moving down the field when Winston was Sack-Fumbled and the Raiders kicked a game winning FG ending it in a heartbreak for Bucs fans, 30-27.

Week 13 - Vs. Chiefs - This game was competitive down to the last second. The cheifs had an excellent gameplan, and ultimately dominated the Bucs vaunted defense. Though this was an offensive battle our young quarterback was hurt in the crossfire. Jameis Winston has torn his shoulder labrum and will be out for 4 weeks and more importantly will be out for the remainder of the regular season. He will be able to turn it on again in the playoffs should the Bucs make it that far. The Bucs tried to battle back withouth their young star and came up a little shy of that goal ending the game 27-20 Cheifs.

Keep your eyes locked on this team as they try to make a push into the playoffs....Siege the Day

 

[Jukemwr21]

End Of Season Review/ Off Season Preview

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - The end to this season left some confused and most of the fans were mad. How could a team that had once won 7 stratight, go on to lose the next 5 out of 6 games? For one we lost our starting QB for 4 of the 6 weeks mentioned. That can't be the excuse we use when this team is so stacked with talent. Jameis Winston is no doubt an upgrade over Mike Glennon, and Colt McCoy, however we looked like the 2015 Dallas Cowboys when they lost Romo, that team turned into a disaster. Coach Murphy has got to get some things figured out. The silver lining is that the Bucs did improve to 8-8 over a horrible 4-12 season last year. A lot of experts had the Bucs going 10-6 this year and making the playoffs. After Winston went down in week 12 that seemed to be all but impossible.

Moving on to the off season, the Bucs should look to replace Vincent Jackson. He showed a tremendous decline this year as his age started to show. He lacked the speed to get down the field or gain any seperation. Rumor has it Management has already given him the go to retire or test free agency, either way he won't be in a TB uniform next year. Another player who could be jettisoned would be back up QB Mike Glennon. The Bucs tried to shop him earlier in the season, but after a few nibbles, nothing panned out. Glennon has been an under achiever and will likely not return to the Bay. The other big name that could be leaving is LG Logan Mankins. Mankins was a relief for the Bucs when he was traded to the team in 2014, mentoring this young Offensive Line and teaching them everything he knows. All good things must come to an end and it looks like Mankins will look to provide his services for another club next season.

DRAFT NEEDS - The Bucs will look to add depth at WR, QB, CB and O Line. Justin Blackmon broke out for the Bucs this season, and could be a solid number 2 option next year, so look for the Bucs to draft a new slot reciever in this year's draft. With Glennon on his way out, and Colt McCoy only on a one year deal; Look for the Bucs to draft a backup QB in the middle to late rounds. CB play wasn't that great this year with the one excpetion of slot corner Johnthan Banks who led the team with 6 ints. TB will most likely go after a top notch CB in the early rounds.

FREE AGENCY - Much like last year, look for Tampa to be aggressive in FA. They could be huge in getting a veteran CB, or a WR. Last year they improved the team tremendously through free agency and turned out 4 more wins based on that strategy, looking to build on that another 4 wins next year would certainly put them in the playoffs and may even challenge Carolina for the top spot in the NFC south.

Here's hoping!

 

[Jukemwr21]

2017 Buccaneers Season Preview

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - As we continue into the heart of training camp, it's obvious there is only one thing on the minds of everyone in the bay area; and that is the playoffs. Last season was lost on a single blow dealt to us by the Kansas City Chiefs when Jameis Winston was hurt and the Bucs lost their last 5 of 6 games, after winning 7 in a row.

FREE AGENCY

As most of us know the free agent class wasn't a very strong one. Other than Le'veon Bell there wasn't a lot to be desired. Tampa Bay cashed in on two former Patriots as more and more players follow Coach Murphy down south. Our biggest signings were the likes of Super Bowl champions Brandon Lafell, and the unsung hero Malcom Butler. These signings may look slight on paper but both of these guys have the opportunity to bring big things to the bay. The Bucs signed several role players as well, and will move people in and out of the rotation. We are solid on both sides of the ball.

TRADES

Just before the draft, the Bucs dealt newly acquired CB Jerraud Powers to the Cowboys in return for WR Cole Beasley and the Boys 6th round pick. Beasley has already impressed in camp, and the first pre-season game; when he fought off three defenders on a 30 yd TD strike.

DRAFT

The Bucs tried on multiple fronts to move up in the draft from there pick at 15th overall. They tried for the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 10th picks overall. In the end it was not meant to be and after it was all said and done they took Eric Grimes a terrific WR from Michigan State. He showed out in his debut for the Bucs, wracking in 4 catches for 72 yards.

The Bucs 2nd round pick was a tailback out of Georgia named Demont Ash. Demont is every bit as dangerous as phenom Todd Gurley. He had a TD and 78 yards on the ground. The Bucs best pick up by far as Doug Martin is all but forgotten burried behind Morris and Ash.

DIVISION OUTLOOK

This may be the year for the Bucs to take back the NFC South crown. Every year they have improved since Winston became captain of the ship. The Panthers didn't seem to get any stronger this offseason. The Falcons look to be a contender but the lack of good QB play has to keep the Bucs as the new favorite to win the Divisional playoff spot.

TIME TO SET SAIL!!!!

 

[Tigers20]

Great write up sir!! Excited for our matchup this year!!

 

[Jukemwr21]

2018 Buccaneers Season Preview

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - This is the year we fight for the NFC. This the year we could win it all. Looking back at last year, and the way it ended should fuel everyone in the locker room to fight like hell this season. People lost starting jobs over that one play. This is a cut throat league, and if you don't have what it takes then sorry,it's been real, it's been fun, but it ain't been real fun. With the offense that we have we can not let a play like that determine our future.

Offseason - Offseason for us was a chance to gain some role players and fill some gaps in depth that we've needed to fill for awhile. Rumor has it that, Jerod Mayo wanted to switch to LOLB, which is the reason for the overhaul at MLB. JT Rodgers when returned to 100% will give the defense a spark as he is quick to the ball and wraps up every ballcarrier coast to coast. In FA we gained role players in that of Shane Vereen, he will be huge on 3rd downs and knows the system well, as most of the coaching staff is here from his time in NE.

The Bucs will win the NFC South, we have no doubt. That job starts tonight in a SNF matchup with the Carolina Panthers at home. Jameis Winston and the Bucs offense will once again be one of the best units in the league. Brandon Lafell's age got to him, and with all the drops he had last season it's easy to see why he was dethroned in the slot. Eric Grimes will assume that position and from what we've seen in camp he's ready. Late addition Reuben Randle showed some really good hands in stressful situations these last 2 weeks of pre-season. He will look to fill the 4th slot for our recieving corps. All starters are healthy with the exception of rookie MLB Rodgers, but the Bucs have depth there so they should be fine. Bring on the new season!!!! #FlexthemCannons