linebacker Jonathan Casillas

Start the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jonathan Casillas has obviously liked what he’s seen so far from new quarterback Josh McCown. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  While praising McCown on a recent radio interview, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Casillas compared him to former New Orleans Saints teammate Drew Brees. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Casillas, who began his career with the Saints from 2009-2012, said repeatedly that he didn’t want to take anything away from second-year quarterback Mike Glennon. But he said on ESPN New York’s Dave Rothenberg Show that McCown is just “on another level right now, I believe.”  “McCown looks like he’s played a couple of years in this game,” Casillas said of the 12th-year veteran, who shined with the Chicago Bears last season as a replacement for injured starter Jay Cutler before signing with the Buccaneers as a free agent. “It’s a strong comparison, but he reminds me of Drew (Brees), Tampa Bay Buccaneers  not just the way he throws the ball, but his approach to the game. The first one in, the last one out, he’s always around. He’s very communicable, very personable. And you can tell he’s a born leader. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  “You know, he’s not even trying to do much now, but people are following him, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  just his approach to the game. And like I said, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Glennon is learning a lot from him. So, if Glennon can beat him out this year, that will be great. Because at the end of the day, if Glennon can beat McCown out, then we’re going to get a good quarterback.” Tampa Bay Buccaneers   Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  who played with McCown early in their careers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  also praised McCown while participating in the Drew Brees Passing Academy, according to the Tampa Tribune, Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

Better With Doug Martin is Healthy

Start The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had plenty of issues on offense last season, with injuries taking away two top skill position players in Mike Williams and Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers the oft discussed Josh Freeman saga, and even the injuries to the tight ends and Mike James that took away more and more depth from the offense. Tampa Bay Buccaneers But through all of the chaos and frustration, Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope flowed from the fanbase thanks to positive performances from Mike James and Bobby Rainey in place of Doug Martin as the starting tailback in Tampa. Tampa Bay Buccaneers This led many fans and writers to consider Martin tradable and not essential to the Buccaneers success. I mean, after all, Tampa Bay Buccaneers the rushing offense was better without him on the field, right? To answer that, we'll consult the numbers. And not just yardage numbers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or point scoring numbers, because those don't paint the whole picture. Rushing for 15 yards on 3rd and 30 helps no one, while a two-yard gain on fourth and one is a game-saver. Those are the situations that prompted numberFire to come up with Net Expected Points data. Net Expected Points, or NEP, attempts to give a value to everything done on a football field in terms of the amount of expected points gained or lost. So if being 1st and 10 at the 20 is worth one point value, and being 2nd and 8 at the 22 is worth another, the difference between those two values is what the players involved in that play would have gained as NEP. The general idea behind NEP is to find out the real impact a player has on his team's production, and how efficiently that player makes positive plays for his team. This data is then compiled at the team level, and that shows us how the Buccaneers did as a team, when compared to a theoretical average. And the numbers are fairly convincing. During the six games in which Doug Martin was healthy, the Buccaneers Adjusted Rushing NEP (adjusted means the figures take into account the strength of the opponent played) was better than the 10 games following, when Mike James and Bobby Rainey were carrying the load. Not by any huge margin, but better all the same. And what makes this improvement even more staggering is that the passing offense during Martin's games was SIGNIFICANTLY worse than for James and Rainey. On a per-game basis, the passing offense for games in which Martin was the lead back was more than 6 Net Expected Points worse per game than the passing offense in games for James and Rainey. In other words, the passing game for Martin was actively taking away a touchdown per game as compared to the passing offense for James and Rainey. So with no passing game to respect (or even think twice about), Doug Martin and the Buccaneer offense were able to produce on the ground and put the Bucs in better scoring situations. The link between the passing game and running game is clear when it comes to the Buccaneers' lesser backs. Mike James enjoyed playing alongside Mike Glennon at his best, as the Bucs' passing game was much better during James' games than it was for evenBobby Rainey's. As a result, the rushing offense was better for James' games than it was for Rainey's games, thanks in part to the improved passing game, and the stiff competition James faced .So over a 16 game season, how would the offense have fared with Doug Martin, versus without Doug Martin? Let's extrapolate the NEP numbers and find out. These numbers are the NEP data for the "with Doug Martin" offense and "without Doug Martin" offense when multiplied over a full 16-game season. As you can see, the Martin rushing offense is a touchdown better in terms of Rushing Net Expected Points, while it's more than 100 points worse in Passing NEP. To give the numbers some perspective, the Martin rushing offense would have finished four spots higher in the final rankings than the Not Martin rushing offense, while the passing offense with Martin healthy would have been the worst in the league... by a wide margin. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The passing game was a disaster, yet Martin was still able to outshine his teammates by leading a more productive rushing attack. Doug Martin was partially responsible for the woes in the passing game, Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he was pretty much useless as a receiver in 2013, Tampa Bay Buccaneers but clearly he wasn't the main issue with that aspect of the team. Tampa Bay Buccaneers So the fact that he was able to lead a more productive rushing offense with a dumpster fire of a passing game shows that he's more than poised to return to his rookie ways in 2014. Tampa Bay Buccaneers He might not touch the ball 400 times, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he might not set records and be the greatest running back of all time, Tampa Bay Buccaneers but Doug Martin is by far the best back in Tampa, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a new offense with a hopefully not quite as disastrous passing game will help him shine as he did in 2012, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.   

Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing Mike Kafka

Start Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced yesterday the signing of quarterback Mike Kafka. Kafka started his NFL career in 2010 as a third string quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Tampa Bay Buccaneers In his two years with the team he only played in four games. Since then he’s signed with the New England Patriots then the Jacksonville Jaguars but his tenure with both teams was short lived and he saw no game time. The reality is that Kafka isn’t really game-tested. Tampa Bay Buccaneers He was a promising player in college, but since has only seen backup play. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccaneers haven’t mentioned their plans for Kafka but presumably he’ll be a backup to current starter Mike Glennon or whoever fills that role come next season. There has been a lot of talk about the future of the franchise at the quarterback position. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Last season, the Buccaneers released Josh Freeman who was starting his fifth season with the team. They then promoted rookie backup Mike Glennon to starter but the decision to do so was made by the former head coach and general manager. After his rookie season with a 45.6 quarterback rating, slightly under average, some question whether Glennon has what it takes to be a franchise leader. Tampa Bay Buccaneers With the shift in staff there’s the possibility that head coach Lovie Smith and company will want to make a fresh start with a quarterback he’s selected. The Buccaneers certainly have the draft position, Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 7th overall pick, to get a viable quarterback, and there are at least a few prospects within the league. Possibly the hottest option in free agency is Michael Vick who, after an injury, took a backseat to Nick Foles in Philadelphia last season. It’s a case of a player who is too good to be a backup getting replaced by a younger, equally talented player. Vick likely still has a career ahead of him and the Buccaneers could really use a leader with experience and more of a veteran presence in general. I’m not sure if Vick is the right fit, Tampa Bay Buccaneers especially since we don’t know much about Smith’s plans for the Buccaneers’ future, but he’s certainly worth considering. Furthermore, Tampa Bay Buccaneers there have been rumors this past week that the Buccaneers may be interested in Vick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers but nothing has been released from an official source. The Buccaneers are at a crossroad and fans are somewhat limited on insight into the future. With a new staff and possible roster changes it’s sort of a wait-and-see situation. Tampa Bay Buccaneers So far, the only player moves have been Kafka’s signing and the release of four players Gabe Carimi, Michael Hill, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derek Landri and Jordan Rogers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roster Moves and Free Agency

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free agency opens tomorrow and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of work to do. The good news is Lovie Smith has had plenty of time to asses the team and decide what the holes in the roster are. The better news is the Buccaneers have about $19 million in cap space Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith knows the importance of free agency and plans to take full advantage of it. No one wants to wait until the draft to fill critical positions on the team if they can be acquired in free agency Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have a few needs that could be addressed now and the addition of veteran players instead of rookies would help provide role models and leadership in a struggling team. Tampa Bay Buccaneers In preparation for free agency the Buccaneers have already made a few roster moves, most notably signing linebacker Jonathan Casillas to a one-year contract and releasing guard Davin Joseph. Signing Casillas was a no-brainer. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  He played 12 games last season before his season ending injury and in that time he racked up 24 tackles. He’s a solid player with a proven record last year and during his three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Davin Joseph’s release did not exactly come as a surprise but it did sting a little. The two time Pro Bowl guard has been with the team for eight years and in that time has been an asset on the field and a good man in the community taking an active role in charity work in Tampa. Though his play has been on the decline, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  he’s not incapable and he will be missed by fans. I expect he’ll find a new home in the NFL, ultimately he just didn’t fit whatever plan Lovie Smith has for the future of the Buccaneers. Going into free agency there are key positions that need filling and a few names turning up as being possible fits for the Buccaneers. Let’s take a look: Quarterback: Quarterback is a tricky one. Buccaneer fans seem to be undecided as to whether or not current quarterback Mike Glennon can be a franchise quarterback. He had some rough games and he had some glimpses of good as well. I’m afraid I fall on the side of thinking the Buccaneers can do better. Whether or not you agree it’s a fact that the Buccaneers need another quarterback. They need someone to at least challenge if not replace Glennon and a veteran acquisition would be a great way to take care of this need. A name that keeps coming up as a contender is Chicago Bears back-up quarterback Josh McCown. He has a lot going for him. He pulled off a very successful series of games when he stepped in for an injured Jay Cutler last year. So successful in fact that many thought he should get the starter job. That didn’t happen, but it seems other teams took notice. If he can find a starting job, or the possibility or competing for one, elsewhere, he’s likely to take it. The Buccaneers have the need and McCown has played for Lovie Smith before. It seems like the obvious choice. Defensive End: The Buccaneers need a pass rusher immediately. It’s one of their weakest areas. The best solution would be to bring back current Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett. He was a Buccaneer and he was productive. His last season with the Buccaneers he had 41 tackles, 9 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers the Seahawks picked him up last year in free agency. While I think this would be the best solution, I’m not sure how likely it is. First, there’s the chance he’ll stay with the Seahawks. He was a crucial part of their Super Bowl winning season and he would probably stay if the pay was right. The problem of course is the Seahawks have limited cap space and Bennett may slip through the cracks. The other road block is the Chicago Bears. The Bears are reportedly pursuing him and have the added sway of his brother Martellus Bennett currently on their roster. It sounds like a done deal, but a girl can dream. Who does that leave the Buccaneers with? Word is Lovie Smith has his eye on the Cincinnati Bengals Michael Johnson. Cornerback: True the Buccaneers have Derrelle Revis, but they can still use some help in the secondary. More depth at this position sure wouldn’t hurt. As it turns out Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is a free agent and Lovie Smith should be very eager to bring him in. Smith was key in shaping Tillman’s talents, having coached him for 9 years with the Bears. Tillman is an all-star who would be a great pick-up and Smith’s relationship with the player may be enough to pursued him to come to Tampa. Wide Receiver: Yes, the Buccaneers have an all-star receiver in Vincent Jackson. They have a couple of decent if inconsistent other targets too. Tampa Bay Buccaneers However, this is another position where the Buccaneers have room for improvement and the essentially released Chicago Bears’ Devin Hester would be a huge get for the team. Again, there are ties to Lovie Smith. Smith drafted Hester and coached him for the majority of his career. Hester has recently been used as primarily a punt and kick returner but he’s fantastic at it. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccaneers certainly have need for a consistent, dynamic returner but make no mistake, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Smith knows what an asset Hester can be and will probably use him in multiple roles. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hester is probably one of the biggest acquisitions the Buccaneers can hope to pick up in free agency and almost certainly the most willing. Tampa Bay Buccaneers When discussing his moving on from the Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The current roster Buccaneers

A good news ,Free agency opens tomorrow and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of work to do. The good news is Lovie Smith has had plenty of time to asses the team and decide what the holes in the roster are. The better news is the Buccaneers have about $19 million in cap space. Smith knows the importance of free agency and plans to take full advantage of it. No one wants to wait until the draft to fill critical positions on the team if they can be acquired in free agency. The Buccaneers have a few needs that could be addressed now and the addition of veteran players instead of rookies would help provide role models and leadership in a struggling team. In preparation for free agency the Buccaneers have already made a few roster moves, most notably signing linebacker Jonathan Casillas to a one-year contract and releasing guard Davin Joseph. Signing Casillas was a no-brainer. He played 12 games last season before his season ending injury and in that time he racked up 24 tackles. He’s a solid player with a proven record last year and during his three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Davin Joseph’s release did not exactly come as a surprise but it did sting a little. The two time Pro Bowl guard has been with the team for eight years and in that time has been an asset on the field and a good man in the community taking an active role in charity work in Tampa. Though his play has been on the decline, he’s not incapable and he will be missed by fans. I expect he’ll find a new home in the NFL, ultimately he just didn’t fit whatever plan Lovie Smith has for the future of the Buccaneers. Going into free agency there are key positions that need filling and a few names turning up as being possible fits for the Buccaneers. Let’s take a look: Quarterback: Quarterback is a tricky one. Buccaneer fans seem to be undecided as to whether or not current quarterback Mike Glennon can be a franchise quarterback. He had some rough games and he had some glimpses of good as well. I’m afraid I fall on the side of thinking the Buccaneers can do better. Whether or not you agree it’s a fact that the Buccaneers need another quarterback. They need someone to at least challenge if not replace Glennon and a veteran acquisition would be a great way to take care of this need. A name that keeps coming up as a contender is Chicago Bears back-up quarterback Josh McCown. He has a lot going for him. He pulled off a very successful series of games when he stepped in for an injured Jay Cutler last year. So successful in fact that many thought he should get the starter job. That didn’t happen, but it seems other teams took notice. If he can find a starting job, or the possibility or competing for one, elsewhere, he’s likely to take it. The Buccaneers have the need and McCown has played for Lovie Smith before. It seems like the obvious choice. Defensive End: The Buccaneers need a pass rusher immediately. It’s one of their weakest areas. The best solution would be to bring back current Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett. He was a Buccaneer and he was productive. His last season with the Buccaneers he had 41 tackles, 9 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers the Seahawks picked him up last year in free agency. While I think this would be the best solution, I’m not sure how likely it is. First, there’s the chance he’ll stay with the Seahawks. He was a crucial part of their Super Bowl winning season and he would probably stay if the pay was right. The problem of course is the Seahawks have limited cap space and Bennett may slip through the cracks. The other road block is the Chicago Bears. The Bears are reportedly pursuing him and have the added sway of his brother Martellus Bennett currently on their roster. It sounds like a done deal, but a girl can dream. Who does that leave the Buccaneers with? Word is Lovie Smith has his eye on the Cincinnati Bengals Michael Johnson. Cornerback. True the Buccaneers have Derrelle Revis, but they can still use some help in the secondary. More depth at this position sure wouldn’t hurt. As it turns out Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is a free agent and Lovie Smith should be very eager to bring him in. Smith was key in shaping Tillman’s talents, having coached him for 9 years with the Bears. Tillman is an all-star who would be a great pick-up and Smith’s relationship with the player may be enough to pursued him to come to Tampa. Wide Receiver: Yes, the Buccaneers have an all-star receiver in Vincent Jackson. They have a couple of decent if inconsistent other targets too. However, this is another position where the Buccaneers have room for improvement and the essentially released Chicago Bears’ Devin Hester would be a huge get for the team. Again, there are ties to Lovie Smith. Smith drafted Hester and coached him for the majority of his career. Hester has recently been used as primarily a punt and kick returner but he’s fantastic at it. The Buccaneers certainly have need for a consistent, dynamic returner but make no mistake, Smith knows what an asset Hester can be and will probably use him in multiple roles. Hester is probably one of the biggest acquisitions the Buccaneers can hope to pick up in free agency and almost certainly the most willing. When discussing his moving on from the Bears, Hester said: “I look at Lovie as my number one coach right now….Because he’s the one that took a chance on me coming out of the draft. He has all of my respect so if he’s a guy who is going to shoot at me and want me to come play with him again, my arms are open.” That does seem promising. Expect to see moves in the first few days of free agency. Hopefully Hester can be locked up and the Buccaneers can fill one or two other needs as well I hope it can reach a wish.