Bleacher Report - Articles by Tyler Frazier

Josh Johnson Named Buccaneers' Starting Quarterback

Tyler Frazier — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:07:38 -0400

Only a day after the Buccaneers lost at home 24-0 to the Giants, Raheem Morris announced that Josh Johnson is the new starting quarterback in Tampa Bay.

“We will have a change at starting quarterback,” Morris said at Monday’s press conference. “We will be going to Josh Johnson. We are in constant evaluation of our football team, and we made that decision today.”

Byron Leftwich, who started the opening three games, will be demoted to the third team, while rookie Josh Freeman will take over the role as backup quarterback.

Johnson’s first career start will come on the road at the also struggling Washington Redskins, who lost to the Lions on Sunday.

Morris wasn’t shy in giving reasons why Johnson will be starting next Sunday.

“He provides some more options,” Morris said. “It gives us an opportunity to go out there, compete, and do some different things. He gives you the dynamic that you all know about. He creates a different matchup for people. He gives you a better chance obviously to break out of the pocket and make a play with his feet every once in a while.”

During Sunday’s loss, Johnson entered the game with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game yet still finished the game as the team’s leading passer and rusher.

The Bucs struggled all game long and were unable to put a decent drive together until Johnson replaced Leftwich. In fact, the team did not register a first down until Earnest Graham rushed for one with 4:21 left in the third quarter.

Prior to being benched, Leftwich had completed only 7-of-16 passes for 22 yards with two carries for three yards. In the fourth quarter, Johnson completed 4-of-10 passes for 36 yards while rushing once for 15 yards, both of which were team highs. Carnell Williams was second on the team with two carries for eight yards.

If Johnson does struggle or gets injured, it will be Josh Freeman who will be called upon to step in, while Leftwich may not see another snap in a Buccaneers uniform.

“Josh Freeman will be moving to No. 2, so he will be expected to really be ready to go,” Morris said. “We expect him to really lock in and keep improving on him becoming a pro, which he has been doing. He has to learn how to do it now. He has to come in and be ready to go, get with his coaches, and prepare as No. 2 from now on.”

For the season, Leftwich has completed 54.2 percent of his passes for 594 yards with four TDs and three INTs, while Johnson saw his first regular season action on Sunday since being selected by the Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft.

Originally Published at BucsBlitz.com

Buccaneers Training Camp Notes Day Two

Tyler Frazier — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:10:33 -0400

The Buccaneers will hold a press conference on Monday to announce that Lee Roy Selmon will be the first inductee into the club’s Ring of Honor. Selmon will be inducted during the Packers game on Nov. 8.

The team made its first roster move since the start of camp. Offensive guard Maurice Miller has been released by the team and replaced by former South Florida guard Ryan Schmidt.

While there are no official attendance statistics, it appeared more fans were in attendance for Sunday’s practice session than om Saturday.

During seven-on-seven, QB Luke McCown looked solid throwing the ball. His best completion was an over the shoulder pass to WR Cortez Hankton, who made a fingertip catch.

CB E.J. Biggers made his biggest play of camp so far by intercepting a Josh Freeman pass and returning it for a score.

In 11-on-11 drills, S Donte Nicholson reminded fans why he is still in Tampa by leaping over WR Joel Filani to pick off a Byron Leftwich pass and then returning the pick for a score.

One of the highlights of the day came during 11-on-11 drills when Leftwich launched a 70-yard completion to WR Michael Clayton for a score. The Bucs are definitely more willing to throw the ball down the field, at least in training camp.

TE Kellen Winslow showed off his hands and footwork by making a perfect fingertip catch off a nice pass from Leftwich and then snuck in both feet before landing out of bounds.

Leftwich looked pretty good controlling the offense. At one point, he couldn’t find an open receiver so he checked down to a wide open RB Clifton Smith, who then broke a few tackles with some ankle-breaking moves.

RB Carnell Williams continues to impress and still shows no sign that his knee is giving him any problems.

Freeman threw a picture perfect pass to WR Brian Clark who was in mid-route when he caught the spiral.

DE Louis Holmes walked around practice with a boot on his injured foot after injuring his left leg during Saturday’s practice.

Filani, Clayton, and WR Maurice Stovall stayed late after practice to continue to work on catching the ball.

WR Dexter Jackson stayed late after practice in order to get some extra work fielding punt and kick returns.

RB Clifton Smith and Jackson did everything within their power to please the fans and stayed even later after getting some extra work to sign autographs for all the waiting fans.

Originally Published at BucsBlitz.com

Buccaneers Training Camp Notes: Day One Morning Practice

Tyler Frazier — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:59:10 -0400

Over 2,500 Fans showed up to practice and were welcomed by players who signed plenty of autographs both before and after practice.

Buccaneers' players wore full pads for today’s morning practice.

As announced yesterday, Arron Sears who did not show up for Training Camp and has been placed on the Reserve, Did Not Report list due to a private matter.

The only player to miss today’s practice was Defensive Tackle Greg Peterson who was unable to participate due to a knee injury.

The first player to step onto the practice field was Luke McCown. Coincidentally, he also took the first snaps with the first team offense when they faced off against the defensive backups during 11-on-11 drills.

The infamous bungee cord drill returned from mini camp but did not last for long after Ernest Graham snapped the cord while attempting to bulldoze forward for some extra yards. This drew perhaps one of the largest cheers from the crowd for the day.

WR’s Kelly Campbell and Brian Clark made some excellent catches during 7-on-7 drills. Most notably, Clark made a finger tip grab of a perfect deep ball thrown by Luke McCown.

Aqib Talib showed off his speed by reaching the QB nearly every time he was sent on a CB blitz and still appears to be one of the most vocal players on the team.

Nothing seemed to excite the fans as much as when Michael Clayton reeled in a few receptions. His most impressive was a one-handed grab while streaking down the sideline.

Jerramy Stevens showed off his toughness after catching a short pass from McCown, and then proceeded to throw a defender off of him before taking the ball up field.

Josh Freeman seemed to be a little nervous at times, but still made some impressive plays including a play-action pass downfield to Antonio Bryant, who beat Ronde Barber to make the reception. Freeman and Bryant connect again a few plays later by beating Elbert Mack on the play. Also, Dexter Jackson beat double coverage to make a beautiful catch thrown by Freeman downfield to reach the end zone.

Not to be outdone, Byron Leftwich threw a play-action pass of his own while rolling out of the pocket to his right before launching the ball down field to Antonio Bryant, who made one of the nicest catches on the day, while beating Kyle Arrington in the process.

Even though it is only the first day, it seems like the Bucs are much more willing to throw the ball deep then in previous years.

RB Cadillac Williams made a successful return to practice, and looked smooth while making cuts and participating in drills.

CB Elbert Mack appeared to be one of the stars of the morning practice who, along with a few breakups, had a picture-perfect leaping interception of a Leftwich pass and then brought the pick back for a score. Mack did an excellent job of catching the ball at its highest point.

The only player who suffered an injury was defensive end Louis Holmes, who was carted off the field after appearing to injure his left knee during 11-on-11 drills.

Fans expecting a kicking competition between Mike Nugent and Matt Bryant were in for a treat, since both kickers were perfect for the day, each connecting on five attempts from at least 40 yards away.

This year there will be no cool down area for the Bucs. In previous seasons, the team would head inside to cool down to simulate the halftime experience. Coach Morris pointed out in post practice press conference that the locker room is never that cold during games and that the team needs to embrace the heat especially since every home game kicks off at 1 P.M.

Lastly, in the post practice press conference, Coach Morris said that he has expectations for Gaines Adams to have double digit sacks this season.

Bucs Ask the Experts: Which QB?

Tyler Frazier — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:18:27 -0400

Bucsblitz.com presents, "Ask the Experts," an occasional feature in which Scout.com experts present their opinion on questions that impact the Buccaneers. Today, Bucs and Scout.com NFL experts debate which quarterback should be the Opening Day starter for the Bucs on Sept 13.

The St. Petersburg Times reported that Luke McCown will be the top QB on the depth chart when Buccaneers training camp starts on July 31 in Tampa. But who will be the starter when the Bucs open at home against Dallas? Will it be McCown, Byron Leftwich or rookie Josh Freeman?

To read entire article and other opinions CLICK HERE

The fact that the Buccaneers have three quarterbacks competing for the starting spot is impressive in itself. Any quarterback race can be intriguing, but a three-way race can be a very rare thing to watch.

The question is who will be the starting quarterback for the Bucs this season. Will is be Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, or the rookie Josh Freeman?

I think McCown is the right choice.

This is a player and he’s been waiting in the wings for four years now. He thought he was going to get his shot on more then a few occasions, but there was always someone in his way whether is be Brian Griese, Jeff Garcia or Jon Gruden.

When given the opportunity in the past, McCown has risen to the occasion and I believe the time is now to see whether he is capable of leading this team.

McCown’s most successful year in the NFL came in 2007 when he played in 5 games, including 4 starts for the Buccaneers. That year, he completed 67.6 percent of his passes with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

He made a great first impression with the fans after leading the Bucs to a 27-23 victory over the Saints in his first start. During that game, he set career-highs in completions, attempts, and passing yards while tying his previous high of 2 passing touchdowns. ‘

That was the high point of his season though as McCown would continue to play well, but lost his next three starts to Houston, San Francisco, and Carolina. Since then, McCown has only thrown one pass in a game.

Adding Leftwich in the offseason was a smart move, but that does not mean he should be named the starter. He is a reliable backup to have on the team in case of an injury. Unless he can prove that he still has the skills and potential to be the same player who was dominant while in Jacksonville, he should remain with the second team.

When the Bucs used the 17th overall pick to select Josh Freeman out of Kansas State, they hadn’t planned for him to see the field his rookie season. Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik should stick to this plan. The statistics are against Freeman succeeding as a rookie. While some claim he should use this season to learn on the fly, taking the chance of ruining his confidence is just not worth it if you ask me.

To read entire article CLICK HERE

Originally Published at BucsBlitz.com

Bucs Ask the Experts: Get Help at WR

Tyler Frazier — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:58:42 -0400

Bucsblitz.com presents “Ask the Experts,” an occasional feature in which Scout.com experts present their opinions on questions that impact the Buccaneers. Today, Bucs and Scout.com NFL experts debate whether the Buccaneers should take a chance on Plaxico Burress, Brandon Marshall, or a free agent WR, or stand pat entering training camp?

To read entire article and other opinions CLICK HERE

While adding a standout wide receiver such as Plaxico Burress or Brandon Marshall could help make the Buccaneers one of the most dominant offensive teams in the NFL, the wise thing for Tampa Bay to do would be to stick with the players they currently have.

Many expect the Bucs to struggle this season, and if that is the case they will obviously be rewarded with a top pick in next year’s draft. Keep this in mind when people mention that all it will take to acquire Brandon Marshall is a first round pick. I don’t mind giving up a first rounder but not a top 10 pick.

As far as Plaxico Burress goes, there isn’t a player in the NFL currently who has a bigger warning sign flashing above his head than him. Also, it doesn’t help that his agent is none other then Drew Rosenhaus, who will most likely want millions for his client.

Did I mention that nobody knows what will happen with Burress’ legal problem or a potential suspension by Commissioner Roger Goodell?

Remember at One Buc Place, there is a new head coach and a new general manager trying to find an identity for this team. Burress might not be the best fit for a locker room still looking for team leaders not named Ronde Barber.

Money is not the problem here. Marshall is set to receive just over $2 million in 2009, and the Bucs have plenty to spend. If Marshall was a free agent, it would be one thing, but there is no way the team should trade away a top pick while looking to rebuild.

This is a team that ranked 11th in the league last season for receiving yards, and is bringing all the key receivers back. Sure, there is a new quarterback under center, but there is also a new bulldozer of a running back and a new tight end who many consider to be one of the best in the league at his position.

With the addition of Kellen Winslow, the Bucs already added what they needed in an offensive weapon because everybody knows that a tight end is a quarterback’s best friend.

Expect to see Winslow play some receiver since the team is also bringing back tight end Jerramy Stevens. With leading receiver Antonio Bryant signing a one-year franchise tender and Michael Clayton re-signing, the team already has some weapons to play with. Bringing in a new one might hurt more then it could help

To read entire article CLICK HERE

Originally Published at BucsBlitz.com

Christian Ponder Will Lead the 'Noles Back to the Top

Tyler Frazier — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:34:28 -0400

For the first time in nearly 10 years, Florida State will enter the season confident about their quarterback. The last great QB in Tallahassee came in 2000 in the form of Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke.

Since then, Noles fans have seen the likes of Chris Rix, Adrian McPherson, Wyatt Sexton, Xavier Lee, D'Vontrey Richardson, and Drew Weatherford. Rix achieved the most success of the group due to his gutsy performance against Florida, but was too incosistent for fans to rally behind.

Enter Christian Ponder.

The new leader of the Seminoles appears to have the strength, speed, and intelligence needed to be successful at this level. Last year, Ponder led the team to the most wins—nine—in four years while completing 55.7 percent of his passes for 2,006 yards, 14 TDs, and 13 Interceptions.

His turnover rate is high, but keep in mind that this was his first full year lining up under center as the team's starter.

Ponder is also very capable of making game changing plays on his feet if necessary. This is extremely rare for a school used to pocket passers with cement feet. In 2008, Ponder was second on the team with 597 rushing yards and 4 TDs, behind only Antone Smith.

There are plenty of question marks concerning the Noles offense which Ponder will need to overcome. Just take a look at the Nole receiving corp which has been hampered by issues and injuries.

After losing leading receiver Greg Carr to graduation, the Noles figured that they would have the majority of their younger players to return for an improved 2009. Then Murphy's Law seemed to take over.

Preston Parker, who was considered the best athlete on the team, was dismissed after being arrested for a third time. Corey Surrencey was screwed out of another year of eligibility by the NCAA since he played with a Semi-professional team in South Florida prior to enrolling in junior college.

Don't worry, there's more.

Taiwan Easterling ruptured his ACL during winter conditioning, which forced him to miss Spring. Rod Owens was the latest casualty after being suspended indefinitely for being arrested for a DUI the night after the Spring game.

This leaves Bert Reed, Jarmon Fortson, and Rod Owens as the lone returning receivers.

Ponder had a solid Spring, but when the offensive line struggled in the Spring game, so did Ponder. In the end, Ponder was named the Spring MVP

Critics still question whether Ponder can be an elite player who can take over a game or whether his performance will solely depend on the players around him. Luckily for Ponder, the offensive line is considered to be a strength for the team this year, which is one thing many of the QB's from the past have not benefited from.

Entering his junior year, this is the time that the Noles expect Ponder to be at his best and not make the mistakes that haunted him last season.

Many of these questions will be quickly answered when FSU takes the field against rival Miami at Doak Campbell Field on September 7. Hopefully, Ponder will take control of this team and lead them back to the Promised Land.

Rays Need To Find Pitching Help Before Trade Deadline

Tyler Frazier — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:51:01 -0400

With the July 31 MLB trade deadline less than 2 weeks away, questions linger over the heads of Rays fans concerning the future direction of the team.

Currently residing in third place in the AL East, many question whether the Rays' current roster is talented enough to repeat last season's World Series appearance.

Well if the team is going to make the move, now is the time because in two weekse their options will dramatically decrease.

Rumors have been circulating in Tampa Bay linking the Rays to the likes of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Chad Qualls, and Victor Martinez, among others

Sure, Blue Jays GM J.P. Riccardi told Jim Rome this week that he doesn't expect to trade Halladay, but that is not the reason why he will not become a member of the Rays.

The truth is, Halladay is entirely too expensive for the Rays to sign. Team owner Stuart Sternberg opened his wallet prior to this season by signing the likes of Gabe Kapler, Joe Nelson, and most notably, Pat Burrell.

Lee makes much more sense financially than Halladay for the Rays, but would the Indians really be willing to part ways with last year's CY Young Award winner?

The rumored trade involved the Rays parting ways with Wade Davis or Reed Brignac. Tampa would rather deal Brignac than Davis after already trading starters Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel this year. It also helps that Jason Bartlett is the starting shortstop so there is not an immediate need for Brignac to play in the majors.

With recent struggles of catcher Dioner Navarro, it is not a surprise that the Rays have been linked to Victor Martinez of the Indians. The initial story had the Rays trading away Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis, and Jeremy Hellickson for the former All-Star.

Soon after the two rumored deals surfaced, Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal has reported that the any major Indians trade involving Martinez or Lee is very doubtful.

As far as the Martinez trade goes, I am glad that the rumored deal is just that. That price is a little too hefty if you ask me. The Rays don't have the pitching depth to make this deal possible.

With that being said, if there is any chance of the Lee deal happening then my advice is to pull the trigger the first chance you get. Lee is the type of pitcher that doesn't come around too often.

Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reported that the newest player the Rays could be offering is Scott Kazmir. Depending on the return, this could be the perfect time to move the former ace.

Kazmir's contract makes trading him a little bit easier as well. He is making $6 million this season, but is still owed $22.5 million on his current contract. Compare that to Lee who is due to make $2 million before the end of the season and has a team option for $9 million next year.

If the Rays can deal Kazmir in order to acquire Lee while keeping Davis in the process could be the exact move that could push this team over the top. Carl Crawford's name has also been brought up, but the chances of that happening are pretty slim.

Crawford, along with Evan Longoria, has been the heart of the franchise this season. I think if you trade the left fielder, you trade your chances of a postseason run along with him.

One of the Rays' most problematic positions this season is the closer role. JP Howell has filled in nicely lately but does not seem to be the long term solution. He is much more valuable to the team as a middle reliever especially with Chad Bradford being placed back on the disabled list.

This is why the addition of Qualls could make sense. He is the perfect fit for what the Rays need as the replacement for the position vacated by Troy Percival. The only problem could be that Qualls is currently making $2.35 million and is eligible for free agency after next season.

Tampa has also been rumored to have interest in Blue Jays reliever Jason Frasor and Oakland's Michael Wuertz.

I personally would love to see the Rays make a move for Qualls more so then Frasor or Wuertz, but any of the three will be a much needed upgrade to a pitching staff in need of some help.

Jay Glazier Introduces MMA To The NFL: Dana White Continues To Lead UFC

Tyler Frazier — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:17:22 -0400

Mixed Martial Arts.

These three words have dramatically changed professional athletes whether the casual fans realizes it or not.

Once referred to as, "human cockfighting" by Senator John McCain in 1996, MMA has now become accepted by mainstream society. At the time, McCain actually petitioned the governors of nearly every state to attempt to get MMA barred.

Remember, this is a sport that was actually banned from being shown on pay—per—view. Let me repeat that. MMA was not allowed to be televised on the same channels that show pornography.

The MMA revolution began in 1985 with the Shooto organization, but the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) is responsible for bringing to bouts to the United States. UFC 1 took place on November 12, 1993.

After being taken off PPV, UFC President Dana White adapted in order to succeed. Fighters were divided into actual weight classes while also being forced to wear gloves. Other tactics such as hair pulling, eye gouging, head butts, small—joint manipulation, and groin strikes were deemed illegal.

Let's just say the changes worked. On July 11th, the UFC will celebrate their 100th pay—per—view event with perhaps the biggest card in the company’s history.

McCain said it himself in 2007 when being interviewed by NPR, "They have cleared up the sport to the point, at least in my view, where it is not human cockfighting anymore. I think they've made significant progress. They haven't made me a fan but they have made progress."

Thank you for your support.

Now, MMA is being overtaken by a different breed of athletes. No longer are only wrestlers and boxers attracted to the sport. Professional football players have gradually started taking notice of how tough and in shape the Mixed Martial Artists were that competed.

Arizona Cardinals' Quarterback Matt Leinart has been seen on Sportscenter recently discussing his new training methods. Leinart decided to take Fox Sports' Jay Glazier up on a recent offer to train with him to help him get ready for the upcoming season.

The last person to go and train with Jay Glazer was DE Jared Allen who lost 25 pounds prior to the 2007 season after training at Arizona Combat Sports. The result was Allen registering 65 tackles and a career—high 15.5 sacks.

Many other football players such as Brian Dawkins, Lorenzo Neal, and Jeff Ulbrich have used Mixed Martial Arts as their training methods to help prepare their mind and bodies for a long season.

The upcoming 10th season of the popular reality show on Spike TV, "The Ultimate Fighter" will feature four former NFL players who are attempting career changes. The winner of the contest will be rewarded with a six—figure contract with the UFC.

The most recognizable of the four would be former defensive end Marcus Jones, who spent eight seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 1996 draft. The other three include former Giant Matt Mitrione, former Buffalo Bill Brendan Schaub, and former Falcon Wes Shiver.

Not all of the athletes who make the transition to MMA are as serious about their new career as some try and just hope remind everyone of the past fame.

Two weeks ago, former MLB slugger and steroid king Jose Canseco participated in a bout in Japan. After lasting past the opening minute, Cabseco eventually had to be saved from the fists of 7"3 Hong Man Choi. Many were surprised Canseco lasted as long as he did.

Some believe fights like the one with Canseco are an embarrassment to the sport while others think any sort of publicity is a good thing. With other organizations such as Strikeforce and UFC succeeding on a national level, the only thing known for sure is that the sport of MMA is here to stay. Just ask Jay Glazier.