Archives for December 2013

‘Both the Bills and Bucs are teams that rely on a productive run game. Buffalo has their top backs available and C.J. Spiller is coming off a 149-yard rushing day. Tampa Bay is down to their third-string back in Bobby Rainey with Doug Martin and Mike James on I-R. Spiller has to be the difference in the game.’

‘”It makes me work harder. It wakes me up,” Johnson said of the feedback he’s gotten from fans. “I feel like sometimes I can get a little lackadaisical and things may happen. I appreciate it. The fans are being real. It’s just a wake-up call.”‘

‘The Buccaneers are sixth in kickoff-return average, at 25.6 yards, and seventh in punt-return average at 11.3 yards. The Bucs’ kickoff coverage unit is allowing just 20.3 yards per return, which is tied for the best number in the NFL.’

‘”I’m not as strong, it’s not as strong as my right hand,” said Gilmore, who’s style relies on his ability to get a physical jam at the line of scrimmage to get receivers off their route. “Especially in this defense, it’s a man-to-man defense and you’ve got to stop the guy at the line because if you miss it’s a touchdown.”‘

‘”Obviously he has a great appreciation for the position and knowing that he has the ball in his hands with the ball security,” said Marrone. “I think that’s one that as coaches we all appreciate, but at certain times you just have to go back there and throw it. I’d much rather have a quarterback play that way than the other way, where it’s just been throw it up there and try to have to reel him back in.”‘

‘Taking a closer look at the Bucs’ opponent in Week 14, as Buffalo brings a dangerous pair of running backs and the league’s best pass-rushing defensive front to Raymond James Stadium.’

Sacks remain scarce for Bucs (Tampa Tribune)

Bucs CB Revis ‘knocked out for a second’ (Tampa Tribune)

Gholston emerges as a force for Bucs (Tampa Bay Times)

Bucs’ Jackson practices, but status uncertain (Tampa Bay Times)

Tampa Bay Bucs Looking to Run Against Buffalo (Lakeland Ledger)

Bucs WR Vincent Jackson’s status uncertain for Sunday (Fox Sports Florida)

Halftime problems get Schiano’s full-time attention (WTVT-TV)

Bucs Thursday Report: Defending Buffalo’s Offense (WDAE-AM)

Heat Wave: Advantage Bucs? (Buccaneers.com)

Enemy Lines: E.J. Manuel (Buccaneers.com)

Scouting Report: Buffalo Bills (Buccaneers.com)

Buccaneer Quotes, Dec. 5 (Buccaneers.com)

‘”That’s something we talk about probably every week. We say, ‘We’re giving the effort, we’re still not getting the results,'” Jackson said. “That means we’ve still got to keep working.”‘

‘Bills 23, Buccaneers 20.’

‘Both teams have talent that is better than their records indicate. They’re also in the �establish momentum for next year� phase of their seasons. Buffalo has lamented finding new ways to lose games on a nearly weekly basis, which is a fatal flaw on the road.’

‘In other words, you’d have to be really, really good at rushing to be able to lean on it as much as the Bills do and still be a top offense in the league.’

‘Bills 23, Buccaneers 10.’

‘”Obviously, Toronto has been very positive for us down here,” Brandon said. “We’ve had great growth in the Southern Ontario marketplace the last five years. Back here at Ralph Wilson Stadium that has been a big positive. It has been a challenged market there. And certainly has not translated into enough wins for us there.”‘

‘According to analysis by ProFootballFocus.com, Gilmore has been easily the most exploitable of the Bills’ three top corners this season. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 61 percent with a passer rating of 98.6 against Gilmore.’

‘Moeaki was a starter for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 and 2012. He sat out 2011 with a knee injury and suffered a fractured shoulder in a preseason game in August. He was put on the injured reserve list but reached an injury settlement on Oct. 23 in order to land with another club.’