NIKO’s TAKE: This is it, game three in the preseason is as close to regular season as were going to get until the opening day, and a far cry from what we’ll see on Thursday of next week. All around the league the starters will play at least the full first half and may come back in for a possession in the 3rd quarter to get used to taking that break and returning. (Once Sam Wyche, coach of the Bucs from 1992-95 was faced with a Bucs team that was being slaughtered in the 3rd quarter of games, so he practiced half time during the week to get his team to learn how to come back and play after a break. His plan didn’t work, as far as we know!)
Of course the major changes from last week are the addition of Connor Barth to the team, is it to challenge Patrick Murray or replace him? Can one of those guys punt? if so expect Michael Koenen to be gone.
Kwon Alexander will have a chance to game plan, another major difference between this weeks game and the others. NFL teams install a game plan ONLY in the 3rd preseason game, so this is your best sample of what players and teams can do, given it is a small sample.
Next week every team plays its week four game on Thursday to give a full 10 days to prepare for the regular season. In decades gone by, the 4th game was the one that the starters played in the most, and one wonders how it worked when NFL teams had 6 preseason games and only 14 regular season ones (1977 and back) So the idea to drop preseason games and add them to the regular season is not a new one, in 1978 its exactly what the NFL did. If anything, the 4th preseason game is only for one purpose, settling on back up jobs.
All eyes again will be on Jameis Winston after his near injury last week and watching Packers WR Jordy Nelson lost for the year, Bucs fans should always be on the look and concern that their players come out ok during preseason. Only a couple years ago Bucs lost Guard Davin Joseph to a preseason injury, just about every team has had it happen, its always a tragedy when it happens but yet its unavoidable. If you don’t play someone at all, they go into the regular season stale and out of game playing shape, ready to take the hits that come in the NFL.
AGAINST THE OPPOSITION-
Below are highlights of how selected Buccaneers have performed during their careers against the Cleveland Browns (regular season):
CB Johnthan Banks: Intercepted a pass from Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer, returning it 18 yards (11/2/14).
WR Mike Evans: Caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, his first career 100-yard receiving game and his first game with multiple receiving touchdowns (11/2/14).
WR Vincent Jackson: Caught six passes for 86 yards (11/2/14).
DT Gerald McCoy: Recorded his fifth career multi-sack game, dropping Hoyer twice (11/2/14)… In 17-14 victory against Cleveland in 2010 (9/12/10), McCoy recorded three tackles and forced one fumble.
DT Clinton McDonald: Grabbed his second career interception, picking off Hoyer and returning it three yards. Also added four tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed (11/2/14).
TE Brandon Myers: Caught 14 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown, in 20-17 (12/2/12) loss while with the Oakland Raiders.
RB Bobby Rainey: Rushed 19 times for 87 yards (11/2/14).
DE Jacquies Smith: Recorded first career sack, bringing down Hoyer for a
seven-yard loss (11/2/14).
DT Akeem Spence: Notched a sack, contributing to the team’s four sacks on the game (11/2/14).
S Major Wright: Tallied a career-high 13 tackles (11/2/14).
NOTES FROM LAST GAME
– On the opening drive of the game, the Buccaneers went 80 yards in eight plays, culminating in a one-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Jameis Winston, his second rushing touchdown of the preseason (also one at Minnesota, 8/15/15). Winston’s two rushing touchdowns are tied for the league lead. On the drive, running back Doug Martin rushed for 52 yards on four carries (13.0 avg.).
– Winston finished the game going 8-of-13 (61.5 pct.) for 90 yards.
– Martin finishing the game with six carries for 59 yards (9.8 avg). His 59 rushing yards are the most by a Buccaneers player in the preseason since running back Mike James rushed for 81 at New England in 2013 (8/24).
– Buccaneers defensive end George Johnson tallied his first sack of the preseason on the Bengals’ second possession, dropping Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton for a seven-yard loss. Johnson later combined with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy for a third-down sack of Dalton. Johnson now has 7.0 career preseason sacks (3.0 in 2011, 2.5 in 2014, 1.5 in 2015).
– Tampa Bay defensive end Larry English recorded his first sack of the preseason on the Bengals’ final possession of the first quarter. English now has 6.0 career preseason sacks (3.0 in 2012, 2.0 in 2014, 1.0 in 2015).
– In the second quarter, the Buccaneers ended consecutive Bengals drives with interceptions. The first was by cornerback Alterraun Verner, which he returned 24 yards for a touchdown. It is Verner’s third career preseason interception and his first returned for a touchdown. He is the first Buccaneers player with a preseason interception returned for a touchdown since 2013 (Najee Goode, vs. Washington, 8/29/13).
– On Cincinnati’s ensuing possession, safety Bradley McDougald registered his first career preseason interception, returning it 38 yards to the Bengals’ 12-yard line, helping set up the Buccaneers’ third touchdown of the night.
– Following McDougald’s interception, the Buccaneers faced third-and-20 from the Bengals’ 22 yard line. Quarterback Mike Glennon connected with wide receiver Russell Shepard for a 22-yard touchdown. It is Glennon’s first passing touchdown this preseason and the sixth of his career (three in 2013, one in 2014, one in 2015). It is Shepard’s first career touchdown reception.
– After Shepard’s touchdown, the Buccaneers defense recorded its third takeaway in as many drives, with cornerback Mike Jenkins forcing a fumble from Bengals running back Jeremy Hill, which was recovered by linebacker Bruce Carter.
– On the ensuing possession, kicker Patrick Murray connected on a 53-yard field goal, a new preseason long. It would stand as the fourth-longest of Murray’s regular season career and it is the longest preseason field goal by a Buccaneers kicker since 2012 (Connor Barth, 55 yards vs. New England, 8/24).
– After a scoreless fourth quarter, the Buccaneers had the Bengals pinned at their own one-yard line and on first down, linebacker Danny Lansanah stopped halfback Cedric Peerman for a one-yard loss, resulting in a safety. The safety is the first by a Buccaneers defender in the preseason since 2011 (Michael Bennett/Dekoda Watson at Kansas City, 8/12).
– On the final play of the game, Tampa Bay defensive tackle Caushaud Lyons recorded his first career preseason sack, bringing down Cincinnati quarterback A.J. McCarron for an 11-yard loss.
– The Buccaneers defense allowed only 152 net yards, the fewest they have surrendered in a preseason contest since 2011 (137 at Kansas City, 8/12/11). Cincinnati’s 152 yards would be the fewest allowed by Tampa Bay in a regular season game since 2007, when they limited Atlanta to 133 yards.
– The Bengals’ 11 points scored are the fewest allowed by the Bucs in the preseason since Miami was held to seven points in 2012 (at Miami, 8/10).
LAST GAME RECAP
TAMPA, FLORIDA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened their 2015 home slate hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football and showed promise on both offense and defense, winning the game 25-11. Tampa Bay opened with a fast start, moving downfield with help from two big rushes by running back Doug Martin, including a 30-yard scramble to the Cincinnati 1. Two plays later, quarterback Jameis Winston recorded his second rushing touchdown of the preseason, skirting defenders for the score and a 7-0 Buccaneers lead. Later in the quarter the Buccaneers forced three-and-outs on successive Bengals drives, each time with a third-down sack – first by defensive end George Johnson and then by both Johnson and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Though Tampa Bay was forced to punt on its opening possession of the second quarter, the special teams unit downed the 41-yard punt by Michael Koenen at the Cincinnati 1, and two plays later cornerback Alterraun Verner was able to snag quarterback Andy Dalton’s throw and return it 24 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 14-0, Buccaneers. On the ensuing drive, Dalton threw his second pick of the night and safety Bradley McDougald returned the ball 38 yards to the Cincinnati 12. With Mike Glennon in at quarterback for Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers proceeded to go
up 20-0 following a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Russell Shepard. The extra point attempt was missed. Tampa Bay’s defense continued its strong play, as, on the next drive, cornerback Mike Jenkins forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Bruce Carter to return possession to the Buccaneers. The takeaway resulted in Tampa Bay tacking on three points with a 53-yard field goal by kicker Patrick Murray. The Bengals got on the board with just under three minutes left in the first half, as kicker Tom Obarski cleared a 37-yard field goal attempt. On their first drive of the third quarter, the Buccaneers traveled into Bengals territory, but a 50-yard field goal attempt by Murray went wide left, leaving the game at 23-0. Following a Cincinnati punt, Tampa Bay proceeded to drive to the Bengals’ one-yard-line, but was held by the Bengals defense and turned the ball over on downs. With the Bengals taking possession at their own 1, running back Cedric Peerman was tackled in the end zone for a safety by linebacker Danny Lansanah, making the score 25-3. Quarterback AJ McCarron was able to lead the Bengals downfield on the next drive and running back James Wilder, Jr. completed a five-yard touchdown rush, followed by a successful two-point conversion, but the game would end on the 25-11 score.
LAST REGULAR SEASON MEETING-
Cleveland 22, Tampa Bay 17 (November 2, 2014)
CLEVELAND – Visiting Cleveland in Week 9, the Buccaneers played a tight game against the Browns, but several errors ultimately cost Tampa Bay the win. Quarterback Mike Glennon and the Tampa Bay offense took the field to start the game, and proceeded to drive to the Cleveland 13, aided by a 27-yard reception by wide receiver Mike Evans. The Buccaneers were held to a field goal attempt, however, and kicker Patrick Murray’s attempt was blocked and recovered by Cleveland to give the ball to the Browns at their own 23-yard line. Cleveland took advantage in the turn of fortune, scoring eight plays later on a 49-yard field goal by kicker Billy Cundiff, making the score 3-0. On Tampa Bay’s next drive, running back Bobby Rainey nabbed a pass from Glennon for 34 yards on third-and-10, setting the Buccaneers up for a 55-yard field goal, but Murray’s kick fell short. The Buccaneers defense forced a Browns punt, but on the following drive, Glennon was intercepted by defensive back Donte Whitner, who returned the ball 54 yards. Despite Cleveland driving to the Tampa Bay 1, the Browns were held to a field goal. Rainey scuttled down the field on two rushes of over 20 yards on the next drive, putting the Buccaneers in position to score, which came in the form of a 24-yard pass from Glennon to Evans and gave Tampa Bay the 7-6 lead. Cornerback Johnthan Banks then picked off quarterback Brian Hoyer to give the ball to the Buccaneers at the Browns’ 10-yard line, but Cleveland came up with a pick of its own, returning possession to the Browns. However, Cleveland was
forced to punt. The Buccaneers responded by driving to the Cleveland 22, where Murray completed a 40-yard field goal to give Tampa Bay a 10-6 advantage. The Browns answered with a field goal of their own, tightening the game to 10-9 as time expired in the first half. With the ball to open the third quarter, Cleveland looked to be held to a field goal, but a neutral zone infraction extended the drive and the Browns were able to score on a two-yard pass from Hoyer to running back Terrance West and the Browns took the lead, 16-10. Following traded punts, the Buccaneers re-took the lead, 17-16, after Glennon hit Evans for a second 24-yard score – the rookie receiver’s first career multi- touchdown game. Early in the fourth quarter, Cleveland marched into Tampa Bay territory, but defensive tackle Clinton McDonald intercepted Hoyer, retuning the ball six yards and giving the Buccaneers possession at their own 39. A sack of Glennon on third-and-11 ended the Tampa Bay drive, however, and the Browns deflected the punt, resulting in field position near midfield. Cleveland then proceeded to score with a 34-yard pass from Hoyer to wide receiver Taylor Gabriel. Cleveland attempted a two-point conversion, but were stopped, leaving the score at 22-17. Late in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay looked to have converted on fourth-and-1 in Cleveland territory, but an offensive pass interference penalty led to fourth-and-11 near midfield, and Glennon’s pass attempt went incomplete, turning the ball over to Cleveland on downs. The Browns were then able to run down the clock, preserving their 22-17 victory over the Buccaneers.
GETTING TO KNOW BROWNS HEAD COACH MIKE PETTINE:
Mike Pettine (pronounced PETT-in) is in his 14th season in the NFL and his 28th in the coaching profession. He was named the 15th full-time head coach in Cleveland Browns history by Owner Jimmy Haslam on Jan. 23, 2014.
In his first season with Cleveland, Pettine led the Browns to the team’s most victories since 2007 and tied for the third-most win since the club returned in 1999. Cleveland engineered
four fourth quarter game-winning drives, including the largest road comeback in NFL history, after rallying from a 25-point deficit, scoring 26 unanswered points, to defeat Tennessee 29-28 (10/2/14).
Pettine, joined the Browns after spending 2013 as the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and the 2009-12 seasons as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets. Pettine has helped his units to a top-10 finish in fewest yards allowed in all five of his seasons as a defensive coordinator.
Under Pettine, the Bills defense finished 10th (333.4) in the NFL in total defense, after finishing 22nd (362.9) in 2012. Buffalo also led the NFL in opponent completion percentage (55.3), finished second in interceptions (23), third in opponent quarterback rating (74.9), fourth in passing defense (204.4), sixth in yards per play (4.90) and tied for sixth in takeaways (30).
During his four years with New York, the Jets defense over those combined seasons ranked first in the NFL in opposing quarterback rating (71.0), completion percentage (52.6) and passing yards per game (186.3). The Jets defense yielded the second-fewest yards per game (294.8) and allowed just nine 100-yard receiving games from 2009-12, fewest in the league.
Prior to joining the Jets, Pettine spent seven years (2002-08) with the Baltimore Ravens. In his last four seasons with the Ravens, he coached the outside linebackers as part of a defensive unit that ranked fifth (2005), first (2006), sixth (2007) and second (2008) in the NFL. He helped Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas to Pro Bowl selections.
Before being promoted to position coach, Pettine worked with the line as a defensive assistant in 2004 after serving two years (2002-03) as a coaching assistant/quality-control coach. In those roles, he helped develop playbooks, scouting reports and video analysis for the defensive staff.
Prior to joining the NFL ranks, Pettine was the head coach at North Penn High School in Towamencin, Pa., from 1997-2001. He also served as the headcoachfortwoyearsatWilliamTennentHighSchoolinWarminster,Pa., where he led the team to a school record nine wins in 1996. Pettine also spent two seasons (1993-94) at the college level, serving as a defensive graduate assistant at Pittsburgh.
He later served as an assistant coach on his father’s staff for five seasons (1988-92) at Central Bucks West High School. Pettine was a two-year letterman as a free safety at Virginia. He led the team in interceptions in 1986, including tying a school record with three in one game against North Carolina State. He graduated with a degree in economics.
Born Sept. 25, 1966, Pettine has two daughters, Megan and Katie, and one son, Ryan.
CONNECTIONS-
FORMER BUCCANEERS OHIO TIES
Browns Secondary Coach Jeff Hafley spent two seasons (2012-13) • with the Buccaneers in the same capacity.
Browns Tight Ends Coach Brian Angelichio spent two seasons • (2012-13) with the Buccaneers in the same capacity.
FORMER BROWNS •
Buccaneers Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen spent one season
(2013) with the Browns in the same capacity. •
Buccaneers Tight Ends Jon Embree spent one season (2013) with
the Browns in the same capacity. •
Buccaneers Offensive Line George Warhop spent five seasons
(2009-13) with the Browns in the same capacity. •
Buccaneers OL Garrett Gilkey played one season with the Browns (2013).
Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey played in six games with the Browns (2013). •
COACHING CONNECTIONS •
Browns Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor was the assistant
special teams coach under Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith •
with the Chicago Bears for three seasons (2008-10).
Buccaneers Special Teams Coordinator Kevin O’Dea coached with Browns •
Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith spent one season as an assistant coach at Ohio State (1995).
Buccaneers Offensive Line Coach George Warhop spent three seasons at the University of Cincinnati, two as a player (1981-82) and one as a coach (1983).
Buccaneers Senior Defensive Assistant Larry Marmie is originally from Barnesville.
Buccaneers Running Backs Coach Tim Spencer is a native of Martins Ferry and played running back at Ohio State (1979-82).
Buccaneers S Bradley McDougald is a native of Dublin and attended Scioto High School (Columbus).
Buccaneers G Patrick Omameh is a native of Columbus and attended St. Francis De Sales High School.
Buccaneers WR Donteea Dye is a native of Fairfield and attended Heidelburg University (Tiffin).
Buccaneers CB Jude Adjei-Barimah is a native of Columbus and attended Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green). Buccaneers DE T.J. Fatinikun is a native of Perrysburg and attended the University of Toledo (Toledo).
Buccaneers T Reid Fragel attended Ohio State University.
Head Coach Mike Pettine for one season (2009) with the New York Jets. •
• Buccaneers Quarterbacks Coach Mike Bajakian spent three seasons
FRONT OFFICE CONNECTIONS
• Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht (2009-11) and Director of Player
Buccaneers RB Dominique Brown is a native of Cincinnati.
as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University
of Cincinnati (2010-12).
Personnel Jon Robinson (2009-12) were on staff with Assistant Wide
Receivers Coach Frank Edgerly (2009-12) with the New England Patriots. FLORIDA TIES
• Browns Defensive Line Coach Anthony Weaver spent one season STAFF CONNECTIONS (2010) at the University of Florida as a defensive graduate assistant.
Browns Vice President of Player Personnel Morocco Brown (2004- • Browns College Coordinator Brendan Donovan worked for two
07), Senior Player Personnel Associate Bobby DePaul (2004-09) seasons (2011-12) at the University of Florida.
and Senior Player Personnel Associate James Kirkland (2010-12) all • Browns Player Personnel Associate Harrison Ritcher worked for one worked in the Chicago Bears front office during Buccaneers Head season (2010) at Florida State University.
Coach Lovie Smith tenure as head coach there. • Browns TE Gary Barnidge is a native of Middleburg and attended
Browns Executive Vice President/General Counsel Sashi Brown Middleburg High School.
(2005-12), Senior Player Personnel Associate Charlie Bailey (2003- • Browns WR Travis Benjamin is a native of Belle Glade and attended 08) worked in the Jacksonville Jaguars front office, Assistant Glades Central High School.
Defensive Backs Coach Aaron Glenn (2007) was a defensive back • Browns DL Jacobbi McDaniel is a native of Greenville and attended and OL Paul McQuistan (2009-10) was a member of the offense Madison County High School and Florida State University.
when Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter (2007-11) was • Browns DB Robert Nelson is a native of Lakeland.
with the team in the same role. • Browns RB Terrance West is a native of Fort Lauderdale.
Browns DL John Hughes III (2008-11) played for the University of • Browns DB Joe Haden attended the University of Florida. Cincinnati when Buccaneers Quarterback Coach Mike Bajakian • Browns TE Rob Housler attended Florida Atlantic
(2010-12) served as the Bearcats’ offensive coordinator and • Browns RB Duke Johnson Jr. attended the University of Miami. quarterbacks coach.
FORMER NFL TEAMMATES
Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy and Browns TE Gary Barnidge played
together for the Carolina Panthers in 2012.
Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy (2009-11) and TE Brandon Myers
(2009-12) and Browns DL Desmond Bryant played together for the
Oakland Raiders.
Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey and Browns LB Paul Kruger played
together for the Baltimore Ravens (2012).
FORMER COLLEGE TEAMMATES
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and Browns QB Johnny Manziel played
together at Texas A&M (2012-13).
Buccaneers RB Mike James and Browns WR Travis Benjamin were
teammates at the University of Miami (2009-11).
Buccaneers CB Isaiah Frey and Browns OL Joel Bitonio played
together at the University of Nevada (2010-11).
Buccaneers WR Robert Herron and Browns DB Tashaun Gipson were
teammates at the University of Wyoming (2010-11).
Buccaneers RB Doug Martin and Browns DL Billy Winn were
teammates at Boise State University (2008-11).
• Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston (2013-14) and Browns OL Cameron Erving (2010-14) and DL Jacobbi McDaniel (2011-13) were teammates at Florida State.
• Buccaneers LB Kwon Alexander (2012-14) and WR Russell Shepard (2009-12) and Browns LB Barkevious Mingo (2010-12) were teammates at LSU.
• Buccaneers LB Bruce Carter and Browns RB Shaun Draughn were teammates at North Carolina (2007-10).
• Buccaneers S Chris Conte (2007-10) and Browns OL Alex Mack (2005-08) and OL Mitchell Schwartz (2010-11) were teammates at California.
• Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy Jr. (2005-08) and S Major Wright (2007-09) and Browns CB Joe Haden (2007-09) were teammates at the University of Florida.
• Buccaneers DE Ryan Delaire (2010-14) and Browns RB Terrence West (2010-13) were teammates at Towson.
• Buccaneers TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (2011-2013) and Browns DL Danny Shelton (2011-2014) and K Travis Coons (2012-13) were teammates at Washington.