Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded for Darrelle Revis they created a bit of an awkward situation: two high-profile players with the same jersey number, as 2012 first-round draft pick Mark Barron wore number 24 and Darrelle Revis wore that same number while playing for the New York Jets. Revis of course had that number tied into marketing and had had it for longer -- but it was still Barron's when he came to Tampa, and Barron was under no obligation to give up his number. Revis quickly took care of that, apparently by paying Mark Barron a whopping $50,000. That, at least, is what Uni Watch reports (hat tip: JoeBucsFan). That's a lot of money, and per Cork Gaines of Business Insider it may be a record. It is at minimum more than he has ever heard anyone paying for that jersey number, although there are a bunch of big numbers in this 2005 New York Times story. Of course, high-profile players with big marketing deals and hence a big financial interest in retaining their number don't switch teams often. But there you have it: millionaire A pays somewhat less wealthy millionaire B a bunch of money for the privilege of wearing a number. Millionaire B, by the way, has switched to number 23 -- which was worn by the much-maligned Myron Lewis at the time. I just wonder how much Barron paid Lewis for his new jersey number. Read more: Grade the offseason Is Freeman's 2012 season overvalued? Strongside linebacker? Not important Michael Smith appears to be winning the backup job

The consistently outstanding Football Perspective took a look at the much-used yards per attempt statistic, and how it may be overvaluing certain quarterbacks. Specifically: those who play in a deep passing offense, which would mean players like Cam Newton, Eli Manning and, of course, Josh Freeman. Whatever the theory, this chart makes it clear that Yards per Attempt isn't really system-neutral. Deep throwers have an advantage, because the dropoff rate in completion percentage - at least in 2012 - wasn't disproportionate to the increase in yards per completion. This also makes sense in light of two of the surprise finishers in the top 12 in yards per attempt last season: Cam Newton and Josh Freeman. The list of the top 12 leaders in Y/A from 2012 is a who's who of the top quarterbacks in the league, Newton, Freeman, and Matt Schaub (and to the extent that Schaub's presence surprises you, that's nothing to do with Y/A and everything to do with his performance down the stretch; he ranked 7th in Y/A through the first eleven weeks and then 15th in Y/A and 19th in AY/A over the final six weeks). And for those who didn't already know, Newton and Freeman finished first and second in yards per completion. I have some questions here, mostly relating to why we should view use as a negative. Average depth of target may be not just a consequence of system, but also of a quarterback's own competence. After all, many quarterbacks simply can't play in a system like that because they can't make the necessary throws. But, assuming this evidence points in the right direction, these are some troubling indications. Josh Freeman saw the biggest jump in air yards per completion in the NFL from 2011 to 2012, going from 5.61 air yards per completion in 2011 to 7.92 in 2012, according to a different Football Perspective article. The question may be whether that's more due to system rather than his own improvement. To an extent, Freeman was a poor fit for a West Coast Offense relying largely on shorter passes. While Greg Olson tried to incorporate some deeper throws, the resulting offense was a mess in 2011. In 2012, though, the offense looked much more coherent. The deep passing game seemed to take better advantage of Freeman's best asset (his arm), but it may also have served to overstate his numbers. The best statistical argument one can make in favor of Freeman's performance last year revolves around his yards per attempt and his sack rate, both of which were among the best in the NFL. And yet advanced statistics have taken a dim view of Freeman's performance since the 2010 season. For the 2012 season, Football Outsiders had the Bucs ranked as the 24th passing game based on per-snap efficiency, while ESPN's Total QBR had him ranked 18th in the NFL. None of this really means anything for Freeman going forward. He has to improve, but we already knew that, and there are reasons to believe he will. But this evidence suggests that the one statistic that speaks most in his favor may be inflated due to the system, diminishing its value. Does that make Freeman more replaceable after the season? Read more: Grade the offseason Training camp preview: defensive ends Strongside linebacker? Not important Michael Smith appears to be winning the backup job

December 2, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nate Irving (56) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports As great of a season as the Denver Broncos had in 2012 after starting off 2-3 and then winning 11 straight games, most people will remember it for one play. Even though the Ravens’ miracle run ended the Broncos’ season, it didn’t end their hopes for a Super Bowl title in the near future. The Broncos are the number one team in our 2013 Power Rankings, and they boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, led by superstars Peyton Manning and Von Miller. The Broncos made one of the biggest splashes in the league in 2013 when they signed slot receiver Wes Welker to join an already stacked WR group featuring Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, both of whom had breakout seasons last year with Manning throwing them the ball. Since John Elway joined the front office, this team has done a great job of drafting, especially when you compare what they’ve done the last three years to years prior. The Broncos are a team with great veterans, but they are also one featuring some top notch young prospects. Here are three players–one from each of the last three draft classes–that could have a breakout season in 2013. Third Year — Nate Irving, LB The Broncos’ middle linebacker spot should have a really intriguing battle this offseason. Former third round draft choice Nate Irving is looking to take over for departed D.J. Williams on the inside and join a group of linebackers that already features All-Pro Von Miller and a player who busted out in a big way last season–Wesley Woodyard. To this point, Irving has only played key roles on the Broncos’ special teams, but he saw some spot action when Miller got nicked up last season at SLB. This year, the Broncos put a big vote of confidence in Irving, pretty much handing him over the starting job and adding only Stewart Bradley at the position through free agency or the draft. Irving only has 17 career tackles in 31 games, so he’s been healthy he just hasn’t quite been ready to step into a full time role. Broncos coaches feel like Irving can be a big contributor to the defense, and obviously they felt enough of him to pick him in the third round a couple of years ago. This could very well be a make-or-break year for the former North Carolina State star.

NFC South Top 25: No. 25 - NFC South Blog - ESPNDa'Quan Bowers. JoeBucsFan.com | Tony Oden Sings Praises Of Johnthan Banks - Tampa Bay Bucs FootballCoach likes his top draft pick. Shocking. Bucs DBs Coach Oden Refuses To Let His Players Look Back | Pewter ReportMore Tony Oden. 32 in 32: Bucs back on Josh Freeman roller coaster ride - NFL.comNFL.com analyses the Bucs. Catchin’ Up: Bucs Weekly Recap for June 9 – 15 | Sports Talk FloridaRecapping the week. Stopping the run with a Cover-3 base defense - Big Cat CountryGood scheme stuff. After Further Review: Ryan rewinds tape on final drive of NFC title game - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, FantasyMore awesome game tape analysis, with comments from Matt Ryan. Falcons rumors: Matt Ryan's contract could hold up Richard Seymour deal - SBNation.comHah. Atlanta radio station apologizes after Steve Gleason remarks - SBNation.comAnd fired those radio hosts anyway. Because that was a ridiculous segment. NFL news roundup: Gronkowski injury timetable still unknown, Bengals to go on 'Hard Knocks' - SBNation.comRoundup. A Few Good Questions with... Von Miller - Mile High ReportVon Miller speaks. 2013 NFL roster battles: Blaine Gabbert, Mark Sanchez among quarterbacks fighting for jobs - SBNation.comHah. Jets 2013 offseason: Who's going to play wide receiver? - SBNation.comKellen Winslow? SB Nation NFL Huddle: Tony Gonzalez missing minicamp, Giants have double trouble and more - SBNation.comLink roundup. Desmond Bishop already drawing interest following release - SBNation.comOh. Bryant McKinnie impresses Ravens with conditioning - SBNation.comThat's....odd. Vonta Leach expected to make decision in next 2 weeks - SBNation.comProbably not the Bucs. Rob Gronkowski injury: Patriots TE uncertain of return date - SBNation.comOkay. [Video] Rookies Inspire Youth Adventure | Buccaneers.comYay. Rookies Bond with Local Youth During Theme Park Outing | Buccaneers.comMore yay.

Dec 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) catches a pass in warm-ups before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports The San Diego Chargers finally decided to clean house. With a new GM and head coach, they hope to return to the playoffs as soon as possible with a team that is going to look a lot different in 2013. Probably the weakest area on the Chargers’ roster was the offensive line last year, and they lost arguably their best player in Louis Vasquez to the rival Denver Broncos. If San Diego is unable to protect Philip Rivers, things could get really ugly in a hurry. Still, this team has a few intriguing playmakers on both sides of the ball, and some young players that could be primed for a breakout season. The Chargers made a couple of big splashes during and after the draft when they used a second round pick to select former Notre Dame star linebacker Manti Te’o, and then signed pass rusher Dwight Freeney, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. The loss of Melvin Ingram could prove to be huge for the Chargers, so they are going to need some players to really step things up. Here are three players I think could have a big 2013 campaign, and we’ll look at one player from each of the last three rookie classes. Third Year — Vincent Brown, WR Many thought the 2011 third round pick would have a breakout season in 2012 after the Chargers lost Vincent Jackson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he broke his ankle and missed the entire 2012 season. With his ankle fully healed, Brown is back and ready to break out in 2013. He has been rotating with incumbent starting WR Malcom Floyd this offseason, and should be able to make a significant impact on the Chargers’ offense. Mike McCoy says that “without a doubt” Brown will be a big part of the team’s plans moving forward, and maybe we’ll see him working in the slot as well as on the outside. Brown has excellent hands and runs good routes, and I think he is a real sleeper this season.

Welcome to a new week, and a new Pewter and Read. Let’s get started. NFL.com has once again featured the Buccaneers, who are quietly drawing a bit of attention thanks to an offseason with big acquisitions and some quarterback drama. Dan Hanzus of NFL.com’s Around the League had four bullet points to discuss about the Bucs, focusing on Josh Freeman and the defense. He compares Josh to a Batman villan, and sings the praises of GM Mark Dominik and the defense he has constructed. Check it out. As we discussed on The Pewter Plank earlier this offseason, the Buccaneers can’t put too much on Doug Martin’s shoulders. Travis Wakeman at Bleacher Report agrees, and speculates that the Bucs may not have enough depth behind the promising young Boise State product. This is certain to be an interesting battle over the remaining offseason, as the Buccaneers must find runners worthy of giving Martin much-needed breaks, to prevent Martin from being overused. Also over at Bleacher Report, Jon Dove gave his biggest offseason disappointment for every team, and had a very interesting choice for the Buccaneers. He writes that the saga surrounding Eric Wright was the biggest disappointment for the Buccaneers, which is certainly an interesting way of looking at it. Losing Michael Bennett or failing to upgrade at defensive end or tight end could be seen as disappointing developments, but instead he chooses to name the bargain basement re-signing of a somewhat disappointing long-term free agent signee as a disappointment. But I understand the premise behind his decision, and the career of Eric Wright to this point has certainly been disappointing. Wright has a ton of talent, he just can’t seem to put it all on the field and remain focused on the task at hand while also staying out of the training room with another nagging injury. To end on a somewhat encouraging note, Pat Yasinskas at ESPN.com has started an NFC South top 25, and has named Da”Quan Bowers as his 25th best player in the division, and gives some positive comments about the Bucs’ promising pass rusher. You can read it here. That’s it for today! Be sure to leave any interesting thoughts, comments, or ideas in the comments, and stop by tomorrow for more Bucs’ thoughts and opinions.

How would you grade the Bucs' offseason? It's essentially over, the draft is done and the Bucs will almost surely stand pat on their roster, barring injuries. They've mainly upgraded their defense, with some minor additions on offense. The secondary in particular has undergone a large scale makeover. The Bucs have been active for the second straight season -- but activity isn't always a positive. So give us your grade. How have they done so far? What do you think they should have done, if you're not satisfied? As a reminder, the Buccaneers' most significant moves: Trading for Darrelle Revis Trading for Gabe Carimi Signing Dashon Goldson Signing Kevin Ogletree Signing Jonathan Casillas Signing Derek Landri Signing Tom Crabtree Letting Michael Bennett walk Letting Roy Miller walk Drafting Johnthan Banks, Mike Glennon, Akeem Spence, William Gholston, Steven Means and Mike James Read more: Strongside linebacker? Not important Training camp preview: defensive end Michael Smith looks ready to win the backup job Poll Give the Bucs' offseason your grade A B C D F 0 votes | Results

The Buccaneers' Rookie Club continued a week of community interaction on Friday at Busch Gardens Tampa, where they joined a group from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay in a fun and educational scavenger hunt.

The Buccaneers' Rookie Club continued a week of community interaction on Friday at Busch Gardens Tampa, where they joined a group from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay in a fun and educational scavenger hunt.