By Tom Krasniqi
It was the third day of Buccaneers training camp on Sunday and the theme of the day was physicality. For the first time as an NFL head coach, Greg Schiano had players put the pads on in what turned out to be a physical practice. “It was more physical today. Guys have a better understanding of their playbooks, so a lot faster today and a lot quicker….we’re competing to get better. Right now, we’re really looking good”, says Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph.
The pace of the practice stayed the same: up-tempo and intense with more physical contact. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn had the hit of the day on fullback Erik Lorig in the flat. That drew a raucous applause from the jam packed crowd at One Buc Place. “The intensity of practice is really high right now. Everybody is running around, flying around. The tempo that we set in practice that coach Schiano has demanded from us is very high”, says tight end Luke Stocker.
The rookies also got a taste of big boy football. Running back Doug Martin endured his first NFL training camp practice in pads and I asked him if it was everything he thought it would be. “Definitely. It was hard hitting out here. Intensity was high. Everybody was eager to get those pads on…a lot of smack talk between the offense and defense so everyone was geeked up to get the pads on”, says Martin.
The weather on Sunday was very much like it was during Friday’s practice, where many players were nauseous and treated for dehydration. Players appeared to be more comfortable in the hot weather conditions on Sunday and that’s a positive sign moving forward. After practice, Schiano says there were no significant injuries which is always a good thing.
News & Notes:
- Josh Freeman and Vincent Jackson have a good rapport already. Jackson says the chemistry is a result of hard work going back to late March after Jackson signed with the Bucs. Jackson beat Aqib Talib on a deep route on 11-on-11 action.
- The wideouts as a group have looked sharp so far in camp. After cramping up on Saturday, Mike Williams returned to practice on Sunday and looked good. Sammie Stroughter, Greg Ellingson and Landon Cox have also looked fluid in catching the ball. Cox was just signed a couple of days ago and shows good technique in catching the ball with his hands instead of body-catching.
- Martin looks terrific so far in camp. He looks quick and shows a nice burst when running inside or outside. He appears to have a leg up on LeGarrette Blount so far.
- It was another tough day for tight end Dallas Clark, who’s been plagued by drops the last two days. Clark had a Freeman pass go right through his hands and it was picked off by Adam Hayward.
- The LBs looked active again today. Hayward had an INT and Mason Foster had a nice pass breakup on a ball intended for Clark.
- Backup QB Dan Orlovsky is making some good throws in practice. He showed some good zip on a slant pattern to a streaking Ed Gant. Orlovsky is having a solid camp.
- Practice is closed to the public on Monday. The next practice open to the public will be on Wednesday. Keep it locked to 620 WDAE for your best Bucs coverage.
