Former Pro Personnel Director Mark Dominik was promoted to General Manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just after the 2008 season was completed. At the time, he was the youngest GM in the NFL. And he still is. But you know what?
He's got game.
The first part of Dominik's game is knowing his target. Dominik has been steadfast since he was first introduced at One Buccaneer Place: he wants a team that is physical, excercises ball control, and plays the kind of Buccaneer defense fans have learned to expect. After the 2010 season, it seemed the formula was on target, with a Top 10 running game on offense and a Top 10 fewest points allowed defense. The 2011 season deviated from the target and Dominik took action, so now it falls to new Head Coach Greg Schiano to bring the formula back in 2012.
The second part of Dominik's game is drafting. Dominik has spent his draft capital wisely. He rarely gives up picks and has had a full slate of picks each season except his first. His choices have been in line with his target, and he hasn't reached or under drafted his pick, with his overall draft grades well above average. He made the team younger as part of his rebuilding instead of trolling for players at the twilight of their careers - a significant and key difference between Dominik and his predecessor Bruce Allen.
The third part of Dominik's game is working the waiver wire and utilizing college free agents. Dominik has done well in this area in the past - RB Legarette Blount, G Ted Larson, DE Micheal Bennett, and WR Dezmond Briscoe to name a few. The time Dominik spent as Pro Personnel director serves him well in this area (during which he pulled T Donald Penn from the Vikings practice squad). After watching players come across his desk for years, Dominik knows how to stay up to date as well as understand the quality of players on the wire.
The last part of Dominik's game is free agency. Since arriving at the General Manger's office, Dominik has been focused on developing a strong young core of drafted players to build around. 2009 was, by default, learning what the team already had, and 2010 was not a great free agent market due to an extremely deep college draft. The lockout during the summer of 2011 prevented any real movement in the free agency market. So 2012 is the first season Dominik was able to flex his abilities in free agency - and he showed he can land some big fish. Top flight free agents like Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks as well as Dallas Clark and Eric Wright don't just fill holes, they improve the team. And that is how Dominik has stated he will always view free agency - a place to find a significant upgrade when appropriate.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the youngest GM in the NFL in Mark Dominik and he's shown he has all the tools needed to direct the team. This sets the stage for a long period of stability in the front office for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the foundation for good things to come.
Showing posts with label Mark Dominik. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Dominik. Show all posts
Friday, June 8, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Is Butch Davis The Turk for Tampa Bay?
There is one thing and one thing only at the top of the list of Bad Things in the minds of all Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans about the 2011 season: the team played worse going down the stretch. This is completely unacceptable for paying fans watching professional football players.
There is no doubt the downward spiral played a large choice in the firing . . . no, housecleaning . . . of the coaching staff at the end of last year.
I do not expect the changes to end there; Albert Haynesworth is the first to go (consider the timing, before any Organized Team Activity sessions).
Which brings me to thoughts I had watching the Butch Davis press conference last week. Butch Davis was brought in to assist new Head Coach Greg Schiano as he gets his program installed. But I think there is another possible role for Davis to play this offseason.
Which brings me to thoughts I had watching the Butch Davis press conference last week. Butch Davis was brought in to assist new Head Coach Greg Schiano as he gets his program installed. But I think there is another possible role for Davis to play this offseason.
Put yourself in the General Manager's chair: your team softened down the stretch, clearly not responding to your coaching staff anymore. Perhaps you have that sick feeling in your gut some players actually gave up on the team, the season, and the fans. And you have the youngest roster in the NFL, so you don't want this to become a part of the fabric of the team. You clean out the coaching staff because you see the relationship has gone toxic. So you're sitting at One Buccaneer place with a solid young coach and some experienced position coaches making the transition to coordinators.
But there is still that sick feeling in your gut. You've got to cut the rot from the roster after it stunk up the State of Florida last season.
You and your rookie coach can go through the film. You can be pretty sure you know who needs to go. But you want to be sure, absolutely sure. And you want your new coach to have the respect of the players so there better be reasons the veterans on the team understand.
Enter experienced NFL coach Butch Davis. Davis spoke at his introductory press conference about his extensive experience in talent evaluation. Remember, Davis has a couple rings from time with the Dallas Cowboys as coordinator under Jimmy Johnson, so this is a guy who knows what championship players are all about. You want a rubber stamp on who did and who did not give up last season? Roll tape with your Pro Personnel Director Shelton Quarles, your new Head Coach, your new coordinators, and Butch Davis. Now you have a room which can give you a bright light on the harsh decisions needed.
Make no mistake, Dominik will find many ways to make it perfectly clear to his team that last season was unacceptable. He has to, and there is no doubt he knew it before the season ended. Coach Schiano has already talked about T.B.A. (Trust, Belief, Accountability) and his plans to instill these core beliefs in the roster (press conference, 3:30 in). Any player which "gave up" last season does not and will not fit this mold. Those players have to go.
Butch Davis will help find them.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Senior Bowl Is Not A Deadline
The next big front office milestone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is rapidly approaching.
The senior bowl is an important chance for front office personnel to get their first good look at the talent which will be available in the 2012 NFL draft. It is also a place teeming with NFL coaching talent, and a great place for a new head coach to round out their staff.
Tampa Bay is running short on time to have a coach in place for this off-season milestone. But is it critical to wrap up the search for a head coach by then?
General manager Mark Dominik has come up on a bit of a fork in the road: you can either spend the Senior bowl week observing young talent to use on his upcoming fifth pick in the NFL draft, or he can spend a week interviewing a long line of possible coordinators and assistant coaches with his new head coach.
It is no secret that Dominik believes that building through the draft is the correct way to get Tampa Bay to the Super Bowl. So I suspect this deadline is artificial to the Bucs coaching search. If all the potential candidates have been interviewed and the right decision can be made before the senior bowl, that makes sense. However, if there are candidates on the remaining 4 NFL teams still playing in the playoffs or if the list is simply too long to get through before the Senior bowl week, it may make sense for Dominik to just go ahead and proceed as normal for the next week or so. The coaching search can resume after the senior bowl.
So while some may think that the deadline is important, the countdown timer on the Senior Bowl homepage is not nearly as important as continuing to add talant to a roster where 7th round draft picks have been able to reach the 53 man roster each of the last 3 years.
The senior bowl is an important chance for front office personnel to get their first good look at the talent which will be available in the 2012 NFL draft. It is also a place teeming with NFL coaching talent, and a great place for a new head coach to round out their staff.
Tampa Bay is running short on time to have a coach in place for this off-season milestone. But is it critical to wrap up the search for a head coach by then?
General manager Mark Dominik has come up on a bit of a fork in the road: you can either spend the Senior bowl week observing young talent to use on his upcoming fifth pick in the NFL draft, or he can spend a week interviewing a long line of possible coordinators and assistant coaches with his new head coach.
It is no secret that Dominik believes that building through the draft is the correct way to get Tampa Bay to the Super Bowl. So I suspect this deadline is artificial to the Bucs coaching search. If all the potential candidates have been interviewed and the right decision can be made before the senior bowl, that makes sense. However, if there are candidates on the remaining 4 NFL teams still playing in the playoffs or if the list is simply too long to get through before the Senior bowl week, it may make sense for Dominik to just go ahead and proceed as normal for the next week or so. The coaching search can resume after the senior bowl.
So while some may think that the deadline is important, the countdown timer on the Senior Bowl homepage is not nearly as important as continuing to add talant to a roster where 7th round draft picks have been able to reach the 53 man roster each of the last 3 years.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Rule #1: Never Embarrass Your GM
The 2011 Buccaneers entered their bye week at 4-3. They did not win another football game. However, it's not about the fact they lost, but how they lost which will shape the offseason.
In short, the team forced the hand of General Manager Mark Dominik, not because he was disappointed, but because it was embarrassing. Horribly embarrassing. And the closer the team got to the end of the season, the more embarrassing the performances on the field.
Never, ever embarrass your boss. Never.
Dominik moved swiftly less than 24 hours after the end of the last game of the season, promptly sweeping the entire coaching staff away. And I mean every coach, right down and through to strength coaches and assistant coaches. And ownership stood with him in approval of the move. Gone are the last remnants of Jon Gruden's coaching staff (most prominently in the person of Greg Olson). The search for a replacement started quickly with coaches known for playoff appearances, discipline, and experience. The interview list hints at what Dominik perceives to be the problem: lack of discipline, toughness, and power. The team lacks a fine, steel edge and the Buccaneers are looking for someone with a grindstone.
But there is another component of this housecleaning still looming over One Buccaneer Place like an approaching thunderhead: which players will also go? Which players embarrassed their boss on the field? Who fell apart in the locker room? Who was mentally unable to compete for 16 weeks come anything or high water?
The molding of this, the youngest roster in the NFL, has taken a new turn. No longer is talent level the issue (10 wins in 2010 left no doubt). Now it's a matter of youth growing up and veterans standing up. Those who couldn't (it's far too late for can't) will stand out easily to an experienced, winning coach. They too will be swiftly cut away. The only mystery is how many and which ones.
It's going to be one of the most intriguing off seasons in many years for the Buccaneers.
In short, the team forced the hand of General Manager Mark Dominik, not because he was disappointed, but because it was embarrassing. Horribly embarrassing. And the closer the team got to the end of the season, the more embarrassing the performances on the field.
Never, ever embarrass your boss. Never.
Dominik moved swiftly less than 24 hours after the end of the last game of the season, promptly sweeping the entire coaching staff away. And I mean every coach, right down and through to strength coaches and assistant coaches. And ownership stood with him in approval of the move. Gone are the last remnants of Jon Gruden's coaching staff (most prominently in the person of Greg Olson). The search for a replacement started quickly with coaches known for playoff appearances, discipline, and experience. The interview list hints at what Dominik perceives to be the problem: lack of discipline, toughness, and power. The team lacks a fine, steel edge and the Buccaneers are looking for someone with a grindstone.
But there is another component of this housecleaning still looming over One Buccaneer Place like an approaching thunderhead: which players will also go? Which players embarrassed their boss on the field? Who fell apart in the locker room? Who was mentally unable to compete for 16 weeks come anything or high water?
The molding of this, the youngest roster in the NFL, has taken a new turn. No longer is talent level the issue (10 wins in 2010 left no doubt). Now it's a matter of youth growing up and veterans standing up. Those who couldn't (it's far too late for can't) will stand out easily to an experienced, winning coach. They too will be swiftly cut away. The only mystery is how many and which ones.
It's going to be one of the most intriguing off seasons in many years for the Buccaneers.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Buccaneers Must Climb Hill To Playoffs
It's time for the Buccaneers to win at home!
A peek ahead at the upcoming schedule of the 4-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently ranked 18th in the NFL.com Expert Consensus Power Poll:
Past:
LOST 27-20 to Detroit
WON 24-20 against Minnesota
WON 16-13 against Atlanta
WON 24-17 against Indianapolis
LOST 48-3 to San Francisco
WON 26-20 against New Orleans
LOST 24-18 to Chicago
LOST 26-18 to New Orleans
Up Next:
Houston (6-3) #9
Upcoming:
@Green Bay (8-0) #1
@Tennessee (4-4) #20
Carolina (2-6) #23
@Jacksonville (2-6) #27
Dallas (3-3) #17
@Carolina (2-6) #23
@Atlanta (5-3) #14
Remaining Schedule Cumulative Record: 27-27
Based on the Power Poll, Tampa Bay should finish the 2011 season with an 8-8 record. The swing games appear to be against Dallas, Atlanta, and this weekend's game against Houston.
The Playoff Picture
If the playoffs started this week:
Division Winners
Green Bay Packers (8-0, NFC North)
- San Francisco 49ers (7-1, NFC West)
New York Giants (6-2, NFC East)
- New Orleans Saints (6-3, NFC South)
Wildcards
- Detroit Lions (6-2, NFC North)
- Chicago Bears (5-3, NFC North)
Outside Looking In
+ Atlanta Falcons (5-3, NFC South)
? Dallas Cowboys (4-4, NFC East)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4, NFC South)
Philadelphia Eagles (3-5, NFC East)
Washington Redskins (3-5, NFC East)
The rest of the NFC teams are more than three games out of the wildcard race at this time -- not eliminated, but getting there. Teams with a minus(-) in front of their name own a tiebreaker over Tampa Bay by defeating the Buccaneers during the 2011 regular season. Teams with a plus(+) in front of their name would lose a tiebreaker to the Buccaneers, and teams with a question mark(?) are still to come on the Buccaneers schedule.
Important games this weekend:
Buccaneers to WIN over Houston (of course!)
Detroit to WIN over Chicago
New Orleans to WIN over Atlanta
Buffalo to WIN over Dallas
Let's play football!
GO BUCS!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
GM Mark Dominik Rising Fast
All Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans know there are a lot of young players out there the team will have to schmooze with big paychecks to keep them in Tampa.
What about the GM?
This past offseason, the Buccaneers did the right thing extending the current contract of the youngest General Manager in the NFL. Dominik is starting to get noticed nationwide, including a recent article naming him the seventh best GM in the NFL today. It is an elite company in the top quarter of the league, including guys who have won Championships with teams they have created.
Clearly other people believe Dominik is on his way to achieving the same goal. While he already has a ring from 2002 when he was in the pro personnel department, it's not the same as build-your-own.
Eight teams, or a quarter of the NFL, changed general managers in 2008, with Tampa Bay's promotion of Dominik from within being one of them. The other seven and their rankings in the article linked above:
What about the GM?
This past offseason, the Buccaneers did the right thing extending the current contract of the youngest General Manager in the NFL. Dominik is starting to get noticed nationwide, including a recent article naming him the seventh best GM in the NFL today. It is an elite company in the top quarter of the league, including guys who have won Championships with teams they have created.
Clearly other people believe Dominik is on his way to achieving the same goal. While he already has a ring from 2002 when he was in the pro personnel department, it's not the same as build-your-own.
Eight teams, or a quarter of the NFL, changed general managers in 2008, with Tampa Bay's promotion of Dominik from within being one of them. The other seven and their rankings in the article linked above:
- Cleveland, who fired their GM less than one year after hiring him
- Denver, #28 (Brian Xanders)
- Detroit, #8 (Martin Mayhew)
- Jacksonville, #29 (Gene Smith)
- Kansas City, #12 (Scott Pioli)
- New England, #11 (Bill Bellicheck)
- Saint Louis, #21 (Billy Devaney)
It's been less than three seasons, and granted some of these men inherited a disaster. Some started ahead like New England. But fortunately Tampa Bay had someone already familiar with the way things work inside One Buccaneer Place, and Dominik has worked it to his advantage ever since.
Don't overlook Detroit and the high regard for their GM. They clearly found the right man as well.
It's a solid Top Five in the GM rankings above, and appears to be a very hard group to crack. To get there, Dominik will have to win a championship.
Seems that more and more people are believing that he will.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Disrespected: Dominik Passed Over For Exec Of The Year
The biggest turnaround in team history. The first team -- ever -- to win 10 games and start 10 rookies. A Top 10 defense. A Top 10 running game. All this one season after going 3-13 as a rookie General Manager. But you are *not* the Executive of the Year -- huh?
Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik has got to be asking himself, "What do you have to do to get some respect in this league?"
Well, I can answer that. You need to start your career in the Northeast, preferably as close to ESPN or NBC headquarters as possible. You need to be an assistant in a multiple-ring winning organization and "share" responsibilities with the Head Coach on personnel decisions. Then you need to become GM of a franchise which (as of today) has not won a playoff game in 15 years.
Or, at least, these seem to be the things that mattered more, making Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli the NFL Executive of the Year for 2010.
Turning Around A Franchise Is . . . Not Important??
Among things which apparently do not matter: Winning. The Chiefs went 4-12 in 2009 and turned it around with a 10-6 campaign in 2010 (+6 in the win column, impressive). A six game turnaround is a feat matches by only one other team in 2010: the Saint Louis Rams (1-15 to 7-9).
Yet there was one team which did better: the Buccaneers, who went 3-13 in 2009 and also hit 10-6 in 2010 for a +7 in the win column. Even more impressive.
But wait, that means Pioli has a 14-18 record, while Dominik has a 13-19 record, so winning really does matter, right?
In 2009, the Chiefs beat Washington (4-12), Oakland (5-11), Pittsburgh (9-7), and Denver (8-8). Kansas City limped into the 2010 offseason winning 1 of their last 6 games.
That same season, the Buccaneers beat Seattle (5-11), Green Bay (11-5, playoffs), and the 2009 World Champion New Orleans Saints (13-3). That's a combined "beaten opponents" win record for 2009 of 26-38 for Pioli, 29-19 for Dominik. Tampa Bay went into the offseason posting two of their 3 wins in 2009 in their last 6 games (the final two games of the season).
Add in the fact of Dominik being in the NFC South, one of the strongest divisions in the NFL, while Pioli is in the AFC West, one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, and which 10-win season is more impressive?
In 2010, the Chiefs beat one team with a winning record. That was the Chargers (9-7 in 2010) in Week #1, 21-14. Fourteen weeks later, the Chiefs lost at the Chargers 31-0 (Week #14).
In 2010, the Buccaneers also beat only one team with a winning record during the regular season: the Defending World Champion Saints (11-5 in 2010; Dominik has yet to lose at the SuperDome) 23-13 in Week 17, on the road, avenging a 31-6 loss in Week #6. Tampa Bay went into the offseason posting two of their 3 wins in 2009 in their last 6 games (the final two games of the season).
Perhaps somebody would argue winning is only about coaching? Let's make a bad assumption and go with that theory -- even though it has been proven time and again talent plus coaching is what wins in the NFL. So, for now, let's put the winning aside and look at talent.
A GM Should Be Able To Assemble A Solid Coaching Staff
Pioli has had one head coach, Todd Haley. Pioli has also hired three offensive coordinators (and the position is currently vacant again) and two defensive coordinators. After the 4-12 record of 2009, Pioli hired a former head coach in Romeo Crenell for defensive coordinator and a former Notre Dame head coach in Charlie Weis for offensive coordinator (Haley was offensive coordinator in 2009). These additions played some part in generating the turnaround year of 2010, but are now in flux again.
Dominik has had one head coach as well, Raheem Morris. Dominik has had two offensive coordinators (the first fired before the 2009 season even started) and two defensive coordinators (Morris took over as defensive coordinator midway through the 2009 season). These changes carried over to create the turnaround year of 2010 and appear to be staying in place.
A GM Should Be Able To Recognize Talent -- Wherever It Can Be Found
Pioli signed Matt Cassel in 2009 from New England to build his team around. Matt Cassel finished 2010 with a passer rating of 93.0, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Pioli went with a player he knew from his time in New England.
Dominik drafted Josh Freeman with his very first pick in the NFL Draft as GM. Freeman finished 2010 with a passer rating of 95.9, 25 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Dominik rolled the dice with a young man whom his rookie Head Coach had known from previous work.
Pioli has made 15 draft choices, of which 12 are still on his roster.
Dominik has made 13 draft choices, of which 11 are still on his roster. One player of interest here is DE Alex Magee, Pioli's 2nd ever draft choice (3rd Round 2009) whom Dominik traded for in 2010. In addition to Magee, Dominik snared an additional 6th round pick from Kansas City in the 2011 NFL Draft (KC also received a draft choice in the trade, but it's value is undisclosed). Magee saw limited time this season as he transitioned from the Kansas City 3-4 to the Tampa Bay 4-3 defensive system so the value of this swap is hard to grade at this time.
Finally, how does the Eye for Talent of these men compare when picking from the same talent pool? Through the time at training camp, teams trim their rosters from 80 players to 53, producing a hugh pool of available talent which creates a feeding frenzy just before the season begins. How did these men handle the flood this season?
After training camp roster cuts in 2010, Pioli assembled the following practice squad:
Pioli also signed the following waived players:
That's a total of 5 Regular Roster players generating 14 game appearances (no starts) and three futures contracts for additional development for Pioli's 10-win team. Not bad at all.
After training camp roster cuts in 2010, Dominik assembled the following practice squad:
This has to be the most frustrating part of the equation for Dominik. You would be hard pressed to find numbers like these for any GM in the past 15 years (a 1,000 yard rusher off the undrafted waiver wire? Are you kidding?).
It seems the differences between these General Managers is obvious: Dominik will roll the dice based on his experience; Pioli plays it close to the chest and conservatively.
Of course, Dominik has been in Tampa for more than a decade. He understands how the Northeast drives the league, and Pioli was tapped into the mainstream Northeast media for years before heading to the middle of the country.
I understand the familiarity. I just don't understand the blindness.
Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik has got to be asking himself, "What do you have to do to get some respect in this league?"
Well, I can answer that. You need to start your career in the Northeast, preferably as close to ESPN or NBC headquarters as possible. You need to be an assistant in a multiple-ring winning organization and "share" responsibilities with the Head Coach on personnel decisions. Then you need to become GM of a franchise which (as of today) has not won a playoff game in 15 years.
Or, at least, these seem to be the things that mattered more, making Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli the NFL Executive of the Year for 2010.
Turning Around A Franchise Is . . . Not Important??
Among things which apparently do not matter: Winning. The Chiefs went 4-12 in 2009 and turned it around with a 10-6 campaign in 2010 (+6 in the win column, impressive). A six game turnaround is a feat matches by only one other team in 2010: the Saint Louis Rams (1-15 to 7-9).
Yet there was one team which did better: the Buccaneers, who went 3-13 in 2009 and also hit 10-6 in 2010 for a +7 in the win column. Even more impressive.
But wait, that means Pioli has a 14-18 record, while Dominik has a 13-19 record, so winning really does matter, right?
Winning Against Playoff Teams While Rebuilding . . . Not Important??
That same season, the Buccaneers beat Seattle (5-11), Green Bay (11-5, playoffs), and the 2009 World Champion New Orleans Saints (13-3). That's a combined "beaten opponents" win record for 2009 of 26-38 for Pioli, 29-19 for Dominik. Tampa Bay went into the offseason posting two of their 3 wins in 2009 in their last 6 games (the final two games of the season).
Add in the fact of Dominik being in the NFC South, one of the strongest divisions in the NFL, while Pioli is in the AFC West, one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, and which 10-win season is more impressive?
In 2010, the Chiefs beat one team with a winning record. That was the Chargers (9-7 in 2010) in Week #1, 21-14. Fourteen weeks later, the Chiefs lost at the Chargers 31-0 (Week #14).
In 2010, the Buccaneers also beat only one team with a winning record during the regular season: the Defending World Champion Saints (11-5 in 2010; Dominik has yet to lose at the SuperDome) 23-13 in Week 17, on the road, avenging a 31-6 loss in Week #6. Tampa Bay went into the offseason posting two of their 3 wins in 2009 in their last 6 games (the final two games of the season).
Perhaps somebody would argue winning is only about coaching? Let's make a bad assumption and go with that theory -- even though it has been proven time and again talent plus coaching is what wins in the NFL. So, for now, let's put the winning aside and look at talent.
A GM Should Be Able To Assemble A Solid Coaching Staff
Pioli has had one head coach, Todd Haley. Pioli has also hired three offensive coordinators (and the position is currently vacant again) and two defensive coordinators. After the 4-12 record of 2009, Pioli hired a former head coach in Romeo Crenell for defensive coordinator and a former Notre Dame head coach in Charlie Weis for offensive coordinator (Haley was offensive coordinator in 2009). These additions played some part in generating the turnaround year of 2010, but are now in flux again.
Dominik has had one head coach as well, Raheem Morris. Dominik has had two offensive coordinators (the first fired before the 2009 season even started) and two defensive coordinators (Morris took over as defensive coordinator midway through the 2009 season). These changes carried over to create the turnaround year of 2010 and appear to be staying in place.
A GM Should Be Able To Recognize Talent -- Wherever It Can Be Found
Pioli signed Matt Cassel in 2009 from New England to build his team around. Matt Cassel finished 2010 with a passer rating of 93.0, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Pioli went with a player he knew from his time in New England.
Dominik drafted Josh Freeman with his very first pick in the NFL Draft as GM. Freeman finished 2010 with a passer rating of 95.9, 25 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Dominik rolled the dice with a young man whom his rookie Head Coach had known from previous work.
Pioli has made 15 draft choices, of which 12 are still on his roster.
Dominik has made 13 draft choices, of which 11 are still on his roster. One player of interest here is DE Alex Magee, Pioli's 2nd ever draft choice (3rd Round 2009) whom Dominik traded for in 2010. In addition to Magee, Dominik snared an additional 6th round pick from Kansas City in the 2011 NFL Draft (KC also received a draft choice in the trade, but it's value is undisclosed). Magee saw limited time this season as he transitioned from the Kansas City 3-4 to the Tampa Bay 4-3 defensive system so the value of this swap is hard to grade at this time.
Finally, how does the Eye for Talent of these men compare when picking from the same talent pool? Through the time at training camp, teams trim their rosters from 80 players to 53, producing a hugh pool of available talent which creates a feeding frenzy just before the season begins. How did these men handle the flood this season?
After training camp roster cuts in 2010, Pioli assembled the following practice squad:
- Ricky Price, promoted to regular roster, appeared in 7 games
- Tyler Palko, promoted to regular roster, appeared in 2 games
- Quinten Lawrence (2009 Draft Pick), promoted to regular roster, no stats
- Verran Tucker, promoted to regular roster, no stats
- Robert Greenwood, on practice squad for the season, now on a Chiefs futures contract
- Pierre Walters, on practice squad for the season, now on a Chiefs futures contract
- Darryl Harris, on practice squad for the season, now on a Chiefs futures contract
- Dion Gales, cut during the 2010 season
Pioli also signed the following waived players:
- Anthony Toribio, who appeared in 5 games
That's a total of 5 Regular Roster players generating 14 game appearances (no starts) and three futures contracts for additional development for Pioli's 10-win team. Not bad at all.
After training camp roster cuts in 2010, Dominik assembled the following practice squad:
- Ryan Purvis, promoted to regular roster, appeared in 10 games with 2 starts
- Derek Hardman, promoted to regular roster, appeared in 9 games with 1 start
- Will Barker, promoted to regular roster, appeared in 3 games
- Dezmon Briscoe, promoted to regular roster, appeared in 2 games
- George Johnson, promoted to regular roster, no stats
- Vince Anderson, on practice squad for the season, now on a Buccaneers futures contract
- Brent Bowden (2010 Draft Pick), cut during the 2010 season
- Lee Robinson, cut during the 2010 season
Dominik also signed the following waived players:
- Kregg Lumpkin, who appeared in 11 games
- Ted Larsen, who appeared in 12 games with 11 starts
- LeGarrette Blount, who appeared in 13 games with 7 starts, running for 1,000 yards in 2010
That's a total of 8 Regular Roster players generating 60 game appearances (with 32 starts) and one futures contract for additional development for Dominik's 10-win team. Incredible.
This has to be the most frustrating part of the equation for Dominik. You would be hard pressed to find numbers like these for any GM in the past 15 years (a 1,000 yard rusher off the undrafted waiver wire? Are you kidding?).
It seems the differences between these General Managers is obvious: Dominik will roll the dice based on his experience; Pioli plays it close to the chest and conservatively.
Of course, Dominik has been in Tampa for more than a decade. He understands how the Northeast drives the league, and Pioli was tapped into the mainstream Northeast media for years before heading to the middle of the country.
I understand the familiarity. I just don't understand the blindness.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sea Change In Buccaneers Front Office
The first time something happens, it's an exception. After that, it's a trend.
The jury is out on the Piscitelli move; it's going to be very interesting to see who will start at the safety position this weekend at Raymond James Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons.
A new trend has started in the front office of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And it involves three players who are no longer with the team: Chris Pressley, Ryan Sims, and Sabby Piscitelli.
What ties these men together besides being former teammates? They were all healthy when they were released.
FB Chris Pressley was cut back on October 24th. He became expendable when the jack-of-all-trades Erik Lorig started taking snaps at fullback. Lorig, who at various times has been associated with tight end and defensive end as well as fullback, provides high value due to his versatile nature.
DT Ryan Sims was cut November 24th. He was replaced by Frank Okam, who had spent all of seven days on the Tampa Bay practice squad. Sims is the senior of Okam by six years, but obviously there was something to Okam's game to merit such a change. Watch for Okam to start contributing in the defensive rotation soon.
Yesterday, S Sabby Piscitelli was released (Nov. 30th). Piscitelli was drafted in 2007 and played significant minutes in 2009. It was thought he would be starting this weekend in place of injured SS Cody Grim who went down with a broken ankle and is lost for 2010.
Yesterday, S Sabby Piscitelli was released (Nov. 30th). Piscitelli was drafted in 2007 and played significant minutes in 2009. It was thought he would be starting this weekend in place of injured SS Cody Grim who went down with a broken ankle and is lost for 2010.
P Chris Bryan could be considered a similar cut of a healthy player, but if you include all of 2009 and 2010 draftee P Brent Bowden who, after a full offseason, was placed on the practice squad and subsequently cut earlier this year, the position of Punter has been a two year project. So in the context of this discussion it's not the same situation.
When a front office starts replacing healthy players it is a sea change for the franchise. It means there is talent being released from other teams (or walking the streets) which are considered upgrades to experienced talent on your own team. The sea change is your team is no longer depending on experience alone -- a certain level of talent has been achieved which makes keeping experienced players just for the sake of their experience no longer necessary. Your team is now built on talent and player development, an exciting and very positive circumstance! Let's look at each case:
The Sims-for-Okam move could be a continuation of the getting younger theme General Manager Mark Dominik has been preaching since his ascension to the head role in the front office. The change was quite sudden -- did Okam show some type of impressive fit for the interior of the Buccaneers defensive scheme? Having recently brought in DT Al Woods after drafting three interior linemen in the past two drafts, the Buccaneers are really loading up on young defensive linemen. Do the Buccaneers now believe they have more than enough talent on the defensive line to consider experience less necessary? It appears so.
The Pressley-for-Lorig move could have an economic nature. A more versatile player can provide help at multiple positions, eliminating the need for a specialist (and their salary) at a position which is not put to full time use on game day. The other possibility is Tampa Bay will continue to move farther and farther from the more traditional fullback role used by the previous coaching staff and into more of a split back backfield. But again, it appears talent is trumping experience.
The jury is out on the Piscitelli move; it's going to be very interesting to see who will start at the safety position this weekend at Raymond James Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons.
The overall message is that nobody is safe in their position on the roster anymore. On top tier NFL teams this is a normal situation -- get better or go home. In the case of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, more and more it seems this point has been reached.
To put it succinctly: The Rebuild Is Over!
The signal is from now on the Buccaneers can pick up a talented player at any position, at any time, without position specific needs or areas of concentration. It is a significant message for players like WR Maurice Stovall, LS Andrew Economos, LB Niko Koutouvides, and TE John Gilmore. All have five or more years of experience and all have starting roles on special teams only. Is that good enough anymore?
To put it succinctly: The Rebuild Is Over!
The signal is from now on the Buccaneers can pick up a talented player at any position, at any time, without position specific needs or areas of concentration. It is a significant message for players like WR Maurice Stovall, LS Andrew Economos, LB Niko Koutouvides, and TE John Gilmore. All have five or more years of experience and all have starting roles on special teams only. Is that good enough anymore?
Certainly there will be more changes before the season is over. But, clearly, a new phase in the thought process of the front office has started: not just offseason veteran purges anymore -- in-season swaps are considered worthwhile. The question is how much longer will the Buccaneers continue to drain the experience from the team to build up the talent level? What is the tradeoff tipping point in Tampa Bay for experience versus talent?
Things are shaping up to be the most interesting offseason in Tampa Bay in over half a decade.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
GM Mark Dominik Gets First Shot At Old Boss
We, the fans, know how invested we are in our beloved Buccaneers. We know the players battle hard and take the results personally. It's no different for the front office.
And the General Manager in particular.
Imagine the scenario (maybe it's even happened to you): A boss you respect heads off to build a new company elsewhere -- what do you do?
Only two people know what the situation was when Rich McKay left the Buccaneers in 2003, leaving then-pro personnel director Mark Dominik in Tampa. Was he left behind? If so, why? Did he choose to stay? If so, why?
Seven years laster, does "why" even matter anymore?
This Sunday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik gets his first shot at now team President Rich McKay and the Atlanta Falcons. And I think it means a lot to Dominik.
Rich McKay was General Manager of the Buccaneers for a decade, from 1993 to 2003, leading the team from pretender to contender and then on to SuperBowl Champions in Superbowl XXXVII played January 26, 2003. However, in December of that same year, McKay was introduced as the new President and General Manager of the NFC South foe Atlanta Falcons. McKay may have bolted because of the battle over the hiring of Jon Gruden versus Marvin Lewis in 2001 (McKay wanted Lewis). Maybe McKay and Gruden did not see eye to eye. Maybe the draft picks given up for Gruden (so soon after the Keyshawn Johnson trade) made McKay question if he could sustain the team.
Whatever the case, McKay left and Bruce Allen came to town. And Mark Dominik watched it all unfold from his office at One Buccaneer Place. Dominik had already been with the team since 1995, having been involved in college and pro scouting for 7 seasons when the GM change took place.
So this weekend Dominik faces his old boss. Dominik is only in his second year as GM, but the roster is covered with his fingerprints. And I'm sure he feels the competitive spirit which permeates everything related to the NFL. So a win this weekend would be pretty sweet.
But it's just one game.
General Managers care about every game, so for Dominik, I think the old saying applies: "Success is the sweetest Revenge".
Dominik's Buccaneers are currently on track to make a playoff appearance this season, which is only Dominik's 2nd as General Manager. In contrast, Rich McKay did not reach the playoffs until 1997, his 5th season at the helm. Those are the kind of numbers that General Managers compete over.
Another thing GMs compete about is currently a big fat tie: Both men have a SuperBowl XXXVII ring.
But here's the final measure: It took McKay eight years as General Manager to reach the SuperBowl, winning it in his first try. Believe me, that is the ruler by which Dominik measures his own success.
And Dominik getting a second SuperBowl ring with himself as General Manager?
It would be the ultimate revenge.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Who Will Dominik Find Next?
Thirty One NFL teams are nervous today: the Buccaneers have an open spot on their practice squad.
Tampa Bay General Manager Mark Dominik has been ruthless attacking the practice squads of other NFL teams. Granted, they don't all pan out, but his keen eye and the strong staff around him have found players like Donald Penn, Micheal Bennett (swiped from Seattle when they tried to get him on the practice squad last season, a tactic Dominik uses regularly), Rudy Carpenter, Tim Crowder, and Kregg Lumpkin, and pulled them away from another team's practice squad. Is there another gem to be found in 2010? And at what position?
Two voids were created with the promotion of TE Ryan Purvis and T Derek Hardman to the active roster. Purvis was a same-position swap with the active roster, replacing TE Jeremy Stevens. Hardman was added for depth along the offensive line which has some nagging injuries. Although a new tight end prospect seems to be on the way, there is no guarantee the other will be an offensive lineman . What are the possibilities?
A look at the Young Core Defense does not show any immediate needs. A linebacker, perhaps, but LB Mike Balogun is already on the practice squad having been lifted from the San Francisco 49ers back on October 11th. A fourth defensive tackle to complete the two-deep of young players is also a possibility.
A look at the Young Core Offense shows a couple areas where the team is thin. With Purvis coming up to the active roster, the tight end position finally has the young players it has needed. Another tight end is, nevertheless, a possibility. And although Hardman adds some depth to the offensive line, another offensive lineman is always a possibility because the practice squad is a great place to develop them. The season ending injury to Kareem Huggins also opens the door to another running back.
The roster shows there are six players with 7 or more years of NFL playing experience: Ronde Barber (14), Keydrick Vincent (10), John Gilmore (9), Ryan Sims (9), and Jeff Faine (8). That's corner, guard, tight end, defensive tackle, center. These overlap with the lists we've already made, so no clues there.
The last place to check is the projected future draft needs. These strongly suggest additional offensive linemen or linebackers.
With 31 teams having 8 players each on their practice squad, Dominik, pro personnel man Shelton Quarles, and the rest of the front office will have 248 players to pick from.
There is one thing we know for certain: the players chosen for these spots will be a player Dominik believes can be a key part of the future of the franchise.
Tampa Bay General Manager Mark Dominik has been ruthless attacking the practice squads of other NFL teams. Granted, they don't all pan out, but his keen eye and the strong staff around him have found players like Donald Penn, Micheal Bennett (swiped from Seattle when they tried to get him on the practice squad last season, a tactic Dominik uses regularly), Rudy Carpenter, Tim Crowder, and Kregg Lumpkin, and pulled them away from another team's practice squad. Is there another gem to be found in 2010? And at what position?
Two voids were created with the promotion of TE Ryan Purvis and T Derek Hardman to the active roster. Purvis was a same-position swap with the active roster, replacing TE Jeremy Stevens. Hardman was added for depth along the offensive line which has some nagging injuries. Although a new tight end prospect seems to be on the way, there is no guarantee the other will be an offensive lineman . What are the possibilities?
A look at the Young Core Defense does not show any immediate needs. A linebacker, perhaps, but LB Mike Balogun is already on the practice squad having been lifted from the San Francisco 49ers back on October 11th. A fourth defensive tackle to complete the two-deep of young players is also a possibility.
A look at the Young Core Offense shows a couple areas where the team is thin. With Purvis coming up to the active roster, the tight end position finally has the young players it has needed. Another tight end is, nevertheless, a possibility. And although Hardman adds some depth to the offensive line, another offensive lineman is always a possibility because the practice squad is a great place to develop them. The season ending injury to Kareem Huggins also opens the door to another running back.
The roster shows there are six players with 7 or more years of NFL playing experience: Ronde Barber (14), Keydrick Vincent (10), John Gilmore (9), Ryan Sims (9), and Jeff Faine (8). That's corner, guard, tight end, defensive tackle, center. These overlap with the lists we've already made, so no clues there.
The last place to check is the projected future draft needs. These strongly suggest additional offensive linemen or linebackers.
With 31 teams having 8 players each on their practice squad, Dominik, pro personnel man Shelton Quarles, and the rest of the front office will have 248 players to pick from.
There is one thing we know for certain: the players chosen for these spots will be a player Dominik believes can be a key part of the future of the franchise.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Bryant, Ward out; Williams, Huggins in
The Cincinnati Bengals poured a $7.8 million signing bonus over former Buccaneer Antonio Bryant, then cut him without an appearance in a single game. In his place is the 2010 preseason phenom and 4th round draft choice Mike Williams.
Derrick Ward signed a two year contract last year as an insurance policy for Cadillac Williams knees. Enter 2009 Undrafted Free Agent Kareem Huggins. Exit Derrick Ward.
Five of the six 2009 draft choices are either starting or second in line (Freeman, Miller, Moore, Biggers, Stroughter). The same goes for four members of the 2010 draft class (McCoy, Price, Williams, Lewis).
Does anyone question the ability of General Manager Mark Dominik's front office to judge talent anymore?
Chris Hovan, longtime mainstay in the middle of the Buccaneers defense, was not offered a new contract by Dominik during the past offseason. The St. Louis Rams did pick up Hovan, but he has been on IR since early July (back) and has not taken a snap during the preseason. It is unlikely he makes the Rams opening day roster.
A quick prowl around the web shows Jermaine Phillips and Torrie Cox are not be in any NFL camps this fall. Derrick Brooks has retired, as has Warrick Dunn. Ike Hilliard never played another snap.
What would you think about your General Manager if your team drafts a player in April, then trades him away before the end of training camp in August? Isn't it more impressive to find a Sammie Stroughter in the 7th round? Obviously!
It seems the eight years Dominik put in as the Pro Personnel Director are paying off for the rebuilding Buccaneers. No talent is "leaking" away from the team in the form of veterans with viable playing time remaining. Dominik seems to understand when a veteran has given all they have to the franchise. Knowing when a player has reached the end of their career is as important a talent for a GM as organizing the draft efforts -- mistakes in either case can cost the team cap space and roster opportunities for developing additional talent onto the depth chart.
Now Dominik must dig into his bag of tricks for another tool: correctly choosing between two talented players at the same position. Granted, this type of decision falls heavily on the shoulders of the coaching staff, who must be able to identify players which can perform the tasks presented to them at the highest level. But, also, Dominik must manage his cap, the roster, and the practice squad while keeping an eye on the waiver wire, so the final decision rests in his office. This is not a task for the squeamish; you know not all decisions will be winners. In the modern NFL you don't have to hit with every decision, but you do have to nail the majority of them. The core of the roster is the 44-man two-deep (that is, the starter and his backup for all positions) plus the punter, kicker, and perhaps a specialist long-snapper. On a 53-man regular season roster, that leaves room for around six "others" -- versatile special teams performers, young talent to groom, or . . . mistakes, which will need to be corrected. And a GM does not have time to deal with mistakes.
The final preseason game is tomorrow, after which rosters will be pared down from 75 players to 53-man rosters. Those last few decisions may not be as critical as a first round pick in April, but they will impact the season and the future of the franchise. Dominik has shown the ability a GM needs for the task. As the talent on the roster continues to improve, the decisions will get tougher. With the right choices, the rewards will escalate as well.
Derrick Ward signed a two year contract last year as an insurance policy for Cadillac Williams knees. Enter 2009 Undrafted Free Agent Kareem Huggins. Exit Derrick Ward.
Five of the six 2009 draft choices are either starting or second in line (Freeman, Miller, Moore, Biggers, Stroughter). The same goes for four members of the 2010 draft class (McCoy, Price, Williams, Lewis).
Does anyone question the ability of General Manager Mark Dominik's front office to judge talent anymore?
Chris Hovan, longtime mainstay in the middle of the Buccaneers defense, was not offered a new contract by Dominik during the past offseason. The St. Louis Rams did pick up Hovan, but he has been on IR since early July (back) and has not taken a snap during the preseason. It is unlikely he makes the Rams opening day roster.
A quick prowl around the web shows Jermaine Phillips and Torrie Cox are not be in any NFL camps this fall. Derrick Brooks has retired, as has Warrick Dunn. Ike Hilliard never played another snap.
What would you think about your General Manager if your team drafts a player in April, then trades him away before the end of training camp in August? Isn't it more impressive to find a Sammie Stroughter in the 7th round? Obviously!
It seems the eight years Dominik put in as the Pro Personnel Director are paying off for the rebuilding Buccaneers. No talent is "leaking" away from the team in the form of veterans with viable playing time remaining. Dominik seems to understand when a veteran has given all they have to the franchise. Knowing when a player has reached the end of their career is as important a talent for a GM as organizing the draft efforts -- mistakes in either case can cost the team cap space and roster opportunities for developing additional talent onto the depth chart.
Now Dominik must dig into his bag of tricks for another tool: correctly choosing between two talented players at the same position. Granted, this type of decision falls heavily on the shoulders of the coaching staff, who must be able to identify players which can perform the tasks presented to them at the highest level. But, also, Dominik must manage his cap, the roster, and the practice squad while keeping an eye on the waiver wire, so the final decision rests in his office. This is not a task for the squeamish; you know not all decisions will be winners. In the modern NFL you don't have to hit with every decision, but you do have to nail the majority of them. The core of the roster is the 44-man two-deep (that is, the starter and his backup for all positions) plus the punter, kicker, and perhaps a specialist long-snapper. On a 53-man regular season roster, that leaves room for around six "others" -- versatile special teams performers, young talent to groom, or . . . mistakes, which will need to be corrected. And a GM does not have time to deal with mistakes.
The final preseason game is tomorrow, after which rosters will be pared down from 75 players to 53-man rosters. Those last few decisions may not be as critical as a first round pick in April, but they will impact the season and the future of the franchise. Dominik has shown the ability a GM needs for the task. As the talent on the roster continues to improve, the decisions will get tougher. With the right choices, the rewards will escalate as well.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Mirror, Mirror for Bucs and Jags
Last week we compared the rebuilding process done by General Manager Scott Pioli with the Kansas City Chiefs to the rebuilding done by General Manager Mark Dominik with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, we'll compare Dominik to Gene Smith and his rebuild-in-progress in Jacksonville. As you'll see, the two teams as well as the philosophies of their General Managers are mirror reflections.
As previously noted, Gene Smith inherited some valuable players at key positions, such as Quarterback and Running Back. With these pieces in place, the Jaguars have spent their draft picks up front on both sides of the football: in 2009, the Jaguars drafted offensive tackles with their first two picks, then added a defensive tackle in the second round. In 2010, Jacksonville spent their first four picks on defensive linemen (another tackle and three defensive ends). The results of this approach are, as all second year plans in the NFL seem to be, inconclusive at this point.
Let's compare:
2009 First Round Picks:
Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB
Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT
Quarterback in Tampa had been a revolving door since the SuperBowl victory in 2002. While Josh Freeman is the designated starter in his second year, he will not play for the rest of the preseason to nurse a broken bone in the thumb of his throwing hand. Meanwhile, Jacksonville already had an established veteran in David Gerrard and so was able to select elsewhere. Monroe started the Jaguars second and third preseason games in 2010.
2009 Second Round:
Buccaneers: No Pick
Jaguars: Eben Britton, OT
Britton has been inactive for both the Jaguars preseason games this season but started opposite of Monroe against Tampa Bay
2009 Third Round:
Buccaneers: R Miller, DT, starter for all 2010 preseason games
Jaguars: T. Knighton, DT, starter for all 2010 preseason games, and Derek Cox, DB, currently at the top of the depth chart at one cornerback position after a promising rookie season.
2010 First Round:
Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, starter for all 2010 preseason games
Jaguars: Tyson Alualu, DE, not active for the first preseason game but started the second and third. Are you noticing the defensive draft patterns here? Did I mention that these two francises have proud defensive histories? Hold on, more on the way.
2010 Second Round:
Buccaneers: Brian Price, DT, not active for the first preseason game but started the second and third; Arrelious Benn, WR, currently mired in a suddenly deep receiver group.
Jaguars: No pick.
This flips the 2nd round from 2009.
2010 Third Round:
Buccaneers: Myron Lewis, CB, hampered by injuries saw his first time in the 2nd 2010 preseason game and played in the third.
Jaguars: D'Anthony Smith, DT, has not played in the preseason in 2010.
Some common attributes for new General Managers are starting to become apparent. The first is getting a talented QB in position. As evidenced by Dominik and Holmgren this past offseason, continuing with Pioli in KC and Smith in Jacksonville, all the newly appointed General Managers have either inherited a competent starting quarterback (Smith), gotten one from free agency (Holmgren, Pioli), or sought one through an early draft pick (Dominik, Holmgren again). Other Class of 2009 General Managers are doing the same thing: Denver traded for Kyle Orton and drafted Tim Tebow; Detroit drafted Matthew Stafford; St. Louis drafted Sam Bradford (QB). Settling the Quarterback position seems to be job #1. In many cases, these men are living up to the job (though not all, yet).
For the Buccaneers and the Jaguars, the next step was upgrading the defense. Both teams have spent a great deal of draft picks up front on defense, and likewise you saw two young defenses play strong last Saturday night to a 10-6 at half, 19-16 final score.
In fact, these two teams specifically are starting to look very similar, with youth up front on defense, at the corner, and at the wide receiver positions.
Will these teams have similar success this season? In less than two weeks we'll start to see the answer unfold!
As previously noted, Gene Smith inherited some valuable players at key positions, such as Quarterback and Running Back. With these pieces in place, the Jaguars have spent their draft picks up front on both sides of the football: in 2009, the Jaguars drafted offensive tackles with their first two picks, then added a defensive tackle in the second round. In 2010, Jacksonville spent their first four picks on defensive linemen (another tackle and three defensive ends). The results of this approach are, as all second year plans in the NFL seem to be, inconclusive at this point.
Let's compare:
2009 First Round Picks:
Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB
Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT
Quarterback in Tampa had been a revolving door since the SuperBowl victory in 2002. While Josh Freeman is the designated starter in his second year, he will not play for the rest of the preseason to nurse a broken bone in the thumb of his throwing hand. Meanwhile, Jacksonville already had an established veteran in David Gerrard and so was able to select elsewhere. Monroe started the Jaguars second and third preseason games in 2010.
2009 Second Round:
Buccaneers: No Pick
Jaguars: Eben Britton, OT
Britton has been inactive for both the Jaguars preseason games this season but started opposite of Monroe against Tampa Bay
2009 Third Round:
Buccaneers: R Miller, DT, starter for all 2010 preseason games
Jaguars: T. Knighton, DT, starter for all 2010 preseason games, and Derek Cox, DB, currently at the top of the depth chart at one cornerback position after a promising rookie season.
2010 First Round:
Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, starter for all 2010 preseason games
Jaguars: Tyson Alualu, DE, not active for the first preseason game but started the second and third. Are you noticing the defensive draft patterns here? Did I mention that these two francises have proud defensive histories? Hold on, more on the way.
2010 Second Round:
Buccaneers: Brian Price, DT, not active for the first preseason game but started the second and third; Arrelious Benn, WR, currently mired in a suddenly deep receiver group.
Jaguars: No pick.
This flips the 2nd round from 2009.
2010 Third Round:
Buccaneers: Myron Lewis, CB, hampered by injuries saw his first time in the 2nd 2010 preseason game and played in the third.
Jaguars: D'Anthony Smith, DT, has not played in the preseason in 2010.
Some common attributes for new General Managers are starting to become apparent. The first is getting a talented QB in position. As evidenced by Dominik and Holmgren this past offseason, continuing with Pioli in KC and Smith in Jacksonville, all the newly appointed General Managers have either inherited a competent starting quarterback (Smith), gotten one from free agency (Holmgren, Pioli), or sought one through an early draft pick (Dominik, Holmgren again). Other Class of 2009 General Managers are doing the same thing: Denver traded for Kyle Orton and drafted Tim Tebow; Detroit drafted Matthew Stafford; St. Louis drafted Sam Bradford (QB). Settling the Quarterback position seems to be job #1. In many cases, these men are living up to the job (though not all, yet).
For the Buccaneers and the Jaguars, the next step was upgrading the defense. Both teams have spent a great deal of draft picks up front on defense, and likewise you saw two young defenses play strong last Saturday night to a 10-6 at half, 19-16 final score.
In fact, these two teams specifically are starting to look very similar, with youth up front on defense, at the corner, and at the wide receiver positions.
Will these teams have similar success this season? In less than two weeks we'll start to see the answer unfold!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Bucs vs Jaguars: Dominik facing another GM Classmate
Gene Smith of the Jacksonville Jaguars is not only the General Manager, he is the first General Manager ever in Jacksonville. Mark Dominik is the fourth General Manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The two men have very similar backgrounds, as well as paths to their current positions.
Both started in the NFL in 1994 -- Dominik with the Kansas City Chiefs and Smith with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dominik moved to the Buccaneers in 1995 after a year and a half of college scouting.
Smith has only ever worked for Jacksonville, becoming director of college scouting in 2000 and director of College and pro scouting in 2008 before becoming General Manager in 2009.
Dominik started with Tampa Bay as a Pro Personnel Assistant and was promoted to Pro Scout in 1998, then to Pro Personnel Coordinator in 2000. In 2001, Dominik became Director of Pro Personnel -- a role he maintained until 2009 when he became the fourth General Manager of Tampa Bay.
The common career paths, though, had nothing to do with what the men were handed when they got to the top of the ladder.
Smith inherited Gavid Garrard, an established NFL quarterback who threw for nearly 3,600 yards and 15 TDs vs 10 INTs in Smiths first year. Add in an established running game which garnered Maurice Jones-Drew almost 1,400 yards rushing and 15 TDs and you have something to build around. Yet Jacksonville had a roller-coaster ride last year to 7-9, including a thrilling 24-22 win over the Jets (who went on to the AFC title game), but also including a 41-0 loss to Seattle, one of only five wins for the Seahawks in 2009.
Dominik used his first pick in the 2009 draft to stabilize his quarterback position. Although he inherited running back Cadillac Williams, Williams was coming off two consecutive seasons of knee injuries and the associated surgury. Dominik went to free agency to get Derrick Ward to solidify the running back position. The Buccaneers suffered through a youth movement and 3-13 record in 2009, with a signature win over the SuperBowl champion New Orleans Saints on the road as the high point of the season, and a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, 33-20, as the low point.
So although these two GMs have much in common, they are at different points in shaping their teams. Dominik released veterans and has built through the draft around a young core. Smith inherited a veteran core, but needs to quickly build depth before the veterans start to decline. One thing to watch during the preseason contest tonight is the mental toughness -- do the Buccaneers play mature? Do the Jaguars play old? Finally, both franchises (and both GMs as well) emphasize excellence on defense and physical play, so it should be a very rugged and fast game -- the best kind of NFL football!
Both started in the NFL in 1994 -- Dominik with the Kansas City Chiefs and Smith with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dominik moved to the Buccaneers in 1995 after a year and a half of college scouting.
Smith has only ever worked for Jacksonville, becoming director of college scouting in 2000 and director of College and pro scouting in 2008 before becoming General Manager in 2009.
Dominik started with Tampa Bay as a Pro Personnel Assistant and was promoted to Pro Scout in 1998, then to Pro Personnel Coordinator in 2000. In 2001, Dominik became Director of Pro Personnel -- a role he maintained until 2009 when he became the fourth General Manager of Tampa Bay.
The common career paths, though, had nothing to do with what the men were handed when they got to the top of the ladder.
Smith inherited Gavid Garrard, an established NFL quarterback who threw for nearly 3,600 yards and 15 TDs vs 10 INTs in Smiths first year. Add in an established running game which garnered Maurice Jones-Drew almost 1,400 yards rushing and 15 TDs and you have something to build around. Yet Jacksonville had a roller-coaster ride last year to 7-9, including a thrilling 24-22 win over the Jets (who went on to the AFC title game), but also including a 41-0 loss to Seattle, one of only five wins for the Seahawks in 2009.
Dominik used his first pick in the 2009 draft to stabilize his quarterback position. Although he inherited running back Cadillac Williams, Williams was coming off two consecutive seasons of knee injuries and the associated surgury. Dominik went to free agency to get Derrick Ward to solidify the running back position. The Buccaneers suffered through a youth movement and 3-13 record in 2009, with a signature win over the SuperBowl champion New Orleans Saints on the road as the high point of the season, and a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, 33-20, as the low point.
So although these two GMs have much in common, they are at different points in shaping their teams. Dominik released veterans and has built through the draft around a young core. Smith inherited a veteran core, but needs to quickly build depth before the veterans start to decline. One thing to watch during the preseason contest tonight is the mental toughness -- do the Buccaneers play mature? Do the Jaguars play old? Finally, both franchises (and both GMs as well) emphasize excellence on defense and physical play, so it should be a very rugged and fast game -- the best kind of NFL football!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Bucs vs Chiefs is Dominik vs Pioli . . . Philosophically
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a game where the score does not matter this Saturday night, there will be more than players competing on the field. The philosophies of the General Managers, Mark Dominik of the Buccaneers and Scott Pioli of the Chiefs, will also be on display.
Mark Dominik and Scott Pioli are members of the NFL General Manager class of 2009. Both men inherited teams struggling with identity, direction, and results. They have both turned over their rosters and are now one year down the road of rebuilding their respective franchises in their own images. Saturday will be a chance to watch these rebuilding projects in action.
A comparison shows the two men have made some different choices but have also had some common experiences in their first seasons at the top of their personnel departments:
Seems both men have had their share of difficult decisions to make since taking on their new role and responsibilities.
Clearly both men have not had much time to make grand changes to the personnel on their squads. It appears this is by design, as both men are dedicated to building through the draft with all 2009 (and 2010) draft picks still on their respective rosters. The build-through-youth philosophy also shows in the 80-man camp rosters for both clubs: the Chiefs have 41 players on their 80-man camp roster with 2 or fewer years of NFL experience (i.e. youth added by Pioli) while the Buccaneers have 43 players with two or fewer years of experience (i.e., youth added by Dominik). Clearly both teams will have a significant number of young players on the opening day 53-man roster.
But the last point of comparison in the chart above shows a significant, early difference in philosophy of the two men: Dominik quickly purged a group of 5 veterans from the roster he inherited from former Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen (now with the Redskins) and Dominik has clearly "gone young". Pioli, however, has added more veterans (Vrabel, Jones, Chambers) to the roster he inherited from former Chiefs GM Carl Petersen and Pioli has "gone to free agency". Neither of these teams saw these moves pay off in their first season but both have high hopes to see their teams make solid progress in 2010.
Which brings us to this weekend and why fans of both teams should be very interested in this game from start to finish. In the first half, it's the "Upstarts (young Bucs) versus the Old Farts (veteran Chiefs)" in a battle of who-can-win-and-win-now philosophies. Will one approach clearly show benefits over the other on Saturday night? In the second half, it's the "Clash of the Kids" -- which team has the better young talent, which players make for a bright future? Will the decisions made by the assembled, disassembled, then reassembled coaching staffs create success through relentless preparation?
I believe this game will feel like two different preseason games separated by a three year halftime time warp. And I plan to enjoy every minute of it!
And did someone say the score won't matter? I have a strong feeling the score will matter to both Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik as they watch their philosophies play out. And that makes the game all the more interesting to watch.
Mark Dominik and Scott Pioli are members of the NFL General Manager class of 2009. Both men inherited teams struggling with identity, direction, and results. They have both turned over their rosters and are now one year down the road of rebuilding their respective franchises in their own images. Saturday will be a chance to watch these rebuilding projects in action.
A comparison shows the two men have made some different choices but have also had some common experiences in their first seasons at the top of their personnel departments:
| Dominik/Buccaneers | Pioli/Chiefs | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-13 record | 4-12 record | |
| Drafted quarterback Josh Freeman with his first ever draft pick (first round of his first draft) | Traded for then-Patriot Matt Cassel, who was coming off his first full season as a starting quarterback. | |
| Freeman did not start until 2009 Week 9 | Cassel has started since 2009 Week 1 | |
| Traded 2010 2nd round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for TE Kellen Winslow (lead team in receptions in 2009) | Traded away TE Tony Gonzalez (led team in receptions in 2008) to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2010 2nd round draft pick | |
| The Browns used the Winslow 2nd Round Pick to trade down | The Chiefs used the Gonzalez 2nd Round Pick to get CB Javier Arenas | |
| Fired their offensive coordinator the week before the start of the 2009 season | Fired their offensive coordinator the week before the start of the 2009 season | |
| Fired their defensive coordinator during the season with head coach Raheem Morris taking over defensive coordinator duties | Fired their wide receivers coach during the 2009 season and their defensive coordinator after the 2009 season | |
| No coordinators changed during 2010 offseason | Two new coordinators for 2010: Romeo Crenell on defense and Charlie Weiss on offense | |
| Has drafted 9 defensive players, 5 offensive players, and 1 specialist since becoming GM | Has drafted 7 defensive players, 7 offensive players, and one specialist since becoming GM | |
| Has retained 4 of 5 offensive lines starters from prior GM | Has retained 3 of 5 offensive line starters from prior GM | |
| Has retained none of the starting defensive linemen left by the prior GM (selected a defensive tackle with his first pick in 2010) | Has retained neither of the starting safeties left by the prior GM (selected a safety with his first pick in 2010) | |
| Dominik finished 2009 with a player he inherited at tailback: Cadillac Williams, who rushed 211 times for 823 yards and 4 tds. | Pioli finished 2010 with a player he inherited at tailback: Jamaal Charles, who rushed 190 times for 1120 yards and 7 tds. | |
| Continue to run the Tampa-2 version of the 4-3 on defense | Have converted from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense | |
| Had only one rookie starter by the end of 2009 (QB Josh Freeman) | Had only one rookie starter by the end of 2009 (DE Tyson Jackson) | |
| Has two players with more than 10 years NFL experience on his roster: CB Ronde Barber and OG Keydrick Vincent. | Has six players with more than 10 years NFL experience on his roster: LB Mike Vrabel, C Casey Wiegmann, RB Thomas Jones, G Brian Waters, WR Chris Chambers, and DT Ron Edwards. | |
Seems both men have had their share of difficult decisions to make since taking on their new role and responsibilities.
Clearly both men have not had much time to make grand changes to the personnel on their squads. It appears this is by design, as both men are dedicated to building through the draft with all 2009 (and 2010) draft picks still on their respective rosters. The build-through-youth philosophy also shows in the 80-man camp rosters for both clubs: the Chiefs have 41 players on their 80-man camp roster with 2 or fewer years of NFL experience (i.e. youth added by Pioli) while the Buccaneers have 43 players with two or fewer years of experience (i.e., youth added by Dominik). Clearly both teams will have a significant number of young players on the opening day 53-man roster.
But the last point of comparison in the chart above shows a significant, early difference in philosophy of the two men: Dominik quickly purged a group of 5 veterans from the roster he inherited from former Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen (now with the Redskins) and Dominik has clearly "gone young". Pioli, however, has added more veterans (Vrabel, Jones, Chambers) to the roster he inherited from former Chiefs GM Carl Petersen and Pioli has "gone to free agency". Neither of these teams saw these moves pay off in their first season but both have high hopes to see their teams make solid progress in 2010.
Which brings us to this weekend and why fans of both teams should be very interested in this game from start to finish. In the first half, it's the "Upstarts (young Bucs) versus the Old Farts (veteran Chiefs)" in a battle of who-can-win-and-win-now philosophies. Will one approach clearly show benefits over the other on Saturday night? In the second half, it's the "Clash of the Kids" -- which team has the better young talent, which players make for a bright future? Will the decisions made by the assembled, disassembled, then reassembled coaching staffs create success through relentless preparation?
I believe this game will feel like two different preseason games separated by a three year halftime time warp. And I plan to enjoy every minute of it!
And did someone say the score won't matter? I have a strong feeling the score will matter to both Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik as they watch their philosophies play out. And that makes the game all the more interesting to watch.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Walk The Draft With The GM
Get a review from the GM himself -- Tampa Bay General Manager Mark Dominik held a press conference after each draft session. Hearing them in order gives a great sense of what went on during the draft. Also, meet Gerald McCoy and hear Head Coach Raheem Morris' analysis of the full draft. Enjoy!
Round 1:
Rd 1: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma
GM Mark Dominik Post-Round 1 Press Conference
Introducing Gerald McCoy
Rounds 2 and 3:
Rd 2: Brian Price, Defensive Tackle, UCLA
Rd 2: Arrelious Benn, Wide Receiver, Illinois
Rd 3: Myron Lewis, Cornerback, Vanderbilt
GM Mark Dominik Post-Round 3 Press Conference
Rounds 4-7:
Rd 4: Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Syracuse
Rd 6: Brent Bowden, Punter, Virginia Tech
Rd 7: Cody Grimm, Safety, Virginia Tech
Rd 7: Dekota Watson, Linebacker, Florida State
Rd 7: Erik Lorig, Defensive End, Stanford
GM Mark Dominik Post Draft Press Conference
Head Coach Raheem Morris Post Draft Press Conference
Round 1:
Rd 1: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma
GM Mark Dominik Post-Round 1 Press Conference
Introducing Gerald McCoy
Rounds 2 and 3:
Rd 2: Brian Price, Defensive Tackle, UCLA
Rd 2: Arrelious Benn, Wide Receiver, Illinois
Rd 3: Myron Lewis, Cornerback, Vanderbilt
GM Mark Dominik Post-Round 3 Press Conference
Rounds 4-7:
Rd 4: Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Syracuse
Rd 6: Brent Bowden, Punter, Virginia Tech
Rd 7: Cody Grimm, Safety, Virginia Tech
Rd 7: Dekota Watson, Linebacker, Florida State
Rd 7: Erik Lorig, Defensive End, Stanford
GM Mark Dominik Post Draft Press Conference
Head Coach Raheem Morris Post Draft Press Conference
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Tampa Media And Dominik-Tied-To-The-2010-Draft
Looks like Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik believes that his opportunity in Tampa Bay is attached to the 2010 draft:
In light of all this, I just have to say to the Tampa Media: Can I attach my credibility to this draft as well? Please???
Seems to me this time the hounds in the Tampa Media Elite have been tricked by a wily fox in the person of Mark Dominik. This is the most talented draft in 20 years by some estimations with the talent running long and deep. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 11 picks to mine this rich talent pool for contributors. If your job is to drill for oil and you're standing above one of the largest finds in 20 years, be sure to look your boss right in the eye and assure them that your next raise should be based on the next 11 wells dug. Likewise, if you are going into a draft room with a deep talent pool and lots of picks you make sure the fans know you understand the situation. That, my friends, is called tact ("skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations"). Now Dominik has the Tampa Media to thank for tying his name closely with the talent that comes out. Suddenly, after the draft, they will realize they can't call it "luck" or "a can't miss draft" -- now they must give him credit when the talent matures. And I believe that has been Dominik's plan since he dropped the quote last week. So while the Tampa Media rushes to the gallows to wait for a mistake, misstep, or some unfortunate luck, Dominik can sit back, do what he's done for 15 years, and play the cards he has stacked in his own favor (four extra picks this year) to his strong suit.
I suspect Dominik will bring the same tact to the table starting Thursday evening, and Buccaneer fans will be extremely pleased come Saturday night.
I think it wouldn’t be unfair for me to say that this class will have a big impact on the success of this football team going forward. If this draft class doesn’t succeed, I probably don’t, either.The Tampa Media has pounced on Dominik's quote like executioners given big new axe to grind:
-- Pewter Report press conference notes
For a long time, they will be intertwined, Dominik and this draft. In a week, in a year, in a decade, when someone mentions one of them, you will not be able to avoid thinking about the other.
-- Gary Shelton, TampaBay.com
How this draft turns out, even short term, will almost certainly determine the fates of General Manager Mark Dominik and Coach Raheem Morris and a lot of other people not named Glazer inside One Buc Place.-- Martin Fennelly, TBO.com
(How about Joe Buc Fan pulling out references to World War II, Napolean, and baseball in one fell swoop on a football blog? Sheesh!) And, more importantly, some have started to set the bar far above anything accomplished by most general managers long before this year's draft even begins:Banking on this draft to ressurect the Bucs is the football equivilent of loading the bases for Albert Pujols with two outs.Pujols could ground out. Just as easily, he could hit a grand slam.That’s what Dominik has done. He’s walked the bases loaded.-- JoeBucFan.com, article titled "Draft Will Be Midway or Waterloo for Dominik"
The Bucs have 11 picks, enough to fill a huddle, and five of those are among the first 101 selections. It is not too much to suggest the Bucs should walk away with four eventual starters and two Pro Bowl caliber players.Really? Two pro bowl players per year? As usual, the egomaniacs of the Tampa Bay Media feel it is their right, their position to dictate exactly what must be accomplished by whom and by when, while they themselves sit high above the frenzy and pass judgement.
-- Gary Shelton, TampaBay.com
In light of all this, I just have to say to the Tampa Media: Can I attach my credibility to this draft as well? Please???
Seems to me this time the hounds in the Tampa Media Elite have been tricked by a wily fox in the person of Mark Dominik. This is the most talented draft in 20 years by some estimations with the talent running long and deep. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 11 picks to mine this rich talent pool for contributors. If your job is to drill for oil and you're standing above one of the largest finds in 20 years, be sure to look your boss right in the eye and assure them that your next raise should be based on the next 11 wells dug. Likewise, if you are going into a draft room with a deep talent pool and lots of picks you make sure the fans know you understand the situation. That, my friends, is called tact ("skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations"). Now Dominik has the Tampa Media to thank for tying his name closely with the talent that comes out. Suddenly, after the draft, they will realize they can't call it "luck" or "a can't miss draft" -- now they must give him credit when the talent matures. And I believe that has been Dominik's plan since he dropped the quote last week. So while the Tampa Media rushes to the gallows to wait for a mistake, misstep, or some unfortunate luck, Dominik can sit back, do what he's done for 15 years, and play the cards he has stacked in his own favor (four extra picks this year) to his strong suit.
I suspect Dominik will bring the same tact to the table starting Thursday evening, and Buccaneer fans will be extremely pleased come Saturday night.
Monday, March 22, 2010
General Manager Dominik's Plan, Year 2
Tampa Bay General Manager Mark Dominik has stated his intent since taking over at the top of the Buccaneers was to mold the Buccaneers into a powerful, fast team and build through the draft for the long term, not through free agency for the short term. Let's see if that is indeed the approach he has been taking so far.
Getting Younger
As documented here many times before Dominik has made the hard (and, in retrospect, dead on right) moves in this area. The intent behind the veteran purge during the 2009 offseason was to provide opportunities for young players to step up and demonstrate they are capable of competing at the NFL level. Although the team did not put up many wins, players like Geno Hayes and Maurice Stovall demonstrated skills that the team can build around. In addition, those moves helped the Buccaneers to reduce payroll from $104 million in 2008 to $94 million in 2009, generating room to retain young talent as they become free agents. While the CBA has changed free agency into a chess match this year, the Buccaneers nonetheless have ample resources to play the game.
Stability at Quarterback
After the selection of Josh Freeman with the #17 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft GM Dominik stated his intent was to make the quarterback position a source of strength and stability for the franchise instead of the revolving door it had been during the previous regime. And not just the Freeman pick -- during the season Dominik picked a young quarterback off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. This foresight removes the Buccaneers from the QB drama of the 2010 NFL Draft and allows the team to take the best available player with the #3 pick. New Cleveland Browns GM Mike Holmgren is fighting the same battle, first year GM Bruce Allen may be looking to get a young QB with the #4 pick for the Redskins, and the Rams are looking at that quarterback at the top of the draft with pick #1.
By settling the quarterback position last year, the Buccaneers will have plenty of great choices during the 2010 draft to address other positions on the team. How confident was Dominik that this part of his plan was working as he wanted? Rumor has it he attended the Oklahoma @ Nebraska fooball game on November 7th, 2009, in Lincoln, Nebraska (for the record, that was the Buccaneers Bye week in 2009). If so, looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft preparation for 2010 was right on the mark long ago as the top two non-quarterback prospects played in that game in the persons of Ndamukong Sun (DL, Nebraska) and Gerald McCoy (DL, Oklahoma). In 2008 Dominik attended a college game which involved 2009 first round pick Josh Freeman -- seems a pattern could be developing!
Moving foward
For 2010, the workings of the next phase of the plan could not be clearer. During the offseason the NFL roster limit is 80 players. Just prior to free agency, the Bucs trimmed their roster to 70 (anticipating 10 draft picks) by cutting Josh Bidwell (P), Dirk Johnson (P), and Torrie Cox (DB).
Nine men were then tendered free agent offers:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Matt McCoy (LB)
- Brian Clark (WR)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
- Antonio Bryant (WR)
- Will Allen (S)
Here is what has transpired since:
Lost: 3/8/2010: Brian Clark (WR, 4th season) signed by Detroit
Lost: 3/8/2010: Will Allen (S, 7th season) signed by Pittsburgh
Added: 3/10/2010: Reggie Brown (WR, 6th season, 6' 1", 197); Tampa Bay also gave up a 2011 6th round pick.
Lost: 3/10/2010: Antonio Bryant (WR, 8th season) signed by Cincinnati
Added: 3/12/2010: Jon Alston (LB, 5th season, 6' 0", 235 lbs)
Added: 3/16/2010: Sean Jones (S, 7th season, 6' 1", 220 lbs)
Lost: 3/17/2010: Matt McCoy (LB, 6th season) signed by Seattle
The pattern here is clear if you consider these transactions as sets of swap-outs: one with wide receivers (Antonio Bryant for Reggie Brown), one with safeties (Will Allen for Sean Jones), one with linebackers (Jon Alston for Matt McCoy), and one without a match (WR Brian Clark). These transactions are a good look into the thinking of the General Manager.
From the point of youth, the safety swap was a push, the wide receiver swap goes younger by two years, and the lineback swap goes younger by a year. These all fit the plan for getting young talent to create competition at all positions.
From the point of position these three swaps do not change the team composition. This, to me, is a glimpse into the head of the GM. There is a certain mix of players which is preferred, and the cuts before free agency landed the team at that mix. The obvious intent with tendering the nine free agents is to get them back at market value (playing the expiring CBA to his own advantage) or release them to a team which places a higher value on the player. When a free agent is hired away, a suitable replacement is signed. This shows that the organization does not feel a need to change the internal chemistry of the team. Put another way -- the Buccaneers are committing to their young players and not grabbing free agents which would reduce the minutes of the key players in the young core offense or defense. This is exactly what we've been told time and time again by General Manager Mark Dominik -- this team will be built around young player development and not around a crop of veteran free agents.
Now the interesting part: The team is "down" one wide receiver. Going by the trend this offseason, we should expect the Buccaneers to sign a wide receiver soon with somewhere between 3 and 5 years of experience. If Tampa Bay does not make such a move in the near future it tells me that the Buccaneers are anticipating drafting more than one wide receiver to bring the numbers into balance or the spot is staying open for a possible post-draft move later in free agency. I think both options are equally good and equally likely. UPDATE: This unbalanced free agency loss has been offset by the award of a compensatory 7th round pick for the Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Expect at least one pick in the draft at WR because of the pattern outlined in this paragraph!
Barring another signing, the following players would rejoin the team at their tendered offer sometime in the near future:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
These actions performed by General Manager Mark Dominik show that he is running this team with a steady hand, sticking to the principals he has stated he wants to build the team around, and keeping an eye open for young talent. These are tried and true philosophies teams like Pittsburgh and Indianapolis have used to stay at a highly competitive level for many years. I expect it will do the same for Tampa Bay.
Getting Younger
As documented here many times before Dominik has made the hard (and, in retrospect, dead on right) moves in this area. The intent behind the veteran purge during the 2009 offseason was to provide opportunities for young players to step up and demonstrate they are capable of competing at the NFL level. Although the team did not put up many wins, players like Geno Hayes and Maurice Stovall demonstrated skills that the team can build around. In addition, those moves helped the Buccaneers to reduce payroll from $104 million in 2008 to $94 million in 2009, generating room to retain young talent as they become free agents. While the CBA has changed free agency into a chess match this year, the Buccaneers nonetheless have ample resources to play the game.
Stability at Quarterback
After the selection of Josh Freeman with the #17 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft GM Dominik stated his intent was to make the quarterback position a source of strength and stability for the franchise instead of the revolving door it had been during the previous regime. And not just the Freeman pick -- during the season Dominik picked a young quarterback off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. This foresight removes the Buccaneers from the QB drama of the 2010 NFL Draft and allows the team to take the best available player with the #3 pick. New Cleveland Browns GM Mike Holmgren is fighting the same battle, first year GM Bruce Allen may be looking to get a young QB with the #4 pick for the Redskins, and the Rams are looking at that quarterback at the top of the draft with pick #1.
By settling the quarterback position last year, the Buccaneers will have plenty of great choices during the 2010 draft to address other positions on the team. How confident was Dominik that this part of his plan was working as he wanted? Rumor has it he attended the Oklahoma @ Nebraska fooball game on November 7th, 2009, in Lincoln, Nebraska (for the record, that was the Buccaneers Bye week in 2009). If so, looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft preparation for 2010 was right on the mark long ago as the top two non-quarterback prospects played in that game in the persons of Ndamukong Sun (DL, Nebraska) and Gerald McCoy (DL, Oklahoma). In 2008 Dominik attended a college game which involved 2009 first round pick Josh Freeman -- seems a pattern could be developing!
Moving foward
For 2010, the workings of the next phase of the plan could not be clearer. During the offseason the NFL roster limit is 80 players. Just prior to free agency, the Bucs trimmed their roster to 70 (anticipating 10 draft picks) by cutting Josh Bidwell (P), Dirk Johnson (P), and Torrie Cox (DB).
Nine men were then tendered free agent offers:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Matt McCoy (LB)
- Brian Clark (WR)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
- Antonio Bryant (WR)
- Will Allen (S)
Here is what has transpired since:
Lost: 3/8/2010: Brian Clark (WR, 4th season) signed by Detroit
Lost: 3/8/2010: Will Allen (S, 7th season) signed by Pittsburgh
Added: 3/10/2010: Reggie Brown (WR, 6th season, 6' 1", 197); Tampa Bay also gave up a 2011 6th round pick.
Lost: 3/10/2010: Antonio Bryant (WR, 8th season) signed by Cincinnati
Added: 3/12/2010: Jon Alston (LB, 5th season, 6' 0", 235 lbs)
Added: 3/16/2010: Sean Jones (S, 7th season, 6' 1", 220 lbs)
Lost: 3/17/2010: Matt McCoy (LB, 6th season) signed by Seattle
The pattern here is clear if you consider these transactions as sets of swap-outs: one with wide receivers (Antonio Bryant for Reggie Brown), one with safeties (Will Allen for Sean Jones), one with linebackers (Jon Alston for Matt McCoy), and one without a match (WR Brian Clark). These transactions are a good look into the thinking of the General Manager.
From the point of youth, the safety swap was a push, the wide receiver swap goes younger by two years, and the lineback swap goes younger by a year. These all fit the plan for getting young talent to create competition at all positions.
From the point of position these three swaps do not change the team composition. This, to me, is a glimpse into the head of the GM. There is a certain mix of players which is preferred, and the cuts before free agency landed the team at that mix. The obvious intent with tendering the nine free agents is to get them back at market value (playing the expiring CBA to his own advantage) or release them to a team which places a higher value on the player. When a free agent is hired away, a suitable replacement is signed. This shows that the organization does not feel a need to change the internal chemistry of the team. Put another way -- the Buccaneers are committing to their young players and not grabbing free agents which would reduce the minutes of the key players in the young core offense or defense. This is exactly what we've been told time and time again by General Manager Mark Dominik -- this team will be built around young player development and not around a crop of veteran free agents.
Now the interesting part: The team is "down" one wide receiver. Going by the trend this offseason, we should expect the Buccaneers to sign a wide receiver soon with somewhere between 3 and 5 years of experience. If Tampa Bay does not make such a move in the near future it tells me that the Buccaneers are anticipating drafting more than one wide receiver to bring the numbers into balance or the spot is staying open for a possible post-draft move later in free agency. I think both options are equally good and equally likely. UPDATE: This unbalanced free agency loss has been offset by the award of a compensatory 7th round pick for the Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Expect at least one pick in the draft at WR because of the pattern outlined in this paragraph!
Barring another signing, the following players would rejoin the team at their tendered offer sometime in the near future:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
These actions performed by General Manager Mark Dominik show that he is running this team with a steady hand, sticking to the principals he has stated he wants to build the team around, and keeping an eye open for young talent. These are tried and true philosophies teams like Pittsburgh and Indianapolis have used to stay at a highly competitive level for many years. I expect it will do the same for Tampa Bay.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Holmgren Takes First Steps From Dominik's Plan
A funny thing has happened in Cleveland since free agency has started -- something that Buccaneer fans know well. The GM set off to fix the quarterback position. And Holmgren played it by-the-book from Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik's plan.
Here is how it's unfolded (Holmgren in 2010, Dominik in 2009):
- Holmgren cut the underperforming starter Derek Anderson (Dominik cut Jeff Garcia)
- Holmgren as signed an older, veteran player in Jake Delhome (Dominik signed Byron Leftwich)
- Holmgren traded away his #2 quarterback (Dominik traded Luke McCown).
All this to solidify a position that Holmgren knows is vital -- quarterback.
All that's left is for Holmgren to draft a quarterback -- and they "might draft a quarterback next month" according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. But we've already known that for a couple weeks.
Will Dominik recieve accolades from the Tampa Bay Area Media for not only solving the Buccaneers quarterback situation last year (heard anyone mention it since the season ended?), but solving it with a long term solution? Will he get recognition for going through the same process that a seasoned General Manager like Holmgren is also going through?
No, he won't. The Tampa Bay Media will continue to rehash the handling of the quarterback position in 2009 without even a nod or acknowledgment that the same thing goes on elsewhere.
Here is how it's unfolded (Holmgren in 2010, Dominik in 2009):
- Holmgren cut the underperforming starter Derek Anderson (Dominik cut Jeff Garcia)
- Holmgren as signed an older, veteran player in Jake Delhome (Dominik signed Byron Leftwich)
- Holmgren traded away his #2 quarterback (Dominik traded Luke McCown).
All this to solidify a position that Holmgren knows is vital -- quarterback.
All that's left is for Holmgren to draft a quarterback -- and they "might draft a quarterback next month" according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. But we've already known that for a couple weeks.
Will Dominik recieve accolades from the Tampa Bay Area Media for not only solving the Buccaneers quarterback situation last year (heard anyone mention it since the season ended?), but solving it with a long term solution? Will he get recognition for going through the same process that a seasoned General Manager like Holmgren is also going through?
No, he won't. The Tampa Bay Media will continue to rehash the handling of the quarterback position in 2009 without even a nod or acknowledgment that the same thing goes on elsewhere.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
2009 Tampa Bay Free Agent Review
Before the 2009 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made bold moves to get younger. A lot of chances were taken by cutting veteran players and exposing unproven and inexperienced players to the starting lineup. The final record showed the inexperience, but a youthful core of offensive and defensive players emerged with a lot of game experience. Was it all worth it?
Players Lost during 2009 Free Agency
Noah Herron , RB - was signed by the Cleveland Browns but produced no recorded statistics.
Phillip Buchanon, CB - was signed and played for the Detroit Lions in 2009 appearing in 13 games, starting 11. Buchanon recorded 38 tackles and 5 assists with a sack and 2 forced fumbles.
Paris Warren, WR - was signed by the New Orleans Saints but produced no recorded statistics.
Jovan Haye, DT - was signed by the Tennessee Titans appearing in 15 games and starting each one. Haye recoded 20 tackles and 12 assists with half a sack.
Buchanon and Haye were obvious losses on a defense that struggled all year. Buchanon was a questionable tackler and did not fit the mold of the press corners the Buccaneers wanted going into the 2009 season. His season statistics for Detroit were only down slightly from his last season with the Buccaneers (and he played three fewer games). Haye was the biggest loss as Tampa Bay struggled in the defensive trenches for most of the season. Haye was undersized for the even front defensive scheme the Buccaneers planned to implement in 2009. Nonetheless, Haye's statistics for the Tennessee Titans were comparable to his final year at Tampa Bay.
Players Cut during 2009 Free Agency
Will Allen, S - rejoined the Buccaneers after a veteran safety received a suspension and a string of injuries at safety.
Players Lost during 2009 Free Agency
Noah Herron , RB - was signed by the Cleveland Browns but produced no recorded statistics.
Phillip Buchanon, CB - was signed and played for the Detroit Lions in 2009 appearing in 13 games, starting 11. Buchanon recorded 38 tackles and 5 assists with a sack and 2 forced fumbles.
Paris Warren, WR - was signed by the New Orleans Saints but produced no recorded statistics.
Jovan Haye, DT - was signed by the Tennessee Titans appearing in 15 games and starting each one. Haye recoded 20 tackles and 12 assists with half a sack.
Buchanon and Haye were obvious losses on a defense that struggled all year. Buchanon was a questionable tackler and did not fit the mold of the press corners the Buccaneers wanted going into the 2009 season. His season statistics for Detroit were only down slightly from his last season with the Buccaneers (and he played three fewer games). Haye was the biggest loss as Tampa Bay struggled in the defensive trenches for most of the season. Haye was undersized for the even front defensive scheme the Buccaneers planned to implement in 2009. Nonetheless, Haye's statistics for the Tennessee Titans were comparable to his final year at Tampa Bay.
Players Cut during 2009 Free Agency
Will Allen, S - rejoined the Buccaneers after a veteran safety received a suspension and a string of injuries at safety.
Jeff Garcia, QB - appeared in two games for the Philadelphia Eagles. Garcia recorded no passes and three rush attempts for a net of -2 yards and a lost fumble.
Cato June, LB - played preseason for Texans and was cut. Signed with Chicago and appeared in one game but was cut again. June produced no recorded statistics in either situation.
Joey Galloway, WR - since we last checked in, Galloway signed with Pittsburgh for Week 16 and is still on the roster, although he has not produced any recorded statistics. For the 2009 regular season, he played in three games (starting in two) recording 7 receptions for 67 yards (all while at New England).
Derrick Brooks, LB - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Kevin Carter, DE - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Patrick Chukwurah, DL -was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Warrick Dunn, RB - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Brian Greise, QB - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Ike Hilliard, WR - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Anthony Mix, WR - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
This is the group which made the 2009 offseason (and the beginning of GM Mark Dominik's tenure at the top of the organization) unforgettable for Buccaneer fans. It was a bold and daring change removing Brooks, Carter, Dunn, Garcia, Galloway, and Hilliard in one fell swoop (Griese a bit later) as each man was a 10+ year veteran of the NFL. The balance of the 2009 offseason was spent gathering offensive players to replace the two quarterbacks, a running back, and two wide receivers in this group. This was the defining moment for Dominik - putting his imprint firmly on the franchise - clearly demonstrating the Buccaneers would no longer rely on aged veterans but would instead build with youth. All these players were important to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their careers. But the 2009 results indicate that, indeed, it was time for them to move along after fruitful careers.
Players Retained during 2009 Free Agency
Micheal Clayton, WR - after being sought after by the Seahawks and Vikings, the Buccaneers signed Clayton to a two year deal. His 2009 numbers were not exceptional:
Cortez Hankton, WR - cut early in the 2009 season.
Donald Penn, T - An integral part of a young offensive line, Penn faced many of the best pass rushers in the NFC during 2009 and fared well. Unfortunately, he only signed a one year deal.
Jermaine Phillips, S - Although often injured Phillips still seems to be the 2nd best safety for Tampa Bay. His deal was for one year.
Jeremy Stevens, TE - Was productive in 2008 and signed a two year deal.
Clayton, Penn, Phillips, and Stevens each served an important role last offseason. So much experience had already been trimmed. Penn and Phillips were needed for stability. Clayton had been in the doghouse with the prior regime for so long nobody knew what he still had. Stevens provided competition for new TE Kellen Winslow. These were key parts and needed to be retained.
So was it a good 2009 free agency period? For most fans, emotionally, it was not. Familiar faces are what the fans like to cheer for. But for the long term success of the franchise it was inevitable. The Buccaneers could have purged slowly, but at what cost? The 2009 season saw the emergence of young players already on the roster at many of the released veterans positions such as Geno Hayes (Brooks), Cadillac Williams (Dunn), Maurice Stovall (Ike Hilliard), and provided opportunity for rookies to shine such as Josh Freeman (Garcia, Griese) and Sammie Straughter (Galloway). None of these young players are complete replacements but, long term, I believe the Buccaneers will reap great benefits from finding out that there was already competent youth on the roster.
Cato June, LB - played preseason for Texans and was cut. Signed with Chicago and appeared in one game but was cut again. June produced no recorded statistics in either situation.
Joey Galloway, WR - since we last checked in, Galloway signed with Pittsburgh for Week 16 and is still on the roster, although he has not produced any recorded statistics. For the 2009 regular season, he played in three games (starting in two) recording 7 receptions for 67 yards (all while at New England).
Derrick Brooks, LB - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Kevin Carter, DE - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Patrick Chukwurah, DL -was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Warrick Dunn, RB - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Brian Greise, QB - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Ike Hilliard, WR - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
Anthony Mix, WR - was not signed and did not play in 2009.
This is the group which made the 2009 offseason (and the beginning of GM Mark Dominik's tenure at the top of the organization) unforgettable for Buccaneer fans. It was a bold and daring change removing Brooks, Carter, Dunn, Garcia, Galloway, and Hilliard in one fell swoop (Griese a bit later) as each man was a 10+ year veteran of the NFL. The balance of the 2009 offseason was spent gathering offensive players to replace the two quarterbacks, a running back, and two wide receivers in this group. This was the defining moment for Dominik - putting his imprint firmly on the franchise - clearly demonstrating the Buccaneers would no longer rely on aged veterans but would instead build with youth. All these players were important to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their careers. But the 2009 results indicate that, indeed, it was time for them to move along after fruitful careers.
Players Retained during 2009 Free Agency
Micheal Clayton, WR - after being sought after by the Seahawks and Vikings, the Buccaneers signed Clayton to a two year deal. His 2009 numbers were not exceptional:
Cortez Hankton, WR - cut early in the 2009 season.
Donald Penn, T - An integral part of a young offensive line, Penn faced many of the best pass rushers in the NFC during 2009 and fared well. Unfortunately, he only signed a one year deal.
Jermaine Phillips, S - Although often injured Phillips still seems to be the 2nd best safety for Tampa Bay. His deal was for one year.
Jeremy Stevens, TE - Was productive in 2008 and signed a two year deal.
Clayton, Penn, Phillips, and Stevens each served an important role last offseason. So much experience had already been trimmed. Penn and Phillips were needed for stability. Clayton had been in the doghouse with the prior regime for so long nobody knew what he still had. Stevens provided competition for new TE Kellen Winslow. These were key parts and needed to be retained.
So was it a good 2009 free agency period? For most fans, emotionally, it was not. Familiar faces are what the fans like to cheer for. But for the long term success of the franchise it was inevitable. The Buccaneers could have purged slowly, but at what cost? The 2009 season saw the emergence of young players already on the roster at many of the released veterans positions such as Geno Hayes (Brooks), Cadillac Williams (Dunn), Maurice Stovall (Ike Hilliard), and provided opportunity for rookies to shine such as Josh Freeman (Garcia, Griese) and Sammie Straughter (Galloway). None of these young players are complete replacements but, long term, I believe the Buccaneers will reap great benefits from finding out that there was already competent youth on the roster.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
2009 Week 15 vs. 2010 Season
Fresh off a win against the Seahawks where the Buccaneers showed a running game and bend-not-break defense may not be the time to look toward next season, but we have to get started. So much to research! So first, some groundwork, in the form of two predictions and two statements along the lines of what do we know, for sure, right now?
Prediction: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Win More Games in 2010 than in 2009
OK, so that's not something I know, for sure, right now. It sure sounds bold, doesn't it? I encourage you to join me in my optimism because with the results from Week 15 in the books, the 2010 opposition is determined. Here are the teams the Buccaneers will play in 2010:
New Orleans (twice)
Atlanta (twice)
Carolina (twice)
Arizona
San Francisco
Seattle
St. Louis
Pittsburgh
Cincinnati
Baltimore
Cleveland
Detroit
Washington
I believe, home or away, next year's team (actually, this year's also) stacks up favorably against Detroit, Washington, St Louis, Seattle, and Cleveland. Granted, all these teams will have some top-flight draft choices joining their rosters, but I believe Tampa Bay has the strongest core to build on. Depending on how the draft falls and free agents move I may not be scared by San Francisco, Carolina (twice) and Atlanta (twice) either. The Buccaneers will undoubtedly still be young next year. So, for now, I'll call "the floor" five wins next year. And thus, my "bold" prediction.
The Buccaneers Will Draft No Lower Than Sixth in 2010
With two games remaining Tampa Bay can finish with no more than four wins. A quick look at the overall league standings shows the best four wins can get is tied with the Washington Redskins for fifth-lowest win total. The Redskins have played St Louis, Detroit, Kansas City, Carolina, and Tampa Bay this year, so the Bucs would "win" the opponent strength tiebreaker and draft after Washington.
Underclassmen and the Draft
We know that January 15th is the deadline for underclassmen to declare, and with three picks in the first two rounds, it's a major event for the Buccaneers this coming offseason. Some have already thrown their hat into the ring while others are still ponding their options. General Manager Mark Dominik has already indicated his belief that there will be a strong push of underclassmen coming to the NFL for this draft due to the prospect of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) containing a structured rookie salary schedule (old link, but a good rundown of the pros and cons). If a lot of talented underclassmen declare then the best move for Tampa Bay could be to trade down -- a position I'll revisit after the full list of underclassmen declare.
Raheem will be back
OK, again, I don't know this for sure. But it would extremely disruptive to change coaches after 16 games, plus the players have not quit on him, plus there are flashes that his vision for this team is correct. Last offseason, the front office was able to secure more talent to help the offense than help the defense. If they can reverse that focus this offseason Coach Morris will have more and better tools to work with on defense -- and the defense has been improving. Besides, having a coach for only one season would make the Buccaneers no better than the Redskins or Raiders, and we all know we're better than that!
Prediction: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Win More Games in 2010 than in 2009
OK, so that's not something I know, for sure, right now. It sure sounds bold, doesn't it? I encourage you to join me in my optimism because with the results from Week 15 in the books, the 2010 opposition is determined. Here are the teams the Buccaneers will play in 2010:
New Orleans (twice)
Atlanta (twice)
Carolina (twice)
Arizona
San Francisco
Seattle
St. Louis
Pittsburgh
Cincinnati
Baltimore
Cleveland
Detroit
Washington
I believe, home or away, next year's team (actually, this year's also) stacks up favorably against Detroit, Washington, St Louis, Seattle, and Cleveland. Granted, all these teams will have some top-flight draft choices joining their rosters, but I believe Tampa Bay has the strongest core to build on. Depending on how the draft falls and free agents move I may not be scared by San Francisco, Carolina (twice) and Atlanta (twice) either. The Buccaneers will undoubtedly still be young next year. So, for now, I'll call "the floor" five wins next year. And thus, my "bold" prediction.
The Buccaneers Will Draft No Lower Than Sixth in 2010
With two games remaining Tampa Bay can finish with no more than four wins. A quick look at the overall league standings shows the best four wins can get is tied with the Washington Redskins for fifth-lowest win total. The Redskins have played St Louis, Detroit, Kansas City, Carolina, and Tampa Bay this year, so the Bucs would "win" the opponent strength tiebreaker and draft after Washington.
Underclassmen and the Draft
We know that January 15th is the deadline for underclassmen to declare, and with three picks in the first two rounds, it's a major event for the Buccaneers this coming offseason. Some have already thrown their hat into the ring while others are still ponding their options. General Manager Mark Dominik has already indicated his belief that there will be a strong push of underclassmen coming to the NFL for this draft due to the prospect of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) containing a structured rookie salary schedule (old link, but a good rundown of the pros and cons). If a lot of talented underclassmen declare then the best move for Tampa Bay could be to trade down -- a position I'll revisit after the full list of underclassmen declare.
Raheem will be back
OK, again, I don't know this for sure. But it would extremely disruptive to change coaches after 16 games, plus the players have not quit on him, plus there are flashes that his vision for this team is correct. Last offseason, the front office was able to secure more talent to help the offense than help the defense. If they can reverse that focus this offseason Coach Morris will have more and better tools to work with on defense -- and the defense has been improving. Besides, having a coach for only one season would make the Buccaneers no better than the Redskins or Raiders, and we all know we're better than that!
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