Yardbarker: Antonio Bryant

Bucs Weekend Camp Updates

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:06:50 -0500

Sorry for the lack of posts this weekend. I just returned from a business trip to beautiful Denver, and was feeling a bit under the weather. I will try and get you updated as much as possible. Joey Galloway (still), Jeff Garcia, and Jovan Haye did not practice all weekend. Antonio Bryant returned from missing Sunday's practice to Monday's morning session. Monday's afternoon session was cancelled, as the players went to see the Dark Knight. Backup QB Luke McCown fumbled two snaps, to the ire of HC Jon Gruden: "Well, Luke McCown had [two fumbled snaps]," Gruden said. "We don't get out here early every day all year and get the center-quarterback exchanges for any other reason. That's the fundamental in this game. At this point in time, it's ridiculous. McCown appears to be flashing signs of brilliance every day, but also continues to make stupid mistakes (fumbles, picks). Gruden will not tolerate said mistakes. On the backup QB situation: "I really feel good with the way Brian Griese is moving this football team right now," Gruden said. "He's making a lot of throws, really good decisions and he's handling the no-huddle offense extremely well. I like the flash that Luke McCown has. He's got some real flash playmaking ability. We've just got to harness it a little bit better. We've got to do a bit better job coaching." On the improvement of DE Gaines Adams: "I see a lot of what I saw last year in the second half of the season," Gruden said. "I see a guy that not only can rush the passer and has speed to get the corner, but he's also becoming a much more complete player. We're running the ball left in our 9-on-7 drills more than we ever had, just to try to get him ready for the regular season and obviously we want to try to become a better running team, left and right, inside and out. He's a more complete player and he's got great upside." Mike Alstott will be honored at halftime of the Seahawks game on October 19th. According to PewterReport, the game will have a special commemorative ticket, a Mike Alstott commemorative gate giveaway, and there will be the halftime ceremony for Alstott. Monday's training camp summary from BucsStats.com: Jeremy Zuttah is probably as far along now as Arron Sears was after a few regular season games. I think Sears is still a lock to start at left guard, but he better watch out. Aqib Talib had another good day in practice. He's still inconsistent, but when he's on, he's really on. Charles Bennett had to leave practice because of dehydration. Sunday's training camp summary from BucsStats.com Ryan Sims's size makes him an excellent partner for Chris Hovan. They were nearly unblockable today. Ryan Nece is doing everything possible to stick around by excelling in special teams drills. Nece is clearly on the bubble because of linebacker depth, but he refuses to go quietly. It's kind of inspiring. Gruden punished some penalties and missed assignments by making them run sprints (or "gassers") across the width of the field. Gruden singled out Brian Griese as having a particularly good day in the blitz pickup department. Ben Troupe played some H-back today, lining up in the backfield and blocking as a fullback. Saturday's training camp summary from BucsStats.com With Jovan Haye out with a groin strain, Ryan Sims has been getting a lot of action at starting under tackle and is really doing a nice job. He's not as quick as Haye or Dre Moore, but he's got a nice blend of functional speed and power. The dropped passes didn't stop when Brian Griese finally took over. Really, just about every receiver that was thrown to had a dropped pass. Gaines Adams nearly took Warrick Dunn's head off when he got stuffed on a running play. Not in a bad way, though. Adams has the chance to be one of the elite pass rushers in the league if he keeps up progress like this. Did we draft Dexter Jackson to be Devin Hester or to replace Joey Galloway: "If he's doing his job as a returner, that's what he was brought here to do," receivers coach Richard Mann said. "So, whatever else we get, that stuff is gravy. I think with the juice that he's got, when (coach Jon) Gruden goes back to his little laboratory, he'll come up with some creative ways to get him the ball." A nice piece from The St Pete Times dealing with the 5 most impressive players of the first week. Those players are Brian Griese, Michael Clayton, Jeremy Zuttah, Aqib Talib and Michael Spurlock.

Garcia Still Out For Bucs, Alstott To Be Honored

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:07:45 -0500

The starting quarterback was still out at Bucs training camp. Jeff Garcia sat again with a strained calf and head coach Jon Gruden says Garcia will be out for a couple of more days. Defensive tackle Jovan Haye and wideout Joey Galloway also missed practice with groin injuries. Wideout Antonio Bryant was back at practice after missing one day with a swollen knee. The team will practice this morning from 8:30 to around 11 and this afternoon from 2:45 to 4:30. The Bucs also announced they will honor Mike Alstott during their Sunday night game on October 19th against the Seattle Seahawks.

Gruden Speaks….About Everything

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:53:58 -0500

(On the mental makeup of Jeff Garcia in regards to the constant rumors about Brett Favre) "You know what, I don't know what we're talking about," Gruden said. "I'm so tired of it, really. He's one of the most mentally-tough human beings I've been around. If you know Jeff Garcia, you know what I'm talking about. I really don't think this is worth talking about, personally. He's doing a great job as he always does. He's one of the most mentally-tough guys I've ever met and I'll leave it at that." (On the wide receivers as a whole) "I'm really impressed. Granted, it's early and we haven't played deep into training camp, but the versatility that these guys are showing is very impressive. With Galloway out, guys have stepped up. Paris Warren is playing well. Antonio Bryant is a good receiver. Maurice Stovall has been impressive. Really, from top to bottom, any guy you want to talk about has done a nice job for us. Hopefully it continues." (On if he's seeing more speed and quickness from Michael Clayton) "Yep, I sure do. That's a 208-pound man right now and he's running all kinds of routes. You see him as an outside receiver, he's working the slot, he's playing three different positions and he's been very, very good to this point in training camp. That's what we've talked about, just string days together and if he does that we all know he's a heck of a football player. We like what we see so far." (On Donte Nicholson and Sabby Piscitelli making big plays) "Yeah, they sure did. We're trying strategically on our scripts to not only work the offense, but as the head coach you try to take a good look at this player here and that player there. So Monte Kiffin and I meet early, early in the morning and try to get what we need to see not only from a scheme standpoint but to try to put some players in vulnerable, playmaking positions. And we have very good safeties here that can cover grass in a hurry. That's a strength of our football team right now. Phillips is playing great and Tanard Jackson, I think, could be one of the game's best safeties. I believe that." (On the other safeties like Piscitelli playing well) "That's the way it is. We've got competition at every position and hopefully he continues to do what he's doing. Who says we can't play three safeties at a time? Other teams have played dime defense here and there. He'll work his way onto the field if he keeps doing what he's doing." (On how the offensive line improved in 2007) "They blocked better. They executed their assignments better and they were much more physical than we've been. And to be honest with you, we had continuity really from left guard to right tackle for most of the year, with the exception of [Luke] Petitgout. They're very accountable, physical guys and they have a lot of pride." (On if the current O-Line is one of the best in team history) "No, I wouldn't go that far. We'll get what we deserve. I like to keep it that way. Offensive linemen – the last thing you want to do is let these guys get their own press agents and have their own little world of compliments. We like to yell at them and keep them normal. They regulate the team. They're regular guys and they get no credit for anything." (On Matt Bryant's camp) "He's been awesome. He's putting it between the goal posts. I even saw him punt the ball inside the three today. He's really been good and we feel great about both our specialists – Josh Bidwell. And obviously [Andrew] Economos is a key there, too. He shoots it back there with good time and accuracy."

Camp Breakdown - WR

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:08:41 -0500

Last season proved to be a tough one for the WR corp of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Big things were expected from some former high draft picks, who failed once again to make an impact in our passing game. The group is led by old but still kicking vet, Joey Galloway. Ike Hilliard firmly entrenched himself as the number 2 receiver last year, and proved to be quite a reliable target on 3rd downs. We signed one FA receiver who we have high hopes for, and drafted a receiver in Round 2. This position battle should be one of the more interesting camp battles, as there are 3 wide open spots in my opinion. Currently on the Roster - Taye Biddle, Antonio Bryant, Brian Clark, Michael Clayton, Joey Galloway, Cortez Hankton, Ike Hilliard, Dexter Jackson, Chad Lucas, Maurice Stovall, Paris Warren Gauranteed Roster Spots - Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, Dexter Jackson Joey Galloway had another stellar last season for the Bucs. He finished the season with 57 catches, for 1014 yards, 8 Td's and a 17.8 YPC average. Our puny armed QB had a tough time utilizing Joey and his deep play abilities, but occasionaly Carmela mustered up enough will power to throw some bombs to Joey, the long being a 69 yard touchdown. Galloway still has plenty left in the tank (how this is possible, I don't know) and is still one of the leagues faster receivers. Ike Hilliard actually led the team in catches with 62, and proved to be quite a reliable 3rd down choice for Mrs. Garcia. Dexter Jackson will rarely see the field as a WR, but should get plenty of action at both punt and kick returns, until he learns the offense, and learns how to catch. No Chance - Taye Biddle, Brian Clark, Cortez Hankton Battling for Spots - Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton, Chad Lucas, Maurice Stovall, Paris Warren I find it hard to imagine more than 2 of these players making the team. We will most likely carry 3 TE's and 4 RB's which would make it hard to have more than 5 total receivers on the 53 man roster. Hence the reason earlier, I said this should be the most interesting camp battle to watch. Antonio Bryant is a player that has shown some promise in his career. In 2005 in Cleveland, he had 69 catches for 1000+ yards. He has proven to have some issues with coaching and was out of the league last season. This is Gruden's David Boston project for camp. If he pans out, Bryant has potential to give us a dangerous 3rd option receiving wise. If not, we cut his ass, and tell him goodbye. Michael Clayton (a guy who once looked like the next Hines Ward) has been inconsistent now for 3 seasons. He has not posted more than 33 catches or 375 yards since his 80 catch 1200 yard rookie season. If that player could ever come back to the Bucs, I think our WR class is very strong. I am slowly losing hope though. I realize that he was injured one of those seasons, but he has still yet to regain that super confident form that made him such a devastating receiver his rookie season. Chad Lucas is a guy who always seems to stick around through camp, and ends up being one of the last cuts. He does some impressive stuff in camp, so I had to throw him on this list. I don't think he will make the team though. Maurice Stovall is another Gruden draft choice whom I once held out high hopes for. He is a giant, and could be a dangerous middle of the field possesion receiver. Could be, is the optimal phrase here though. Stovall actually saw action in 15 games last season, but ended up with 10 catches. He has an upper hand on some of our other receivers though, as he might have been our best special teams player last season. As a gunner on the punt team, he was a force to be reckoned with. Paris Warren was having a brilliant pre-season last year before suffering a season ending injury. He is a great route runner, and has awesome hands. Very Ike Hilliardesque in my opinion. As mentioned earlier, should be the most hotly contested battle of camp.

Buccaneers Fantasy Depth Chart

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:18:26 -0500

Earnest Graham was one of the top free agent pickup of 2007 with ten touchdowns in ten starts. He'll enter this season as part of a deep backfield in Tampa. See where we think he should be slotted in drafts, and the rest of the Bucs in our fantasy depth chart summary.

Fantasy Football Notes - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:03:15 -0500

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense could have withstood a facelift before last season, and can certainly make use of one now. There were no legitimate questions surrounding Jeff Garcia's ability to perform sufficiently as a QB2, but he did not offer the upside that owners typically look for in the middle rounds of their draft. Some hung their hopes on third-year running back Cadillac Williams, but he sustained a hideous, season-ending knee injury (torn patellar tendon) in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers that left his owners scrambling for Michael Pittman and then, Earnest Graham, who along with Derek Anderson and Ryan Grant, was one of the three hottest free agent grabs of the season. Joey Galloway posted numbers atypical of a 35-year-old receiver, and Ike Hilliard scored his fourth touchdown in four years as he solidified himself as one of the best starting wideouts that no one wants on their fantasy team. Alex Smith, just like his quarterback counterpart, was also not worth owning, combining with Hilliard to give Garcia that aforementioned minimal upside. Matt Bryant was a benefactor of the overly deliberate offense, turning in a career season by converting 28 of 33 field goal attempts. The Bucs' Team Defense tied the Indianapolis Colts in allowing the fewest points, the likely result of playing against NFC South offenses that sputtered for most of the season. Make sure to read more of what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Jesse Burkhart has to say about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fantasy football worthy players heading into the 2008 season by clicking below...

MANUFACTURED JOY - SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:49:42 -0500

By Zac, Throwing Into Traffic

Manufactured Joy is a series in which we'll be going through the NFL team by team, from the bottom to the top, and giving fans five good reasons why they should be excited to watch their team in action this season. Today, the San Francisco 49ers.

1. Vernon Davis's third year!

This is the last year I let Vernon Davis break my heart, but I'm willing to give it to him, because it's not fair to measure him as anything other than what he is: A dynamic wide receiver in a tight end's body. As such, year three, traditionally the make or break year for receivers, is going to be similarly telling for Davis, who up to this point has been a non-factor for the offense. The team still lacks a wideout with the ability to stretch the field and catch the ball the way Davis can, and if he's ever going to matter to this offense, it's going to be with Mike Martz using him as his best vertical weapon (Arnaz Battle isn't exactly putting the scares in people downfield) and Alex Smith leaning on him. Davis has all the gifts in the world to make it happen, so it's time to make it happen.

2. Frank Gore has still got it!

Ok, last year was not a great year for Frank Gore, but come on, it's not like he single-handedly murdered forward progress. Even as he destroyed fantasy teams nationwide, he put up over 1100 yards and averaged 4.2 yards a carry rushing, and threw up 436 receiving yards on 53 catches, and he did all of this while struggling with injuries! Furthermore, he was the victim of his team's inexplicable decision to get away from the run. While there's certainly an excuse for him getting less than 20 carries in blowouts like the 33-15 debacle against the Giants or the 37-16 squash against the Steelers, can someone explain how the same is true for a 9-7 grudge match against the Ravens? Again, it falls on former offensive wunderkind Martz to get Gore involved, and if he does expect things to get much easier for the offense as a whole.

3. Patrick Willis cometh!

This was the lone bright spot of last season, and to say Patrick Willis was good would do him a disservice. Patrick Willis was GREAT. Fun fact: Willis led the league in tackles with 174. The next guy down on the list had 33 fewer tackles. With the 49ers bringing in a beast of a defensive linemen to take up blockers in the middle, you have to imagine that Willis will have an even greater opportunity to destroy opponents all over the field. If that's not worth watching, then I don't know why I'm even doing these anymore…

4. Drafting for the trenches!

No matter what anyone else says about any other position, the fact remains that you turn a bad team into a good team quickly by repairing the lines. The Jets and Bears did it offensively in 2006. The Giants proved that consistent production from the line defensively can win championships last year. This past draft, the 49ers were evidently hoping they could get a similar spark. The team took three linemen in the first four rounds, including physical monster DT Kentwon Balmer and potential second round steal (if he can stay focused) OG Chilo Rachal. Both of these players are considered high risk/high reward gambles at their respective positions, but considering the state of the team last year (Willis needed some help up front to create problems in the backfield, and the offensive line gave up 55 sacks), a gamble was needed to save a whole lot of jobs, including that of head coach Mike Nolan, and in a division where literally anybody can win the whole thing (in ugly, pyrrhic fashion, but still win it), even a slight turnaround could produce big results.

5. Mike Martz + Alex Smith = ALEX SMITH IS NOT A BUST!

Seriously, can we all agree on this and shut up about the small hands already? In three years Smith has had to learn three different offenses from three different coordinators, and he's on his fourth. In 2006, but for a close scrape against the Seahawks, his team would have gone to the playoffs in his second year, and he put up almost 3000 yards starting all 16 games. Oh, and who exactly is he throwing to? Arnaz Battle? Ashley Lelie? The most potent downfield threat he's had is Antonio Bryant. HOW IS THAT FAIR TO A FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK FORCED TO START AS SOON AS HE ENTERED THE LEAGUE?!? The point is that outside of his small hands (on which there's been an inexplicable focus), Smith has all of the tools to succeed, and has shown he can do so over the course of a season when the staff opens the offense up and lets him use his outstanding gifts, including a tragically underrated intelligence on the field, to make things happen. Under Martz, barring a wildly idiotic decision to hand the keys over to generic "We're going 6-10, tops" backups Hill and Sullivan, look for Smith to finally get the chance to sink his teeth into an offense that plays to both his physical and mental strengths, especially if even one of the hyper-talented pieces around him (ahem…Davis…Gore…) plays up to their potential.

NFL Thursday: Eller Arrested; Dolphins Mull No. 1 Pick

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:58:41 -0500

Hall of Famer Carl Eller arrested after assaulting cops, Dolphins start contract negotiations with prospective No. 1 picks, Bucs gamble on WR Antonio Bryant and much more local hometown NFL news for Thursday, April 10, 2008.

A look at the Niners' receiving corps

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:58:40 -0500

The SF Chronicle has listed a nice little summary of the WR corps for the upcoming mini-camps for the 49ers. After cutting/losing Antonio Bryant, who will take over the big play capabilities? Many are expecting former Bronco and Falcon Ashley Lelie to take that roll, but what else is new, Lelie has been the talk of high expectations since his entrance into the league. He has never, ever delivered though and I have a hard time believing this year will be any different.

49ers release Antonio Bryant...sign Ashley Lelie

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 04:17:51 -0500

The San Francisco 49ers dropped talented but troubled WR Antonio Bryant today, and made a deal with free agent WR Ashley Lelie from Denver. Lelie spent several seasons with the Broncos, but never really lived up to expectations. With the 49ers still searching for an offensive coordinator, the team continues to persue free agents are have already spent $100 million. The Nate Clements $80 million deal is a little pricey for a player who has never been to the Pro-Bowl or the playoffs, but only $22 million is guaranteed. Good moves thus far by the 49ers? How much will losing Norv Turner hurt the 49ers and Alex Smith in particular?

The Top 50 NFL Free Agents

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 21:36:33 -0500

A pretty solid list, but as the writer puts it, this group is "thinner than Nicole Ritchie." Scarcity leads to average guys getting big contracts. Who will be the NFL's Gil Meche?

Is Mike Nolan a racist?

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:47:49 -0500

According to his quote in The Merc today, Mike Nolan thinks that if you build a team based character..."you're just going to end up with a lily-white team that doesn't beat anybody." Of course he was talking about his black WR, Antonio Bryant. Either that's THE WORST choice of words i've ever heard from a head coach...or...this guy is a racist.

49ers blow chance at playoffs, lose to lowly Cardinals

Mon, 25 Dec 2006 03:46:19 -0500

The San Francisco 49ers failed to take advantage of a great opportunity to get into the playoffs for the first time in awhile. The offense struggled and Alex Smith threw 2 INT's, while Frank Gore was held mostly in check as they played from behind most of the day and had to rely on the pass. The defense was a little off today but still forced a turnover and held on some short fields to give the offense a chance, but without Gore's running and suspended Antonio Bryant's deep threat ability, the offense could muster no big plays. In related news, Matt Leinart was knocked out of the game after a hard hit in which he fell directly onto his left, throwing shoulder. No report about when he may return or how severe the injury was, but Kurt Warner will finish up the season behind center for the disappointing Cards.

49ers Bryant suspended for four games

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 05:26:53 -0500

Bryant has been suspended for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Bryant is the team's number one receiver, but lately Alex Smith has been looking for Arnaz Battle and Vernon Davis, while utilizing Frank Gore's rugged running abilities. This does however, impact the 49ers' run to the playoffs because now a big threat capability will be sitting on the sidelines, and I can't even name the third receiver for the Niners. Do you think Bryant's departure will be a distraction, or will the Niners deal with it? Furthermore, does it even matter; would the Niners make the playoffs with him?

Antonio Bryant Arrested for Drunk Driving

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 21:09:24 -0500

Someone might want to tell Antonio Bryant that most speed limits in California don't hit triple digits. Normally, driving a lamborghini 100MPH after a few cocktails and then being combative with cops won't get you arrested...at least not in the Cannonball Run films...drinking and driving in that world just meant you were in the car with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin and not in the Tony Danza limo being driven by an orangutan. In the real world, it meant Bryant was forced to spend early Tuesday morning in jail. It doesn't appear like he'll be forced to miss any time this weekend because of the incident. The 5-5 49ers head to St. Louis to take on the Rams.