Buccaneers Need To Add A 'Juice Factor'

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in the playoffs. Instead, they are cleaning out their lockers, conducting exit interviews and preparing for vacations. This is not where we expected this team to be at this point in the year.

Now we are all looking for the answers as to why. We know some of the reasons. Injuries, coaching, quarterback play, blown assignments. It’s all part of the equation, but none of it is an easy solution. 

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Monday, Todd Bowles gave his end of year press conference to answer some of these questions and provide insight on what the team will do to fix it. Most of it was pretty standard. However, there was one specific thing that stood out to me. 

There was a question asked regarding Jason Pierre-Paul and how he was brought in for his energy and what that said about the team and what they can control in terms of players having juice. This was an excellent question (I wish I knew who asked it) that highlighted a lack of energy with this team. Bowles referred to it as the juice factor.

“The effort’s there” Bowles said of his team. “Certian guys have a different type of energy when they come in more from an energizer standpoint, probably more of that factor”. 

To me, it was damning that the team had to bring in a player out of retirement to energize this team. It is an indictment on the leadership in the Bucs locker room. Clearly guys like Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Antoine Winfield and the rest of the perceived leaders aren’t enough to energize those around them.

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Jason Licht has developed a type of player that he likes to draft. Guys who are mature and high character. This is a good thing and not something I would want him to stop because it’s a big part of why so many of his picks have been successful.

However, this is a double edge sword. While some see these as mature players, others might describe them as soft spoken. Those who lead with actions and not words. Some might call them more of a “Mr. Nice Guy”.

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with that. Most of the Buccaneers best players in franchise history have fit that mold ranging from Lee Roy Selmon to Gerald McCoy to Lavonte David to Tristian Wirfs. These are all similar nice, soft spoken personalities.

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However, it might be a problem if all of your players are that way. The lack of fire from these players was noticeable on the field. No voice to rally behind, no leader to grab his teammates and hold them accountable. 

That is why the team brought Pierre-Paul back. He has always been known as an intense player who will not shy away from confronting a teammate regarding them doing what they are supposed to be doing. It’s a bit confrontational and in your face at times, but that can be a good thing.

We can’t expect that Pierre-Paul will be back next season. He’s just too old and doesn’t have enough left in the tank to justify a roster spot. With that said, somebody will have to fill that role.

The Bucs need to go out and get someone who will bring that juice factor. Someone who can be a vocal leader and hold his peers accountable. Someone those talented, soft spoken players can rally behind.

Does this mean that Licht will have to change his approach to the draft? No, not necessarily. Players can be both vocal and mature. However, it is as much of a need as anything. A player who can lead and energize everyone else around him.