Talib on offense? Don't bet on it

The more I learn about Aqib Talib, the more I like the guy.

I knew all about his abilities as a cornerback. Those are indisputable. But one thing that was not widely-known is his knack for making plays as a receiver. When you consider that half the eight passes he caught in 2007 went for touchdowns, you have to come away with the impression that he has some rare offensive skills.

But while you might think it's a no-brainer to try him on offense here in Tampa Bay, I think it's a little premature to expect it. For one, learning the Bucs' offense is a full-time job, and Talib will have his hands full just learning the intricacies of the Tampa 2 defense plus the variety of other coverages you should expect to see from the Bucs in 2008. There won't be much time to spend in the receivers meeting room between it all.

Another reason it seems like a long shot: we've heard this before. Jon Gruden said multiple times during training camp in 2007 that he would experiment with shifty cornerback Phillip Buchanon on offense. While Buchanon did get a chance to help on special teams, he never lined up at receiver, if my memory serves me correctly.

So, I'm not sure we'll get to see Talib play offense, though it sure would make a heck of a story if anything ever comes of this. Watching highlights of the guy as a receiver is almost breathtaking (you HAVE to scroll down to my previous post of Talib's YouTube clip at 9:26 a.m. It truly is must-see TV). Based on what little I've seen, the Bucs don't have a single player in their receiving corps with the pure athletic ability he displays. Not even close. Maybe there's a way Gruden can involve him in the occasional gimmick play or two.

Whatever the Bucs ultimately decide, it would seem almost a waste to not get something out of all that potential. Besides, I think we all agree that we wouldn't mind seeing some offensive fireworks around here -- for a change.

Comments

[Dman]

Can you say Jason Sehorn?...no thanks...I'd rather Talib just stick to his day job as a corner. If he's all that he's cracked up to be, he'll be busy enough on D as a rookie. Plus isn't that why we drafted Dexter Jackson? More speed on punt and kick-off returns and on O. I think Jackson's speed is just as much a reason to be excited as Talib's playmaking.

[Matt]

Stephen, when are you going to do the story on the UFC we're going to have for 2nd and 3rd QB slots ?

Assuming Garcia is a lock and Gruden really has an interest in working with Josh Johnson as a project, you've got Simms, McNown, Gradkowski and Griese all battling for 1 roster spot.

Do you think if Simms was 100% healthy he could beat them out?

[Chance]

This is wonderful! It means he should catch alot of interceptions with those playmaking hands!

[Martin]

Stephen,
I know this isn't directly related, but does anyone remember what happened w/ Alan Zemaitis? I just seem to remember during his rookie training camp comments to the effect of him being the only rookie that's locked up a roster spot. Intimating that he was quite decent. There was all the usual talk of how he was a perfect Tampa 2 corner of course, but I tend to dismiss that. The fact that he was going to make the roster before hurting his shoulder seemed to say something about him. Then he just disappeared in the summer of '07? How does a guy go from being that full of promise to being swallowed up and never heard from again?

Any light you can shed on that would be interesting...

[Stephen_Holder]

Not sure if you'll see this Martin, since you asked several days ago. They just missed on Zemaitis, I think. I have a sense it could have had something to do with his football IQ, though I'm not certain. But that would account for why a guy might have talent yet couldn't stick around in the league. If coaches can't trust you to know the scheme, you've got no chance. That's my theory at least.