High expectations.
In a way, Joe almost feels sorry for new Bucs offensive coordinator, Josh Grizzard.
Now how the hell can Joe feel sorry for a dude who has a Yale degree, is an NFL offensive coordinator likely making seven figures, and can brag his hometown is “Lizard Lick?” Easy.
It’s almost like Grizzard is set up to fail.
Think about it: Just about every Bucs fan, just about every suit at One Buc Palace and possibly most of the offensive players think the Bucs offense can or will improve.
The Bucs offense last year was No. 3 in the NFL. There is very little room to grow. Imagine the pressure if you are Grizzard. You were handed a loaded offense and all the people higher up the totem pole with the Bucs expect the team to go on a Super Bowl run.
And Grizzard is walking into a job he’s never done before, but everyone expects excellence right off the bat. No learning curve.
That’s pressure, folks.
Take Luke Goedeke. The Bucs’ starting right tackle spoke in glowing terms of the potential of the Bucs offense.
“I feel like the sky is the limit for our O-line and our offense as a whole,” Goedeke said. “I’d like to see our offense as the best O-line and best offense in the National Football League.
“That’s the goal among every team but I would say we’re definitely a team [where] that’s definitely achievable. Everyone strives for that and that’s great and everything but I think the Bucs, here, as we stand today, they’re in a good spot to achieve that this year.”
Nah, no pressure. You’re borderline Pro Bowl right tackle thinks Grizzard’s offense should improve.
And Joe thinks this pressure may extend to next year and may seep out of One Bucs Palace in a bad way.
If the Bucs are only, say, No. 10 in offense in the NFL and don’t get past the divisional round this winter, do any Bucs players begin losing faith in Grizzard? Does Todd Bowles? AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht? Team Glazer? Bucs fans?
Of course Joe wants the Bucs offense to blow up and average 35 points a game. But will they? Can they? With a guy calling the shots who has never called plays before?
Joe doesn’t envy Grizzard.