Greg Schiano Press Conference Notes, 8/20: Revis Practices, SLB By Committee and More

Aug 3, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback

(24) defends wide receiver

(89) during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Head Coach Greg Schiano held another press conference today after practice, and here are some of the important pieces of information you may have missed:

• Greg Schiano was clearly not thrilled with Lawrence Tynes‘ injury situation, and did confirm that the team will be bringing in kickers to audition over the next few days. We’ll keep you updated once we learn more.
• Schiano also seemed less than happy with a question about Jeff Demps. He said that he’s not going to worry about a player who isn’t in camp, and that he’ll evaluate the player once he’s in camp, helping the team get better.
• On a more positive note, both Darrelle Revis and Davin Joseph  practiced fully on Tuesday. This is very, very encouraging news. As long as these two players are ready for week one, the Buccaneers will better than they were in 2012. They’re difference makers versus their replacements on the roster.
• Schiano did express some frustration over the tight end situation, as he clearly wants to see more from Luke Stocker. He did say that Nate Byham and Tom Crabtree have worked their tails off, and that there’s still work to do at the position.
• On the other hand, he did say that running back is pretty much “cleaned up,” and now the team must determine who to keep, and how many to keep.
• Schiano made an interesting comment about the strongside linebacker position, noting that the team may use both Jonathan Casillas and Dekoda Watson at the position over the course of the season. He praised Casillas’ physicality, and mentioned that he knew Casillas before he was brought in to Tampa.
• On the topic of Johnthan Banks role with the team, Schiano said that he has not been practicing as a nickel corner at all, and added that you can’t “just make a guy a nickel corner.” He said that Leonard Johnson has been working in the slot a lot, and Schiano said he’s “not quite there yet,” because it’s a difficult position to learn.
• Because Erik Lorig and Spencer Larsen have been injured and sitting out, Schiano said the team has to get creative with how they use two back sets. He did not share specifics on who would play fullback, but Tom Crabtree did line up there during the preseason game against the Patriots.
• Brian Leonard is healthy. Schiano said that he was held out for a light strain, and had an almost knowing smile the whole time he explained it. Leonard is a veteran who has proven what he can do, and Schiano knows he can trust him. He’s going to make the team, so there was no need to play again.
• Schiano did confirm that the team would prepare more for the week 3 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, as they want to get a “game week” feel for players who haven’t been through a game week in the NFL before.
• He also added some comments on Josh Freeman, which we discussed earlier. But one comment that should not go unnoticed was Schiano mentioning the throw to Kevin Ogletree which was dropped was a “Hall of Fame” throw. He also noted that there were lots of other players who failed on some of the first team offensive drives, and that Freeman takes the blame for many things for which he shouldn’t take blame.

That’s it for Tuesday’s press conference. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the kicker situation, and any other news that breaks from One Buc Place.