Why I Am Rooting For Cody Grimm Tonight
By Marc Rogers
Jul 25, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Cody Grimm (35) defends against tight end Tom Crabtree (84) during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing their last preseason game versus the Washington Redskins tonight at 7:30 p.m. This game is significantly important for all the backup players who need to perform well in order to make the final 53-man roster (click this link to see Leo’s projections.
Ever since I saw this “On The Fringe” video of Cody Grimm, he has become one of my favorite Buccaneer players, personality-wise. Then when the 7th rounder out of Virginia Tech received a starting position when Tanard Jackson got suspended, he became one of my favorite players to watch in general; especially after I watched these Buccaneers.com videos of ex-Buccaneer coach Jimmy Lake analyzing Grimm’s play. Here are the videos, so you can see for yourself:
August 3, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Cody Grimm (35) during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight I am hoping to see Grimm win his backup safety position once again.
While at Virginia Tech Grimm played linebacker, so although he never had more than 2 interceptions, he had 7.5 sacks his junior season and 7 forced fumbles his senior year; which was tied with Ryan Kerrigan for the most in college football.
I belive Grimm’s versatile skill set fits in better with the Buccaneers defensive scheme which requires aggressive safeties that are strong tacklers who can get after the quarterback if needed. Also during first three years with the Buccaneers, Grimm has gained a lot of starting experience and proven valuable on special teams.
Grimm’s high football intelligence has also separated him from the rest of the competition. He is constantly around the ball and although he lacks the quickness to be effective in man coverage, the videos above illustrate how effective he plays in various zone coverages. And it’s not just Jimmy Lake who is confident in Grimm’s abilities. Coach Schiano had this to say earlier this summer:
“Cody’s a very smart football player, whether it’s on special teams or on defense. I sit next to him a lot in the meetings, and you can hear him just saying the answers, you know, under his breath. He gets it,” Schiano said. “And that’s what allows him to really be a competitive player because there are guys that are faster and bigger and all those things. He really is a good football player.”
Although this was said after Grimm’s recent arrests, his biggest concerns for the franchise are still his off-field issues. He has had two alcohol related arrests during his short career in Tampa Bay. This kind of immaturity will not last long under Schiano’s regime. For this reason a lot of people have been rooting for Sean Baker. Baker has made some plays in the past preseasons and during last week’s game. But I believe Grimm has the potential to be a more well-rounded player for the Buccaneers.
So if there are any other big Grimm fans out there, keep an eye out for number 35 or the “Grimm Reaper” as I like to call him, to make some big plays tonight!