Newest Buccaneers safety T.J. Ward spoke to the media for the first time since landing in Tampa Bay via free agency. The 3 time Pro Bowler spoke candidly about why he chose to sign with the Bucs and how he was treated by his old team, the Denver Broncos, as he was shown the door.
T.J. Ward was all smiles as he stepped up to the podium today at One Buc Place to address the local media for the first time. It only took about one minutes before Ward was asked why he chose the Buccaneers over the many suitors reportedly after the veteran safety going into his 8th NFL season.
Ward quickly stated that “Tampa had the best locker room”. Before he turned the conversation towards the face of the franchise, Jameis Winston. “Playing against him last year.. he really impressed me.” When asked further about what impressed him while facing Jameis, Ward replied “He just kept his team fired up throughout the whole game… He made plays when we thought we had him, we were off the field and comes up with a first down”. Later the Pro Bowl safety added. “Even when we went in for an hour and a half he was that same dude…” Ward was referring to the rain delay during the Buccaneers home game against the Broncos October 2nd of last year. “That is what you want to see from your leader, that is what you want to see from your quarterback”.
Ward also talked about learning the playbook as fast as possible and lending a hand to the younger players in the Bucs locker room. Ward was also quick to point out that he is still feeling out his new teammates. “I don’t want to just jump in and start putting my imprint on a team that I don’t even know yet…”
When T.J. Ward was asked about the reasons why he was let go by Denver and how he felt it was handled, the interview took on a more serious mood. “It’s unfortunate the way they (the Broncos) handled that situation… they have to live with it, I got to live with it and we’ll see what happens”. Ward continued, “…you had a full off season to let me know what was going on… I know it’s a business, but when you have good employees you are supposed to treat your employees a certain way and I think they just handled it completely unprofessional, that’s just my opinion”.
Finally the questions moved to Mike Smiths defense and how Ward thought he would fit into the new scheme. “… it’s kinda similar to what we’ve been doing… quarters and man mostly, some zone blitzes and things like that…” Ward replied.
Publicly the Buccaneers coaching staff has had nothing but praise for their starting safeties Chris Conte and Kieth Tandy, but this 11th hour move would suggest differently. The early feeling seems to be leaning in the direction of a starting tandem of Ward and Conte, but it is to early to be sure. What you can be sure of is that Ward is an excellent communicator on the field and will be looked upon by the coaching staff to take control of the defensive backfield once he is up to speed.
My first impressions of T.J. Ward are that I find him to be media savvy, honest and is willing to answer the question asked without giving you players speak. His leadership could be the missing piece to the Bucs secondary making the expected leap in play during it’s second season in coordinators Mike Smiths defense.
Once again Jason Licht and his staff continue to upgrade the roster in every way possible. Adding a player with Wards resume to a position group that was surrounded by question marks is another feather in Licht’s cap. Brightening the fans season outlook even further, less than a week before they take on the Dolphins September 10th. I think most fans would agree that Denver’s loss is Tampa’s gain and this team is shaping up for a competitive playoff run.
Thanks for reading and feel free to fire off any comments in the section provided below. You can find me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt and I’m always down to talk Buccaneer football.
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