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Training camp is in full swing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Unfortunately, it has been a week filled with negativity and distractions that any team would prefer to avoid. The Bucs are in a full-blown contract standoff with quarterback Baker Mayfield that is growing more contentious by the day. If that weren't bad enough, star defensive tackle has requested a trade after his own attempt to receive a new deal failed to yield any fruit.
Were it not for those contract disputes, more attention could be paid to training camp's more exciting storylines.
Camp offers another opportunity for everyone to see star rookie Rueben Bain Jr. in action. Tampa's first-round pick has looked like a star throughout the entire offseason program and is the early front-runner to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Focusing on that would certainly create a lot more positive feelings about the upcoming season.
Or, we could be talking more about running back Bucky Irving, who struggled through a disappointing, injury-plagued sophomore season last year. Irving got the green light to be a full participant in camp and has looked impressive thus far.
Another of Tampa's most important players, wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr., is also healthy again. Whether he can remain so will be one of the season's pivotal storylines. Without Mike Evans, not only will the Bucs need Godwin's ability to produce like a WR1 on the field, but they will also need his leadership in the locker room.
Godwin had a press conference after training camp kicked off. With all of the contract noise going on, it would have been easy to miss what the 10th-year veteran had to say.
For the extended version, it was shared by the Jay Recher Podcast.
Godwin sat in front of reporters on Day 1 of camp and gave thoughtful answers to a range of questions. Here are some of the highlights:
Naturally, Godwin was asked about his health, which he has battled recently, missing 17 games over the last two seasons. The Bucs need him more than ever this year, and he gave a very encouraging answer.
"I'm feeling good. I'm encouraged by exactly how my body's felt, by the ability to have a full offseason of training. I'm just grateful to be out there."
It was inevitable that Godwin would be asked about the issues the team is currently going through. Along with Vea's trade request, which Godwin admits was surprising, he was asked how the locker room is handling Evans' departure, Antoine Winfield Jr. not being given a new deal, and whether he is concerned that the drama could become part of the team's culture.
"I'm not particularly concerned...we never question any of our teammates' ability to go out and perform," while he also notes that players don't question the way any of their teammates handle the business side of the job.
Of course, Godwin was asked specifically about Mayfield's situation. He admitted that, while players love the game, dealing with the business side of football can be frustrating. But he believes his QB is built to handle adversity.
"Over the years, I've gotten to know B. I don't know if there's anybody more equipped to handle something like this, right?"
Godwin also said it was strange not having Evans there during camp, but stressed that he will continue to be himself and won't change his game or leadership style to try to be more like his former teammate.
Hearing Godwin talk provided plenty of insight into how locker rooms treat teammates' contract issues. They will support whatever path a teammate decides to take when involved in a dispute, whether it's continuing to show up and practice like Mayfield has or requesting a trade and not participating with the team like Vea.
Godwin is also excited to be healthy and is expecting to have a big year. He knows he is being counted on to lead Tampa's young group of WRs, and he is not taking that responsibility lightly.
I suggest listening to the full press conference. It is well worth the time.
Godwin is one of the most respected players on the team, and the Bucs will rely heavily on his play and leadership to have a successful season.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Unfortunately, it has been a week filled with negativity and distractions that any team would prefer to avoid. The Bucs are in a full-blown contract standoff with quarterback Baker Mayfield that is growing more contentious by the day. If that weren't bad enough, star defensive tackle has requested a trade after his own attempt to receive a new deal failed to yield any fruit.
Were it not for those contract disputes, more attention could be paid to training camp's more exciting storylines.
Camp offers another opportunity for everyone to see star rookie Rueben Bain Jr. in action. Tampa's first-round pick has looked like a star throughout the entire offseason program and is the early front-runner to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Focusing on that would certainly create a lot more positive feelings about the upcoming season.
Or, we could be talking more about running back Bucky Irving, who struggled through a disappointing, injury-plagued sophomore season last year. Irving got the green light to be a full participant in camp and has looked impressive thus far.
Another of Tampa's most important players, wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr., is also healthy again. Whether he can remain so will be one of the season's pivotal storylines. Without Mike Evans, not only will the Bucs need Godwin's ability to produce like a WR1 on the field, but they will also need his leadership in the locker room.
Godwin had a press conference after training camp kicked off. With all of the contract noise going on, it would have been easy to miss what the 10th-year veteran had to say.
For the extended version, it was shared by the Jay Recher Podcast.
Highlights From Godwin's Press Conference
Godwin sat in front of reporters on Day 1 of camp and gave thoughtful answers to a range of questions. Here are some of the highlights:
Naturally, Godwin was asked about his health, which he has battled recently, missing 17 games over the last two seasons. The Bucs need him more than ever this year, and he gave a very encouraging answer.
"I'm feeling good. I'm encouraged by exactly how my body's felt, by the ability to have a full offseason of training. I'm just grateful to be out there."
It was inevitable that Godwin would be asked about the issues the team is currently going through. Along with Vea's trade request, which Godwin admits was surprising, he was asked how the locker room is handling Evans' departure, Antoine Winfield Jr. not being given a new deal, and whether he is concerned that the drama could become part of the team's culture.
"I'm not particularly concerned...we never question any of our teammates' ability to go out and perform," while he also notes that players don't question the way any of their teammates handle the business side of the job.
Of course, Godwin was asked specifically about Mayfield's situation. He admitted that, while players love the game, dealing with the business side of football can be frustrating. But he believes his QB is built to handle adversity.
"Over the years, I've gotten to know B. I don't know if there's anybody more equipped to handle something like this, right?"
Godwin also said it was strange not having Evans there during camp, but stressed that he will continue to be himself and won't change his game or leadership style to try to be more like his former teammate.
Final Thoughts
Hearing Godwin talk provided plenty of insight into how locker rooms treat teammates' contract issues. They will support whatever path a teammate decides to take when involved in a dispute, whether it's continuing to show up and practice like Mayfield has or requesting a trade and not participating with the team like Vea.
Godwin is also excited to be healthy and is expecting to have a big year. He knows he is being counted on to lead Tampa's young group of WRs, and he is not taking that responsibility lightly.
I suggest listening to the full press conference. It is well worth the time.
Godwin is one of the most respected players on the team, and the Bucs will rely heavily on his play and leadership to have a successful season.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
