Despite more stormy conditions throughout Tampa Bay on Monday, the Buccaneers strapped on the pads for the first time this training camp.
“Good to get the first day in pads in I should say. We’ve been waiting for this for a while," said head coach Lovie Smith.
"The rain cooperated with us. I’ve talked a lot about being able to judge the linemen based on what they do in pads, so we were able to get some good work, run work, some one-on-one pass sets, so we know a little bit more about them: for our rookies (guard) Ali Marpet, (tackle) Donovan Smith, their first taste of a live guy coming off the edge running right over them. I thought they held up and did some good things while they were out there. That’s encouraging. We need to be able to run the football to be able to get that running game going. Defensively, I am always talking about taking the ball away. We were able to do that today, so that’s good. Other side of the ball, of course, too many turnovers.”
The session was closed to the public due to the inclement conditions, but for the players, it was just nice to get on the field.
“It was great, man," said linebacker Lavonte David.
"It looked like we haven’t missed a beat. I think going through OTAs and getting a feel for everything, guys caught on real fast. We’re a long ways from where we were at last year around this time. Guys just flying around, guys know what they’re doing. It’s looking real good; looking real promising.”
The Bucs return to the practice field on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. The practice is open to the public.