Shepard needs to show up and play

[*FreeFua*]

1 minute ago, csx said:

Philly started many more games than Shepherd and barely surpassed Shepherds reception count.

He's not being paid for the 25 catches he made last year.

I think you misinterpreted my post

[Jeremy Igo]

1 hour ago, KillerKat said:

Yep. Shepard is one of those guys that has been hyped up for no reason despite not showing anything. He has to show up these last 2 games to consider keeping him. We have enough "special teams only" players already. He has to show something at the WR position.

He is on the team. These next two games have no bearing on that. 

[pantherclaw]

2 weeks of preseason.

[Millioso7]

Who was the qb tho?..

[beastson]

Looking at Shepard career numbers, his job shouldn't be a lock

[Millioso7]

Oh it's a lock my friend accept it

[top dawg]

20 minutes ago, Millioso7 said:

Oh it's a lock my friend accept it

That's what the Falcons thought when they were up 28-3.

[Saca312]

 

4 hours ago, top dawg said:

I want the best receivers to get the spots, period. That's my only "agenda" and has been for years. Training camp is fine, but you have to show something when it's game time.  

And so I turn to film. 

In terms of whether special teams play and leadership alone would garner him a spot, it will. 

His leadership often rivaled Jameis Winston's. The energy and ferocity he brings to the locker room more than warrants his roster spot.

In his first three seasons, Shepard played in 43 of a possible 48 games, leading the team during that span with 30 kick-coverage tackles. Shepard cemented himself as the foundation of the Buccaneer's special teams group, and enjoyed every second of it.

Quote

“Shep gives a pregame speech in the locker room before every game. So, we just rallied behind him and went out there and played some good football.”

“He’s probably our best all-around player on this team as far as the passion that he comes with every day to work, as far as the leadership that he gives us and just his heart,” Winston said. “His overall heart is tremendous."

In 2015, Russell Shepard achieved the role as the Buccaneers Special Teams captain. Recognized for his steady improvement, energy, and skill on the team, Russell Shepard received that title with plenty of support. Everyone knew Shepard was an integral part of the team, and his drive and passion awe-inspiring.

As I said, he's not just some nobody. He was huge in the Buccaneer's locker room. There's a reason multiple teams were dealing with him this past off-season, including us.

In the above, Shepard comes down gunning for Ted Ginn. He's right beside him as Ginn makes the unfortunate fumble during a kickoff. Shepard immediately dives on the ball, recovering it.

A very good special teams ace. There's no way we're not going to be using his skills to the max.

Now, in terms of route running, he does really well, even in the short to intermediate game.

Check above as he goes against a 49ers corner and makes a nice move. Cutting to the inside, he gets separation and finds himself open for the easy endzone reception. A good looking route all around.

On the play seen above, Shepard runs a 7 route. Although there was a late jam from the defender, Shepard's route was unaffected. He gets separation and finds himself open in the endzone for the touchdown.

On the deep hitch, Shepard does a nice job hitting the top and getting open. Carolina's offense employs a lot of deep hitches, and Shepard does them very well.

On the play above, watch Shepard adjust to another one of Jameis' erratic throws. Gets himself in position to catch rather quickly and adjusts to the ball well. 

On this play, Shepard takes an inside release on the Saints defensive back. He's able to get leverage, then runs a skinny post. Jameis nearly botches the snap, but he does get it out on time for a big gain.

So yes, Shepard has shown on film he's a very good route runner and will be a very solid WR3 for us. Coaches feel the same, and training camp validates everything.

As seen above, Shepard quickly drops weight at the top of his route and finds himself open against Worley. Easy reception and shows a lot of good technique. Only validates what has been seen on his tape at Tampa.

He's a competent receiver. Stats never tell the whole story. Film does. 

[Millioso7]

44 minutes ago, top dawg said:

That's what the Falcons thought when they were up 28-3.

I don't even know what team that is the fukk?

[SIGCHI222]

7 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

I'm not so sure Shepard makes the team unless it's just for special teams and #5-6 wr.  I'm not seeing the greatness that some have portrayed.

Seems like he is a practice stud and a game time dud.  So much written about how well he looked at OTA's and Wofford but then........nothing.

I wish him no ill will but I'm not sure that dog can hunt.

[Saca312]

Just now, SIGCHI222 said:

Seems like he is a practice stud and a game time dud.  So much written about how well he looked at OTA's and Wofford but then........nothing.

I wish him no ill will but I'm not sure that dog can hunt.

I mean right now Derek Anderson isn't helping matters. I'm going off what I've seen last year in Tampa, and Shepard was pretty dang good.

[KillerKat]

3 hours ago, Jeremy Igo said:

He is on the team. These next two games have no bearing on that. 

Nice. I love when players make the team without earning it.

Also, keeping him means the coaching staff will have to do the unthinkable. Cut Bersin. Which is why I think Shepard will have to do something this preseason for them to justify cutting him since they hold him in such high regard. They could cut Clay too, but that would be a mistake as he gives us the best field position on punt returns. I think punt returning should be important.

[SIGCHI222]

Just now, Saca312 said:

I mean right now Derek Anderson isn't helping matters. I'm going off what I've seen last year in Tampa, and Shepard was pretty dang good.

Only on rare occasions have I ever wanted to be more wrong and someone else be correct.  I will hold out hope but he has to show something before preseason is over, yes?

 

I can't argue with the DA part.

[Millioso7]

5 minutes ago, KillerKat said:

Nice. I love when players make the team without earning it.

Also, keeping him means the coaching staff will have to do the unthinkable. Cut Bersin. Which is why I think Shepard will have to do something this preseason for them to justify cutting him since they hold him in such high regard. They could cut Clay too, but that would be a mistake as he gives us the best field position on punt returns. I think punt returning should be important.

My eyes are bleeding.. bersin has done what again?..