One of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’s top priorities during this off-season is improving one of the NFL’s weakest pass rushes, an effort the launched with the signing of Michael Johnson in free agency.
They signed the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end to a five-year deal worth nearly US$44 million (Dh161.6m) and are banking him helping coach Lovie Smith transform them from a struggling franchise that has missed the play-offs six consecutive seasons into a division title contender.
Read more: As always, new coaches and new rookies in the NFL pre-season spotlight
Johnson had a career-best 11 and a half sacks for Cincinnati two years ago, and Smith is counting him to be the same type of disruptive player for Tampa in 2014.
“Our ends, how we define success for them, starting off is a double-digit sack guy,” Smith said.
“We didn’t bring Michael in here to be a role player or a player that can play against the run. Those are important things, but he has to be able to beat their left tackle one on one,” he added.
“In order for us to have success, our defensive lien has to perform a certain way.”
Although Johnson posted less impressive statistics with three and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in helping Cincinnati make the play-offs in 2013, Smith did not necessarily believe the 6ft 7ins, 270-pound end had a down year.
The Bengals played half the season without injured tackle Geno Atkins, yet still finished with one of the league’s stingiest defences.
“To me I look at the ceiling. What’s the best a player has played,” Smith said. “And with Michael, I’m going to go to that 11-sack year he had. And it’s not just sacks. He’s a legitimate outside rusher, and we feel like he’s going to have a good year.”
Tampa have not had a player finish with double-digit sacks since Simeon Rice led them with 14 in 2005. A year ago, Tampa Bay had 35 sacks, tied for 23rd in the NFL.
Johnson, who had 26 and a half sacks in five seasons with Cincinnati, expects to make a difference.
“I would like to get back to double digits. That’s the plan. I don’t see why not,” the 27 year old said, adding that’s looking forward to playing on the same front with Gerald McCoy, who like Atkins, is one of the league’s top defensive tackles.
McCoy, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Bucs with a career-best nine and a half sacks last season.
“I’m here to do whatever they ask me to do. It doesn’t matter to me how we get it done, we’re going to get it done,” Johnson said.
“I’m excited to be here. I’m happy to be with my new teammates. I’m just ready to go to work.”
Tampa also signed tackle Clinton McDonald, who had five and a half sacks as a reserve for the Seattle Seahawks last season. Another candidate to bolster the pass rush a lift is oft-injured Da’Quan Bowers, who has a disappointment since entering the league as a second-round draft pick in 2011.
The 24-year-old end started two of 13 games he appeared last season, finishing with seven tackles and one sack. He has also got some work during the opening week of training camp.
If Bowers proves he can be effective at both positions, it could enhance his chances of finding a role in Smith’s defence.
“On game day we’re going to dress seven defensive lineman, so we need at least one player that can play both inside and out,” Smith said. “And body type-wise he’s right – we have a couple of players right in that area.
“He, I think, could possibly rush in third-down situations inside, and possibly play more ... on running downs outside.”
Bowers, who’s started eight games in three seasons, is eager to show he can do the job.
“I owe it to this organisation. I owe it to this team,” he said. “It’s about time I really put forth the effort to be that player I know I’m capable of being.”
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Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
Results
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Al Baher, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Talento Puma, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,950m; Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Stakes Listed (TB) Dh500,000 1,950m; Winner: Mark Of Approval, Patrick Cosgrave, Mahmood Hussain.
4pm: Conditions (TB) Dh125,000 1,400m; Winner: Dead-heat Raakez, Jim Crowley, Nicholas Bachalard/Attribution, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.30pm: Jebel Ali Sprint (TB) Dh500,000 1,000m; Winner: AlKaraama, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,200m; Winner: Wafy, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m; Winner: Cachao, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Company%20Profile
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The Disaster Artist
Director: James Franco
Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan
Four stars
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
SPECS
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Company%20Profile
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West Indies v India - Third ODI
India 251-4 (50 overs)
Dhoni (78*), Rahane (72), Jadhav (40)
Cummins (2-56), Bishoo (1-38)
West Indies 158 (38.1 overs)
Mohammed (40), Powell (30), Hope (24)
Ashwin (3-28), Yadav (3-41), Pandya (2-32)
India won by 93 runs
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 592bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Price: Dh980,000
On sale: now
Company%20profile
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
