Raheem Morris Is Getting 'An Idea of the Problems' Kellen Winslow Has Had

The Buccaneers have been busy little beavers this offseason. Jon Gruden got canned, Raheem Morris, the league's youngest head coach, was hired, and along with new (and young-ish) general manager Mark Dominik, they purged the roster of veterans and commenced with the youth movement.

Taking quarterback Josh Freeman with their first-round pick was a clear indication of that, but so too was trading for wildly talented but emotionally excitable tight end Kellen Winslow.

When healthy (both mentally and physically), Winslow is one of the league's best tight ends. The problem: a motorcycle accident sidelined him early in his career, and when he eventually got on the field, his emotions were often his Achilles' heel. Which is probably why the Browns were willing to ship him out of Cleveland.

And after a week of training camp, Morris appears to be getting the picture on Winslow. Via the St. Petersburg Times:

"Oh, he's definitely talented,'' Morris said. "But I'm also starting to get an idea of the problems he's had. Sometimes, his emotional energy is going to give us a lift. And other times, it's going to hurt us. He's got to know when it's not the right time. ...

"We've talked about this, so there's not talking behind my team's back,'' Morris said. "Kellen Winslow catches a pass, he's hyped up and gets the crowd going. He can throw it down behind his back, spin it and get people around him riled up. But then he drops one, puts his head down and walks back to the huddle. That's part of riding the emotional roller coaster that we don't want to do. ... You've got to be the same and you can't waiver no matter what, no matter what's going on in your surroundings.

Sounds like the same pep talk Romeo Crennel gave everyday for three years. Still, despite the occasional headaches, Winslow was a legit middle-of-the-field threat, and that, for the most part, outweighed the silliness. The problem for the Bucs, however, is that they have so many questions heading into the season -- particularly on offense -- that it won't take long for Winslow to become frustrated. And, well, you saw how that worked out for him in Cleveland.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-07-2009 @ 11:36AM

janandrick84 said...

Oh don't we know here in Cleveland. Great talent but no one here is sorry he left. Well maybe some that the only Brown's Jersey they had was his.

8-07-2009 @ 1:46PM

Kody said...

I thought Winslow was a "soldier" lol. Remember his statement from his college days lol.

8-07-2009 @ 2:33PM

M said...

My favorite moment at a football game was when Kellen was waving his arms to get the fans to stand up, and only me and one other guy stood up. So I yelled "When Winlsow says stand up, you stand up!" Everyone who came with me stood up, and then it was a domino effect until the whole section was on their feet. It was the game against Miami when Edwards had 3 TDs two seasons ago. Overall he's a risk the Browns couldn't afford any longer, but I'm glad he's happy in Tampa! I hope he does well!

8-07-2009 @ 2:40PM

stconk85 said...

Well, Winslow, the son, has not lived up to the hype in his NFL career. May be, a change of teams will be the answer, the real question? Can Kellen Winslow behave on another bad team? If Tampa Bay is going to have a descent season, Kellen will have to shut up and play.

8-07-2009 @ 2:42PM

What is going on? Is Kellen's Dad in the Hall of Fame?

8-07-2009 @ 3:10PM

daveenlakwood said...

We are certainly glad in Cleveland that Eric Mangini traded this cancer from our team.... He is not a team player and he's very disruptive. He lacks intelligence, but he plays hurt and is tough.... but to give him a top contract guaranteed will haunt the Bucs for years. Kellen is all about I,I,I.... no team in the dude..... I'm glad we got a receiver for him.....cause the dude divided our locker room......... worst trade, signing the Bucs ever made.........suckers!

8-07-2009 @ 4:17PM

dokovacich said...

Not mature enough to play in Cleveland. Had he gone to the Pats or Steelers or Colts, would have had a wonderful career, but losing begets losing, and Cleveland is where all hope dies. Not sure there is enough structure in TB to keep him from self destructing.

8-08-2009 @ 3:10AM

misterbucs74 said...

Typical Media BS. He'll be fine.

8-08-2009 @ 9:54AM

Jim said...

Being from Cleveland the only bad thing I have to say about this trade is to bad the Browns couldn't have packaged Braylon Edwards in the deal also!! Good luck Tampa. You'll need it!