Dallas Clark Frustrated With Role In Buccaneers Offense

September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark (44) reacts on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquired veteran tight end Dallas Clark this offseason during free agency but Clark has yet to get comfortable and find a consistent role within the team’s offense. Clark is frustrated with his role in the offense and head coach Greg Schiano is aware of it. Through the first five games of the season, Clark has only hauled in nine catches for 81 yards.

Schiano spoke with WDAE radio in Tampa earlier in the week and acknowledged Clarks frustration.

“I want to get Dallas [Clark] more involved, myself. But you know what, when things are there you take them,” Schiano said, via JoeBucsFan.com.  “And I think what’s going to happen here soon, there’s going to be a lot more over-the-top coverage, which is what’s natural to happen when guys are making plays down the field.   That opens up the middle of the defense.

“I know he’s frustrated. Heck, he’s been such a productive player for so long.  But you wouldn’t be able to tell it by the way he’s acting on the sideline, and in the practice and in the meeting rooms. Certainly, I’m hoping we can get him the ball and he can feel personal satisfaction as well as team satisfaction. But he knows how much he means to this team and how he’s playing a big, big part. It’ll happen.  It always does. It goes in cycles.”

Many NFL pundits expected Clark to follow Peyton Manning during offseason because of their time spent together in Indianapolis. If Clark would have followed Manning to Denver, he would be more comfortable in the offense and would likely see a lot more balls thrown his way.