How Good Is The Bucs’ Offensive Line?
October 5th, 2011
Bucs fans have now seen their high-priced, veteran offensive line win most battles in the trenches for the last 10 quarters.
Josh Freeman has time to throw and, now that Greg Olson has decided its wise to pound LeGarrette Blount, the running game is dangerous and punishing.
So how good are these hogs? Former Bucs QB Shaun King says they’re an elite unit, so he told his audience on The King David Show on WQYK-AM 1010 yesterday.
“Tampa has a top 5 offensive line,” King said. “If you’re not impressed with Donald Penn’s performance against Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, two elite defensive ends, then you should go watch that tape again. If you think those guys didn’t dominate the last quarter and a half of that game …”
Part of King’s point was to emphasize that he was calling the O-line top shelf even while it struggled mightily during the preseason and was reminding fans that unit was the last thing on the Bucs they needed to worry about.
Frankly, Joe wasn’t in that camp. Joe trembled through preseason watching Ted Larsen, James Lee and, at times, Jeff Faine. Plus the rest of the crew, outside of Jeremy Zuttah, was hardly showing their best.
But now the O-line is blowing open holes. Joe isn’t that impressed with Jeremy Trueblood’s pass blocking, but the O-line is playing with massive confidence and Joe can only imagine they’d look even better if Josh Freeman was performing like he did in 2010.
October 5th, 2011 at 9:46 am
I thought Trueblood did pretty good against Mathis. I know Trueblood is not the greatest pass blocker, but he is definately decent and has played that way so far.
They have done their job. Freeman has either been indecisive or the WRs are not getting open or the playcalling is shaky. Probably a combination of all.
As soon as they open the passing up a bit it should help Blount even more and vice-versa
October 5th, 2011 at 10:04 am
True is what he is. He is a slow footed masher. If you expect him to suddenly develop dynamic lateral speed you are delusional. I honestly think this has (so far) been his best year as a Buc. If we would leverage the strength and compensate for the weakness a little, the o line is fine. I still wanna see a little more “mean” in the team (chip blocks and physical handling of big receivers)
October 5th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Trueblood’s pass blocking is a complete disaster. He gave up both sacks Monday night, and one of them was the sack that ended up costing us the field goal at the end of the first half. His run blocking has been great, but you just can’t be a starter when you are that bad at pass blocking.
Outside of that, the line has performed a lot better than I expected after cringing all preseason. I think top 5 is a stretch, but overall they should be proud of the job they’ve been doing.
October 5th, 2011 at 10:45 am
I was amazed at a stat I saw but Donald Penn has played against 3 of the top 5 in sacks since 2008 this year already, Jared Allen 2nd 44.5 sacks, John Abraham and Dwight Freeney are tied 4th and 5th with 37 each. I think we under appreciate him and before this year I thought he might be a little more hype than substance but he has me convinced. Oh and he gets to play number one later this year in Demarcus Ware with 51 sacks since 2008. Good job Donald thank god we have you!!!!
October 5th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Joe, missed the game. Any highlight packages like you had last year? Its not like i can count on ESPN or NFL network even to get some good footage. NFL network is replaying all of 2 games this whole week. Bogus.
October 5th, 2011 at 11:29 am
Meh, Just because Freeman was sacked right before the half does not mean it was Trueblood’s fault. Freeman held the ball entirely too long in that situation and thats what caused the sack. Kind of the same situation when Freeman was sacked by Allen in Minnesota. A three step drop was called and Penn was to execute a chop block which he did. Freeman did not release the ball. Allen got up to make the sack. Yes, it was Penn’s man, but not Penn’s fault because Freeman did not execute like he was supposed to.
You can’t expect a lineman to keep an all pro blocked for 6-7 seconds, just like you can’t expect a DB to stay with a receiver for a long period of time. Football is a team sport and Trueblood has done more than enough to keep Freeman clean. Jumping on Trueblood is old and it definitely does not hold true today. He is performing at a good clip this year.
October 5th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Nick
I totaly agree. Pen is a badass, i didnt notice how big the man is until i saw him up against Freeney. Hes twice as wide…
lol
Also, Trueblood has been much improved this year.
October 5th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Tiny tim
Exactly. Those that trash Trueblood have to realize he is an above average pass blocking RT and a pretty good run blocker. He is not an all-pro, but Penn is. NO TEAM is going to have an all-pros at each OT spot.
The Bucs tandem is probably right up there among the best.
October 5th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I was saying before the season that Trueblood has cut down on his penalties and he is average now but……….
I wonder what odds you could have gotten if you said:
the Bucs will have 14 penalties and Trueblood won’t have any.
🙂
October 5th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Tiny Tim, you need to rewatch that play. Trueblood didn’t hold that block for even a second. That sack was not on Freeman, Trueblood totally screwed up his block. Period. And then he did it again for a second sack. Trueblood’s pass blocking is a disaster.
October 5th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Dave, on no planet is Trueblood an above average pass blocker. His run blocking has been great but his pass blocking is horrible.
October 5th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Dave, I agree on penalties. Last year Trueblood made big strides in that department and he’s doing even better at that this year.
October 5th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
To say the Bucs are a “top 5 line” is insane. Were right in the middle of the league, we can use an upgrade @ 3 positions (LG,C,RT).
and to think Trueblood is “above average” at anything is a joke. He is a TERRIBLE pass blocker, and a below average run blocker.
If you dont have the time to rewatch the games and focus on individual math-ups (understandable) don’t spout of made up jibberish, go pay the $30 @ Profootballfocus to read the incredible deep articles devoted to individual mathups.
In fact I encourage you all to go read the free game review of the colts game, to truly appreciate how dominate Michael Bennett was. I don’t think enough has been made about truly good he has been this year.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@meh, I did watch the game againa as well as attended the game and it was not trueblood’s fault. The bucs took the snap at 20 seconds on the 11 yard line. By the time the play was blown dead, the bucs only had 9 seconds to get the kick team on the field and the kick off which was not enough time. If a play lasted at least 11 seconds then that says Freeman held the ball too long. They were on the eleven. It was designed to be a quick 3 step drop and the ball was supposed to be out. Instead Freeman held the ball which allowed the end to eventually beat his man. Even the coaches said he can’t take a sack in that situation which Freeman acknowledge. But I understand, you don’t like trueblood and therefore it is always his fault. You won’t like him no matter what.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Eventualy beat him? No way. Don’t look at the clock, look at the block. It was a spin move and Trueblood got owned.
And your “you just don’t like Trueblood” comment is personal insult garbage. Not even worthy of a response.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
How soon people forget.
Sure, the run blocking improved (for the last game), but the pass blocking took a nose dive. The only times Freeman did not get hit were the fast passes.
If this is a top 5 oline, the rest of the olines must suck. The bucs online is mid-level at best right now.
The star is Penn…he’s elite, then Faine. The rest are just passable. It does need to be addressed. Soon. They either need to get their act together or a couple need to be replaced.
And the penalties on this team are horrendous!
October 5th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
I have been on the Penn bandwagon for years! Last year, I posted that he was a top 5 LT, and dozens cried B.S. Now, I’m gonna top that. Penn is the best LT in Football. And the stats back me up.
On the other hand, I have been a major critic of the O-line, both the first half of last year, and all spring. And for good damn reason!
But I am glad to say, things have changed! Trueblood has played better than he ever has. He has finally used leverage to convert his Strenght to power! I’m speechless at his improvement! He is playing high level football right now. I think Pat Morris musta found a magic on Button- cause that dude is rockin!
Zuttah played well on the right side, great at center, but struggled on the left side. We tried him there before, and it didn’t work. That’s how Larsen ended up at that spot. But thru obvious hard work on skill sets, Zuttah has played great this season at LG. Joe has always loved this guy. Now I see why. He’s really let Penn unleash his game, confident that Zuttah is doing his. Left side is looking good!
Joseph is a hard working, dedicated team leader. The kinda guy you’re lucky to have on the team. He is a beast at Run blocking. Always has been. Been he’s always struggled at pass blocking. He’s 6’2″, and it always seemed that tall D-tackles would get their hands on his shoulders, and could move him.
This year, he is playing much lower on passing plays. Looks like he is powering into their guts, instead of just squatting and hitting mid chest with hand punches. It seems to put Him in a better position to use his Strenght- which is way above average. I think this is another Pat Morris adjustment. Either way it’s working.
Faine is playing ok. Every year, he seems to diminish a little. I think he’s getting worn out. He’s not bad- but he’s not the same player he was when he first got here. He’s kinda middle of the pack, with an extra sprinkling of craftiness in there.
The lineis playing good ball right now. I love it. We are looking like the dominant O- line everyone has expected for 4 years. I am not worrying about our line anymore- I’m cheering for them, and am glad to it!!
October 5th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
I have been on the Penn bandwagon for years! Last year, I posted that he was a top 5 LT, and dozens cried B.S. Now, I’m gonna top that. Penn is the best LT in Football. And the stats back me up.
On the other hand, I have been a major critic of the O-line, both the first half of last year, and all spring. And for good damn reason!
But I am glad to say, things have changed! Trueblood has played better than he ever has. He has finally used leverage to convert his Strenght to power! I’m speechless at his improvement! He is playing high level football right now.And has for the last 3 games! I think Pat Morris musta found a magic on Button- cause that dude is rockin!
Zuttah played well on the right side, great at center, but struggled on the left side. We tried him there before, and it didn’t work. That’s how Larsen ended up at that spot. But thru obvious hard work on skill sets, Zuttah has played great this season at LG. Joe has always loved this guy. Now I see why. He’s really let Penn unleash his game, confident that Zuttah is doing his. Left side is looking good!
Joseph is a hard working, dedicated team leader. The kinda guy you’re lucky to have on the team. He is a beast at Run blocking. Always has been. Been he’s always struggled at pass blocking. He’s 6’2″, and it always seemed that tall D-tackles would get their hands on his shoulders, and could move him.
This year, he is playing much lower on passing plays. Looks like he is powering into their guts, instead of just squatting and hitting mid chest with hand punches. It seems to put Him in a better position to use his Strenght- which is way above average. I think this is another Pat Morris adjustment. Either way it’s working.
Faine is playing ok. Every year, he seems to diminish a little. I think he’s getting worn out. He’s not bad- but he’s not the same player he was when he first got here. He’s kinda middle of the pack, with an extra sprinkling of craftiness in there.
The lineis playing good ball right now. I love it. We are looking like the dominant O- line everyone has expected for 4 years. I am not worrying about our line anymore- I’m cheering for them, and am glad to it!!
October 5th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
I think the Bucs pretty much agrees with those who say Trueblood is not the answer at RT long-term. If the Bucs made a legitimate attempt to sign Doug Free, coupled with the fact that True only got a 2yr contract, I would not be surprised if they went in another direction as early as next year. To his credit, he has improved. And yes, he did miss that block on Mathis and there was an obvious hold on another. Bottom line, Trueblood and the entire O-Line has done a good job so far.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Capt Tim lol You think Penn is better than Jake Long, Joe Thomas, Jared Gaither, Ryan Clady and Jordan Gross????…… I don’t think so, brother. And Faine is having his best year since 2007.
Trueblood is a wrecking machine in the run. His pass protection leaves much to yearn for.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
And your “you just don’t like Trueblood” comment is personal insult garbage. Not even worthy of a response.
Didn’t know stating you don’t like Trueblood was a personal insult. I guess you learn something new everyday.
October 5th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Mauha Deeb- I absolutely do believe that. I watch everyone of them, every week, and Penn is playing better than any LT out there. He is an absolute shutdown machine for DE. He wasn’t a first round pick, he was a FA. So he’s never gonna get felliated on BSPN. But we see his dominant play every single week. He is the man at LT, it’s not even close. His pedigree shouldn’t matter to us. At least in his town, he should get the recognition he deserves. There isn’t a LT on your list, or in the NFL, that I would trade Penn to get. The fans won’t vote for him, but I bet you the players get Mr.Penn to his next ProBowl.
And Talib is still playing terrible( the mystery is why), and Watson is twice the LB Black is.
October 5th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Ya it’s a personal insult when on this very page I’ve complimented both his run blocking and his improvement in the penalty department.
October 5th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
I don’t know if Penn is the best LT, but he is certainly in the conversation. He was a phantom holding call away from a perfect game against Dwight frikin’ Freeney!
October 5th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@ Capt Tim I wouldn’t trade him either because I’m a homer, but those guys are just better than Penn. Penn is good and is playing very well this year. If he keeps it up I’ll call him great, but there was far too much inconsistent play last year for me to put him in the top echelon.
Is Penn a top ten LT? Absolutely. But there is a noticeable drop off in talent after the first three.
October 5th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Oh, and Andrew Whitworth is having a far better year than Penn. Only 5 pressures and no sacks so far. Plus a beast in the run game. An area Penn could improve in.
October 5th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Trueblood more than makes up for his average pass blocking with his awesome run-blocking. Every long run Blount ever has comes from behind Trueblood and Joseph , so haters stop hating.
Can’t really fault him for getting beat my Mathis a couple times. Mathis whores just about every RT he ever faces.
October 5th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Meh You say you complimented him yet you wrote:
Trueblood’s pass blocking is a complete disaster. He gave up both sacks Monday night, and one of them was the sack that ended up costing us the field goal at the end of the first half. His run blocking has been great, but you just can’t be a starter when you are that bad at pass blocking.
What a compliment!!!! Like I said, people like you hated Trueblood 4 years ago when he was a 2nd year player and are still judging him based on that. Last year before the injury his penalties were way down and they are this year. You can’t state a game in the past two years where anybody has owned Trueblood for an entire game. Has a RE made a good rush move on Tureblood? Yes, because they are paid to make plays too, but Trueblood is more than holding his own. Trueblood is playing very good ball bottom line.
October 5th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
I agree with Tiny Tim. To say Trueblood’s pass blocking is a disaster is just hate , plain and simple.
Trueblood hadn’t allowed a sack all season up until facing Mathis. Against regular DE’s he is more than getting the job done. Mathis is a freakin ALL-pro , so give the guy a break. He still held his own the majority of that game. Freeman threw for 290 yards last I checked…
October 6th, 2011 at 8:41 am
I said his run blocking was good. I said his penalties are much improved. I said his pass blocking sucks really, really bad. I stand by all three of those.
October 7th, 2011 at 9:20 am
Stand by your statements alll you want, but back them up with no facts. Let me know a game where he was consistently abused in the past two years like I asked. Don’t worry, I will wait.