Worst Offensive Line?
July 7th, 2015
Will the offensive line improve?
It was more frightening than Joe opening up his fridge on a hot summer afternoon and finding not an ounce of cold beer. It was the offensive line that finished the season for the Bucs with out-of-position Demar Dotson, barbecue pitmaster Logan Mankins, shotgun-snap challenged Evan (nee: Dietrich-) Smith, Oniel Cousins and Patrick Omameh.
This was damned close to the worst offensive line in the NFL (the Jaguars say hello) and it was no question the worst front line in the NFC South.
In a debate of sorts on ESPN.com, a theory is thrown out that the Dixie Chicks had the worst front line in the division. Pat Yasinskas sets the record straight.
The only thing that prevented the Falcons from having the NFC South’s worst offensive line last year was a Tampa Bay line that was even worse. The line was a problem spot for the Falcons throughout the tenure of former coach Mike Smith. Now it’s up to Shanahan to finally fix things — and that’s going to be a big challenge. Atlanta’s line wasn’t good at even the most simple thing last year as the Falcons ranked No. 24 in the league in rushing. The run blocking needs to improve, but Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme might take some time to adjust to. Largely due to the addition of Matthews, Atlanta’s pass blocking improved last season. Matt Ryan was sacked 44 times in 2013 and 31 times in 2014.
And it is not out of the question the Bucs could still field the worst line in the division. A lot is expected of two rookies to make the line better. Guys who have only taken snaps in underwear football.
Aside from the two rookies, the Bucs line is pretty much made up of holdovers, sans Collins and Cousins. So if the rookies struggle, it’s hard to imagine the line improving, with the exception of Mankins, who seems more motivated this year.
July 7th, 2015 at 5:41 am
According to Matt Miler and his Bleacher Report for his position ranking for players, Anthony Collins was rated 28th among Left Tackles, Demar Dotson was rated 4th among Right Tackles,Patrick Omameh was rated 63rd among Guards, Logan Mankins was rated 15th among Guards, EDS was rated 16th among Centers . We replaced Patrick Omameh and Anthony Collins( who were our weak links last season). Logan Mankins, Demar Dotson and EDS actually graded high.We know Donovan Smith will be our starting LT, Ali Marpet may win the battle for RT. Evan Mathis was rated 2nd among Guards and he’s still available( I just wanted to throw that out there).
July 7th, 2015 at 5:42 am
I meant Ali Marpet may win the RG position.
July 7th, 2015 at 7:25 am
Release
• Michael Koenen $3,250,000
Sign
• Evan Mathis: (LG, RG) $4,500,000 (+Incentives)
UDFA Waiver Claim Possibilities
• Trey Hopkins: (RG, LG, C)
• Dillion Day: (RG,LG, C)
July 7th, 2015 at 7:35 am
Hey Joe you said “A lot is expected of two rookies to make the line better. Guys who have only taken snaps in underwear football.”
This can also be said about “America’s QB ” I know he will be the best thing since sliced bread, but not until he plays in a actual NFL regular season game. Not just playing catch in underwear football. Being the “savior” is not easy….
July 7th, 2015 at 8:49 am
Yes, it will improve. If the guy calling the plays dosen’t know what he is doing that in itself can make a average line terrible.
July 7th, 2015 at 9:41 am
Some of the Bucs recent top picks, like 1st, 2nd and 3rd picks should have went for O line help. Without that, little offense and the results have proved it out. Like the 1st rounder for Revis and even Sims in the last draft. I know some think the Revis pick was right, including you Joe, but my mind still can’t justify that pick.
July 7th, 2015 at 11:08 am
Last year or o line was poor. With Mccown under center it was horrible. Put Aaron Rodger behind our line, suddenly the line looks average, if not a little above.
Now we have Jameis. The faster he gets used to the playbook and everyone’s role AND the speed of the league, the better our line will look. Luckily we get to face the Titans opening day. Even with Lebeau, they lack massive two gap defenders neccessary to run his defense.
July 7th, 2015 at 4:08 pm
I hope the Bucs D-line are ready for the nasty cut blocks Shanahan’s zone blocking employs. I wish the league would crack down on this more.