Big Moment For “Goz”
August 29th, 2015
New Bucs right tackle Gosder Cherilus
There all kinds of things to watch in tonight’s Bucs-Browns game (Joe will have a preview soon), but a huge and early spotlight will shine on new right tackle Gosder Cherilus.
The man known as “Goz” has 100 NFL starts and will be counted on heavily.
If he’s really ready, one would think he’ll get the start tonight against the Browns. Joe will be mildly concerned if Cherilus isn’t out there for the opening snap. And that’s not just because backup right tackle Reid Fragel is dangerous to Jameis Winston’s health.
Cherilus didn’t see significant time Monday against the Bengals, and there’s no way the Bucs trot him on the field Thursday against Miami to play across from soon-to-be baggage handlers, grad students, bouncers and gym desk clerks. That’s a great way to get hurt.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network before Monday’s game, general manager Jason Licht said Cherilus “had a lot of suitors” when Tampa Bay signed him in a hurry after Demar Dotson wrenched his knee and was lost through at least September. And Lovie Smith said the new right tackle came to camp in excellent shape.
Joe asked Cherilus this week if he’s ready to start and play a half of football. Cherilus wouldn’t commit, even when pressed. He only went with the stock answer: “Whatever the coaches think is best.”
Yes, preseason football is meaningless in many ways. But it would be nice if Cherilus got a little real time with his fellow starting O-line mates before opening day.
August 29th, 2015 at 3:59 pm
I understand the limitations of the word IF. But IF..things fell into place ironically OL could actually grow into a team strength by the end of the year.
IF the two rookies continue to make their current rate of progress…
IF Goz has a few more years in the tank…
IF Dot comes back healthy….
IF Players like Pamphile, Warren, and Fragel continue to improve…
THEN we’d have a solid OL with actual depth. Depth? What a concept!!!
August 29th, 2015 at 6:06 pm
It would be depth StPete! And what a cray-cray way it will all have gone down. Because if Dotson doesn’t get hurt, then Cherilus probably signs elsewhere and the Bucs would have no capable back-ups.
August 29th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Don’t forget Masiflo. Masifilo has graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 overall guard, receiving strong marks in the run game.