Bucking The Trend
October 8th, 2015
Right guard Ali Marpet is overcoming inherent speedbumps to develop quite nicely.
Joe heard Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian holler about this the other night on SiriusXM NFL Radio, and Polian’s satellite radio colleague Pat Kirwan, a former NFL front office man himself, rail about the same subject.
Under the current NFLPA agreement, padded practices are limited. This, both Kirwan and Polian are convinced, is killing the development of young offensive linemen and, thus, the development of offensive lines. The result is quarterbacks getting pummeled.
Polian noted that the only way for an offensive lineman to learn to read NFL defenses is through scrimmages and games. Kirwan said it is all about eyeball recognition, which cannot be replicated on tape or in shorts.
So yesterday, Joe asked Bucs coach Lovie Smith if Kirwan and Polian are on to something.
“I would agree that when you are a young player, every practice that you have, every padded practice that you have, only stimulates their growth, so I agree with that point,” Lovie said. “The competitive advantage is what we have to look at. We are all going by the same rules. You can make that case for more days in the offseason. There is a lot of things that could help develop our players, but there are reasons why we don’t do it. We’re going with what we have. Young players, we have to use the time we have to just get them ready as quick as we possibly can.”
By any reasoned measure, the Bucs are developing rookies left tackle Donovan Smith and right guard Ali Marpet rather well, which goes against the current NFL grain, if you listen to Kirwan and Polian.
“Ali played well again. Donovan played fine,” Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “When the game got out of hand there toward the end, late third, fourth quarter, they put a speed rusher in there. We were having to throw it pretty much no-huddle every down – tackle is on an island. That’s going to be difficult for most tackles in the league.
“But those two guys are rookies, too. Let’s not forget it. I would say Donovan [is] right on schedule and Ali [is] probably ahead of schedule. Those two guys are going to be good football players for the Bucs for years to come.”
To Joe, this just underlines that Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht really nailed drafting the two rookies in the second round.
Later today, Joe will have a peek into how Donovan Smith is able to overcome the obstacle of limited padded practices.
October 8th, 2015 at 9:04 am
they are 2 bright spots this season. now all we need is 10/15 more
October 8th, 2015 at 9:12 am
This team is the worst in the NFL, bottom line! Yes our rookies are coming along, & I still think Jameis we develop into a good QB eventually. But for the most part, personnel wise, were at the very bottom. We suck & will for the rest of this season, get used to it Tampa Bay. Season pass holders, Siege your tickets, while you can. I know I have ALREADY, I SOLD ALL but one game this season (Giants) & that’s only because my 8 year old son really wants to see Odell Beckham Jr.. I’ve made my most of my season pass money back so I’m not feeling robbed anymore. This team doesn’t deserve a dime from anybody. The signs are there!! SELL ALL YOUR GAMES SEASON PASS MEMBERS or take a loss..this team won’t win at home this whole season, we’re that bad!! Even Lionel Ritchie could see it coming. It’s a Bucs life after all
October 8th, 2015 at 9:23 am
Offensive line has been better than expected. The offense will obviously take time to get going. Rookie QB, two rookie offensive linemen, and a new OC. To expect immediate success would be foolish. The defense on this team is what’s alarming. That side of the ball needs better leadership and mentally tougher players. It needs some attitude, an identity of some kind. Right now it has little to nothing going for it.
October 8th, 2015 at 9:29 am
It’s simple why these two rookies are exceeding expectations. Except for Smith’s final season neither played in a spread offense in college. The spread might be the rage in highschool and college, however it does not prepare offensive players for the NFL. They might as well play rugby for all the good it does them.
October 8th, 2015 at 9:36 am
Unions suck.
October 8th, 2015 at 9:44 am
Apologies to Lionel Ritchie, I meant to say Ray Charles 😆
October 8th, 2015 at 9:47 am
DEE…that’s funny, Lionel Ritchie. I read your whole post and it went right by me. I’m not a morning person, as most of my posting doesn’t start til about noon everyday.
Thanks for the chuckle though.
October 9th, 2015 at 12:56 am
I think they should start next offseason off drafting too more to go along with those guys as well.