Rookies Shining On O-Line
October 7th, 2015
Bucs rookie right guard Ali Marpet has reason to smile.
Joe is on an offensive line kick today. And the Bucs are coming out smelling like a rose.
First, props to AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht for what looks to be a fine selection of Donovan Smith at left tackle and a steal at right guard with Ali Marpet.
When is the last time you heard someone whine about a Division-III player?
Today, Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter noted Smith is on target for what the Bucs projected his development to be, and that Marpet was ahead of schedule.
“Ali played well again,” Koetter said. “Donovan played fine. When the game got out of hand towards the end, [Carolina] put a speed rusher in and we had to throw it pretty much every time in no-huddle every down. Our tackles were on an island. That’s going to be difficult for most tackles in the league. Those two guys are rookies, too. Let’s not forget it.
“I would say Donovan is right on schedule and Ali ahead of schedule. Those two guys are going to be good football players for the Bucs for years to come.”
The progress Marpet and Smith are making seems to be bucking a trend among young offensive linemen league-wide, an epidemic, in fact, if you believe the words of former NFL general manager Bill Polian and front office executive Pat Kirwan, who both yak it up for SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Joe will have more on that tomorrow morning. In so many ways, the Bucs have really lucked out with their rookie offensive linemen.
October 7th, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Soon! It won’t be long before our offense starts to put points up in quantity. After the bye.
October 7th, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Considering we have 2 rookies on the line and a rookie QB, I’m actually pretty pleased with where we are. Then again, I’m probably comparing it to last year, so perhaps my opinion is a bit skewed.
October 7th, 2015 at 2:27 pm
Lovie has no use for offense except to give his beloved defense a rest so they can excel. I’ve heard Koetter say more than once that the head coach wants to run the ball, not score points but run the ball. Lovie needs to turn Koetter loose and let him score, not just run the ball.
October 7th, 2015 at 2:29 pm
I think Licht has had what could turn out to be two very good drafts. Hopefully next years will be as successful for defensive help.
October 7th, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Hallelujah!!! Positive player development news from the 32nd best franchise in the league. No where to go but up. 2 good drafts is a start, FIND A REAL COACH!!!!
October 7th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
i think ultimately OL is more about continuity than talent. that is why the patriots can plug anybody over 300 pounds into their lines while teams like the bucs and browns throw a fiesta whenever an OL appears to be above average
October 7th, 2015 at 3:00 pm
I know we keep saying how important the “next game” is for Lovies career here in Tampa…but just imagine..losing to the lowly Jags and having two weeks to stew in our vile sauce…banners would fly..billboards would go up…OTOH…if the Bucs could win and look good doing it that would give the fan base two weeks to at least lick it’s wounds. The Bucs NEED to beat the Jags!!!
October 7th, 2015 at 3:17 pm
MUST WIN!!!
I heard this week 1, the Bucs “must” win over the Titans……they laid an egg.
The Bucs “SHOULD” win this week. But I’m not holding my breath.
They will be a sorry ass team until they can win games they are supposed to. We are not there yet, cant even win at home vs a division opponent.
October 7th, 2015 at 4:07 pm
Play just bad enough to have a shot at Tunsil in this year’s draft, replace the center of the moment with Warren and let the O-Line grow up together. Thats the way great O-Lines are built.
October 7th, 2015 at 4:13 pm
“Those two guys are going to be good football players for the Bucs for years to come.”
Wonder where he will be for years to come, he must see the writing on the wall under the Lovie regime.
October 7th, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Had they only drafting the right QB with the first pick.
October 7th, 2015 at 4:55 pm
@bucco Brice, I’m counting 1 good licht draft? The 1st looks bad. Only good possibilities asj and Simms. I’m skeptical of asj with all his injuries. As far as everybody sayin must win, I quote the immortal Aaron Rodgers: R-E-L-A-X. Yeah these last 5 years have been painful, yeah the glazers have been screwing up, but we have a team that represents the community and something we actually care about. A lot of cities would love to say that. Support the bucs, deal with the pain..
October 8th, 2015 at 10:36 am
Good look Brett.
October 8th, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Let’s be realistic. The Jags were in every game but 1 so far. Bucs have only been in 1. They are a much better team and we are getting Joey Bosa!