Strong Win For The Offensive Line
August 21st, 2016
Evan Smith might win back the starting center gig
Outside of right tackle Demar Dotson’s false start on the Bucs’ first drive, Joe is sure the first-team offensive line has plenty to smile about today.
While America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, was out of sync early, he definitely had time to throw. Open receivers were not plentiful, and some of his scrambling decisions were foolish, but none of that was on the O-line.
Charles Sims lost six yards on his first run, a snuffed-out pitch to the right, but the O-line was moving bodies after that. It was positive run after positive run. Sims had a gorgeous nine-yard run up the gut on the second drive that was a perfectly blocked thing of beauty.
Evan Smith started at center, as his battle with hold-prone Joe Hawley presses on. Smith is known more for his pass blocking. But if his run blocking continues to be sound in preseason, he might find a starting nod on opening day.
Rookie running back Peyton Barber entered on the Bucs’ third drive and found plenty of holes. A reverse to Russell Shepard also was well-blocked.
Only third-string QB Ryan Griffin absorbed a sack late in the game.
The Bucs’ O-line was a giant question mark this time last year. Now it’s a giant strength.
August 21st, 2016 at 1:47 pm
Excellent job by Licht to really fortify that offensive front. He’s done a great job protecting Winston, now just get him some more guys who can squeeze the rock.
August 21st, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Wow if biscuits turns it around I’ll be impressed
August 21st, 2016 at 1:51 pm
Dotson is the biggest concern the dude is a penalty machine and has been for years. Hopefully they can clean it up.
August 21st, 2016 at 1:53 pm
I thought the O-line, TE and RB had really good pass-pro last night!!! Even though that at times the Jags front 7 were bringing it!!! And the roll outs and boot-legs by MG8 really helped the second team o-line!
August 21st, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Realist…I loved watching Glennon roll out. It was like watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom back in the 70’s.
August 21st, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Ali Marpet is a gorilla!!!
August 21st, 2016 at 2:11 pm
What was it 17 rush attemots before the first quarter was even over? I feel like koetter was focusing on getting the o oine ready last night. I was not impressed with the playcalling, but think it was probably by design, at least I hope. Id like to see the playbook opened up next weekend
August 21st, 2016 at 2:15 pm
I like Joe Hawley a lot better as the starting center. He is more aggressive and plays with fire. The Jags had way too much push up the middle with Evan in there.
August 21st, 2016 at 2:26 pm
What’s fair is fair. Watching last night’s game at Everbank Stadium I really saw improvement in Glennon’s game.
August 21st, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Kevin you are definitely right. After the Eagles game I noticed the run game not in sync. Reason we ran so much in the Jags game. During regular season I’m sure we will pound the rock but not every play then throw on third. And in the end he will go with what works. I looked back at the game again and definitely Winston was having an off night, but keep in mind alot of the coverage was there due to all the predictable runs. Reason we should never get overhyped in preseason. Interior D line was not collapsing underneath this is why we miss McCoy. Noah Spence even though quite seemed to do a good job in flushing everything inside, the only problem is the inside was not there. I would say good game for his second preseason. Surprisingly Ayers was nowhere to be found. And in regards to the kicker…..he needs to get more reps. I was trying to look at the holder, but it seems it’s his kicking motion that is the problem. Time will tell with him. The Bucs can do this and I’m excitied to get the regular season going!
August 21st, 2016 at 3:03 pm
A gorilla, a giraffe and a gerbil walked into a bar….
August 21st, 2016 at 3:20 pm
I remdmber the days well when JOE ussd to work out on Smith and Logan Mankins when his ire should have been directed at Mark Arroyo. Now he wants to call Joe Haley a “holding machine.”
Givd me a break. Get off the sauce, Joe and go fond another whipping boy that you seem to so despetately need.
August 21st, 2016 at 3:37 pm
BUC1987: I assume you’re referring to the galloping giraffes. If so, funniest thing I’ve read all day.
August 21st, 2016 at 4:05 pm
One decent game does NOT solidify or verify a good offensive line. They still must show consistency. I’ll reserve my applause until I see what they do during regular season. But they did look better last night.
August 21st, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Evan Smith has had good blocks in the run game before when I watched.But if you think you are get a penalty free center,Joe you have got the wrong guy.
And then there is the matter of errant hikes that plagued Smith before
Hawley took over.
August 21st, 2016 at 4:35 pm
I miss Gilkey……oh, the excitement!!!
And……how ’bout those penalties from Kenyatta Walker? Remember that bozo?
August 21st, 2016 at 6:10 pm
I’m tired and 87 is right Says:
His alignment is terrible on placekicks. Go back and look at the first FG attempt: he kicked it where he lined up; his shoulders were square with the *outside* of the right upright on impact. I was like “WTF???”
And I’d never line up on the right hash for a PAT. Just square your shoulders to the middle of the goalposts at ball impact and kick it straight. He’s not doing that.
FWIW, I coached ST’s at the college level back in The Day.
August 21st, 2016 at 6:21 pm
He’s referring to Winston as the girilla and Doygie as th gerbil
August 21st, 2016 at 6:23 pm
I mean Dougie
August 21st, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Yeah o- line was encouraging. Winston and defense looked awful. Not sure why he is always so uptight at beginning of games. Does he warm up damn. Dk should get him some short easy passes to get a rhythm. He’s righ early..