“Right Now, We’re Cross-Training Guys”
August 24th, 2016
Shuffling and decisions are forthcoming on the O-line
Joe made Dirk Koetter laugh today.
Joe asked the head coach who was in the lead for the battle at starting center between Evan Smith and Joe Hawley.
“(laughs) Right now, we’re cross training guys,” Koetter said.
“With our guard situation today, Evan had to play almost primarily at [right] guard,” Koetter said, while referring to Ali Marpet’s new injury. “So, both Joe and Evan are good football players. They’re both going to help our team. How it ends up on [Sept. 11] is going to somewhat depend on health at other positions.”
Certainly, Marpet won’t play on Friday night against the Browns, and that means Smith will slide over to guard.
The Bucs’ depth on the offensive line is being tested big time, and thankfully it’s there to begin with.
Marpet’s bum wheel might have made the center call easy for Koetter. But if Hawley isn’t strong on Friday — he hasn’t had a standout camp — Smith might just grab the center job if Marpet returns.
Smith was strong at starting center against the Jaguars on Saturday, stronger than Hawley was in Philadelphia.
August 24th, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Not sure if it is injury related, but the Pats cut Stork today. Maybe we can put a waiver claim on him and at least get him in camp to see why he was cut. This will help with the center situation in at least securing a backup in the event Marpet misses some time.
August 24th, 2016 at 1:00 pm
First – Very cool Joe ty for asking.
Second-Smith was strong at starting center against the Jaguars on Saturday, stronger than Hawley was in Philadelphia
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If that’s true then we’re in a world of hurt. Do you think licht is on the phone calling storks agent right now? The oline had depth just a week ago. It’s a Bucs life.
August 24th, 2016 at 1:25 pm
EXHIBIT A. You can never have enough o-line depth.
August 24th, 2016 at 2:10 pm
I had read and my eye test saw the opposite. Smith being pushed around by Jacksonville. IMO Hawley did well during the regular season last year. No reason to believe he wouldn’t this year.
August 24th, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Stork has had 4 concussions in 4 years. Starting to exhibit anger and aggression issues. Belichick doesn’t let good lineman go.
August 24th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
Agreed. If Bellecheat let Stork go? Something ain’t right. The Pats have awesome linemen and they keep their best. I’m sure the Bucs will check him out though.
August 24th, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Stork traded to Washington.
August 25th, 2016 at 12:19 am
Stork now thinking on retiring..that was the last update..