Lian Coen Weighs In On Sua Opeta Loss, Guard Battle

August 1st, 2024

Offensive coordiantor Liam Coen.

So the Bucs lost their free agent guard signing from the Eagles for the season last night. Sua Opeta is done with a knee injury.

Joe talked to playcaller Liam Coen about what’s next for the left guard position today.

Opeta was in a real competition with fellow free agent signing (Giants) Ben Bredeson.

It seemed like Bredeson was leading the battle but it was way too early to make a judgment. Coen is feeling the loss.

“Such a bummer for Sua, such a good dude. Ultimate pro. Does everything right,” Coen said. “Was obviously competing for a job, so yeah, it hurts. It hurts. It hurts his opportunity to potentially be a guy and then also our depth. It kind of leaves us more thin there.

“He really came off the rock in the run game. He had fast feet, athleticism. When he got his hands on you, he was powerful. And he’s a veteran, he’s played games — he’s competed against Aaron Donald. He’s had experience we were very excited about. To lose that really hurts.”

Joe asked Coen what’s next for the left guard position. The first name out of Coen’s mouth was rookie sixth-round pick Elijah Klein. Then he mentioned veteran backup tackle Brandon Walton potentially moving inside to guard.

So early in training camp, per Coen, it’s a total “tossup.” He did not mention Robert Hainsey as an option.

As for Klein, Todd Bowles said after practice that he’s having a good summer.

“[Klein is] making great strides,” Bowles said. “He’s paying attention. He’s a load to deal with, just got to continue to work on footwork and technique.”

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6 Responses to “Lian Coen Weighs In On Sua Opeta Loss, Guard Battle”

  1. Dude Says:

    It’s alright, from all the reports I’ve read its’ Bredesons’ job to lose so far

  2. 76 bucsfan46 Says:

    Best start looking at cuts and free agents.

  3. jameswillie Says:

    Maybe a dumb question, but are all offensive lineman wearing knee braces to protect their knees?

  4. All_da_way Says:

    Hainsey is looking better and Bredeson has the inside track at a starting gig at LG.

  5. JimBobBuc Says:

    I really like Coen’s statement about Sua, Coen seems to appreciate his guys.

    The OL is thin for sure. At LT, Skule has been a sieve. Dzansi has the size at 335 and played G in college, but he is still raw. Klein needs to learn quickly to get on the field, can he do it? Hainsey made a good play on VV recently, but it seems he will be held at C in case Barton starts out slow.

  6. garro Says:

    My money is on Klein. I watched his film and the dude is raw but mean as heck and can play! Get him coached up coach Carberry! Unless Hainsey has gained 10 lbs of muscle and an anchor…nope. Love the guy but he wound up in the QBs lap way too much the last two years.

    Go Bucs!