Justin Skule Credits Support System For Improvement
October 2nd, 2024
Right tackle Justin Skule.
Was it as simple as a boost in confidence that has helped Justin Skule rise above his mighty struggles?
The Bucs’ right tackle, playing in place of starting right tackle Luke Goedeke, was terrible in his first start for the Bucs at Detroit.
(Joe is beginning to wonder if Goedeke’s concussion is something long-term because he’ll miss his fourth straight games Thursday due to a concussion — that’s pretty damn serious)
Joe isn’t typing anything outrageous about Skule versus the Lions. Aiden Hutchinson lit him up for a few sacks enroute to 4.5 sacks on the day. That says it all.
When Joe spoke with Skule after the win over the Eagles, he immediately told Joe he could and should have played better in his first two starts.
Skule’s games against Detroit and Denver were so bad that Skule was giving Bucs fans flashbacks to former Bucs right tackle swinging saloon doors Gosder Cherilus, now better known for allegedly providing golden showers to old women on international flights.
But like with many offensive line struggles, it takes time for issues to be resolved. It seems that may be happening with Skule.
While his play may not have been that of Jonathan Ogden this past Sunday, Skule was able to help keep Mayfield’s jersey clean. Mayfield was sacked just twice while dropping back 47 times.
It was an absolutely serviceable if not good day at the office for Skule.
Confidence seemed to be Skule’s biggest hurdle, not so much anything physical.
“I think it was making sure I trusted my technique,” Skule said of possibly turning the corner against the Eagles. “Not panicking out there. Knowing that I can get the job done if I trust my technique and stay true to my fundamentals.”
Skule also mentioned how his fellow offensive linemen and the coaches showed faith in him by keeping him on the field as a critical element. Skule didn’t blink.
“Absolutely!” Skule said. “Oh, yeah.
“Having belief in the guys in the o-line room and the coaching staff being able to stick with me really meant a lot.”
Apparently, that support system was significant.
“This offensive line room is special,” Skule said. “This is one of the closer groups I have ever been a part of. It’s a special group.”
The key reason for improvement? Skule gave a lot of credit to Bucs offensive line coach Kevin Carberry for not throwing in the towel on him.
“He did a great job helping me work on stuff I needed to fix at practice these last couple of weeks,” Skule said”
Has Skule turned the corner? Well, at least there’s progress. Joe isn’t quite ready to anoint Skule as a Pro Bowl candidate. But holding his own last Sunday against a very physical Eagles defense is promising.
October 2nd, 2024 at 11:40 am
Give Coen credit. He fixed Baker’s feet and refocused him. Baker got the ball out in 1.95 seconds on the first drive and then averaged 2.23 seconds per pass over 47 attempts the rest of the game. That’s why Skule and the rest of the line looked better.
October 2nd, 2024 at 11:42 am
Providing golden showers to old women on international flights? Didn’t need to know that dude. Gross.
October 2nd, 2024 at 11:44 am
He gave a lot of credit to Bucs offensive line coach Kevin Carberry for not throwing in the towel on him.
I’ve been down on Carberry. Could be wrong. Hopefully, the woeful pass protection is in our past.
October 2nd, 2024 at 11:52 am
He still got beat quite a bit, I wish Luke would be able to come back
October 2nd, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Judon > One hit wonder Huff and 40 old Graham. Skule and Mauch better be ready to give their best tomorrow.
Our OL is the key to this game. Give Baker time to find the open man away from Bates and Simmons, we win. Let one of the worst pass rushing teams in football get pressure early and often… we lose. Our guys better be up for this tomorrow, mini bye after, reinforcements probably on the way in Goedeke and Kancey, this is a huge game for so many reasons.
October 2nd, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Joe … ‘But holding his own last Sunday against a very physical Eagles defense is promising.’
Nice positive way to close out a very good article Joe. Sounds to me like Justin is rising to the occasion. Halleleujah
October 2nd, 2024 at 12:56 pm
I’m all in with Jason Skule
October 2nd, 2024 at 12:57 pm
6’6 315lbs he’s huge!
October 2nd, 2024 at 1:51 pm
He sucks, sucked, will suck and will have sucked. Horrible. Worse than Cherilus, or everyone else. If Coen thinks he’s “fixed” it’s Broncos 2.0.
Yuk.
October 2nd, 2024 at 2:02 pm
now if we can only get mauch to stop getting tossed around, the o-line as a whole might turn the corner
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 2nd, 2024 at 2:18 pm
Why do you guys keep calling him Jason.
It is Justin Skule. Maybe I missed something.
I agree the time to release helps the line tremendously. Don’t let this team pin their ears back. Simmons, Bates and Terrell are the best secondary so throw away when possible and then use Mike to draw coverage OFTEN. I like White and Irving to each have around 5 catches this game, until they quit playing Top Down. Teams run on Atlanta. I remember last year both our Lines handled them pretty easily in the run game. One of the few games we got a push. Hopefully Coen keeps them guessing.
October 2nd, 2024 at 3:43 pm
Personally I think Baker getting the ball out in 2 seconds flat is what helped more than anything. He was still getting beat quite a bit.
October 2nd, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Who determines a player can be active the team or the league?
October 2nd, 2024 at 6:03 pm
Justin played much better Against the eagles. He showed he has enough skill to hold down right tackle.
He ain’t Luke- but he a get the job done well enough.
Justin played better than Mauch or Bredeson Sunday, if that’s any sort of comfort.
October 2nd, 2024 at 7:52 pm
I watched every single snap of this slob, and who is claiming he improved? The Eagles lineman got winded from running around him – but that was it. He was terrible once again. Rachaad White literally is a better blocker than he is, and I swear to godness I’m not making that up, the tape shows it.
October 2nd, 2024 at 7:53 pm
813BUCBOI Says:
October 2nd, 2024 at 2:02 pm
now if we can only get mauch to stop getting tossed around, the o-line as a whole might turn the corner
———
That literally didn’t happen this last week, he was in fact manhandling Carter early in the game.
But Sucke, meanwhile, was complete trash again.
October 3rd, 2024 at 1:19 am
When it comes to offensive linemen,
Rod munch has never been right. Capt Tim is usually right.
But Ole Rod is controversial.
That’s worth the price of admission, right?
October 3rd, 2024 at 1:31 am
Yep, don’t know what we would do without Rod spewing his always correct opinion all over the place…..
October 3rd, 2024 at 2:51 am
Nothing against Skule but I watch the games and not just the skill guys like most.
He may have improved but mostly what I saw was Coen and Mayfield making the entire offensive line better by getting the ball out quicker.
Go Bucs!
October 3rd, 2024 at 10:06 am
When is Clancy going to suck it up and get on the field ? Week 5 and the guy won’t suit up and practice ?why is he a primadonna ? Or just a busy ? Suck it up .