Tedford Has His “Control Freak” In Place
June 10th, 2014
There’s a control freak on the Tampa Bay roster and his name isn’t Greg Schiano.
And nobody’s going to tune out this guy like some did the former head coach.
Offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford makes it clear he is close with Aaron Rodgers, the most famous college quarterback to study under him. Tedford chatted about their recent barbecue time in a secluded region of northern California. And Rodgers helped sell Tedford to Lovie Smith.
So it’s interesting that the Bucs targeted Green Bay center Evan Dietrich-Smith in free agency. Rodgers was vocal in his support for the Packers to retain Dietrich-Smith, who was a starter last season and was lauded in Green Bay media for his astute line calls and responsibility in the passing game.
But now he’s a Buccaneer, and offensive line coach George Warhop called Dietrich-Smith a “control freak” last week.
Warhop was quick to tell reporters that wasn’t a negative because he likes his centers to be “control freaks.” But it’s interesting to Joe that Dietrich-Smith has emerged as a dominant personality so fast.
Joe thinks that’s good, especially on a new offensive line with thin talent that needs to jell in a hurry. Big money left tackle Anthony Collins is more of a quiet leader/hard worker type. The same could be said of Demar Dotson. So it seems the door was wide open for Dietrich-Smith to take charge, and that’s what he’s doing.
Given Tedford’s connection to Rodgers, the Bucs likely knew exactly what they were getting with their new center. And part of that appears to be a level of leadership Jeremy Zuttah wasn’t going to offer.
June 10th, 2014 at 10:09 am
Here’s hoping he makes the guy to the left and right of him better players by holding them accountable for their mistakes. We need that.
June 10th, 2014 at 10:27 am
Love this signing and I do think Smith and McCown will be in synch. Different styles maybe, but their football IQ seems all there.
June 10th, 2014 at 10:27 am
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”
-Vince Lombardi-
June 10th, 2014 at 10:40 am
LUV, that was a great one liner by Lombardi. Thanks!
I agree with JOE about ED-S, but, it still would have been nice to have kept Zuttah for one of the guard positions, and to backup center. Unless he would not restructure, it still baffles me a little. I believe at this point, if they had a do-over, they may have kept him on the roster, or at least gotten some compensation for him.
June 10th, 2014 at 10:47 am
Hey JOE, with the loss of Zuttah, can we receive a compensatory pick next draft? Or because Zuttah signed for less with the Ravens takes away our chances?
No compensation because he was traded for a fifth-round pick. That’s only for lost free agents. –Joe
June 10th, 2014 at 11:13 am
Joe says there’s thin talent on the OL. I don’t necessarily think that’s true. There’s thin experience, but talent is there. I’d be more worried if they were just a bunch of journeyman types with no upside.
June 10th, 2014 at 11:20 am
This coaching staff is ahead of the game. That is how it should be. In Lovie and Licht I trust!
I can’t remember enjoying an off season this much. The future is promising. Even if we go 0-16 I know I will enjoy this season more than the last. I’m eager to see the players find success on this system. Our coaching is light years ahead of the last 2 regimes.
June 10th, 2014 at 11:29 am
I’m with you ORCA…
The Bears offense were 8th in the league in total yards with a less than mediocre o-line. If we can match their performance or better we are in good shape. Plus you add Martin and the Patriot’s Tight End attack I think we have a chance to compete this year.
June 10th, 2014 at 11:59 am
Too early to tell whether the talent is as thin as it looks or not.
Starting experience however, is very thin… At least Warhop is a very competent and proven o-line coach. He will get the best out of our guys, whoever they may be come opening day.
June 10th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
@Orca
” I’d be more worried if they were just a bunch of journeyman types with no upside.”
Kinda like our pre-ordained starting QB….
June 10th, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Excited to watch a coach whose never called a play in the nfl! Hope that’s a good thing not bad.
June 10th, 2014 at 12:48 pm
I don’t disagree with the gamble this year on the O-Line. We needed offensive skilled playmakers and pass rush more. Seattle did not have a great O-Line either, but managed to do quite well. If this younger O-Line does not work out, think we will delve back into the free agent market next year for any needed experienced O-Linemen, once Nicks’s Salary is off the books for 2015/2016. Chuck and duck may be here in the meantime for our QB’s!
June 10th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Hey we’re only two guards away from a decent offensive line. We don’t have to be the awesome Oakland lines of the 60’s and 70’s.
If they can find two servicable guards…I’m not overwhelmed by the current group they MIGHT have a decent Oline.
Of course when you’re talking about an already thin offensive line there is no room for any injuries, no depth.
June 10th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
What do you all think about the chances of us getting Aaron Rodgers to come down and be reunited with Tedford and ED-S for a trade or after his contract is up? It’d cost a bunch, but we would have a QB we can depend on. I like McCown and Glennon may pan out, but Rodgers is a top tier QB.
June 10th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
I think we’ll be fine at OL to be honest. If we were playing a power-I running system, I’d be a bit more concerned. The zone-scheme we’re running doesn’t require blue-chip players across the board to be successful. If you look at our current OL makeup (and other similar teams) – we’re looking for athletic, lighter, and long-armed Gs and Ts with a pudgy C that can hustle. Similar to the Packers and Shanahan Broncos of the past. No worries!
June 10th, 2014 at 3:26 pm
It would be nice if Aaron Rodgers was our QB
June 10th, 2014 at 4:24 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
“Good is the enemy of great” – my HS coach.
June 10th, 2014 at 5:48 pm
I hope so because I liked Zuttah.