“The Group Has To Overachieve”
November 30th, 2015
Tough talk directed at rookie left tackle Donovan Smith
The revival of the Buccaneers’ offensive line is one interesting study.
Every dumpster-to-prominence story is.
Hardcore Bucs fans lived the pain and the revival. The unit was dreadful last year and gelling didn’t even help. The fact the Bucs’ O-line got worse after a solid opening two games — and a decent opening third to the 2014 regular season — was stunning.
Then came the offseason overhaul followed by rightful panic after America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, got bludgeoned during the preseason.
But it all magically got fixed in late September, and the unit has grown together despite change because of injury.
Former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht had great things to say about the offensive line today on WDAE-AM 620, but made it clear that the unit is overcome significant deficiencies in talent.
“The group has to overachieve,” Becht said. “Donovan Smith, to me, and I’ve been saying it since Week 1, he lacks in a lot of technique. And he really has to clean that up. He beats you with his strength and his athleticism, but he’s still a bit behind playing that position.”
Becht went on to say rookie right guard Ali Marpet was significantly ahead of Smith in developing, before Marpet missed the last three games with an ankle injury. Becht also praised Gosder Cherilus but suggested Demar Dotson could effective work in at right tackle every third series.
Becht said Doston in a limited role like that wouldn’t hurt any chemistry, but he added he wouldn’t be quick to make any change. Struggles yesterday on the O-line don’t phase Becht. “One game, I’m not going to burn down the house,” he said.
Enjoy Becht’s full audio below via the 620wdae.com player.
November 30th, 2015 at 2:01 pm
I think this game is a bit of a wake up call for the O Line.
They’ve been mashing people all year… and the Colts really took it to them in the second half.
Of course, abandoning the running game doesn’t help either (still scratching my head on that one)
November 30th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Yes, abandoning the run game makes a difference in how the O-line plays. They’d rather be pushing back the D-line to open holes for running – it’s easier for them. Defending against the pass rush requires more technique than strength. When “we” abandoned the running game in the second half (for whatever poor line of reasoning), we put the O-line at a distinct disadvantage – the defense knew what we were doing and could dial up the stunts and blitzes to confuse the O-line.
November 30th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
The O-Line is much better but still has a long way to go. They look good against the bad teams and bad against the good teams. They also seem to have problems against teams that play a 3-4 defense. The young guys just need more time and experience to develope and they all need to cut down on the penalties
November 30th, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Much better OL than last year. Until yesterday, Winston had not been sacked that much. Still would be nice to hit on some OL in the next drive. A strong OL when Jameis hits his prime will be a good thing.
November 30th, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Colts are another 3-4 team which we usually have a little more trouble with than 4-3
November 30th, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Donovan Smith needs to step up, I know he has the hardest job but it looks like he quits too much
November 30th, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Upset with Oline penalties….and they come at very bad times…..we absolutely must clean that up….and everyone has participated with that problem.
Getting beat is one thing….but beating yourself is another.
November 30th, 2015 at 4:53 pm
I hope the Bucs are not trying to keep Doug Martin from reaching certain milestones in his contract so they don’t have to pay him. Because there is no reason to stop running the ball unless you don’t want to pony up to Doug Martin
November 30th, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Donovan Smith needs to shake the 15lb pre-cast concrete cleats he wears for some that are a little lighter. He gets beat to the edge 5-6 times a game and most of the time the DE really doesn’t even put a move on him, just runs on by!
November 30th, 2015 at 5:24 pm
Mathis as Cole abused Smith yesterday. Watching the game live on TV it was clear that those 2 DE’s targeted Mr. Smith on Sunday. I’m over the loss and looking forward to cheering my team on against the Dusty Birds.
November 30th, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Again…The Colts major adjustment at the half was to take away the run and force #3 to beat them. It worked…give them some credit. It’s just possible they are actually a better team than us!! I don’t know how I could say that about a team that has won 11 games for the past three years in a row! After all we’ve averageda whopping five wins a year over that period.
I don’t know how I could say that about a storied franchise playing at home against perennial losers who are coming off a horribly dark part of our history with money to Man U….a franchise QB self destructing…MRSA…we have a tradition of sucking…the Colts are winners…we are losers.
But I believe we’re changing that culture. It takes time!!!
As for Martin only running twice…perhaps Koetter and his eyes in the sky were taking what the Colts were offering. That’s not a bad strategy if your star receiver can actually throw the ball..and your QB is a wily old vet who knows when to get rid of the ball quickly.
There is plenty of frustration from yesterday’s loss…I get that…but there is no shame.
Becht nailed it…“One game, I’m not going to burn down the house,”
December 1st, 2015 at 12:29 am
D. Smith is really improving on his struggles. Hes cut down on the penalties he has drawn and hes holding down some real speedy defensive ends lately and forcing coordinators to run some stunts at him as if hes a veteran. The struggle on Sunday was thanks to no Marpet as they sit him with caution. The one problem is there are a lot of bitter veterans upfront blocking like Mankins, E. Smith, and now Dotson. They need to draft a guard early in the second round maybe and scout thoroughly for another late round reserve like Pamphile was.