Bucs O-Linemen: Expectations Now Match 2020’s
June 19th, 2021
Ali Marpet
It’s easy to forget that the Bucs were the NFL’s overhyped team entering last season, with a mountain of expectations on their backs because Tom Brady was the new sheriff in town bringing along several fresh and impressive deputies.
The noise was unavoidable — in March — and the drumbeat pounded through Week 1, with the Bucs at Saints popping the eyes of TV executives as they stared at the ratings data.
On Buccaneers.com this week, the starting Tampa Bay offensive line gathered virtually for a chat. And host Casey Phillips asked them whether their Bucs life feels different coming off a Super Bowl and the crazy-high expectations that brings.
The premise was shot down.
“I don’t know that it feels that different because I feel like last year was similar in terms of expectations because of the offseason we had,” Alex Cappa said. “Don’t you guys feel that way? So I don’t know that it’s that different going into this year because last year we had the same expectations that we will this year.”
Donovan Smith agreed, and he boldly noted his belief that the rest of his fellow O-linemen would agree.
Ali Marpet jumped in and spoke in broader terms, saying outside expectations for most players are “totally irrelevant” and “internal expectations” are always sky-high, so the whole point is moot. Marpet implied that the premise is just a media creation.
Joe agrees wholeheartedly when it comes to the 2021 Bucs. Sure, players can get distracted by the hype, but that didn’t affect the Bucs last season and damn near the entire team is back. So why would that change in 2021?
And don’t give Joe the line that the champion Bucs are now the hunted and will get every team’s best effort. What opposing QB and defense wasn’t giving its very best last season in an effort to claim a victory against Tom Brady?
June 19th, 2021 at 9:16 am
I don’t think the players pay much attention to the media. Their focus is on preparation for the coming season, fine tuning their condition and techniques. All the media hype has little impact on the players. One game at a time will be the Brady led Bucs focus by coaches and players.
June 19th, 2021 at 9:33 am
Brady gets rid of the ball fast. As long as Bucs have a RB & TE who can help block, it doesn’t matter who the o-linemen are
June 19th, 2021 at 9:49 am
Already passed the tough test. Continuity is key
June 19th, 2021 at 9:49 am
Oh Pete, think you missed a pill this morning. It certainly does matter who the O-linemen are. Despite Brady’s quick release, some routes take longer to develop than others, and those extra few tenths of a second can be disaster if the O-linemen don’t keep the defensive linemen, particularly those coming up the middle, at bay.
June 19th, 2021 at 10:20 am
And don’t give Joe the line that the champion Bucs are now the hunted and will get every team’s best effort. What opposing QB and defense wasn’t giving its very best last season in an effort to claim a victory against Tom Brady?
Well Said Joe
Pansies do not make Champions lol lol
When you are a legitimate Champion, You play your game, focus on what you have to do play in and play out, you are your own biggest competitor, not your opponent.
The Bucs defense will have a tougher time in practice than most games that they will play. That is how it is when you are the measuring stick for the league like the Bucs are right now.
I am reminded of the Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus, was once talking about his mindset. When he walked into a locker room and heard people complaining about the Course they were playing, his first thought was “well I got you beat already”
Champions think different and play different.
That is why they are CHAMPIONS.
GO BIG BAD AZZ WORLD CHAMPION BUCS!!!!!!
June 19th, 2021 at 11:27 am
Hard to believe Marpet is on the back 9 now
June 19th, 2021 at 11:29 am
Marpet is a smart dude.
June 19th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
I love this story! The Bucs have the roster and leadership to continue to hunt!
June 19th, 2021 at 1:42 pm
I like our Oline starters but equally feel that our backups can nicely fill when needed. Great to be in this position.
June 20th, 2021 at 6:44 am
Wirfs is a freak, and the rest of the line is in their prime. Playing together year three in this offense, and year two with Brady I’m expecting them to kick ass this season.