Ali Marpet: Uniquely Impressive Starts For Nick Leverett, Luke Goedeke
November 1st, 2022
Bucs backup(?) left guard Nick Leverett
This cannot be written off simply as a Buccaneers company man saying he loves everyone and everything pewter and red.
Super Bowl left guard Ali Marpet retired last winter after a stellar seven-year Bucs career. It was a shocker.
Marpet seemingly was healthy and had just made the Pro Bowl at 28 years old, but behind the scenes he was suffering from high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network this week, Marpet said he now feels great and loves how has body has responded after an “80-ish” pound weight loss. Marpet’s frame wasn’t suited to carry all the weight he needed to play in the NFL, he said, and his body is cooperating now that he’s at an appropriate weight.
Joe already shared Marpet’s mixed reviews on the Bucs’ current offensive execution. But Marpet also talked about Thursday’s first career start of left guard Nick Leverett, who was replacing injured rookie Luke Goedeke.
Marpet was blown away how Leverett seemed high-energy and loose in his first career start. He said that’s very rare and Marpet shared how much he was sweating and nervous in his first start back in 2015.
Marpet thinks Leverett did a solid job and said his energy is contagious. Joe was more interested in what Marpet said about Goedeke, noting how he’s been a mentor for the rookie since he arrived.
Per Marpet, Goedeke is extremely impressive in his ability to physically move defensive linemen in ways most rookies can’t because they don’t have that level of strength. Marpet also said Goedeke has a great mind for the game and asks fantastic questions that reveal he’s a deep thinker when it comes to understanding football.
Joe is very curious to see how the Bucs move forward at left guard. Joe expects some form or rotation to resume when/if Goedeke returns Sunday against the Rams.
November 1st, 2022 at 6:51 pm
I like Leverett and think he should stay at LG.
He’s got fire and he looked pretty solid.
Let Godeke watch for awhile.
November 1st, 2022 at 6:54 pm
I am all for anyone or anything that can give contagious enthusiasm to this team; they have been dragging low hanging things around all season.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:13 pm
I hate the idea of platoon at LG. If they think Leverett gives them better play, just stick with him. I think almost everyone underestimated the effect of losing a guy like Marpet. Myself included. O line success is as much about continuity, as skill. That being said, if Jensen doesn’t get hurt, LG probably isn’t as glaring a problem.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:14 pm
They’re both playing so well, and are so great at moving defensive lineman, that we have the WORST rushing attack in the entire league!
Imagine if they weren’t playing well… lol
November 1st, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Leverett should be the guy going forward. As much as we all want Goedeke to replace Marpet, it’s not his time at this point. No rotations, no bs. If we truly are going to make a push, it needs to start with solidifying the line.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:17 pm
Are there gonna be any trolls out bashing Marpet soon?
November 1st, 2022 at 7:23 pm
Marpet we love ya but you’re a homer.
Goedeke sucks, Leverett is way better. Play Nick, let Goedeke study the diet you’ve been on since you retired.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:24 pm
UNRELATED QUESTION – Does anyone agree that by not making any kind of trade (even for depth at pass rusher or RB or OL etc.) management is effectively writing off this season?
I’m generally not an over-reaction guy but I can’t see it any other way.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:34 pm
Leverett for the win, Alex. So much better than the rookie. However, I do think the rookie should be told: “Dude, go in for 10 plays a game to spell Leverett. Give it all your energy. Heck, even block someone!”
I think a few plays off would be great for the basically untested Leverett. He’s a seeming upgrade, but he isn’t yet 17-game ready as he’s never done it before.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:40 pm
Look, Redeemer: Marpet, Cappa, then Jensen. Offset some of that with Mason, but still, I had some misgivings (didn’t we all?) about this line from day 1 of training camp. And look how it’s gone. I was worried, but I bit my tongue mostly thinking this was an NFL team with proven linemen coaches.
I mean, the O-Line hasn’t been a total dumpster fire because Brady hasn’t been sacked or hit much, but still, the line is a huge reason for this team’s lack of success to date. Some may debate me on this, but it’s obvious.
Lev came in, first 2 drives, BAM! We look like ourselves for a bit. Hmmm.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:44 pm
SB,
Nobody BETTER be bashing on Marpet. He gave us his sweat, blood, and tears for years, AND a Lombardi. As far as football players go, I hold Ali in great esteem.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:45 pm
*nobody better NOT be bashing…* sorry
November 1st, 2022 at 7:51 pm
I trust Marpet’s opinion. Which means we will have to trust the coaches too. It appears to me they believe the same things.
November 1st, 2022 at 7:53 pm
I don’t care if they sit Goedeke most of the rest if Leverett is playing well. There’s no shame in sitting back and learning as a rookie. As I see it, Shaq Mason isn’t necessarily part of the future here. Jensen will return and he has 2 years remaining. If they like the way Hainsey finishes this year, maybe Jensen goes to guard for the next few years, or Hainsey slides. Despite the struggles this year, I feel like the O-line has the makings of being very good going forward with the young guys, assuming their growth path continues.
November 1st, 2022 at 8:11 pm
The rookie isn’t ready yet, please let Leverett play and let the kid work on his fundamentals- like pad level and proper depth sets
He has raw talent for sure but isn’t ready for prime time
November 1st, 2022 at 8:11 pm
Marpet should put the weight back on, he looks really weird now.
As for his opinion, I don’t really care about ‘energy’, I just care about results, and Leverett was perfectly fine, he went unnoticed for most of the night, which is all you’d want out of someone that has never started before.
However Leverett being in there didn’t magically fix the running like the dopes in the commentary promised me would happen since Goedeke was the entire problem with the line. Turns out the idiots in the comment section don’t actually have a clue what they’re talking about and was just reactionary dipspits.
With that said, I’m fine with playing whoever plays the best. I have no allegiance to either player, and Goedeke, for a rookie, has been fine. Goedeke also has the higher ceiling, but generally, if possible, you want to sit rookies and let them do stuff like get stronger and used to NFL speed. Some guys, like Marpet and Wirfs, who are freaks, can come in and start day 1 and be all-pro level players. Other guys like Hainsey and Cappa, it’s best to give them a year. Goedeke is moving from tackle to guard, from a small D2 school, to the NFL, and, again, I think he’s done well – but if Leverett is better, then play him, at least so long as you are in the playoff hunt.
November 1st, 2022 at 8:23 pm
Ultimately the big question is when Jensen will return. Hainsey would likely slide over to the left (unless Leverett plays exceptional)
November 1st, 2022 at 8:59 pm
Leverette for now.
November 1st, 2022 at 9:27 pm
Marpet and anyone could be impressed—with a rookie’s shaky start, and with a JAG’s first start.
If this were a normal season for a young developing team with low expectations, and a multi-year time frame, all effort and progress is “impressive” and positive.
Sure, hallelujah.
But this is supposed to be the all-in final run for Tom Brady, for playoffs, for Super Bowl glory. Applauding the “progress” of youngsters and practice squadders is not what you do when you are supposedly competing urgently for the Super Bowl.
Unless….THAT WAS NEVER THE PLAN. Unless….OneBuc never had high expectations or any urgency to do it all this season with Brady. Unless…Brady doesn’t matter. If that is what is going on, then forget it. Forget demanding greatness this season.
One or the other.
November 1st, 2022 at 10:08 pm
I don’t care about the Jets.
I just wanna kiss you.
November 1st, 2022 at 10:56 pm
Lol, The Namath interview. Classic
November 1st, 2022 at 11:13 pm
C’mon, what’s Marpet going to say, ‘these two really suck, our offense is in deep trouble if either one of these guys is in the lineup’. Of course he is going to give the company line.
November 2nd, 2022 at 1:06 am
Marpet seemed sincere and candid. He basically just gave his opinion. BTW, since we did not do any trades, is it also likely that no other teams wanted anyone we wanted to be rid of? I bet we tried for a few trades but also (thinking we may be desperate) the draft picks were just too high and not worth who the other teams were willing to part with.
November 2nd, 2022 at 7:49 am
You sound like the kind of guy who thinks concussions are overrated. Did you even read the article?
November 2nd, 2022 at 8:45 am
Why didn’t we replicate the first drive against the Ravens?
We were actually moving people.
Leverett is clearly better than Goedeke at this point.
Let Goedeke red-shirt the rest of the season.
And move him to RG next year to replace Shaq Mason.
And draft another stud OG/C in the 2nd round next year.
Goedeke played RT in college.
I guarantee he will be a good RG.
Next year! Not this year.
November 2nd, 2022 at 8:56 am
Joe – have you ever heard of a rotational strategy used in the NFL before?? I cant think of any, at least any successful. Seems odd to me especially for a position that everyone (especially TB12) preaches consistency/continuity is key…..