Internal Evaluation Of Luke Goedeke
December 22nd, 2022
It was already made clear by offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich that rookie left guard Luke Goedeke wasn’t supposed to be the starter on opening day.
That was reinforced by another coach this week.
So who was supposed to start?
Joe realizes only hardcore Bucs fans care about this stuff. But Joe is always interested in the answers behind the answers.
It smells more and more like current center Robert Hainsey was going to win the job before returning superstar center Ryan Jensen got hurt — unless you’re in the Aaron Stinnie camp. Stinnie, the Super Bowl starting right guard, went down with a blown knee in the second half of a meaningless preseason game in August.
Co-offensive line coach and assistant head coach Harold Goodwin responded to question about Goedeke’s development this week on the Buccaneers Radio Network.
“Yeah, he probably played a little faster than we thought he needed to, but just with the injuries and things like that,” Goodwin said. “It was a little bit of a struggle early from a protection standpoint, just learning to throw his hands. Because he was a guy that played on the right side in college. So when you go to the left side, it’s like, you know, all of a sudden writing right-handed and now you gotta write left-handed. So he had to get used to throwing his hands. But he was always physical in the run game. And it was just a point there, you know, that we just kinda pulled the reins back a little bit. Unfortunately, he got hurt so that allowed us to pull the reins back even quicker. And now he’s just taking his time slowly getting back to the player we think he could be.”
The wacky thing about all this is that current starter Nick Leverett seems more than capable and might have been the best overall choice as the opening day starter.
Regardless, the Bucs have built quality O-line depth, and Joe is not concerned about Goedeke’s future.
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:45 am
Still 💩 coaching.
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:46 am
The coaching staff is my only concern.
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:50 am
I think Goedeke will be a solid OG either next year or in 2024. He needs to get bigger and stronger. He got man handled by the bigger stronger DTs he faced.
The strength of this team in 2023 looks like it will be the offensive line. Jenson, Smith, Hainsey, Mason, Wirfs and Goedeke are all under contract for 2023… As well as back up Tackle Walton.
We also have 3 pretty good WRs and 3 pretty solid RBs returning.
Everything else is a bit of a mess…
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:55 am
Leaving Stinnie in that meaningless preseason game, only to get hurt, was the first of many dumb decisions by this coaching staff.
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:57 am
I also am not concerned about Goedeke……with Hainsey, we have great depth on our Oline for 2023…..Jensen will be back…..perhaps Stinnie won’t be resigned.
We need to draft a replacement for LVD & perhaps a CB to replace SMB….I think Dean will be signed.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:17 pm
This explanation makes a lot of sense, and mirrors what us fans saw on the field. The kid wasn’t quite ready, but was forced into action. Those reps will do him a world of good going forward.
Our O-line still needs at least 1 very solid addition next year. Wirfs, Mason, and assuming Jensen is back – those 3 are solid. D Smith needs to regain his confidence and he’ll be “OK,” although I think a new LT might be a need or at least a want. That only leaves LG as a question for next year in my mind.
Sure seems like a truthful response from a Bucs coach for once. It was reasonable, rational, and intelligent. We do what we do and We understand just aren’t cutting it from the PR standpoint – they assume us fans are stupid enough to believe their Draconic drivel.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Need to draft Jaelyn Duncan from Maryland or Zion Nelson in the 2nd/3rd round or Jordan Morgan or Carter Warren in the 3rd/4th round. Go after Ryan Hayes later in the 5th. This team needs to replace Smith at LT. Could easily move Smith into LG for the next year or two. I also think we need a dynamic wide receiver. Evans is great but slow. We need speed and size at WR.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:22 pm
@ D-Rok
It will be either Hainsey or Goedeke. Let them battle it out in camp.
I believe we should let Stinnie go and re-sign N. Leavertt as our back OG.
John Molchan is also under contract for next year… He has been in development for a long time now.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Need an edge rusher more than anything don’t know what shaq is going to be considering his age and type of injury he had this will be the biggest priority next season if tom comes back if tom doesn’t come back probably doesn’t matter cuz bucs are probably gearing up for rebuild.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Agree, Marine. Leverett did a good job from my perspective. Although I would feel better with a more proven LG.
Tucker, due to Shaq’s injury and JTS not showing enough, I agree – EDGE is probably biggest need on D. Would like to see a starter-quality LB as David is nearing the end of his career.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Bucamania Says:
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:55 am
This is dumb. Stinnie was still fighting for a job, maybe even a roster spot. That’s what preseason games are for. It’s not like he was a locked-in starter or anything close to that. There have been plenty of dumb decisions by this staff, but that wasn’t one of them.
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:34 pm
We need a left tackle. D. Smith is a liability in the run game especially. His penalties hurt a lot. Maybe Goedeke can play right tackle if he beefs up and move Wirfs to LT. Walton looked like he had some potential when he was in there too. If Stinnie can make it back then we have great depth. Make Smith walk the plank. I’ve seen enough. Use a premium pick and try to draft another Wirfs, a day one starter. Hopefully another All Pro. Resign Wells. He’s a good back up swing tackle
December 22nd, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Come on, Bucs! You’re facing a 4-10 team with a third string QB. Play like you give a damn! LFG!
December 22nd, 2022 at 1:10 pm
@ D-Rok
I feel Hainsey has proven to be a pretty solid offensive lineman this season. I believe he could also play LG and perform better than Goedeke or Stinnie.
If Jenson could play LG – I would leave Hainsey at Center and move RJ over… Jenson played Tackle in college. We was projected as a G/C as he was drafted by the Ravens and I believe he played both G/C positions in B-more before he got the full time Center gig.
December 22nd, 2022 at 1:23 pm
@ Buccos
We are stuck with D. Smith. We will still owe him @ $8M in guaranteed money in 2023.
I doubt we will find a trade partner who will want to take on his $18M salary and give anything in return…
Unless he pulls an Ali Marpet – we are stuck with D. Smith for one more season.
December 22nd, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Our starting line next year will probably be:
LT – D. Smith
LG – R. Hainsey
C – R. Jenson
RG -S. Mason
RT – T. Wirfs
Back up OG -Goedeke
Back up OT – Walton
Back up OG/C – Molchan
We will pick up one more back up OT/OG along the way. We usually keep 9…
December 22nd, 2022 at 1:42 pm
@ Marine,
You’re making sense here. You should apply at OBP to mentor our coaches.
December 22nd, 2022 at 1:57 pm
With our draft position, we will draft in the first half, we can find a quality LT to dump Donnie and his over priced salary. We just aren’t getting our monies worth. A rookie contract and a guy just getting by at LT is a better deal.
December 22nd, 2022 at 2:15 pm
@ D-Rok
LOL.
It would take about 30 seconds before I was physically removed from OBP…
Sometimes I am amazed at how many Glazer Bucks our GM is paid.
Most people with an IQ of over 100 could be an NFL GM.
I mean just look at a guy like Matt Millen… Seriously?
December 22nd, 2022 at 2:27 pm
@ Marine,
LOL, Matt Millen.
I know he aint be no GM, but comparatively speaking, Leftwichwaydidhego makes Millen look like a genius. LOL.
December 22nd, 2022 at 2:44 pm
@ D-Rok
True dat yo… lol
December 22nd, 2022 at 2:44 pm
Check yo sheeeeeets!!!!
December 22nd, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Trask, Plan 9, Darden. Gedeke, Hall etc. Drafting Blunders. We should always trade our 1st and 2nd round picks for lots of lower rounders. Bucs are total flops in high rounds and do well in lower rounds. They cost a fortune and never work out well.
December 22nd, 2022 at 3:14 pm
Bucamania Says:
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:55 am
Leaving Stinnie in that meaningless preseason game, only to get hurt, was the first of many dumb decisions by this coaching staff.
This is dumb. Stinnie was still fighting for a job, maybe even a roster spot. That’s what preseason games are for. It’s not like he was a locked-in starter or anything close to that. There have been plenty of dumb decisions by this staff, but that wasn’t one of them.
—-
@sasquatch – no, your comment is dumb AF. Stinnie started the entire playoffs during the SuperBowl year and you think he was on the bubble after Marpet retired? He was the likely starter at LG not the glass eater.
December 22nd, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Well we passed on guys that are playing well….
If u miss on o line drafts pics and you can’t run or pass block…
Game set Match boys, you can’t win
December 22nd, 2022 at 4:32 pm
Prediction- we remembered how to play offense in the 1st half against Bengals. We keep doing it like that and win these final 3 games and carry the momentum into the playoffs. A real dark horse to win it all. NEVER bet against Brady!
December 22nd, 2022 at 4:34 pm
I think Goedeke can be Donovan Smith’s replacement. Move Goedeke to LT. LG is set with Hainsey, Stinnie, Leverett.
December 22nd, 2022 at 4:53 pm
@ IE
I have actually pondered this situation… Could Goedeke play LT?
Like I stated above – he got man handled by the bigger/stronger DT/NGs he faced – could a move out to LT work for Goedeke?
I’m not sure he is athletic enough but I would be interested to see Goedeke play a little LT during the pre-season to see how he looks…
Couldn’t be much worse than D. Smith at LT.
December 22nd, 2022 at 5:20 pm
So he wasn’t ready, and they handed him the job anyway? Makes so much sense when you look at who’s running the show.
December 22nd, 2022 at 5:35 pm
Quality depth at least for a Qb who is usually atop of the fastest time to throw off hike.
December 22nd, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Bucamania Says:
December 22nd, 2022 at 3:14 pm
No, you’re misinformed. Yes, he started down the stretch during the Superbowl run, and was competent, but the fact is, he did not distinguish himself in training camp. He was in a competition for the LG job. That’s a fact. I also read that his performance had been so unimpressive in camp that he may have been on the roster bubble. There’s a reason he was out there competing — he had not locked up the starting job by any stretch of the imagination… Sorry to burst your bubble, but you’re wrong.