Vincent Still No. 2 To Zuttah
August 17th, 2010
For weeks, Joe has intensely defended his view that left guard Jeremy Zuttah did not have a poor work ethic, was not the Sabby the Goat of the offensive line, and was not earmarked to backup newly acquired Keydrick Vincent.
With the rest of the media piling on Zuttah (John Lynch included) while never quoting anyone from the Bucs, Joe was a bit of a lone warrior on this front.
And Joe took quite a beating in the comments forums on this here website.
Well, after reviewing film of the Bucs-Fins preseason game, Zuttah remains the starter on the offensive line, so said Raheem The Dream at his Monday news conference.
Asked about the competition with Vincent, Raheem The Dream said it did not compare with what’s going on at safety with Sean Jones and Sabby The Goat.
If the starting offensive line performs well again on Saturday, as it did last week, Joe thinks Zuttah will have locked up the starting job.
Every offensive lineman Joe has talked to or listened to always references the importance of continuity and familiarity on the line. So the Bucs aren’t just going to drop Vincent in there on opening day.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:12 am
There’re just toying with ya, Joe. I’m sure Vincent is a lock for opening day!- jus kidding , Joe, jus kidding!
August 17th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Joe…Your argument has always made sense, and it seems that they are close so the coaches must be on the same page. All this reporting may be turning you into a coach!
August 17th, 2010 at 11:32 am
If Zuttah was indeed the weak link on the line last year and Vincent can’t even grab the Job from him, I hope its more because Zuttah is playing better this year rather than Vincent being worse than we expected.
I would love to know which.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Vincent will start he is just older and they are trying to keep him fresh…
August 17th, 2010 at 11:47 am
I saw, during one of the sideline shots, Vincent kneeling in front of Zuttah, talking to him while using his hands to illustrate his point. Seeing this, I kind of got the feeling that Vincent might have been brought here to tutor Zuttah. Even Lynch said he thought Vincent would be the starter. I don’t see John Lynch saying that without having heard it from a member of the coaching staff. After all, he’s no Tiki Barber.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Fire Greg Olsen!
That is a very good point. Vincent may indeed, have been brought here to mentor Zuttah.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I’m with you Joe. I think Vincent was brought in for depth and for competition for Zuttah. The other backup guards have done nothing.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I want this guy starting. Vincent is nasty and every team hes played for has run the ball well. i like Zuttah in the next year or two.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
You guys should cut Zuttah some slack. The entire line played poor last year in the zone blocking scheme…I know, I know, they said he was the best suited for it but let’s wait and see. I agree with Joe on this one, if they are even close Zuttah needs to play, for he has the greater upside for the future. Vincent has been around, so he has plenty of knowledge and he seems like he likes to share it, so he is a great vet to help a young team. maybe he has a bit of the coaching bug. Let’s wait and see how Zuttah looks over the next couple of weeks. We can not give some guys a pass based on last year but not Zuttah.
August 17th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Actually, I like the way they’re working it. Start Zuttah, but give him reps at center with the 2nd unit. If something should happen to Faine this year, we can slide Zuttah inside (since he’s had plenty of reps there too) and fill in with Vincent. If Faine is fine, but something should happen to Joseph, Vincent has shown he can play RG as well. We have a good option for depth, whether it’s Vincent start/Zuttah backup or Zuttah start/Vincent backup. Now we just need to see where we’re at with tackle depth.
August 17th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
It’s a good plan. I think Zuttah is destined to be the backup center and will take some snaps this season at that position.
Vincent is a truck… with experience (excellent depth) and a good foundation for Zuttah and the other Oline youngin’s…
August 17th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Joe do you think Zuttah is being given a fair shot now?? : ). I hope the kid does well and really earns his spot but part of me thinks they are keeping Vincent fresh for the season opener.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Careful, Rican, you’re on dangerous ground with Joe! Ya can’t mess with the Zuttah! Ask our poor buddy JimBuc 🙁
August 18th, 2010 at 8:48 am
JimBuc- come back! We miss you! The place jus ain’t da same wit outcha!
August 19th, 2010 at 6:45 am
What’s the deal with JimBuc?