Quiet Surrounding Patrick Omameh Is Good
September 30th, 2014
Veteran left tackle Anthony Collins is committing ugly penalties, and veteran center Evan Dietrich-Smith has had bizarre ball snapping issues. (First, he can’t snap it successfully in Atlanta, then he refused to snap it in Pittsburgh.)
But there’s nothing too noteworthy about the least experienced member of the Bucs’ offensive line, and that’s a good thing.
Starting right guard Patrick Omameh has settled in nicely this season after his first four career starts. Plucked off the 49ers’ practice squad by former Bucs rockstar general manager Mark Dominik, Omameh got his shot this season after the Oneil Cousins-Jamon Meredith experience sent legions of fans to Tampa mental health professionals this preseason.
Omameh isn’t making many mistakes, and he’s improving. What more could you ask for from an undrafted player in a new system. It’s very encouraging. When Joe doesn’t remember hearing a guard’s name, as was the case for Omameh in Pittsburgh, it’s typically a strong day in the trenches.
In 2008, Joe remembers then-rookie Jeremy Zuttah stepping in at right guard for injured Pro Bowler Davin Joseph in 2008. Zuttah made five or six starts and was darn solid. Earnest Graham kept pounding the rock and the Bucs jumped out to a 9-3 record.
In 2010, a rookie right guard named Derek Hardman stepped in for Joseph and controlled Ndamukong Suh and was a cog in the Bucs’ punishing running game that season.
In 2012, Meredith was solid all season in place of Joseph, as the Bucs had the NFL’s No.9-ranked offense.
Yes, you can at least find serviceable guards without a massive investment. Omameh, 24, who was a standout at Michigan, could become more.
September 30th, 2014 at 10:35 am
More noteworthy is that the Steelers were in a 3-4 D and mixing up the rushing scheme. This makes things a bit tougher.
September 30th, 2014 at 10:36 am
I like this guy, beat out free agents cousins, Meredith, beat out two current 2014 draft picks and was signed off a practice squad. Also beat out some guy we all thought was going to be a good player from KC that we traded for. Glad he was on the team. Wish we could have used those picks, trades and money for other players!
September 30th, 2014 at 10:39 am
@Joe – Florio jacked your moniker for Glennon on his power rankings.
September 30th, 2014 at 10:46 am
How many times have you heard the announcers mention him by name during the game? That’s the tell all for an O-Lineman. The only time they really get talked about is when they give up sacks.
If we never hear their names, our QB isn’t on the ground.
September 30th, 2014 at 10:55 am
This guy has played real solid and improved each week
all while learning new plays, schemes and everything else thats been thrown in so far.
GOOD JOB
September 30th, 2014 at 11:04 am
Omameh is a man on a mission!
He will keep getting better. Just watch.
Nothing has ever been handed to him.
He earns what he works for.
Hes a fighter. Not a drinker. Thats what we need.
Guys who love to play more than party.
Thats really the key to success in the NFL.
Goldson parties too much. Thats why he sucks now!
September 30th, 2014 at 11:27 am
The trade for Ricshaw (sp?) was a palyer for player trade. no draft picks exchanged.
September 30th, 2014 at 11:27 am
Good post Joe. I like the fact that we don’t hear about him.. Rushing lanes seems a bit of concern but still a lot lessa apocalyptic than in preseason
September 30th, 2014 at 11:32 am
Did anyone else notice that all the guards he mentioned started in place of Joseph? Lmfao
September 30th, 2014 at 11:48 am
Are we bringing in Incognito or not
September 30th, 2014 at 11:56 am
I bet that first sentence in the fourth to last paragraph happened in 2008.
September 30th, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Yes good post Joe.
Now lets get the running game going at New Orleans.
Incog…who???
September 30th, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Omameh is hard worker, and a great kid. I am pulling for him.
September 30th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Can we please not see this picture ever again? Nightmares!
September 30th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Looking at that list, it’s no wonder they let go of Joseph… dude couldn’t stay healthy
September 30th, 2014 at 2:39 pm
I too hope Omaneh continues to improve but just because you don’t hear his name mentioned on Sunday doesn’t mean he’s not making mistakes.
A few time on Sunday I saw some DL’s blast through the right side of the line and give me cause to worry about Doug Martin’s well being.
September 30th, 2014 at 7:58 pm
Lets not forget the final VJAX TD pass. Glennon was 0.01 seconds away from being sacked an interior D-lineman that used Omameh as a swing door. He is playing well for his draft status, be he has got ways to go to be considered mediocre.