“Let The Offensive Line Lead”

June 28th, 2012

Leave it to a former offensive lineman to call for the Bucs to pound the rock relentlessly and thoroughly play to the strength of its O-line.

Ex-Bucs guard Ian Beckles drilled home that point this week during the Ron and Ian Show on WDAE-AM 620, explaining that the Bucs had a strong line last year but didn’t put enough faith in them, and this year the line is even better and the running backs might be as well. (Beckles is not one to believe in a rookie, Doug Martin, until he proves himself.)

“They didn’t let the offensive line lead last year; We averaged 4+ yards a carry last year and didn’t run the ball nearly enough,” Beckles said. “Hopefully they’ll let the offensive line lead now. We should have the players to get it done.”

In fact, the Bucs averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 2011, tied with three other teams for 15th best in the NFL.

Hell, if the Bucs dropped the damn Benn’d around play, which clearly hurt their average, they might have ticked up a notch to 4.3 yards a carry and finished tied for 12th with the Ravens, Lions and Chargers.

Joe’s all in favor of the O-line leading and Greg Schiano resurrecting the undefeated 1972 Dolphins’ offensive philosophy, with two 1,000-yard backs — in a 14 game season — and homerun shots downfield. It certainly would play to the talent core of the team, and keep the defense off the field, a defense that right now makes Joe tremble.

11 Responses to ““Let The Offensive Line Lead””

  1. Vic Says:

    We shoudl be able to run the ball even when the other team knows its coming.

  2. big007hed Says:

    I usually don’t agree with Beckles but he is right on with this one. If they pound the rock and are smart with the passing the Bucs can do some damage offensively and most importantly keep the other offense off the field… This defense is still suspect

  3. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Off Topic: I just realized Barber has had 4 different head coaches all on the same team. Who is the longest tenured Buccaneer player?

  4. Eric Says:

    We got the juice to get a running game going but you have to have the threat of the pass to keep em honest.

    Jackson and Free ought to take care of that.

    This might just fall into place if we don’t have to score 40 to win or are forced to play catch up.

    I’ll be really happy if we get over the horrific start doctrine Raheem so consistently implemented.

  5. aj Says:

    Does anyone have the yards per carry broken down by quarter? I think part of the problem was they went 3 and out running the ball a lot early, and that was part of the reason they got behind.

    Might be a little off there, but there were definitely a lot of three and outs early in ballgames.

  6. Pewter_Power Says:

    Hopefully the defense can keep the score relatively low so this offensive philosophy works.

  7. Miguel Grande Says:

    Beckles is always right, except in the Birthday Challenge. Diaz has been wasting airtime for 40 years with the BC before he started with Ian. Ian has finally figured that out.

    @aj GurS has every run broken down in Buccaneer history. Down, distance, time, quarter, wind direction, every juke, tackle, missed tackle and lengthy critique on what the runner should have done on each play to score a touchdown.

    Canadians, Mad dogs and Englishmen….

    By the way, I could tell you personal stories about the legendary, 1972 Dolphin’s team and it’s heroes that would make your heads spin. Out of respect for Joe, I will keep my trap shut this time.

  8. Andrewbucsfan Says:

    Rushed for 4.2 ypc and weve added another back in the first round, added a probowl guard, and a #1 wideout that is a deep threat so they can’t focus on the run. Safe to say we could be extremely dangerous running the ball this year

  9. OAR Says:

    Jockstrap Grande
    Stories from around the camp fire, heh?

  10. sharkcoasttactical.com Says:

    Ian who? I stopped listening to the homophobic birthday twins months ago.

    Miguel Grande? His posts sound like Thomas in drag.

  11. Fatmosh Says:

    FYI Joe, you’e right about 4.3…

    Benn: 6 att, -7 yards, -1.2 ypc
    Team: 346 att, 1458 yards, 4.21 ypc

    Without Benn: 340 att, 1465 yards, 4.31 ypc