Silver Lining: Ali Marpet
September 15th, 2015
There was a constant through the endless Bucs training camp practices: rookie guard Ali Marpet got noticed, grinding play after play to the final whistle.
Yeah, Marpet was seen getting schooled — see Browns preseason game for more of that — but Marpet showed the talent and drive to be a winner.
The converted Division III left tackle, the pride of mighty Hobart College, was a one of a few bright spots on the Buccaneers in Week 1. Much like in training camp, Marpet made a couple of ugly mistakes, but he was a force in the running game.
Lovie said so on his radio show yesterday. Former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht has been lauding Marpet. Even former Bucs guard Ian Beckles, who ripped the Bucs’ O-line on sports radio, had a little love for Marpet’s game.
Before Sunday, Marpet talked to Joe about how eager he was to play 60 minutes and test his physicality against the men of the NFL.
Marpet was confident he would come out stronger and shining. And he did.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:17 pm
My Man Marpet, getting it done as best as he can…..and he was pissn off GMC in camp right? Well, we see how our D just performed right? Umm, am I a rocket scientist?
September 15th, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Joe your still writing about these losers? I’m looking forward to hockey season…
September 15th, 2015 at 1:20 pm
AWESOME, ONE GUTTY PLAYER, ONLY 52 MORE NEEDED…”simple as that”…
September 15th, 2015 at 1:22 pm
I’m still trying to recover from Sunday’s nightmare. But if I go all optimist again we were clearly outrushing the Titans through the first quarter and a half. We do have the ability to run the ball. If we could stop with all the Fameis love and limit him to being a game manager…tell Fameis if he has an interception he will get graded out poorly no matter what else happens. If that takes “his game” away so be it. Let’s pound the rock for awhile until Fameis realizes the incredible difference in speed and talent in the NFL compared to the NCAA.
Marpet was hoping to really use that desire and physical strength to wear down the Titans. If we’re going to start each game in Fameis fashion…fall behind and set up a dramatic 4th quarter comeback we will waste perhaps the ONLY positive I’ve seen from this team…the ability to run and wear opponents down in the second half.
You simply cannot remain committed to the run when you’re down 21-0 in the freaking first quarter.
Another Marpet highlight…he was the first player down the field to grab ASJ after that TD catch. This kid wants it every bit as much as Fameis.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:22 pm
Look, I’ll give David a pass. I dont know what the H was going on with him….but GMC, while decent just didnt have enough help or just couldnt get it done…..Kwon? 4th round rookie, what can you expect…..the DB’s HA!! That Rook picked you guys apart so bad! Good grief…..
September 15th, 2015 at 1:32 pm
St. Pete:
You hit the nail on the head. The Bucs either need to put Jameis in position to be successful (i.e., run heavy offense and easy read pitches and catches, with some long and intermediate sprinkled in), or it needs to temper the fans’ expectations by explaining that JW is getting a trial by fire introduction to the NFL that will look bad before it gets better and will cost the team games in the meantime. If he is getting a trial by fire, then P. Manning’s rookie season is the proper comparison. Fans need to understand that.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:32 pm
I think the best thing I saw from our team was fellow rookie D Smith get beat on a play late in the game and ge tackled the DE. It was the smartest play of the day. The penalty didn’t mean anything, but saving Winston’s life was the right move. A very veteran move by a noob.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:42 pm
The best part of Sunday’s game was the end of it.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
StPete…
My thoughts exactly. Our run blocking is FAR superior to our pass blocking, we have at minimum 3 competent backs that can tote the rock and Martin is playing for that second contract (be it here or somewhere else). Pound the rock and let him prove his worth.
Nothing wrong with having Winston manage the game in the interim until he gets up to speed.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Mrpet is legit. He’s the best pick in this draft class. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a JW fan and I clearly hope he becomes the most important pick but considering the value and need of a mauling guard, I remain confident that Marpet was the BEST pick. I loved him from Day 1.
September 15th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Gosh I remember all those articles joe wrote about Marpet not being able to cut it because he was coming from a D3 school. weird.
September 15th, 2015 at 2:29 pm
I’m thinking, just like the cowboys, this offense will have to take it lumps, hopefully not to the demise of Jameis, but the D, scheme is one thing, but to show no heart and pride, just make a stop, that’s ridiculous
September 15th, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Rrsrq…you’re right, no heart no fire and they look slow. Slow in the mind and slow in the scheme. Also none of them know how to tackle.
September 15th, 2015 at 2:35 pm
I love that I was the ONLY person here that wanted to draft Ali Marpet 🙂
September 15th, 2015 at 2:38 pm
87, your right, but I won’t worry about the tackling when they can’t even get in position to tackle! Lol
September 15th, 2015 at 2:46 pm
BuccaneEric75..lol I was talking about exactly that. When they had to chase down the offensive player because they were out of place they missed or simply didn’t know how to wrap up a player. Like the game of football was new to them or something.
And Verner…oh boy don’t even get me started on Verner.
September 15th, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Not true Bonzai, I totally wanted Marpet. I admit though that I thought the pick was a little high at the time. Now I don’t think so, at least to this point.
September 15th, 2015 at 4:50 pm
@Bonzai
have to give you credit on that find!!! Now mock the Bucs for the 2016 draft with the #1 overall pick for round 1 and 2!!!!
September 15th, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Get off my lawn Bonzai! 😛
September 15th, 2015 at 10:14 pm
At first I thought he would go in the 4th, but as the draft drew closer, I remember posting here that we’re probably going to have to take him in the 2nd somehow…..its in the archives, probably a week or 2 before the draft.