Consistency At RB Key To O-Line
March 3rd, 2017
Breaks down o-line.
For the many folks who want to take a baseball bat to the Bucs’ offensive line and start from scratch, Joe has depressing news for you.
Both Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter do not hate their offensive line and, in particular, they like Donovan Smith.
Does the offensive line need to play a little better? Both admit, sure. But gutting the offensive line is akin to decapitation to treat a head cold.
Koetter went into great detail on what was the problem with the running game last year. Simply put, inconsistency at running back and some inconsistency on the offensive line, largely due to injuries, was the main culprit, Koetter explained.
“In 2015, two guys carried the ball for us every time,” Koetter said. “Our third running back in 2015 was miserable because he couldn’t get in the game. This year, we’re sitting there watching the cutup and on the first play we are watching inside zone cutup and within 30 snaps of that cutup we have six different ballcarriers. There is a lot to be said for [consistency].
“Atlanta is the only team that had all five guys start every game on the offensive line. I’m a big believer in that.”
Koetter said he was watching cutups of a specific formation and believes any offensive line would struggle trying to block for so many different running backs as the Bucs had.
“When you are watching the cutups and watch some of the different rotations we had out there, when we had guys hurt, that center/guard thing we went through a little deal there with injuries,” Koetter explained. “Now we did have two o-linemen play every single snap of the season, in Donovan’s case every single snap the past two years which is impressive. We have a list of things we would like to see our o-line as a group do better, but we have that for every position group.
“I know there is plenty of people out there that beat up our offensive line, but I’m probably not in that boat. I am going to stand behind those guys. The timing, the tracks, the way the [running backs] hit the hole, some guys are more stutter-step, some guys are going to cram it, some guys are going to look and try to bounce more often. … There are a lot of variables there.”
Everything thing Koetter said makes a great deal of sense. And it is this type of stuff that never shows up on a spreadsheet, which is one reason the PFF tribe is so consistently terrible in their treasured offensive line grades.
Never mind the fact the PFF tribe has zero access to what the line calls were much less the plays themselves.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:46 am
Look at the oline in 2014. Awful. Then look at the oline in 2015 after inserting two rookies. It wassupposed to be awful with Logan Mankins and Dotson and Evan Smith plus the rooks. But the dicference between ’14 and ’15 is night and day. What else was different? Oh yeah, we went from Josh Mccown to Jameis Winston then suddenly the o line looks above average! My point being that a bad qb can make the pass blocking look like trash and the same applies to a rb and the run blocking. Unless you have a Jonathan Ogden who can make those guys look good, but most teams never get a Jonathan Ogden.
In closing, I leave with two words:
DALVIN COOK
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:49 am
Consistency At O-Line Key To RB.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:51 am
@LargoBuc
And yet…we have a good QB and the oline looked awful in 2016.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:52 am
And don’t you think Marpet and Smith were the difference makes in their first year?
Injuries riddled the line in 16 though.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:54 am
Largo they think sitting at 19 means he’s out of reach. ☺That’s laughable. Check it for those of you don’t have it upload Bucs app and see for yourselves who they are highlighting EVERY SINGLE DAY.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:56 am
Smith Sweez Pham Marpet Dot. I’ll continue saying this is a run block O line. These dudes are supposed to be firing off the line of scrimmage.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:56 am
Anybody got 40 times yet?
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:58 am
Just seen the RBs huddled up being given instructions. Guess they’ll be running here shortly DB.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:06 am
Nole, if he is really as good as you claim, then someone above us will want him too. I think the Browns have two first round picks, and their second is 1-2 picks above us? Someone could trade up with them to jump ahead of us.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:07 am
Samaje Perine!
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:12 am
You folks waste quite a bit of good energy trying convince me Dalvin not coming to Tampa. I feel bad for y’all.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:13 am
What if Fournette runs a bad 40 and drops
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:15 am
When a person believes something no one can change a grown man’s belief. I believe he’ll be a Buc the same way I believe Fameis would. But carry on. Try as you must. Again go check that Bucs app.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:36 am
How many reps did Fournette lift??? Why is that being kept a secret???
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:42 am
DNP means did not participate (usually anyway). There is no secret to be kept about Fournette’s bench press if he didnt participate.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:42 am
Let me give y’all an example. Go to the Bucs app you’ll read a caption saying RBs and OLs take the field. You’ll notice a pic of someone I won’t mention. Afterwards scroll down a little you’ll then see a headline that reads “A Dream come True”. Click on it an you’ll notice some familiar material.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:43 am
Brightboy I work for living and wasn’t aware.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:47 am
That’s that Diva s@$!. Blake that was your first guy right..
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:55 am
Mayock says Fournette 10-15 lbs heavier, saus he’s suprised he’ll run the 40
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:59 am
NosBos, I’d guess that even Jason Licht has no idea at this moment in time who he’ll be picking in the 1st rnd … too many factors out of his control. Bucs apparently like Dalvin Cook (so do I), but they also like several other players (so do I) so we’ll just have to all wait and see how it plays out. And for those who say ‘Hope so-and-so does poorly so that he falls to us’ my question back would be ‘If none of the other teams above us want him, perhaps the Bucs should be also hesitant to draft that player?’ (previous picks like ASJ come to mind). With our first 2 picks (as a minimum) I’d definitely prefer to get guys who’ll be sure-fire starters this year.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Yeah, Leo Fournette is still my top Rb, followed very closely by Joe Mixon.
You just can’t coach a guy to be 6’0 240 with enough juice to beat DB’s in a foot race.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Wrong. Consistency in performance of oline is key to the running game. See 2016.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:29 pm
I feel good, I could outjump Leonard Fournette
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Wow, Mccaffery jumped a 37
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:32 pm
@phallusbuc I guess you think DK is a moron that you know more than too….
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Fournette =Trent Richardson?
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:37 pm
A great new center would really help, rather it be the draft or FA.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Hmm whata ya know Bucs app just loaded 14 pics of Dalvin from the combine. You talking bout ripped. That’s how you show up and show out.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:46 pm
So Blake it is of no concern to you him showing up 5lbs heavier than his playing weight at a stage like this??? And also you don’t think that if he played 5lbs heavier than he played while in school it wouldn’t affect his performance???
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:46 pm
And you know Koetter and Licht have been lying when they say they’re happy with Demar Dotson. He’s under contract and they can’t dissing him at the podium. I would love it if Benenoch could come in and kick ass.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:50 pm
I think its actually a combination of both. Consistently from the o line an RB one that could be relied upon to be available to play from week to week. I’ll continue saying our unit will be better served firing off the line of scrimmage more. Hince the whole Playaction offense designation.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Man Benenoch is the wild card,if he’s ready to go year two I could totally understand them being nonchalant when it comes to O line conversation.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Blake- if I thought he was a moron like yourself and your uncle Licht I would have said so. Koetter is right that injury at the RB position was a legit detriment to the run game but he is not going to tell the truth to the assembled media about how poorly the oline performed. I just reject the notion consistently peddled around these parts blaming the shtty run game on the backs while absolving the lousy oline performance.
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Alvin Kamara is putting up impressive numbers so far
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Bro 5 pounds aint nothing. I believe him when he says its water weight.
Having gone through a dramatic weight loss myself, I can tell you how much your weight can fluctuate based on your hydration.
Also have you ever felt a 5 pound dumbell? Its light as a feather bro.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Okay bro. Now I know your mindset.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Its s flag Blake, especially for someone with a less than great year with injury concerns.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:13 pm
I think Fournette has gotten word the browns are taking him and he’s tanking his combine as a result of it.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Does the rb help the line? Yeah, I would agree. But ask Jameis and Im sure hes asking for an upgrade or two. The line is not un a great place right now. Lot of unkowns
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:15 pm
There is a lot of Dalvin Cook all over the Bucs website and RBs in general. Sure makes it seem like we are going RB in the first.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:19 pm
I hope if we take Cook in the first that we get Stevenson in the sixth or seventh round
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Cook coming uo
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Eewe, 4.5 for Cook
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says
“Hmm whata ya know Bucs app just loaded 14 pics of Dalvin from the combine.”
I smell smokescreen…just like every other team, every other year.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says
“So Blake it is of no concern to you him showing up 5lbs heavier than his playing weight at a stage like this???”
I don’t want Fort either, but let’s be honest…a single meal will make you temporarily gain 5-7 lbs. In this case, he claims to have drank a lot of water before hand.
Do I believe him? Not really, but it is not outside the realm of possibility.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Joe Mixon. That’s who I want. He’s a great RB, and because of his baggage, he’ll go later in the draft.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:41 pm
4.66 for Perrine, who was clammering for him here? Told you he’s slow
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Fournette impressive 4.5 at 240
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Perines game isn’t speed. Its his vision, power, and between the tackles running that are his strong suits.
March 3rd, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Slowwww, slow to the line, slow in the 40, slow. The fb as a runner is gone in todays game.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Now Kareem Hunt being clocked at 4.66 is a lot more surprising than Perine.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Indeed Joey, especially considering that Kareem weighed in almost 20 pounds lighter that Sameje.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:13 pm
But yeah man Leo bookin a 4.5 at 6’0 240 is pretty darn impressive.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Big ups to Fournette. 4.5 impressive for dude his size.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:15 pm
The point in smokescreening your own fanbase Bonzai??? Help me understand that one.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:15 pm
That 28″ vertical for Fournette isn’t tho.
I haven’t watched the combine yet but just by looking at the numbers, Kamara might have had the best overall day from the RBs. Almost 40″ vert and 10-8 broad jump is impressive.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:16 pm
To me.id rather have fournette than cook.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:23 pm
I’m waiting to see what Mixon runs at his pro day. 4.5 isn’t bad but it doesn’t blow me away. The draft value of the RBs may have dropped a little.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:25 pm
To me id I rather Cook than fournette. When we’ll he bench??? Oh forgot he ducked out like He did his bowl game.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Yaasss USF now maybe they’ll get it garnering Dalvin’s services might not be as difficult as some would lead others to believe.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Mind you 4.5 is fast as h3ll. That’s the fastest time I ever ran once in my life back in highschool. Felt like I was losing my balance the whole time. I think many here felt DC was about to set some 40 record that would set the entire NFL on notice. I didn’t. I just know his speed equates well to the NFL.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:31 pm
To be honest I feel even better about him becoming a Buc after those two beautiful 4.5 flats😀. Good job DC.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Yea USF, seems like it was a disapointing day all around fir RBs. Just judging off the numbers anyway
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:38 pm
I agree, with the slower 40 times and Fournette issues I think it is very much in the realm of possibility that we can sit at 19 and get Cook.
I want to see what we do in FA but I am still of the mindset that we should trade future picks to get what we need this year. We are just a few pieces from have a really good team.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:46 pm
You might be right Nole, I think the forty will drop him. Instead of top ten, I see him a 15-20 pick. Mccaffery I think drops to end of first.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:47 pm
Fournette is top ten with that 4.5 at 240. I wouldn’t even run it at Pro Day., if I were him.
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:50 pm
USF and Chris you both are right sir’s..
March 3rd, 2017 at 2:54 pm
Nosbos i recall posting that Dalvins project 40 time was 4.5 from walterfootball and you telling me I was crazy as h3ll if I though he would run that slow.
Just sayin bro.
March 3rd, 2017 at 3:12 pm
My bad if I did bro I apologize. The thing is I truly believe him running that twice was strategic. That’s just me tho.
March 3rd, 2017 at 3:18 pm
slow 40 times can only bode well for us if we are indeed going RB in the 1st.
Either way, our o-line stills needs to be upgraded at center and RT.
Will be interesting to see if Ben G. or Caleb B. have made enough progress…
March 3rd, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Although of course Mccaffery helped himself in pass catching drills. Cook might go 3rd back chosen and possibly to us
March 3rd, 2017 at 3:21 pm
I think Licht loves him and he may go to us, if we don’t get a receiver
March 3rd, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Unbelievable I think they may feel they already have they’re C. When Koetter said Phamp and the word Center the other day I said Hmm. Benenoch the wild card, but in my heart of hearts I think Dot gets another stab at it before they consider a change.
March 3rd, 2017 at 4:09 pm
I’d say Christian McCaffrey did the best job boosting his stock today.
4.48 40 and showed off his elite agility and skills as a receiver.
Joe Williams made some money today too with that 4.41 40.
March 3rd, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Apparently nobody here has ever heard the cliche about not throwing the baby out with the bathwater!!!
Our OL was putrid largely because of 1 position with help from another weak spot.
Our RT play was absymal and when Gosder was in there it was truly humiliating.
We simply MUST have an RT….I’m like NOSBOS…hopefully Benenoch is ready.
Our center play was weak…not as embarrassing as RT but not acceptable. If they plan to move Marpet and Sweezy is truly healthy that might be why Koetter and the boys seem so relaxed about our OL.
March 3rd, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Blake
Agree about McCaffery. If we don’t get Dalvin I hope McCaffery is still around at 19!!! He has the bloodline…he should have the Heisman from two years ago if he had played in the SEC/ACC instead of out west…
March 3rd, 2017 at 4:26 pm
T/G FORREST LAMP is very impressive kid.
March 3rd, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Stpetebucsfan
Sure there’s tons of examples of player/son combinations – but most of these kid, can’t hold a stick to their fathers. So does bloodline really matter?
Examples
• Bob Griese | Brian Griese
• Phil Simms | Chris & Matt Simms
• Walter Payton | Jarrett Payton
• Tony Dorsett | Anthony Dorsett
• Ronnie Lott | Ryan Nece
• Bennie Blades | H.B. Blades
Don’t get me wrong McCaffery is unique talent.
But IMO at the next level – I see him more in a slot receiver/special teams role.
March 3rd, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Yeah Luv you make a good point that genes don’t always translate into success. But Anthony Dorsett and Jarrett Payton didn’t break Barry Sanders Fbs recotd for all purpose yards
March 3rd, 2017 at 5:09 pm
@ LUV Forrest Lamp did kind of stand out some today.
March 3rd, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Blake_Bucsfan
True, but we’re talking about the Pac-12. Over the past couple years – most of the defenses in the Divison have been subpar. In the NFL, at the 2nd & 3rd level – …players are just too fast.
I’ve watched a couple of his games – feeling the same way I did after watching Reggie Bush -unimpressed. Neither back was great between the tackles, most of their successful runs came on stretch plays – on the outside.
Go back If you can – and watch footage of when he played Notre Dame (2015).
That was really the only defense -that he faced – that was comparable to the NFL.
March 3rd, 2017 at 5:17 pm
USFBUC
No doubt
March 3rd, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Christian McCaffrey (Stanford RB) vs Notre Dame (2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMW4N659K2M
March 3rd, 2017 at 8:47 pm
Agree to disagree Luv.
March 3rd, 2017 at 9:31 pm
Luv
There are plenty of examples in the other direction…I could simply open with the Matthews family in the NFL…I’ve lost track of how many of them have been successful…the Sutter brothers in hockey…and of course the Griffeys…I watched Senior as a Red’s fan and so I’m a bit prejudiced but I believe Jr is actually considered better…same kind of story with the Bonds family.
I agree the genes do not tell the entire story but I think when a young kid grows up in professional sports the big arena and bright lights do not faze him.
March 3rd, 2017 at 9:38 pm
Not gonna try to change you perception of McCaffrey, because it is what it is, I will let you know mine. Christian McCaffrey performed very well at the combine. 4.48 40, 37 1/2″ vertical, and 6.57 cone drill. Which happens to be one of the best 3 cone times ever recorded.
About the only drill McCaffrey did poorly was the bench press, which I don’t really care about, because his game is agility, elusiveness, and being an explosive play-maker. And he out-shined Cook & Fournette in every agility/ explosion based drill. And he was hands down the best receiving back of the group.
Based on those results, I don’t think it’s crazy to suggest he has the athleticism to hang in the NFL.
http://www.si.com/2014/07/18/all-pac-12-nfl-alumni-team
Also, Some really good players have come out of the Pac 12.
March 3rd, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Here’s the thing tho Blake do you recall when Fameis was drafted and began learning the playbook??? What did he say,he said its easy because it was very similar to the FSU playbook he used in college. Only difference was the terminology. Y’all can’t wrap y’all mines around your new RB(Dalvin Cook) fine that’s your issue. All I know is when Koetter and Licht use terms like “fits” no back in this class will make for a better one. And again if you think he and Fameis are talking every week just exchanging pleasantries then you’re sadly mistaken.
March 3rd, 2017 at 9:52 pm
And bro you can’t hardly outshine anyone pushing 225 a measly 10x. He’s a gadget back not a feature.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:15 pm
NosBos. I think that Christian McCaffrey looked like the better athlete today. You’ve said you think a Dual threat back is the perfect fit for offense, and Christian is hands down the best receiving back in the draft. And NFL running backs make their money with there Eyes, Hands, and Feet. Not their chests…
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:19 pm
Also McClovin went to stanford, and had a 3.43 GPA. He wouldn’t struggle to learn our play book.
Also, I’m watching the Combine right now, and McCaffrey out-shined Cook in change of direction and receiving drills. Just being honest.
Not saying we gotta draft him 100 percent. Based on JL’s comments earlier in the week, I wouldn’t be mad if we were to trade back and Draft another young stud at DE to wreak havoc opposite Noah Spence. Hassan Reddick and T.J. Watt come to mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I76cLlT_kE0 Reddick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uEp6aW5bH4 Young JJ ( Lol Jk but dude could be great )
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:24 pm
Bro he look slight running down that track. His upper body does not appear to be constructed to deal with the NFL level. Now you might’ve felt he outshined but on that Bucs app they have a list of today’s standouts. Wanna guess who the first name on it is..
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:32 pm
Yeah well I’m of the opinion that upper body definition and bench pressing don’t have super huge correlation on the effectiveness of the Running back.
Let me put it like this, McCaffrey looked a weapon today. He can Line up anywhere. Looked like a natural & effortless runner/ receiver today.
That’s much more important to me than bench press numbers.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:36 pm
literally the only Drill that Mccaffrey didn’t best Cook in was Bench Press.
Better 40 time, Better Vert, Better Broad Jump, Better 3 cone Drill, and Looked like the better Receiver.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:41 pm
And to answer before you ask, I think McCaffrey looked like a better receiver because he Routes were more precise IMO.
March 3rd, 2017 at 10:48 pm
Blake the Bucs are not looking for the best athlete, they need the best RB. And that weakling is not it. He didn’t even make today’s list. Talking bout he feels disrespected the other RBs in the class were making fun of him telling him he ain’t no NFL RB. Which he isn’t. This ain’t the pac16, grown men will be colliding into him. He doesn’t look like he’ll be able to withstand. That zig zag style ain’t gone cut it inn the pros. Ask Reggie Bush.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:01 pm
Again I stress to you that Joe Kania’s opinion’s do not equal Jason Lichts Opinion.
And McCaffrey is a Phenomenal football player.
You talk about what Dalvin Cook did numbers wise? McCaffrey Eclipsed Barry Sanders record of 3250 yards in one season dude.
You trying to tell me a guy that could do that isn’t an exceptionally talented football player?
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:25 pm
He exceptional in the pac whatever it was. But this will be the Pros bro. He ain’t built for that. Now if he scroll on down to the WR group maybe. But tailback h3ll no.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Them numbers look good in the pac whatever just like Corey Davis numbers look good at western michigan. But this the Pros bro..
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:33 pm
By the way, McCaffrey’s exact quote that you misconstrued to try and knock him for, was this.
” Cause I play with a chip on my shoulder always, so you know, I feel like a lot of people don’t give me credit for my skills and talents. And you know that’s just the way it is, but you know, I also don’t really care too much. I don’t feel like i’m crazy disrespected… I have a chip on my shoulders at all times, that’s been my whole life so, I’m constantly trying to prove myself. ”
Just sounds like a hungry young buck ready to go out there and prove himself right.
March 3rd, 2017 at 11:37 pm
Did you miss the link I posted about all of the top level NFL Talent that has come out of the Pac 12?
Were you not around for this guy we drafted out of Hobart Division 3 football that is already our best O-lineman and on his way to becoming an All-Pro Right Guard or Center?
Good players can come out of any conference.
March 4th, 2017 at 12:32 am
All I know is he too tall an angular. He can’t hide like a Sproles or a Dunn because of his length. You can be young and hungry all day won’t stop you from getting broke up. And I had to go off to work. Didn’t realize DC posted a 4.49. McCaffery’s 4.48 ain’t all that faster bro
March 4th, 2017 at 12:34 am
So get it right, officially my boy is a 4.4 RB.
March 4th, 2017 at 12:37 am
5’11 is too tall??????? Explain that.
March 4th, 2017 at 12:39 am
And guess what, Dalvin is 5’10 210, has a smaller frame than McCaffrey and a longer more serious injury history. I’d put my money on McCaffrey staying healthy over Cook all day long.
March 4th, 2017 at 12:39 am
I thought he measured at 6 foot my fault.
March 4th, 2017 at 12:46 am
Also going off of the film I’ve already seen on McCaffrey, and the way he ran those routes and caught those balls so effortlessly today, I’m 100 percent confident he could be converted to Receiver.
Also you’re boy Marshall Faulk seemed smitten by him.
March 4th, 2017 at 12:51 am
your* it’s late.
March 4th, 2017 at 1:13 am
#1 PICK FRANCHISE QB hit the most of any QB in the past two years , wake up Jason !!! You are in LaLa Land and trust me the Glazers will figure it out if you don’t win at least 11 games this year and btw you have one rec, no rb ,no TE and no protection for your QB . Stop it !! Brate is a nice surprise but he prob doesn’t avg 2 yards after contact. Love Brate but sorry he doesn’t break tackles,or run a lick after a catch