Ex-Buc Reveals Frustration, Poor Communication During 2017 Season
July 11th, 2020
“Ali, is anyone buying into this t-shirt? Oh, and is anyone listening to Mike Smith?”
The Dirk Koetter mess took many sad forms, and most messes revolved around communication and managing players and coaches to get the most out of them.
One of the least talked about messes was on the offensive line and the bizarre 2017 rotation of Kevin Pamphile and Evan Smith at left guard.
Nearly the entire NFL coaching ranks openly talk about the importance of continuity on an offensive line. Coaches are quick to say it’s a group effort and the familiarity and synchronicity is critical. That’s one reason why when Bucco Bruce Arians arrived in Tampa, he looked around at the leftover 2018 O-line and said, “We’re good.”
But back in 2017, Smith and Pamphile shared left guard and Koetter refused to offer an explanation to media. Joe had talked to Pamphile about it and didn’t get a straight answer — until yesterday.
It turns out, per Pamphile, the offensive line didn’t like it and the coaching staff refused to explain.
“It was a frustrating time during that period, me and Evan were frustrated that we couldn’t get a feel for the game at times. Whenever we got comfortable, we were taken out,” Pamphile said.
“And I know it was frustrating for other guys, Donovan [Smith] and Ali [Marpet], who had to switch it up and figure out as we tried to make it as easy as possible for the communication. When it came to the coaching staff and the front office, they wanted what they wanted to do, the rotation. And it happened.”
Again, Pamphile emphasized that coaches never explained why the decision was made. And it was interesting to hear level-headed Pamphile still sound a little frustrated by that rotation, even after two seasons in Tennessee. The audio was procured by manbeast former JoeBucsFan intern Zach Seifter (who still cleans Ira Kaufman’s locker at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters).
What kind of coaching staff doesn’t explain to its offensive line why it’s rotating in a way that is foreign to 90+ percent of NFL teams?
And what sort of problems were o-line anchors Smith and Marpet feeling to leave them frustrated?
And why is Pamphile referencing the front office when it comes to an in-game coaching decision? That seems odd.
Keep in mind at right guard that year the Bucs had J.R. “I’m Rehabbing For My Next Team” Sweezy.
Bucco Bruce Arians is known for direct communication with players and he’s beloved for the way he complements that with genuinely caring about their lives. How refreshing!
Bucs fans can only wonder how Arians would have dealt with DeSean Jackson, Chris “Swaggy” Baker, Doug Martin and the 2018 version on Brent Grimes, which represented a colossal screwup by the coaching staff and front office.
July 11th, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Keep in mind at right guard that year the Bucs had J.R. “I’m Rehabbing For My Next Team” Sweezy.
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That line can also be used for Darrelle Revis as well, just change the position.
July 11th, 2020 at 1:55 pm
And the year
July 11th, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Doosh be careful when telling the truth about Revis.
Joe Doesn’t like this.
July 11th, 2020 at 2:26 pm
“What kind of coaching staff doesn’t explain to its offensive line why it’s rotating in a way that is foreign to 90+ percent of NFL teams?”
Joe: the actual figure is probably more like 96.875% of teams…I’m sure there was only one team out of 32 playing rotating lineman.
Remember when Tom Landry rotated Craig Morton and Roger Staubach at QB in the early 70’s ?
July 11th, 2020 at 3:30 pm
DoooshLaRue Says:
July 11th, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Keep in mind at right guard that year the Bucs had J.R. “I’m Rehabbing For My Next Team” Sweezy.
___________
That line can also be used for Darrelle Revis as well, just change the position.
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And plenty of less successful guys: Michael Johnson, Vinny Curry, etc….
July 11th, 2020 at 3:40 pm
The truth about Revis is that he’s one of the top 100 NFL players of all time.
“Revis Island” and “Shutdown Corner” became parts of NFL vernacular because the man was a baller of epic proportions. They stopped throwing his way.
I’ve said it before and will say it again for the knuckle-draggers: There will not be a single down of NFL football played this year. There will not a be a 2020 season.
For all the obvious reasons: Traitor Red Don the Con botched the Covid-19 response. Elect a Clown, get a Circus. He destroyed the USFL so him shatting the bed again isn’t a surprise.
July 11th, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Because koetter didn’t know what the hell he was doing
July 11th, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Love the handle @ MissingGeorgeCarlin..funny (and vulgar) dude.
July 11th, 2020 at 7:04 pm
This just reenforces the argument that if you’re a #2 or assistant and the entire staff loves you, it means you’re going to be sht as a #1.
July 11th, 2020 at 8:44 pm
@MissingGeorgeColin Actually, Your president was trying to shut down travel to the US much earlier than it happened. Ofcourse he couldn’t get it through because the Dems just assumed it was racially motivated… as they always do. He left it up to the states to decide when to open back up. Take it up with your local governor and stop watching CNN.
July 12th, 2020 at 3:49 am
So….. baseball and hockey are starting but football will be canceled? Sure makes perfect sense.
July 12th, 2020 at 9:41 am
Calling someone a “knuckle dragger” is tiresome, strange, because you have such a cool handle. Also, fortunately, your prediction or guarantee is no more valid than anyone elses. Stay safe, go Bucs.
July 12th, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Sometimes the GM forces his players into the starting lineup.
We cut Logan Mankins, a Hall of Fame lineman for Sweazy.
Then Licht forced Pamphile then Benenocht and now Cappa into the starting RG spot.
Benenocht was a RT. Cappa was a LT. Pamphile was a 5th rounder.
Licht has forced 3 late round “projects” into the important for a running game.
Benenocht was too tall with skinny legs. Cappa too. Pamphile had a decent guard build at least.
Licht cursed himself by cutting Mankins. And had wasted many 2nd round picks in horrible picks while ignoring guard.
I have called for new guard in the 2nd round for FOUR years.
Check the archives.
Licht thought he was cute with Aguayo. And cute with Cappa.
Cappa is a backup.
We need a RG who can MOVE people!!!
July 12th, 2020 at 6:19 pm
“cgmster27 Says:
July 11th, 2020 at 8:44 pm
@MissingGeorgeColin Actually, Your president was trying to shut down travel to the US much earlier than it happened. Ofcourse he couldn’t get it through because the Dems just assumed it was racially motivated… as they always do. He left it up to the states to decide when to open back up. Take it up with your local governor and stop watching CNN.”
You sir need to take the foxnews titty out of your mouth. Lol. He did not try and shut down travel earlier. He even called people in his own cabinet “sensationists” when they briefed him in early January. He didn’t do a travel ban until Feb or March. Plus, he didn’t ban any other country except China, but people were still allowed from Europe even after it was known ppl went to Europe from China. Get read up.