Dave Canales: Cody Mauch Is Most Improved Player
December 10th, 2023
Major progress.
Is Bucs rookie right guard Cody Mauch the next J.R. Sweezy? Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales invoked the former Bucs guard’s name when discussing last week how much Mauch has improved.
Canales was asked to name his most improved player since the regular season began. Canales didn’t blink.
“Cody Mauch, for sure,” Canales said. “I would say Cody Mauch. Just being thrown into the fire and just kind of battling his way, like we’ve talked about before – working through the issues. I think there’s a depth to his person [where] he doesn’t get shaken.
“A lot of times you get a rookie and all of a sudden, they start losing confidence. You start thinking about, ‘Should we be playing a veteran in this spot?’ I just saw him stay steady. He’s got that hard work ethic and he’s just a really even-keeled guy, and he’s really smart.
“So, to see him process those things, but not overprocess it to the point where it was crippling to his performance – I can’t be more proud of the progress he’s made.”
Mauch has been playing strong football since he went toe-to-toe with Arik Armstead of the 49ers. That experience, Canales believes, is why Mauch is playing so much better — and it reminded him of Sweezy when Canales was in Seattle.
“I saw him really take a leap in [against San Francisco],” Canales said. “For him to have success against a great player in [Arik] Armstead will do a lot for your confidence.
“We’ve had similar situations in Seattle with J.R. Sweezy going from defense to offense and his first career start against Darnell Dockett from the Arizona Cardinals in his prime – just a monster three-technique.
“Again, the same type of character with Cody, was being able to work through those things, stay on the course, and just keep improving weekly, to the point where he became a really good player in an offensive line that took us to the championship the following year. I love the fact that Cody is able to do that.”
What Joe loved was how Mauch last week was able to bait dangerous Stinking Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns to get run from the game. Mauch said something to Burns — no one at One Buc Palace will spill it — and Burns turned around and belted Mauch.
Instead of firing back, Mauch began looking for a referee and was doing the Keyshawn Johnson throwing-a-flag mimic. It worked.
“I don’t know, I don’t know what led him to get punched,” Luke Goedeke said this week when Joe asked. “I’m just blocking out there.
“I don’t know why Brian decided to punch Cody, I guess that happens.”
Goedeke praised Mauch for improving in all areas. Goedeke even said the communication has improved to the point they pick up each other’s blocks when a defensive lineman tries stunt or twist.
“Really, he’s stopping guys’ power,” Goedeke said of Mauch. “We’ve been switching off twists and everything.
“I mean he moves really well against speed rush guys. He’s finding his groove and building his confidence.”
December 10th, 2023 at 12:23 am
I’m good with Mike Tomlin!!@
December 10th, 2023 at 1:32 am
Seems like he is being coached by Ryan Jensen!
December 10th, 2023 at 2:46 am
He may be terrible at drafting running backs, but Licht has definitely drafted some great offensive linemen.
December 10th, 2023 at 3:29 am
Love the kid, he’s going to be a block in the wall for us.
December 10th, 2023 at 4:22 am
Mauch is going to be a good player for a long time.
December 10th, 2023 at 5:33 am
Love it! Stories like this is what makes this sport so great. Go BUCS!
December 10th, 2023 at 5:42 am
I would not be the least bit surprised to find out one day that it was Goedeke who pissed Burns off and Burns swung at Mauch by mistake. A bit too much tongue and cheek for me to believe Goedeke is truly innocent of any “wrongdoing”. Gotta love that whole situation right there!
Has Burns said anything? Or have Roger and the boys told him to shut up.
Go Bucs!
December 10th, 2023 at 6:02 am
Last game, Goedeke and Mauch were moving as one.
The best o-lines have a telepathic bond.
They move as one.
Our right side is looking solid!
Stinnie looks like a bull at LG.
6-3. 320. My favorite size for a guard. Not too tall. Low center of gravity.
We just need a killer center in the 1st or 2nd round next year.
December 10th, 2023 at 7:45 am
Mauch and Goedeke are very young and have a lot of growth ahead ofthem. Could be a very nice combo for years to come.
December 10th, 2023 at 8:02 am
Do the smart thing, leave Mauch at guard next to Goedeke, and use a high pick on a center. Don’t know where the kid from Goergia is projected to go, but he’s a beast with 40 plus starts at center for the best team in the SEC the last three years. Want to improve the run game, keep Mauch, and Goe together, plug this kid in at center away we go. QB first round, center second round. Together for the next ten years.
December 10th, 2023 at 8:10 am
What Hodad said!!!!
December 10th, 2023 at 8:11 am
Glad to hear. I read there was concern about his size.
December 10th, 2023 at 8:29 am
I think we need another top Olineman… C or LG……Our line doesn’t run block well but it’s getting slightly better.
December 10th, 2023 at 10:29 am
“There’s a depth to his person”
Wow. Canales and Bowles are an odd pair. Hopefully their strange brew starts working some magic today against the Falcons.
December 11th, 2023 at 10:08 am
Bucs need two additions to the OL. Either a RT or LT and a Center. Either way, that moves Goedeke to RG where he’d be a beast. Then Mauch moves to LG, which is his natural side anyway. If a LT is drafted, move Wirfs back to RT. Take the best possible tackle available when it’s time to draft. Another scenario is to draft a RT and LT or two LT and move Mauch to center and one of the LT to LG. I think Wifs is more natuaral on the right side.