Bucs’ Solid Run Blocking

June 21st, 2025

“Don’t worry Graham, you’ll crush people this year.”

This is a pretty good sign that your offensive line is getting the job done on the ground.

If an offensive line isn’t getting push, it’s obviously more likely that the running back won’t get any yards. While Joe maintains that running backs are still allowed by NFL chieftain Roger Goodell to avoid tacklers, no push by a front line clearly makes dodging would-be tacklers more of a challenge.

Well, last year there weren’t a whole lot of teams that had runs stuffed at the line as seldom as the Bucs did.

Per noted handicapper turned stathead Warren Sharp, nine teams had fewer runs stuffed at the line — barely. The Bucs had 16 percent of their runs stopped for no gain. Eight teams were at 15 percent and one (Dallas) had 13 percent.

And remember the Bucs had a rookie center in the middle of the scrums and a rookie who became the Bucs’ No. 1 back.

So Joe wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs improve on this 15 percent.

6 Responses to “Bucs’ Solid Run Blocking”

  1. JimBobBuc Says:

    A Bucky effect.

  2. Pickgrin Says:

    It all starts up front.

    Having a top 5 OLine gives this 2025 Bucs offense a chance to be special.

    I believe we will see improvement from the Oline vs last year due to continuity/familiarity – but also because I believe every one of our OLine players is still improving their game and hasn’t hit their individual ‘ceiling’ yet….

  3. Scotty Mack Says:

    Not sure how relevant that stat is. What are the stats when you include pretty useless one and two yard runs?

    Really, a more telling stat would be one that shows contact in the backfield. That would show the true competence of the offensive line vs. running backs breaking tackles for no gain.

  4. Hodad Says:

    Barton’s head was spinning at times last season. This season he’ll be the one making heads spin. He’s had a whole offseason with the rest of the herd. I’m expecting big things from Graham, and this whole O line together for a second season in a row.

  5. Aqualung Says:

    Beef is good.

    Beef is right. Beef cuts through and clarifies.

  6. WilieG Says:

    I’d like to see what the Bucs stats were the last few years so we could compare. That wasn’t a hint or anything Joe(s). Or maybe it was.

 

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