Offensive line might be better than what most believe in 2019

One of the doubters and Alex Cappa

First, let me say that I have been on the side of those upset with the nonattention the Offensive line received on draft day, and in free agency. All may not be as bad as many of us fans have thought. Jameis Winston had this to say about offensive lineman Alex Cappa in camp so far this year. Cappa, who the Bucs moved up to take in the third round last year is making a statement.

“We’ve got Alex Cappa on the offensive line, who has been dominant. When you have young guys doing a great job, that speaks volumes on the veterans that are in their room [and] that are teaching them and pushing them along, but it also pushes those veterans to make them play even better.” –

Marpet: High expectations

Cappa may come away with the right guard starting job, but he’s a guy that can play at more than one position, so his versatility could come in use if there are injuries. Ali Marpet will be playing at the same spot as he did last year for the first time at left guard. This should help in his development, as the Bucs are expecting some big things from him in the next year or two, possibly a Pro Bowl or All-Pro designation. Running game coordinator Harold Goodwin had this to say about Marpet earlier in the preseason.

“I think he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber type player, and I think this could be a good year for him,” said Goodwin. “I’ve watched a lot of tape and seen the evolution of his play, and he’s gotten better and better. He’s got some things he needs to work on, some pass-protection things as far as his feet and his punch.  – per Scott Smith, senior writer/editor Buccaneers.com

Arians’ comments after practice on the OL

Coach Bruce Almighty Arians also had a few things to say about a player that he was responsible for drafting while at Arizona, Earl Watford. He’s extremely versatile in that he can play all 5 positions on the line. Which of course makes him valuable as well. Arians talks about Watford, and the Tackle position players.

“I’m anxious to see them play against somebody else – protecting the quarterback, running the ball – we’ve got to develop some more younger tackles. There will be a lot of competition going forward in these preseason games.

“Just injuries – with Caleb  down and Dot (Demar Dotson) having the day off – that’s his forte, he can play everything.”- Bruce Arians said of Watford’s ability to play all five positions.

So maybe, just maybe, if the injury bug will stay away, we do have a chance to be better across that line. I guess just how much better, and if that is enough, remains to be seen. Go Bucs!!