- Oct 20, 2013
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Not long ago the Green Bay Packers were one of the top teams in the NFL. This year, they, together with the 2020 Super Bowl winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have a mediocre record of just 7 & 8. The 2021 Super Bowl champion Rams are just 5 & 10.
This goes to show how devastating it can be when some star players retire, go to other teams, or are sidelined with injuries, and are replaced by lesser effective players. In the case of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, most people would say that Tom Brady is the GOAT at the Quarterback position. Many would also say that Mike Evans is the GOAT receiver, having received for over 1,000 yards in all of his first 8 seasons, a feat that in all NFL history, ONLY Evans has accomplished.
Yet, despite this incredibly rare combination, The Bucs are struggling right now to win their division, even in the NFL's weakest division. This is the result of having a severely depleted offensive line, and how important the pass protection of the offensive line is. In recent years, the Bucs had 3 All-Pro offensive linemen. All 3 of those have been out of the lineup this year, and replaced by substitutes.
Pass time for Tom Brady has been reduced to an average of 2.1 seconds. It's a wonder any passes are being completed at all, with that little amount of time to look downfield, spot an open receiver, and pass.
So while we talk a lot about quarterbacks and receivers, it is the offensive linemen who are just as important in establishing and maintaining a good & consistent offense.
This goes to show how devastating it can be when some star players retire, go to other teams, or are sidelined with injuries, and are replaced by lesser effective players. In the case of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, most people would say that Tom Brady is the GOAT at the Quarterback position. Many would also say that Mike Evans is the GOAT receiver, having received for over 1,000 yards in all of his first 8 seasons, a feat that in all NFL history, ONLY Evans has accomplished.
Yet, despite this incredibly rare combination, The Bucs are struggling right now to win their division, even in the NFL's weakest division. This is the result of having a severely depleted offensive line, and how important the pass protection of the offensive line is. In recent years, the Bucs had 3 All-Pro offensive linemen. All 3 of those have been out of the lineup this year, and replaced by substitutes.
Pass time for Tom Brady has been reduced to an average of 2.1 seconds. It's a wonder any passes are being completed at all, with that little amount of time to look downfield, spot an open receiver, and pass.
So while we talk a lot about quarterbacks and receivers, it is the offensive linemen who are just as important in establishing and maintaining a good & consistent offense.
