The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Five players who must step up for a successful 2017 season

By Alan Schechter

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) huddle up with teammates against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) huddle up with teammates against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy (64) and New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) both dive for a Seattle Seahawks fumbled ball during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy (64) and New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) both dive for a Seattle Seahawks fumbled ball during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

J.R. Sweezy

Yes I understand that he didn’t play at all in 2016. However, the Bucs don’t just need him back, they need him back and playing well.

2015 was a solid year for the Bucs offensive line. Football Outsiders ranked the group ninth in run blocking and 14th in pass protection. It went downhill in 2016, especially in the run blocking category, as the Bucs ranking plummeted to 21st in the league.

The personnel was predominantly the same. The difference was the retirement of Logan Mankins. Coming from the New England Patriots, Mankins proved to be a stabilizing veteran influence that helped the line stay together. Playing alongside Donovan Smith did wonders for his game, helping Smith immensely during his rookie season. Being in the room with Ali Marpet didn’t hurt his cause either.

As stated earlier, 2016 was an off year along the line. Smith saw a particular drop off in his play. Pro Football Focus ranked him as only the 66th best tackle in the NFL last year with an overall grade of 42.0. The case can be made that he was missing having a strong veteran influence lined up to his right. Don’t underestimate what it means to have a veteran along the offensive line. They have seen more pass rushes, have seen more moves, and understand them more. Smith doesn’t have to accommodate for the guard when they are a strong veteran player.

J.R. Sweezy was signed prior to last season to be just that player. He was going to be that new veteran anchor that took over for Mankins. Unfortunately, he never saw the field due to injury. However, he has been cleared to play, and he needs to do so with gusto. If the offensive line improves, so will the offense. Sweezy needs to stand up big time.

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