Buccaneers: 5 things that went wrong in 2018

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hands off to Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Offensive line woes

The Buccaneers offensive line improved heading into 2018, at least on paper. Ryan Jensen became the NFL’s highest-paid center, and Ali Marpet‘s move to left guard would leave just one hole along the front at right guard.

In reality, the Bucs had issues at nearly every position along the offensive line. Ali Marpet has played up to par, but the rest of the unit disappointed in 2018.

Run blocking was the primary concern for the group. According to Pro Football Focus, Tampa Bay had the fifth-worst run blocking grade in the league.

Jensen has not played up to his price tag. He led the team with 11 penalties, halting some drives throughout the season. He struggled in the run blocking department as well.

The root of most of the problems lies at the feet of Caleb Benenoch. A tackle who moved inside to guard, Benenoch held the second-worst PFF grade among all offensive tackles who played at least 50 percent of offensive snaps.

Tackles Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson had their concerns as well, but both are expected to return in 2019.

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