The Pewter Plank
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ComPewter Analysis: a deeper look at Buccaneers offensive line

By Cory Kinnan

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 16: Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 16: Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Jameis Winston of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet is grabbed while holding the ball during the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Jameis Winston of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet is grabbed while holding the ball during the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Final thoughts

The Buccaneers’ offensive line has not been good, but blaming them for the failures of Winston is a prime example of scapegoating. The protection could be better, ranking just outside of the bottom five in the league in pass protection, but falling in the upper half of qualifying quarterbacks in time to throw signifies that Winston has adequate time to get through his reads.

If Winston truly cannot get through his reads, then it is on the play calling of offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and the coaching of Arians to cater the pewter and red offense around the personnel they have. Running long developing pass plays and five step drops is not putting either Winston, not this offensive line in the best position to succeed.

On the ground, the Buccaneers must again cater their offense around their personnel, and this means using the right personnel. Averaging more yards per carry and tallying more rushing yards and scores than Barber, Ronald Jones is still being held back by the pewter and red coaching staff.

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At the end of the day, the Bucs are going to have to make changes one way or the other. Either cater the offense around the strengths and weaknesses of the offensive personnel and linemen, or go out and grab linemen who fit in the scheme of what Leftwich and company are trying to accomplish. It is the definition of insanity to trot the same personnel out onto the field, running the same long developing plays, and expecting a different result.

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