Abandoned Ship: What does future hold for Buccaneers offensive line?

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive guard Ali Marpet #74 warm up before the start of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive guard Ali Marpet #74 warm up before the start of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Ali Marpet, Left Guard

One of the bright sides of the Bucs offensive line is left guard Ali Marpet who has quietly been a nice player throughout his career so far. Marpet often doesn’t get much recognition because of the rest of the Buccaneers’ offensive line hasn’t played well. So far this season Marpet has only been responsible for 2 sacks given up this season. Something to think about is that Marpet has allowed only 2 sacks in 495 pass plays this season. Pro Football Focus gave Marpet a solid 78.0 grade in pass protection this season.

The one thing Marpet hasn’t been as effective in is his run blocking this season, which isn’t surprising with the team being mostly a passing team, the Bucs struggle to run the ball and running backs Ronald Jones and Peyton Barber have not exactly been the best tandem of runners in the league. Pro Football Focus gave Marpet a rating of 63.0 in the run-blocking category this season. If there were any improvement needed in Marpet’s game it would be in run blocking although it’s not all his fault.

Marpet signed a 5-year extension this past offseason worth 54.125 million and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, he is the future of the team at left guard for years to come.