Forget 2009, when the offensive line was a disaster trying to learn a new zone blocking system installed by an Offensive Coordinator who was fired before the season even started. That was doomed from the start.
But 2010 was a pretty respectable year for the Bucs offensive line; and an absolute awesome one if you grade on a sliding scale giving credit for all the injuries and changes that went on. Only one player, Donald Penn, started every game at the same position.
Jeremy Zuttah was supposed to fight for the left guard spot but lost it to Keydrick Vincent who was let go later in the year when newcomer Ted Larsen took over and established himself as a solid performer. Zuttah would find a home at Center when Jeff Faine went down once again, and Zuttah preformed admirably at the new position; so much so that a change could be brewing for next season. Even the pair on the right side who have been anchored there since 2006 couldnt finish the year, with Davin Joseph going to IR, and Jeremy Trueblood being replaced with James Lee who almost for sure will be the new right tackle in 2011.
With all the changes, Offensive Line coach Pete Mangurian was considered a lock to be back if not be a candidate for assistant coach of the year. But it seems not everyone gets along with Mangurian. In fact, one could say no one gets along with him, at least thats whats coming out now.
Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds feels Mangurian has a hard-nosed, very old school way of dealing with players, and that completely clashes with Raheem’s way of doing things. Morris is more hands on, and has great lines of communication with his players and fellow coaches. The Old School in your face mentality really clashes with other Bucs assistant coaches, and players have spoken out numerous times about Pete’s way of talking to them.
When you look at some examples of recent assistant coaches who have been brought in that fit the “Bucs Way” of coaching, you see major strides in their areas of expertise. Eric Yarber, Alex Van Pelt, Jimmy Lake, the Bucs WR, QB, and Secondary coaches respectfully, have their areas of the team firing on 12 cylinders!
Early reports say the Bucs are looking hard at Minnesota Vikings OL coach Pat Morris. Morris has a history with Offensive Coordinator Greg Olsen, having worked together in Detroit under HC Steve Mariucci.
Teams under Pat Morris have had the No.1 rushing attack three seasons; 1998, 1999, and 2007. This would go along with Times’ columnist Stephen Holder who feels that the move is Olsen trying to get the right guys on his staff.
There is nothing wrong with Mangurian’s coaching style, it just doesn’t mesh with the type of coaching that is going on at One Buc Place; and having a staff that is on the same page is just as important as having a team that follows identical principles.
Makes you wonder how much better that O’line is going to be in 2011! In the meantime, check out St. Pete Times’ Stephen Holder talking about the subject….
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