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Lack Of Experience Hasn't Hurt Bucs' Offensive Linemen

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2007

TAMPA - There is one place inexperienced offensive linemen are expected to be on Sundays.

A cozy spot on the bench.

That is because of an old belief it takes an offensive lineman several years to develop into a reliable NFL player. Young players need to learn for at least two years before finally being able to contribute in their third season. The survival rate of a young offensive lineman against experienced opponents is less likely than zebras taunting hungry lions.

Tampa Bay is shattering all that this season.

Tackle Donald Penn (second year) and guard Arron Sears (rookie) have played above expectations on the left side of the line. Penn replaced injured veteran Luke Petitgout after he suffered a knee injury against Carolina, and Sears, a second-round pick out of Tennessee, has started every game.

Guard Davin Joseph (second year) and tackle Jeremy Trueblood (second year) are playing solidly on the right side. Center John Wade (10th year), who is anchoring this unit, is the only player on Tampa Bay's line with more than two years of experience.

"I don't know the formula. It doesn't make a difference what is the formula. We need to win now. That's all I'm worried about," Wade said. "I want to win this week, take it one week at a time, and I don't think these guys have another mind-set either.

"I don't care if it's your first year here, your first year in the NFL, or your 10th. Everybody wants to win now, and you have to do whatever you need to do to get that done."

Tampa Bay's young offensive line has done a lot to become one of the team's most reliable units, having given up 12 sacks, which ranks tied for 12th in the league in that category.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia routinely has time to pass because of his protection up front. When Garcia receives a hard hit, it usually occurs when he rolls out of the pocket. What is more impressive is that the Bucs' offensive line has consistently performed well against some outstanding NFL defensive lines.

"Age can't be a factor," Sears said. "If the coach trusts you enough to put you in there, no matter what your age is, you got to put it together and get it done."

Bucs coach Jon Gruden said his line has excelled in picking up blitzes, and he's happy with the pass protection.

Tampa Bay's only weakness has been its run blocking. The Bucs haven't had a running back rush for more than 100 yards this season, with Earnest Graham's 92 against Detroit being Tampa Bay's best individual running day. Overall, Tampa Bay's rushing offense is ranked 17th in the NFL, while its total offense is also 17th.

"I don't think we're particularly dominant in any stage of the game yet," Trueblood said. "We're trying hard every week. The effort is there enough that we're getting the job done.

"When you watch guys who have been in the league for 10 years, there is a huge difference in talent in how polished your technique is. We're just young guys out there trying to play ball, and down the line we'll polish as much as we can, but we're trying to get better."

The way the line has been playing so far, there is reason to believe this unit will only get better through the years.

Inexperienced offensive linemen are supposed to find cozy spots on NFL benches, but Tampa Bay's young line seems to be more comfortable leaving those minimal expectations on the sideline.

"People want to walk around here with their lower lip hanging out, but I'm really fired up about what they're doing. I can't say enough good things about them," Gruden said. "It's something to be really excited about, and they're under contract for next year, and that's not something we've had around here."

COLTS: Doctors have told Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison he can play against New England, and he hopes to.

Whether he actually makes it on the field is up to Coach Tony Dungy.

Harrison missed all three practices this week because of a bruised left knee, and Dungy said Harrison and several others are expected to be game-time decisions for the contest between the NFL's final two unbeaten teams.

Indy's starting tackles, Tony Ugoh (neck) and Ryan Diem (buttock), were both limited in practice again Friday. Linebackers Tyjuan Hagler (neck) and Freddy Keiaho (ear) also were limited participants each day this week and are questionable.

JETS: Receiver Laveranues Coles was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Washington because of a concussion, jeopardizing a streak in which he has started every game since 2001.

PANTHERS: David Carr is likely to start at quarterback at Tennessee on Sunday after Vinny Testaverde missed a third straight practice Friday with a right Achilles' tendon injury.

PATRIOTS: The team's rushing leader, Sammy Morris, was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury, ending his first season with the team.

The Patriots listed linebacker Mike Vrabel, tight end Benjamin Watson and free safety Eugene Wilson as questionable for Sunday's game at Indianapolis.

Information from Tribune wires was used in this report.

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