Bucs right tackle Luke Goedeke It’s been one of the best and most surprising stories so far in Tampa Bay’s 3-1 start. Since returning to his natural position from left guard during his two years at Central Michigan University, Goedeke has played well, but at times between reliable and unbelievable.
In Week 1, he allowed one sack against Minnesota’s Pro Bowl pass rusher Daniel Hunter, but it was more to Baker Mayfield, who backed up Hunter on the play. Since then, Goedeke hasn’t allowed a sack this season, shutting down Philadelphia pass rushers Haason Reddick and Nolan Smith, and featured in Tampa Bay’s 26-9 blowout win at New Orleans. ‘s back killer, Cam Jordan, was noticeably silenced.
More changes will come next in Detroit. Aidan Hutchinson – both literally and figuratively. The 6-foot-7, 268-pound Hunter, who was selected No. 2 overall last year, has Hunter’s length and Jordan’s power. Hutchinson had 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks and three interceptions last season, ranking second behind Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
This season, Hutchinson recorded 15 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception, helping the Lions to a 4-1 start. The Michigan product also leads the NFL in pressures with 35, according to Pro Football Focus.
Goedeke is impressed with what he’s seen on Hutchinson’s tape so far.
“It’s definitely his athleticism and speed. He’s got a great motor,” Goedeke said. “I think that’s what sets him apart as well.”
Luke Goedeke is ready for Aidan Hutchinson but says things are getting better
But despite the fact that Hutchinson had eight pressures, one sack, and an unbelievable pick at the line of scrimmage in Sunday’s 42-24 game between the Lions and the Panthers, Bucs right tackle The biggest challenge yet that I’m not ready to say is becoming a player.
Bucs RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
“I mean, we have elite pass rushers in this league,” Goedeke said. “I’ve already played against Daniel Hunter, and to be honest, I’d put him above Aidan Hutchinson and Cam Jordan.”
That’s not to belittle Hutchinson, who earned a 91.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 90.6 pass-rush grade.
“No, not at all,” Goedeke said. “He’s just a phenomenal player, but that’s the reality. From my perspective.”
By comparison, Hunter had six sacks and 17 pressures on the season. However, Hutchinson is a more well-rounded player, as evidenced by his four career interceptions in just 22 games.
“Yeah, that’s quite a statistic he has,” Goedeke said. “Just hats off to him. He’s definitely growing his tail.”
Aidan Hutchinson is already one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL
Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Aidan Hutchinson is a clear steal for the Lions, who saw the in-state product slide into the Lions’ draft at No. 2 last season. The Jaguars selected Georgia’s Travon Walker with the No. 1 overall pick last year, but he had a modest four sacks in his rookie season and only had two QB captures this year.
So far, Hutchinson has been the more dynamic and impactful player, and we’ll find out Sunday if Goedeke can fight him the way he’s dealt with players like Hunter, Reddick, and Jordan so far. . Goedeke and the Bucs’ revamped offensive line will face a Lions front that is almost as big and physical as the Eagles defense that manhandled Tampa Bay in the 25-11 loss in Week 3.
“Confidence is something you should never waver in,” Goedeke said. “No matter how the game goes, we move on to the next game. One game doesn’t define a season. We need more consistency. That’s a really big emphasis we’re trying to make, and we need to make it more consistent. We’re working really hard on the O-line and everything else to really go at the pace that we did.
“At the end of the day, all 11 of us are doing our jobs. If one of us doesn’t maintain a block for a long enough time, unfortunately that means we have more time to play.” become.”
