Ali Marpet has allowed 7 total pressures all year.
Joe Haeg allowed 7 total pressures vs the Saints alone. https://t.co/bwDjZkRrKa— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) November 15, 2020
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew they were in for an unfavorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints defensive line, but they didn’t expect it to be quite that bad. With starting left guard Ali Marpet sidelined by a concussion, they turned to veteran backup Joe Haeg, signed as a priority free agent early this year.
It didn’t go their way. Haeg was dinged with 7 quarterback pressures allowed in one game against New Orleans; for perspective, Marpet allowed 7 pressures in the entire season going into the game. With the starter out another week, Tampa Bay had to get creative to field what they hoped would be a competent offense.
Haeg exited the lineup as quickly as he’d entered it for this week’s game with the Carolina Panthers. To replace him, they moved center Ryan Jensen out of position, slotting him in at left guard. And backup A.Q. Shipley was called up to replace Jensen at center.
We’ll see if the shakeup pays off. The Buccaneers must win this game with the Panthers to remain relevant in the NFC playoffs race; if they fall behind in the crowded standings, they could end up on the outside looking in. Three different NFC West teams are competing for playoff seeds, as are the Chicago Bears (who own a tiebreaker over Tampa Bay). That blowout Saints win continues to look better and better.
