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Hall of Fame
...... and pounding everything in sight!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Frank Okam pushing for extensive playing time
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Frank Okam pushing for extensive playing time
As it might turn out, the Texans "failed experiment" could have SOLELY been on the shoulders of the defensive coaching staff................they probably had him on celery sticks and broccoli sprouts to keep his weight down. :kubepalm::wadepalm:TAMPA In the Bucs' defensive scheme, the nose tackle isn't usually thought of as a penetrator or pass rusher.
But Frank Okam is putting his own spin on the position, making a push for extensive playing time and, perhaps, a starting job. After Okam consistently penetrated the Dolphins' front in Saturday's preseason game and leveled RB Reggie Bush in a goal-line stop, Bucs coach Raheem Morris said Okam's impact has been undeniable.
"Okam is a space eater, a penetrator, a problem," Morris said.
Okam is listed at 350 pounds, but Morris has a different stance.
"He's 370 pounds, and I'm proud of it," Morris said. "He is huge. He called up after the lockout and said. 'I'm 370.' I said, 'We've got to get him down!' Then he showed up and he just looked big and square. We got him going, and I said, 'Let's just keep him right there.' I don't know what weight that is, but whatever it is, he's playing at a high level and with great energy."
With last season's starter, Roy Miller, still out with a knee injury, and Brian Price playing a limited role coming off a pelvis injury, Okam has taken advantage of his opportunity. The former Houston draft pick might or might not start, Morris said, but he has carved out a much bigger role.
"He's unique," Morris said. " He's impressive, so you do want to get him more snaps. I'm less concerned about who (starts). I'm just happy we have those problems."