Bucs C Hawley stakes claim to starting job
With center Joe Hawley, left, anchoring the line, the Buccaneers are averaging 163 rushing yards during the past three games. JASON BEHNKEN / STAFF By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: November 6, 2015 at 08:48 PMTAMPA — Joe Hawley feels Evan Smith’s pain.Up to a point.Smith started 15 games at center for the Bucs last year and anchored the offensive line this season before injuring an ankle at New Orleans in Week 2. Now Smith is healthy and eager to regain a starting role that Hawley has assumed with distinction.“Evan was playing really good when he got hurt; Joe has come in and picked right up,’’ Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said this week. “They are different types of players, but Joe is doing a really nice job. People forget Joe is coming off of an ACL (injury), as well. Joe just told me the other day, he’s just now starting to feel 100 percent healthy.’’A month ago, Koetter indicated Smith would get his starting job back when deemed healthy. But in Sunday’s 23-20 overtime victory at Atlanta, Smith and backup quarterback Mike Glennon were the only Bucs who dressed but did not play.“It’s the way it is, it’s a business,’’ said Hawley, whose locker is a few feet down from Smith’s stall. “I just got let go in Atlanta. These things happen all the time ... no hard feelings.’’Heading into Sunday’s home matchup against the Giants, Hawley knows what it’s like for a team to move in another direction following an injury.He started four games for the Falcons last year, playing well in Koetter’s offense before tearing his ACL and MCL at Minnesota. After rehabbing, Hawley was feeling good about himself this summer before Atlanta released him Sept. 7, the same day the Falcons claimed center Gino Gradkowski off waivers from Denver.While Hawley has fit in well in Tampa, the Falcons are struggling to replace him.Mike Person botched a snap against the Bucs last week and found himself replaced by James Stone. Person has returned to the practice field after hurting his ankle, but the Falcons are now contemplating making a switch to Gradkowski, younger brother of former Bucs quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, now with the Steelers.The Bucs signed Hawley as a free agent the day after the season opener. An often-maligned offensive line, featuring two rookie starters in left tackle Donovan Smith and right guard Ali Marpet, is on a roll.Tampa Bay is averaging 30 points in the past three games, converting third downs at a 50 percent clip while rushing for 490 yards in that span.“Joe’s been great,’’ Bucs veteran left guard Logan Mankins said. “He’s been a real good addition for us. He’s a fun guy to play with and a fun guy to have in the locker room. We really enjoy having him.’’At 6-foot-3 and 302 pounds, Hawley is an old-school mauler who has been instrumental in opening up holes for Doug Martin, the NFL’s No. 4 rusher.“I’m finally feeling good and I’m very comfortable here,’’ said Hawley, who was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2010 draft out of UNLV. “The guys have really welcomed me and I think I’ve earned their respect. I think we’re playing really well together, playing really hard.’’Smith is ready to go, but the Bucs are reluctant to tinker with a productive unit. Veteran Gosder Cherilus has started all seven games at right tackle in place of Demar Dotson, who injured a knee in the preseason opener.Dotson, the longest-tenured Buccaneer, is hoping to be promoted to the active roster.Bucs coach Lovie Smith said his message to players is simple:“If you’re injured, get well,’’ he said. “When you get well, we’ll evaluate you with the rest of the group. Evan Smith’s a good player and Joe Hawley’s been playing good football. Everybody that dresses wants to play every snap — everybody can’t. We tell the players that your role could change by game, by series, by play. You have to accept it and go with it.’’[email protected]Twitter: @IKaufmanTBO
