Warhop’s O-line emerges as team strength

Warhop’s O-line emerges as team strengthBy Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: December 11, 2015TAMPA -— When last year ended, Bucs offensive line coach George Warhop faced criticism for Tampa Bay’s poor play up front during a 2-14 season.But despite playing two rookie starters in 2015, Tampa Bay’s line has emerged as a team strength under Warhop’s direction. Saints TE Benjamin Watson isn’t surprised.Warhop and Watson spent three seasons together in Cleveland, developing a close bond.“He’s a good friend of mine, definitely,’’ Watson said on a conference call with Tampa Bay reporters. “I just think the O-line really respects him. O-line coaches are always the coaches that protect their guys. Nobody can talk about their guy. They might yell at their guys in the offensive line, but nobody else better do it.’’Besides inserting second-round draft picks Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, the Bucs have featured two other new starters up front for most of the season — C Joe Hawley and RT Gosder Cherilus. Warhop made the overhaul work effectively and the line has been a key factor in Tampa Bay’s No. 9 offensive ranking.“I remember even being a tight end and him coaching me up on different things on blocking and stuff like that,’’ Watson said. “There’s definitely a trust over there, so I think the guys respond to coach Warhop because they feel like he really cares about them as people but also as football players.”Stat of the dayOpposing offenses have converted 75 percent of their fourth-down snaps — 9 of 12 — against New Orleans.Did you know?With 419 career TD passes, Drew Brees of the Saints is only one behind Hall of Famer Dan Marino for fourth place on the NFL’s all-time list.Quote of the day“Ain’t no way. I missed two last year. I’m not trying that again.’’— Bucs OLB Lavonte David, on the possibility of missing Sunday’s game with a sore ankle.Upcoming scheduleSunday: New Orleans, 1 p.m. (Fox, Ch. 13)Thursday: at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m. (NFL Network)Dec. 27: Chicago, 1 p.m. (Fox, Ch. 13)Jan. 3: at Carolina, 1 p.m. (Fox, Ch. 13)