Talking about the Bucs’ offense remains a sore subject as the subject of discussion has been how the unit will move forward after the injuries to wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. But let us look past that, as a positive development has come to light.
That being the improved play of second-year right guard Cody Mauch.
Mauch had his ups and downs as a rookie last year, which was to be expected as he was making the leap from North Dakota State to the NFL and switching sides after being a left tackle in college. After putting on some weight and with a full season under his belt, he continues to get better as the year goes on.
Advanced Metrics Illustrate Cody Mauch’s Obvious Improvement
Cody Mauch has been continuing to trend upward over the past month. To illustrate this, here is how Mauch has graded over the past four games using Pro Football Focus grades.
Week 4 against the Eagles: 64. 3 offense grade, 67.3 pass block grade, 60.3 run block grade
Week 5 against the Falcons: 65.7 offense grade, 88.0 pass block grade, 56.9 run block grade
Week 6 against the Saints: 70.3 offense grade, 89.4 pass block grade, 60.1 run block grade
Week 7 against the Ravens: 78.7 offense grade, 85.3 pass block grade, 71.5 run block grade
What has been encouraging is seeing Mauch’s growth in both pass and run blocking. He has not allowed a hurry or pressure since Week 4, explaining why his pass-blocking grades have been elite over the past three games.
Pewter Report’s Josh Queipo recently pointed out how much his pressure rate has dropped as he accumulates more NFL experience.
This is an intriguing development and signifies how much he has come along as a right guard.
The run game has also started to come alive since the Bucs faced the Falcons the first time a few weeks ago, and seeing him have his best game in that regard come against a talented Ravens’ front seven is equally as promising.
Bucs OC Liam Coen Is Pleased With RG Cody Mauch’s Play
Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen has enjoyed seeing Cody Mauch’s growth this year and explained how everything has come together for him.
“Cody doesn’t say much, so I don’t get a lot of feedback from Cody but that’s sometimes a good thing because he’s a pro,” Coen said. “Cody – he does his job, he’s been playing better – I completely agree with that. Confidence, I believe he’s really gaining more confidence, I do think he’s communicating at a high level when he is out on the grass.
“Off the field though, I’ve just seen a guy really work at his craft, his hand placement, his punch, his anchor, the way that he plays the game, getting out of his stance quicker and having a little bit more pop and hand usage. You’ve seen him be diligent about these things in the walk-through settings, in the practices that we’ve had, and it is showing up in game days so I’ve been pleased with Cody’s play over the last two weeks especially.”
Mauch agreed with the assessment that he is gaining more confidence, especially during the stretch of games pointed out above.
“I feel really confident,” Mauch said. “I think these last – this four, five-game stretch – every game I’ve been kind of building off what I’ve done and then also what we’ve done as an O-line. Every game we’re playing together, getting a little bit more comfortable, playing a little bit better.”
While left tackle Tristan Wirfs pointed out that Mauch is a “DAWG,” he also thinks he is a pretty good right guard. His development along an overall improved offensive line stems from going out there every day looking to improve.
“Cody’s been awesome,” Wirfs said. “I think he looks bigger, don’t you guys think that too? I think Cody looks bigger. I know he put in a lot of work this offseason, he did bulk up a little bit. Just coming out, us as a unit, the O-line coming out every day to get better. Five guys on the same page gelling, working on your craft, perfect your technique.
“We’re never going to be perfect, but we can damn sure try to get there. It’s been fun to watch all of the guys across the board. Ben [Bredeson], Graham [Barton], Cody, Luke [Goedeke], and [when Justin] Skule was in there. All of us are doing our best to continue to improve as a unit and as individuals as well. But yeah, Cody’s been doing awesome.”
Cody Mauch looks to continue his strong play against the Falcons, followed by two even harder matchups against the Chiefs and 49ers in the coming weeks. For the offense to stay afloat, it’s going to take getting the best out of all 11 guys more than ever, including the emerging young right guard.
