|
|
![](bucpower15-logo.jpg) |
Dotson makes ‘uncomfortable’ move to blind side
After 44 consecutive starts on the right side, Buccaneers offensive lineman Demar Dotson experienced what NFL life is like at the critical left tackle position on Sunday.
A six-year pro, Dotson is the only holdover starter from Tampa Bay’s offensive line in 2013. The Bucs trusted Dotson to protect Josh McCown’s blind side against the Panthers after only a few days of practice — then they didn’t dress Anthony Collins, a struggling, high-priced free agent signed from Cincinnati in March.
“The decision came from upstairs and I bought into it,’’ Dotson said after the Bucs rushed for 151 yards in a 19-17 loss to Carolina at Bank of American Stadium. “They asked me at the beginning of the week and I embraced it. I think the last time I was at left tackle was a few years ago in training camp, when Donald Penn had a calf injury.’’
McCown was sacked three times, including a fumble at his 4-yard line on the opening series of the second half that set up Carolina’s go-ahead score. Mario Addison came off the right edge past Dotson and shared the sack with left end Charles Johnson. “That was a screen,’’ Dotson said of the key turnover. “I pushed (Addison) by and the ball was supposed to be gone. But I guess Josh had pressure coming from the other side and had to hold on to the ball.’’
Dotson said he never felt fully comfortable in a new spot he figures to occupy for the final two games. “It was an uncomfortable feeling because I’ve been on the right side for so long,’’ he said. “But with due time and work, I’ll be a good left tackle in this league.’’
|
| |
| |
|