Mahan trade won't affect Zuttah -- for now

One of the questions raised by the trade of Sean Mahan to the Bucs Tuesday was whether it meant the team was considering using him at right guard instead of rookie Jeremy Zuttah during Davin Joseph's absence.

We also wondered, so we asked. Offensive line coach Bill Muir dispelled any notion that Mahan would surpass Zuttah, at least initially. It's pretty much a vote of confidence for Zuttah.

"Jeremy Zuttah's been with us from the beginning," Muir said. "We're very pleased with the progress he's made. Obviously, he's not where we want him to be at this time, but we're glad he's not where he was when he got here. I think, what we've done is add a player who has experience starting at center and at guard. So, I think you have to look at it for face value."

But Muir pointed out that Mahan is still well-versed in the system having been away from the Bucs and with the Steelers for just one season. And in his unit, Muir said, everyone is judged on a week-to-week basis.

For now, though, Zuttah has the job and will be expected to excel.

Comments

[Turk]

Stephen...this type of reporting before we have to ask is why we consider you the best at what you do. Thanks. Great reporting!

[Valrico Rick]

"ffdffhat" must mean "what" in on his way home for dinner reporter speak, or does Bill Muir really talk like that?

[Josh]

I have to agree with Turk...Stephen has quickly and easily become the only Bucs reporter in town worth reading. Stephen I have to wonder...do you know why every other reporter in town hates the Bucs and can't help but consistently post negatively slanted articles? I don't see this in other teams' cities like I do here. Is it something with the organization and you're still too new here to feel it's effects and will soon be jaded like everyone else? Say it aint so...

[Stephen Blackehart]

I'm guessing the cat stepped on his keyboard before he posted.

[McGz]

Mahan is a beast, glad to see him in a Bucs uniform once again.

[Stephen_Holder]

Guys, to be precise, I'm not exactly new. I've been here for three years now and have written plenty of stories that people have ridiculed me for, but I'll take it! Seriously, though, take this as an example of what I try to tell people all the time: we report both good and bad news. It's just that people only remember the negative stories because that's what sticks with them. So it goes I guess.

[steve]

Hey "McGz"....it is no-knowledge idiots like you that ruin sites like this...
"Mahan is a beast"..are you an 11 yr old w/ a man-crush?..Mahan was cut by my Steelers, whose 0-line is avg. at best.....idiot...

[jason]

I happen to know someone who works in the sports dept of a downtown StPete *ahem* publication. The story I've heard is that there were some reporters who were very upset when they lost their best sources- McKay and Keyshawn, that's about when the Times were very negative towards the Bucs.

stephen ur the man!!!

[Dr. Angry]

Steve, You obviously have some steam to release. Poor little "McGz" was just expressing his happiness with a move by our Bucs. You need to find a way to take your anger out on someone who really sererves it like DR.

[Dr. Angry]

I really am not Dr. Angry although I do play one on TV. And I did also break the threatening Comment policy also. I am going to hell.

[CyberDilemma]

True, Stephen, you have reported the good with the bad, but, unlike the other reporters, you simply explain the facts and make what appear to be unbiased observations. All the other reporters are perceived to have a personal agenda. They either have a knack for making mountains out of mole hills or they tell half-truths to make the facts appear as they wish. You are a breath of fresh air. keep up the great work.

[bobbyd]

CyberDilemma,
Exactly. I'm not interested in hearing some moron's puffed up, drama-laden opinion. Facts, both good and bad are what we're after.

Stephen,
Not exactly on topic here, but has there been any word on Davin's recovery?

[Jon]

Case in point - the Stroud article today. Who in there right mind needs to explain why the Bucs might be interested in bringing in Brett Favre? He makes them a better team - period. He and Garcia are a much stronger QB depth chart than Garcia and anybody else. Stroud milks ANOTHER whole article out of a completely idiotic proposition - that there could ever be a universe in which the Bucs aren't a better team with Favre than without him. You could make a case that Garcia fits this team better than Favre but if you get Favre and the Offense isn't doing what you want you bench him and turn to Garcia. THe FLOOR for the offense becomes MUCH higher and so does the ceiling. It's a no brainer.

[Jon]

Holder, I think over the summer I read a couple of articles from you that fit into the Shelton/Stroud model. The last several months though you've given us nothing but good copy. The best SPT converage is Aumann on the Bulls, you've established yourself at that same level the past few months and there really isn't anyone else worth reading.