TAMPA — As a rule, offensive linemen are the strong, silent types. They never met a microphone or camera they really liked.
But communication is the key to their success. It's especially true of the pre-snap chatter that matters between sage veterans such as Logan Mankins, Joe Hawley and Gosder Cherilus with rookies Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet.
"I don't think he's been wrong once," Smith said of Mankins, the 11-year vet who is a savant at analyzing defensive looks. "I challenged him once, saying 'you sure?' He said, 'Just do it.' "
Mankins, who is questionable with a groin strain for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, has been the anchor to an offensive line that caused a bigger preseason concern than turnover-prone rookie quarterback Jameis Winston.