Improvement Needed: Ted Larsen

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the 2010 Season, it was clear that left guard would be a position of concern. They had brought in former Panther Keydrick Vincent to rotate with Jeremy Zuttah, but neither of them was able to hold down the fort there. Vincent couldn't pass-block, while Zuttah lacked a little something as a run-blocker. It didn't take long for Vincent to be released when another player showed he at least had potential as a starting guard: Ted Larsen. 

Larsen was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round, but when he was cut by the Patriots (supposedly to be placed on the practice squad), the Bucs pounced and claimed the NC State product off waivers. When Larsen got the chance to start for the Bucs, he showed his potential, but he was also lacking in a lot of departments. He did a good job as a run blocker, but was somewhat of a liability as a pass blocker. He'd get beat regularly, though not as regularly as a disappointing Davin Joseph or the now cut Keydrick Vincent. 

For the Bucs to succeed next year they really need to get better production out of the offensive line, especially as a pass-blocking unit. An offensive line is only as strong as its weakest point, and Ted Larsen may very well be that weakest point if everyone else is healthy. However, he does have the potential to be a solid starting guard. What he needs is an offseason of work with trainers and coaches. And that's exactly what he isn't getting right now.