Bruce Arians’ Full-Throttle Orders For Tristan Wirfs
August 19th, 2020
Assistant head coach Harold Goodwin opens up on the Buccaneers’ first-round pick.
Bucco Bruce Arians had a decision to make on rookie first-round pick Tristan Wirfs, the projected starter at right tackle, and Arians’ right hand man explained how it went down today.
Joe asked assistant head coach Harold Goodwin about the tough balance of how hard to push Wirfs to get ready for opening day against the Saints without overwhelming the rookie.
Goodwin, who also coaches offensive line, explained that he asked Bruce Arians for guidance on that very subject when the team returned after the COVID-19 lockout.
Arians told him to step on the gas and don’t worry about him being rookie.
“When we first came back, I just asked [Arians] how he wanted to handle him. He said take the kid gloves off and, you know, let him play,” Goodwin said. “We’re trying our best to push him every day. He’s done an excellent job of learning the offense and understanding what we’re trying to do from a schematic standpoint. He’s physical, he’s strong, and he’s a kid that’s probably going to be pretty good here if we keep coaching him the right way and don’t screw him up.”
Goodwin is a very straight shooter, so Joe was pleased to hear this.
The expectation is Wirfs will be ready to start on Day 1, but he noted Joe Haeg, the newcomer offensive linemen from the Colts, could start if necessary. He emphasized that Haeg can play all five offensive line positions and worked at guard today.
Joe asked Ryan Jensen about Wirfs today, and the Bucs’ starting center said he was happy to see the Wirfs isn’t repeating mistakes and really has the necessary work ethic for the tough task in front him.
August 19th, 2020 at 1:05 pm
It will be VERY important that this big fella learns quickly…..The secret for a successfull season will be OL and injuries…….If we do well, we have a big chance..
August 19th, 2020 at 1:31 pm
I expect to see 12 man package often on the first game with the Saints. With Cameron Jordan, two Tight Ends can only help Wirfs .
August 19th, 2020 at 1:33 pm
“don’t screw him up”. So refreshing to hear an NFL coach say that. I think it shows a certain amount of self awareness and lack of a huge ego. Very cool article Joe.
August 19th, 2020 at 1:43 pm
After the sloppy coaching last year and the lack of attention to detail as proof from the league leading penalized team, they should have taught him all they know by next week!!!!!!!!! Hopefully the newly rented players will fill in the huge craters from bad coaching that was unfortunately EXPOSED last year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19th, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Wow, if you just went by the realisto you would have thought that the Bucs lost every game last year. Don’t worry bro 20 ints will be off the books this year and Tom will not put up with the penalties. So Buc up and stop being such a negative suck hole.
August 19th, 2020 at 1:51 pm
They didnt hold back with Marpet either, that turned out good.
August 19th, 2020 at 2:07 pm
EBR GO AWAY, find your true calling
August 19th, 2020 at 2:17 pm
He should be good to go and get schooled like any rookie seeing the NFL for the first time live.. he has been going against pretty good defensive guys in practice
August 19th, 2020 at 2:47 pm
Well I’ll be damn, El Buco Dicko has popped his head out his ass to make a statement. Of course it’s his ever flowing fountain of optimism. A true fan right?
We’re ya been, El Bucco Dicko? Probably taking a break to have those extra Dickos removed from your forehead.
August 19th, 2020 at 2:53 pm
The kid’s going to make mistakes. That’s how you learn. No way they can prepare him for everything he’s going to see in games and all the different defensive linemen he’ll face this year. Watching game film is great, but seeing it and experiencing it are two different things. It may take him a couple of years to reach his full potential. Let’s just hope he’s good enough now to hold his own on most plays.
August 19th, 2020 at 3:20 pm
He looks like a bigger josh freeman
August 19th, 2020 at 3:35 pm
haha very true, anonymous
August 19th, 2020 at 4:40 pm
A lotta gripes on this site from NDOG and ElBuco Realist about penalties last year for the Buc’s. Those two for some reason totally blame the coaching staff.
Sure some of that is on the coaching staff but most of that is on four players.
Shaq Barrett 10
Carlton Davis 9
Demar Dotson 10
Jameis Winston 6 (on him)
Jameis Winston likely 9 other pre-snap
There were 11 pre snap penalties. 6 delay of games, 3 illegal formations, 1 too many men on the field , 1 illegal shift. I did not count the illegal shift or 1 delay of game on Winston. That accounts for 44 of the 132 penalties last year.
I think we will see less penalties this year. Hoping that Shaq Barrett and Carlton Davis half theirs. But we will see.
Gone are Dotson and Winston. Replaced by Haeg/Wirfs and Brady.
By the way, in 2018 KC lead the NFL in penalties with 147. Bad coaching in Kansas City for 2018?
In 2017, Seattle lead the NFL in penalties with 148. Bad coaching in Seattle for 2017?
Who doesn’t think we will have less penalties with Brady this year?
August 19th, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Damn good research, geno!
August 19th, 2020 at 8:04 pm
Geno you really shouldn’t embarrass people like that. But carry on. 🙂
August 19th, 2020 at 8:08 pm
Let him learn … in my Spartan 300 voice “EVERYTHING”!!
August 19th, 2020 at 8:18 pm
Let him learn …in Spartan 300 voice “EVERYTHING”!!!