Wirfs Beginning To Blossom
September 25th, 2020
Tribal approval.
Well, whaddya know, the PFF tribe can actually write a story without referencing their ridiculous grades.
The outfit that does quality control grunt work for several NFL teams (think: data entry) so assistant coaches can be free to actually do their jobs, pumped out a story detailing what rookies have had strong starts to their careers and those that are struggling.
One of the high priests of the PFF tribe, this Sam Monson, believes the Bucs may have a jewel in right tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Given who he debuted against, Tristan Wirfs keeping his head above water in Week 1 was an achievement. But Week 2 saw a better example of what he can achieve when he isn’t tasked with blocking an All-Pro defensive lineman all day. Wirfs had a far better showing against the Panthers. He was a crushing presence in the run game, where he produced multiple dominant blocks against Panthers defensive ends to give his running back space off tackle, and also held up well in pass protection.
He had one decisive loss to Brian Burns but surrendered just two hurries overall across 38 pass-blocking snaps while protecting Tom Brady. This was an extremely encouraging game from a player who did a good job given the competition in Week, 1 as well. The early indicators are that the Bucs drafted a very good player in the first round, and Wirfs is subsequently one of the rookie studs from Week 2.
And it is not like Brian Burns is a slug. He’s one of the better young pass rushers in the NFL.
The way Wirfs and Antoine Winfield are playing, the early returns show Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht had a damn good draft.
September 25th, 2020 at 12:28 am
He’s playing much better than Donovan smith and that’s a fact Wirfs was a much needed solid pick along with antoine Winfield
September 25th, 2020 at 12:36 am
It’s only been 2 games, but it’s awesome that Wirfs and Winfield have looked so good in THEIR FIRST TWO GAMES.
September 25th, 2020 at 6:02 am
Should he stay healthy, that boy is going to make BANK in this league. Well-earner.
Joe, you need to start the narrative that we are now in the “Found Decade”…put a little positive mo-jo into the universe.
Say it’s so, and it’ll be so!
September 25th, 2020 at 6:02 am
*well-earned
September 25th, 2020 at 6:34 am
I like that Todd, “The FOUND decade”! It may be a tad early, but things are trending up.
This kid has looked solid. I like how he just quietly goes out there and plays.
Keep it up!
September 25th, 2020 at 7:14 am
Wirfs is the real deal and will be an anchor on the O-line for years to come. Along with Winfield, Jr, Whitehead, Davis, et al the Bucs have a solid foundation for the future. Unlike some who choose to focus on one position think, I don’t think they’ve mortgaged the future at all. Break out the shades!!
September 25th, 2020 at 8:07 am
Whirfs, like Shaq, is the type of dude you root for in general. Being on our team is a bonus.
September 25th, 2020 at 8:47 am
Paul you should be celebrating. Joe talks about the grades at PFF like you rail against him for his incessant monikers.
Wirfs is doing exactly what he should be doing….his Job. I’ll call it like I see it, everyone latched onto a quote from BA a while back that ‘you draft Olinemen for the next guy’. Well in this case, he’s working for the current coach and the next one.
Awesome!
In BA I Trust!
September 25th, 2020 at 9:54 am
YEAH ITS GREAT i was kinda hoping to see vaugn get some snaps, i know leonard shady and rojo going to be tough to crack that rotation, but i’m interested to see what the young guy can do
September 25th, 2020 at 11:11 am
Plus last year’s draft. So Arians/Bowles/Licht seems to be better than Licht/Koetter, especially since Jon Robinson left the building.
September 25th, 2020 at 11:11 am
Like the way Wirfs is playing. Now in the 2021 draft, need a LT in 1st rd. & get rid of lazy ass Smith.
September 25th, 2020 at 11:50 am
give the OL coach a raise!!!!!…..Cappa looks good too…
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 25th, 2020 at 12:36 pm
Right Tackle commonly gets penalties for the Bucs. I don’t think he’s had any so far.
September 25th, 2020 at 4:40 pm
May be looking into a Wirfs jersey if the kid stays consistent! Loving this pick so far though!
September 25th, 2020 at 5:06 pm
Be nice to know how he is doing compared to the other 3 linemen drafted ahead of him.