“It’s Crazy. It’s Unheard Of.”
September 18th, 2025
“We’ll just do it all, Graham.”
There are so many ways to look at the Bucs’ precarious offensive line situation.
One could start with how many snaps Cody Mauch played Monday night after he already had a brutal knee injury that has now cost him the rest of the season.
The number of snaps is unclear, but those like Joe who rewatched the game closely saw Mauch wasn’t right for a long time. And the Bucs still won the game and Rachaad White and Bucky Irving combined to run 27 times for 136 yards against a strong defense.
With all the shuffling and injuries — Luke Goedeke is out with a bad foot — it’s easy to forget Graham Barton is playing out of position at left tackle for healing Tristan Wirfs.
One offensive line guru isn’t forgetting.
Former Bucs offensive lineman Ian Beckles (1990-1996) was talking all things Bucs offensive line on WDAE radio today.
“It’s crazy. It’s unheard of,” Beckles said of Barton jumping to left tackle from the center position.
While Beckles said Barton is only serviceable at left tackle, he emphasized how special the versatility of Barton and Ben Bredeson has proven to be.
Can the Bucs overcome the Mauch injury, too? Beckles says the team absolutely can if they continue to focus on running the football.
And, as every Bucs fan should know well, the Bucs are finding Ws on the back of their quarterback. “We’re blessed, and when I say blessed, it’s a luxury to have Baker Mayfield right now,” Beckles said.
He added that Mayfield’s fourth-down escape and first-down run on Monday night highlighted the type of quarterback he’s become. “In that situation,” Beckles said. “I’m not sure there’s anyone better in the NFL than Baker Mayfield.”
September 18th, 2025 at 10:34 am
Just…Keep…Plugging…Away
As Mrs. Doubtfire famously said, “Help is on de wayyy!”
September 18th, 2025 at 10:43 am
Sua Opeta is back and if he shows any flashes I bet he takes over RG for the season or will we move him back to LG and MJ to RG? This is going to be a wild shuffle come Sunday
September 18th, 2025 at 10:48 am
It’s time for the backups to step up and prove they belong in the NFL. This is a once in a lifetime chance and they need to take it. As far as Mayfield, the Bucs need to look at QB bootlegs and other misdirection plays to keep the heat off of Baker. Jets need to see a lot of different looks to keep them guessing.
Defense needs to step up starting from the first play, no easy TDs for the Jets.
September 18th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Godwin and Wirtz will be back in two to four weeks hopefully which will greatly improve their offensive line.
Last year it was the defense and it’s the offensive line this year. The Bucs have a great team on paper but need to heal soon.
If this happens the Bucs could be great but we know injuries late into the season brings false hopes and memories of past Buccaneers.
September 18th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Sua Opeta played both Guard positions at Philly.
September 18th, 2025 at 10:53 am
The D has got to stand up early and not force us to play from behind- have to clean up the special teams – if we can just break even until we get both tackles, Chris, and McMillan back, the final 5/6 games are all very winnable games –
What would a Bucs season be without a mid season slump and a ride to the playoffs on 5 wins in a row LOL
September 18th, 2025 at 10:54 am
When did Opeta get re-signed? Didn’t see it, but it’s a good idea along with signing Feeney.
September 18th, 2025 at 11:05 am
Elijah Klein should be ready to step up by now.
September 18th, 2025 at 11:06 am
I thought we cut him with an injury settlement
September 18th, 2025 at 11:08 am
As to what beckles said, thus far, Bredeson is one of the best centers in the league
September 18th, 2025 at 11:22 am
We just signed Sua Opeta to our practice squad.
September 18th, 2025 at 11:23 am
Football players traditionally don’t want to come out of the game, and I am no expert by all means. Yes we won the game, but like you said Joe, if this adds on to his time away from the game, shame on them. I saw it as clear as a new set of prescription glasses, he was limping, and badly.
September 18th, 2025 at 11:24 am
Chuk at LT Ben LG graham CENTER Jordan or opeta or Klien could fill RG find better at RT
September 18th, 2025 at 11:28 am
Thanks for the info gbobucsfan!
September 18th, 2025 at 11:36 am
It’s good we have depth on the interior and a C that can play LT, and that we play the Jets this week and have gotten to a 2-0 start.
It’s super impressive what the offense has overcome to start the year between the WR/TE/O-line injuries. So much potential for the 2nd half of the season if we can get healthy on that side
September 18th, 2025 at 11:55 am
Next man up!!! And may the football gods be with them!
September 18th, 2025 at 11:57 am
Runs and screens baby! Runs and screens!!
September 18th, 2025 at 11:59 am
Ian Beckles … ‘Can the Bucs overcome the Mauch injury, too? Beckles says the team absolutely can if they continue to focus on running the football.’
Ian gets it. Jets had a helluva time stopping the Bills run game. Buffalo ran it on over 60% of their plays & totally controlled the game (38:21 to 21:39 TOP) in winning 30-10. As in 43 runs for 224 yards (5.2 YPC) and 3 TDs. Bucs have the RBs who can make that work behind a modified OLine. Run it then run it some more.
September 18th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Off topic — what genius decided having Sean Tucker (who is the worst blocker of our RBs) protect the edge on punt protection was a good idea?
Thomas McGaughy — from now on you shall be known as Mr. Magoo. Fail.
September 18th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
He proved he is a gangster for the team. He limped around for a while.
September 18th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
Yes, I’d like do know how Chuk is doing? We could use his size on the line.
September 18th, 2025 at 12:18 pm
O P P O R T U N I T Y
September 18th, 2025 at 12:51 pm
This why good and great teams build rosters from the bottom up. Your 3rd and 4th stingers have to legit players who can step in and not kill you in a long, brutal season. So far signing Jordan looks brilliant. Will drafting and developing Klein to be a top back up G pay off?
September 18th, 2025 at 1:07 pm
Ian Beckles spouts off like he was an All Pro lineman. Ian was a “serviceable ” lineman at best.
Nobody’s ever heard Beckles moan about how he was screwed out of a Pro Bowl. –Joe
September 18th, 2025 at 1:14 pm
Also oof topic:
Surprised Bakers dig at the press, incl Ira, hasn’t been mentioned yet 🤣.
Was Ira not a fan of Bakers early on? It was a joke from Mayfield. –Joe
September 18th, 2025 at 1:24 pm
@ DR
Amen!
Run the ball. Control the clock. Play solid defense against a weak offense.
3-0 = LFG!
September 18th, 2025 at 1:29 pm
i havent watched the cody mauch stuff. some tough hombres out there…..not sure what is going to happen but at least they have a bit of time to tape together some options.
September 18th, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Did he say something about NO ONE IN THE NFL IS BETTER than Baker Rod??😁
Anywho…we have just enough time to get a fix on the OL before the Eagles come to town for their annual arse kicking.
September 18th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
@Joe
Maybe. Sounded to me like Baker kept some receipts also but OK 😎
September 18th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
I believe Beckles is exactly right, continue to pound that rock with Irving, White, and Tucker !! Add in the pass as needed !! Of course that’s exactly what the Jets are expecting us to do, so the box will be loaded at first. Which will probably open up single coverage downfield for ME 13 and EE 2
Go Bucs !! Beat the Jets !!
September 18th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
THIS IS CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT …
What do you do when Wirfs returns?
Graham is okay at LT
MJ is holding down LG
Bred is doing well at C
No RG
Heck throws karate kicks at RT. (He sucks)
Do you put Wirfs at RT and move Heck to RG?
September 18th, 2025 at 1:47 pm
I failed to mention SS 17 will also be able to take advantage of the Jets run coverage. We have so many offensive weapons !! And on defense ….. I remember BA saying “ You ain’t gonna run the ball on us “ with confidence!! I think Chub would agree !!
Go Bucs