Graham Barton Addresses Recent Bucs Pass Blocking Woes
November 8th, 2025
No excuses from Bucs center.
On Wednesday, Bucs center Graham Barton stood before the local pen and mic club and was asked why the offensive line has been anything but Bucs-like the past two games.
Fortunately, Joe had a one-on-one with Barton about 15 minutes before Barton spoke with the media throng.
So Joe asked Barton if the Lions’ pass rush put something on tape that the slimy Saints copied the next week? Chase Young all of a sudden looked like the stud he was as a rookie before his knee surgery and two of the best offensive linemen in the game for the Bucs looked, well, pedestrian.
“The honest answer is upfront, we didn’t have our best game,” Barton said. “We didn’t have our best game, you know. We were off on some pre-snap [changes and shifts]. We didn’t pass-off [blocking assignments] the best.
“I just don’t think it was a great performance for us. And I think [the] bye week [came] at a great time, because I think the last two weeks, if you look at Detroit, New Orleans, just not our best games.
“And that starts with me. Not my best games [or] performances.”
Joe appreciated the candid answer. Joe was neither looking for a hot take nor trying to ambush the second-year player from Duke. Joe was just looking for information and let Barton know that.
Against the Saints, maybe for the first time in the NFL, Barton was getting bull-rushed with relative ease.
Barton didn’t dodge any responsibility. He said if he plays better, the offensive line will play better.
“I’d like to definitely improve,” Barton said. “Every opportunity is a learning opportunity. We’re going to keep getting better. We’ll keep grinding this out.”
Barton sort of suggested the offense felt a tinge of shame for not having better games in Detroit and New Orleans.
“I think after Detroit [and] New Orleans, I think [there was] a somber feeling for our offense,” Barton said. “But we were 6-2 going into the bye. I think if you look at [wins over] Seattle and San Francisco and [remember] how we were feeling after those two games, I just think we’ve got to find that again.
“And that starts up front. That starts with me. Just executing better and playing with good technique and fundamentals and and I think we’re going to keep getting better … just stick together as a team and keep moving forward.”
The Bucs defense got a major shoutout from Barton for the win in New Orleans. He was quick to admit the offense didn’t have it that day and the defense played above the rim.
Barton’s near-term goal? For the Bucs not to have to rely on the defense to win games by themselves.
November 8th, 2025 at 6:09 am
No one wants to criticize or question people that seem like legitimately great humans – like a Chris Godwin or Graham Barton. But in a performance and availability based business, you have to keep business separate from the MAN and call a spade a spade. I appreciate Barton being a man, giving a sound answer. However, he hasn’t done anything to make anyone forget Ryan Jensen. Frankly, I am not even sure we’re getting average at the moment. As an aside – Bredson, Barton, whoever is at RG, and Heck – ALL below average, then when you can’t even have Wirfs protecting Bakers blindside, holy freaking crap guys. YES, let’s get our shi together ok
November 8th, 2025 at 6:51 am
It took Jensen four years to become the center that we knew. Barton for sure isn’t there yet and he was a first round pick as opposed to Ryan being given time to develop. I think he’ll turn out just fine. Hopefully great. I appreciate his accountability and hope he steps up in the second half of the year. Personally, I’m all for the Bucs being determined to show that the Patriots aren’t all that in run defense. I just wish we had Bucky and his lateral moves. That’s something that the OL can’t create.
November 8th, 2025 at 6:56 am
How important is Cody Mauch to this team? Nobody talks much about that. Did anyone watch him finish the game where he was hurt? Watching him play last year and he was as impressive as any RG in the league and he was still getting better. You lose a player like that and then Goedecke to boot you can’t overstate the blow our offense felt. That’s equivalent to the loss of Bucky. At least. It’ll be interesting to see who’s at RG come Sunday. Freeney? Jordan? I think it’s gonna be Haggard. Barton and Heck have had a different player between them for 3 or 4 straight games. Luckily White has been an excellent blocker and the tight ends have been helping out too. But then our passing game loses some bullets. Barton does seem to know what we’re going to have to do though. “We’ll keep grinding this out”. Yep. He and the rest of the team knows. And they’re doing a darn good job of it.
November 8th, 2025 at 7:09 am
GFTF30 and a second year ,out of position player who started the season at LT is supposed to make us forget Ryan Jensen? Have another cup of coffee pal.
November 8th, 2025 at 7:11 am
It’s a predictable scheme. Not much creativity. Reminds me of BL. OLs always struggle when things are predictable.
November 8th, 2025 at 7:23 am
BFFL – I agree with that. Grizz isn’t Coen, at least not yet. Even more so with Bucky playing everyone can see where we’re going with the ball. Hate the passes in the flat where our RB’s have their back to the line of scrimmage. Horrible plays – remind me of Gruden.
Also, haven’t gotten any press, but Chase Young stepped up vs Wirfs. First time I can remember Tristan getting rattled.
November 8th, 2025 at 7:34 am
BFFL, agree 100%, the lack of creativity and consistent predictability over the last two games plays a major factor in the performance. Just look at the goal line situation against the saints. I felt earlier in the year Grizz was mixing it up and keeping it less predictable. At the end of the day he’s a rookie play caller, hopefully he did some self scouting over the bye week and does a better job of putting the offense in position to succeed in the second half. Diversity in the play calling is all that more imperative with all the injuries and less talented players playing. Go Bucs! Bucs 31 Pats 17
November 8th, 2025 at 7:52 am
Stpete salty – you’re the kind of guy that would blame bad decisions of morons on the cops, or Antonio Browns weirdo tendencies on CTE. Barton is a first round pick, therefore – expectations come with it. I know, mind blowing right. Is have no time for excuses, crying, and looking for something to blame. That’s what unsuccessful people do. Do I expect Barton to be all pro year one? No. Do I expect mfing AVERAGE to above average? Well, golly – that sure is t too much to ask. Does this offend your sensibilities? Maybe take some TRT to fix your candy a$$
November 8th, 2025 at 8:16 am
They should flip him with Bredeson. We were way better with Big Ben at the pivot. No reason why Barton can’t be a successful left guard in this system. Now is the time to make that a permanent flip and let him settle next to Wirfs
November 8th, 2025 at 8:24 am
Nice Joe, we kinda had a couple of guys in place that weren’t exactly JL picks and last minute grabs on the fly. I’m hoping with all but Cody in the game we could get better. We have had to put everything out there and grind out games and Detroit spanked our arses. If three guys can come up with at least five more wins then we have to prepare for the Eagles and Lions. Wishing we picked up a receiver but hopefully Baker can have a lot less people in his face and a more than a second back there Let’s Go Bucs!!!! We still need to keep it going on D and um Thanks for all you have been doing keeping the team in the position they’re in. 6&2 is pretty good considering.. Y’all know the rest..
November 8th, 2025 at 8:42 am
Graham Barton is only in his second year. People tend to set that aside. He still has 1.5 years of development before he should even start to be judged harshly, if at all.
I hate how some fans just ignore the developmental phase. I’m not saying they need to ignore everything bad, but they do need to view everything as part of the learning process. Even though they might or might not play the same position as in college, it is a totally different thing. It’s like expecting a very good putt putt player to beat tiger woods (in his prime).
The positives are:
Graham Barton is improving constantly.
Graham Barton is taking ownership of the Offensive Line.
Graham Barton is willing to admit he needs to keep getting better and better, and is willing to put in the work.
The rest will come in bits and pieces. Then one day, we’ll all see a complete player…and he might be the best center in Bucs history when all is said and done.
So ignore the naysayers. Be encouraged.
November 8th, 2025 at 8:44 am
Also, there were people who felt Graham Barton was drafted to replace Cody at one point if you can believe it. Those same people who gave up on Cody are giving up on Barton now.
November 8th, 2025 at 8:45 am
Too early to be talking about pulling the plug on Barton
November 8th, 2025 at 9:01 am
I’m thinking a week of rest was just exactly what the Dr. ordered.
November 8th, 2025 at 9:16 am
IM CALLING IT ! THOSE USELESS RUNS UP THE MIDDLE SAINTS GAME ? TODD BOWLES THUMB ON THE SCALE ! Reminded me of Brian leftwitch ! EVER WONDER WHY HE NE ER GOT ANOTHER PLAY CALLING JOB ? BOWLES ,STAY OUT OF IT AND LET GIZZ DO HIS JOB !!,
November 8th, 2025 at 9:37 am
According to everything I’ve heard from folks who know this game, the offensive line takes the longest to jell as a single unit. Have the Bucs had this ‘luxury’? Are you kidding?? Not this injury-plagued season! I appreciate Barton’s honesty and know he will be a very good player. There were a lot of bozos on here cutting down Luke Goedeke in his first few years playing. Now, a lot of the same bunch is wailing cos he went down injured. Idiots. Some things take time and patience, not to mention a little bit of luck. Building a great line is one of them. Go Bucs and Barton tomorrow!!!
November 8th, 2025 at 9:38 am
Barton’s had a challenging year due to no fault of his own. Started playing LT with Wirfs out and wasn’t bad (anybody ever heard of a center moving to LT?). How many not-great RGs has he been forced to play with? How many dumb-ass run calls from Griz that he’s played?
He’s had some bad games and owned up to it. He’s going to get better this season and long term, but he really misses Mauch and the Bucs need better RG play the rest of the season.
November 8th, 2025 at 9:57 am
@Gofortheface30,
Graham is any day better than Robert Hainsey was. He had two bad games with a plug-n-play OL. These guys play with pride, I’m confident they’ll get it right going forward. But, at the same time, it’s not easy to slide on the OL and come back and be great from the jump. Graham Barton and Wirfs are the two I expect to hold this OL accountable, including themselves.
November 8th, 2025 at 10:04 am
Bucs OLine is key to this game vs Pats
Patriots will likely copy Lions’ D strategy- man coverage, pressure Mayfield and put a spy on Mayfield to limit his scrambling. Patriots are very good against the run- if Bucs can come up with an effective run game- that will help tremendously, otherwise D better have another great game.
November 8th, 2025 at 11:11 am
@ LES: How could you possibly know that Bowles PUT HIS THUMB ON THE SCALE? Because he said we need to run it more? WE were the third ranked running team last year, does he get credit fore PUTTING HIS THUMB ON THAT SCALE TOO? Spell your name correctly. (-LESS)
November 8th, 2025 at 11:32 am
CoZ Cooolman maybe they will flipp them, they had the last entire week to work on it and they won’t tell us about it first.
November 8th, 2025 at 11:44 am
I need to be reminded that Barton is not a hardened veteran yet. Some of the stuff he has seen recently he has not seen before. His mates also are not the dudes he is used to playing with. He is not the problem up front and I’m pretty sure he will get better. The dudes to his right? Not so sure.
Hope Haggard gets the start this week and that Goedeke can go.
Go Bucs!
November 8th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Jesus. These comments. The team has a better record than last year and all I read is bitching about Barton and the beat up OL and Grizzard.
The guy was honest. They were probably worn down and tired and looking forward to a week off.
And they still won.
Give criticism a rest people. Enjoy where they are.
November 8th, 2025 at 1:52 pm
Hey, they (the O-line) didn’t forget how to play football.
Imo, the fix-able problem may be a certain: “who are the O-line?”
Meaning: was that ummm, “shift-around” at the beginning of the season, in reaction to Tristan Wirfs being out, may have turned-out to be the wrong decision; Graham should have been left at Center, etc, and the line should have been kept as intact as possible; with regard to their established-positions.
That coaching decision was risky, and it was probably the wrong decision, in the end, overall; but the wins of course had a way hiding the impact of what was going on with the line’s expected control in a game.
It was Graham at Center who turned the offense around and enabled Bucky’s spectacular performance last year; I find it difficult to understand why Graham is the object of fault finding on this issue, when there’s good reason to be optimistic that he’ll likely be, once again, the catalyst for a positive turnaround in the performance of the Buccaneers’ O-line.
Also, in the last two years the team in general has had a “flat game” or two right after big wins.
And, the media reports-on and spits-out their assessment, week by week; on a: “A teams is as good as their last game” basis. Otherwise, the media would be left with having to say: “Well, we’ll just have to wait until the season is played-out to know.” But that doesn’t exactly fill a need for 24/7 of new-content.