Tristan Wirfs: “There’s Only One Way Out Of This”
September 25th, 2026
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Keep an eye attuned to the game within the game on Sunday.
Coming off two forgettable efforts, Baker Mayfield plans to exploit weaknesses in Minnesota’s secondary. That won’t happen unless he has ample time to survey the field and process the intricate schemes of master defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
The Vikings have done a lot of things right in bolting to a 2-0 getaway under backup quarterback Carson Wentz. But if you’re seeking the catalyst for Minnesota’s quick start, look no further than third-year pass rusher Dallas Turner.
Quite simply, he’s been a game-wrecker, an aggressive 6-foot-3, 247-pound QB hunter.
If votes were taken right now for Defensive Player of the Year, Turner could very well be the front runner. He’s been that good — so the onus is on tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke to keep him from disrupting Mayfield’s timing.
That won’t be an easy task.
Tristan Wirfs
In the season opener against Green Bay, Turner posted nine pressures and a sack. He followed that up last week with 10 pressures and two takedowns at Chicago, including the game-ending sack in a 9-3 triumph that shut up yacker Bears coach Ben Johnson for awhile.
“Turner’s kind of a long, lengthy, twitchy guy,” Wirfs told me this week. “Being at home is a plus with our assignments because playing in Minnesota they’re loud as hell. I hate to say must-win, but there’s only one way out of this and that’s to win on Sunday. A Flores defense throws a lot of funky stuff at you, so we’ve got to be on point.”
Mayfield’s pass protection has been just okay through two weeks. He’s been hounded on occasion, but his interception against the Browns came from a clean pocket.
Although Minnesota traded up to select Turner in the first round of the 2024 draft, the former Alabama standout played sparingly as a rookie. He registered eight sacks as a starter last season and has taken his game to a new level in 2026.
While Turner tops the league with 11 QB hits, A’Shawn Robinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad share the Tampa Bay lead with two hits apiece.
When the Bears tried to block him with a tight end at the end of the game, Turner lined up wide right and used his power to drive Colston Loveland into backup QB Tyson Bagent, who went down so hard in Turner’s clutches that Chicago fans were looking for a roughing-the-passer flag.
That was the moment NFL fans outside of the Twin Cities realized there’s a new dynamic sack artist on the scene. You can bet Turner has the full attention of Mayfield, Wirfs, Goedeke and OC Zac Robinson.
The Bucs haven’t faced a pass rusher of Turner’s caliber through two weeks. When you combine his skills with the creativity of Flores, it’s no wonder Minnesota’s opponents are averaging only 12.5 points per game.
Third-down defense (30 percent conversion rate) has been spectacular.
“Just don’t get in third-and-long,” warns Bucs guard Cody Mauch. “That’s where they eat.”
And nobody is hungrier than Mr. Turner.
Ira Kaufman Predicts The Bucs-Vikings Outcome, And More
September 25th, 2026 at 8:08 pm
The Vikings defense against the run is 3rd they won’t get much yards on the ground. They are going to have to max protect with an extra lineman and the WR will have to get open that’s the only way they have a chance.
September 25th, 2026 at 8:23 pm
What a great pregame article. Dallas Turner. Must have played with Braswell at Bama. I’ll take Tristan or Luke. He’s 247 pounds and they aren’t. We just gotta get squared up on him.
I’m thinking Tristan and Baker both are looking at this as a must win. It’s not, yet, but this Sunday we’re going to “There’s only one way out of this.”
September 25th, 2026 at 8:35 pm
IT’S. WEEK. 3.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:10 pm
0-3 is coming!
September 25th, 2026 at 10:17 pm
Zac Robinson has been a real disappointment in my opinion. I figured that him coming to the Bucs — with all of our offensive weapons — would be a breath of fresh air to him — enabling him to start fresh in developing his offensive strategy. Instead — more behind-the-line screens.
He’s not optimizing Mayfield’s strengths: laser-accuracy in quick outs, ins and slants to move the ball downfield, build momentum and create mid-range and deep pass opportunities!
Instead, he’s calling down-field passes when the O-line cannot provide commensurate protection and the defense has the best opportunities to tighten up coverage. Our young receivers do not yet have the NFL IQs to deal with that effectively.
It’s frustrating as hell to watch.
September 26th, 2026 at 4:35 am
EXBrowns, Zac Robinson was hand-picked by Bowles for his ball control offense. This is what he wanted! We all watched the Falcons last season and knew what we were getting. Problem is Bowles rolled the dice betting his defense would be top 10. Hell, even the Texans great Defense is getting scored on. Zac’s offense is not going to put up 40 points a game. It’s not designed to first off and if they’re forced to try bad things will happen. Bowles has never been a fan of the offense lighting up the scoreboard because he says it puts his D on the field for too long.
September 26th, 2026 at 9:23 am
My grandson’s friend is gonna be asking me if he can watch the Ravens game that I believe starts at 4:25. I think the BUCS game starts at 4:05. If it’s outta hand before 4:25 I might just let them put on the Raven’s game.
September 26th, 2026 at 9:45 am
Definately sounds like a game within a game. It sounds like if Wirfs can handle Turner then the Bucs have a chance. Baker needs a clean pocket then quick short intermediate passes to that WR core we all think is good for those routes. Forget the passes behind the line , Minn will kill us on those. I think to win the offense has to produce, because as I said prior to the season the defense just still has issues and can’t stop teams. They just proved that again with Clev.
The Bucs need to winn this in a shootout and likely at the end. I agree with Ira the Bucs lose this game and their season is over. Bowles will be canned and it will be the draft in 27. I think all this rides on thi game. Yes indeed a sense of urgency, no doubt
September 26th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Must be nice having pass rushers rush the passer and not do other things.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
We’re going to get boat raced. Weird mixed feelings is year. I want to go win every game but know that Bowles is not the man for the job (2-9) and don’t want him around any longer. We could go on a run and turn this season around quickly, just do not see that happening. Worst case scenario is we go 8-9 or 9-8 and keep Bowles. Lose this one and let’s tank. Top 5 pick and new coaches (and maybe GM). We need fire, juice, inspiration, hustle, want-to. I see none of that with Bowles. 2-9.
September 26th, 2026 at 10:33 pm
I wonder if the season is already over. If Bucs lose tomorrow it’s very unlikely they go to the playoffs. And therefore this will be a wasted season. I’ll keep saying it. My vote for Bucs 2027 HC is Jon Gruden. Maybe get Jason Taylor on that 2027 defense staff too. Anyway of bringing ol Rod Marinelli back as DC in 2027??
September 26th, 2026 at 10:36 pm
Keep Jason Licht as GM
September 26th, 2026 at 11:05 pm
We don’t what pass rushers look like in Tampa. Help us