No Excuses For Charlie Heck At Left Tackle
September 6th, 2025
Starter tomorrow.
No, no, no, Joe doesn’t want to hear excuses for anything Charlie Heck does tomorrow in Atlanta, barring an injury or a teammate tripping him up, or an opponent cheap-shotting him.
Heck will start in place of All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Heck has less experience at left tackle than SirVocea Dennis has at inside linebacker. But Heck is no youngster. He’s a sixth-year player with 50 games under his belt and the Bucs have had about four-plus months to study his strengths and weaknesses.
To Heck’s credit, he stayed healthy all spring and summer, so the Bucs should know exactly what they have in their 28-year-old understudy.
Heck was signed in March to replace backup tackle Justin Skule, who took an offer from the Vikings.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht, an iconic offensive line whisperer, has said multiple times that the Bucs having time to prep and acclimate Heck helps give them all the confidence in the world that he’ll play solid ball until Wirfs returns.
This isn’t a situation like the Falcons have: breaking in a third-team right tackle after injuries arose last month.
With the Bucs’ quality O-line coaching, elite offensive line scouting and time to prepare and scheme for Heck’s shortcomings, Heck should be a non-issue tomorrow against Atlanta’s weak defense. Sure, he might have a couple of blunders, but the Bucs offensive line has no excuse for a poor showing, Joe believes.
Week 1 Preview, Falcons-Bucs Pick & More
September 6th, 2025 at 3:56 pm
Huh? He is replacing one of the best LTs in the league. probably the best LT in Bucs history. And RT too lol.
September 6th, 2025 at 4:10 pm
The fact that Pat Kirwan says he really sucks is more than a minor worry, but not an excuse.
September 6th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Listened to your podcast and I agree with Ira, Falcons get a face full of not only Irving, but White, backs in the flat, Tucker doing his thing. If they keep them off balance I’m not worried about Heck or him needing help at all.
September 6th, 2025 at 4:22 pm
And as you pointed out he is a better run blocker than a pass blocker which is why I said to keep the chicks off balance. Best way to neutralize any rusher but especially rookies is to run right at them and I think that’s what they start doing early. Remember when they did that against the Steelers, didn’t work and Grizz changed to short passes to open it up and it worked. I am excited about his ability to adjust and attack. His baby face belies his passion to attack and an aggressive nature it seems to me.
September 6th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Let me save some time:
Jeff says: Bucs are terrible and lose to ATL 800-7
Aquabong says: Vita will play corner.
September 6th, 2025 at 4:32 pm
He’ll have Bucs fans yelling “What The Heck!?” By the mid first quarter. He’s definitely a major concern.
September 6th, 2025 at 6:10 pm
I’m looking for Tez to surprise everyone while the Fowlgoons focus on Mike and EE. The OL should be fine.
No prediction on the final score, other than we win by a minimum of ten points.
GO BUCS
September 6th, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Good one 74 thar is funny.. Lol
September 6th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
You left out Jackmeoff.
September 6th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
I agree with many here that Grizzard will very likely be running plays away from his blindside to enhance the off balanced approach. Then, lookout, because we’re going to see a series of plays off the left side when the moment is right, and I believe that will be the nail in the coffin for ATL.
September 6th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
When I read this from this Joe — “Joe doesn’t want to hear excuses for anything Charlie Heck”
All I think of is that LT is the 2nd hardest position to secure on an NFL team. To act like — one of — or the best — OT in football can be replaced by a journeyman — just because he has been here all offseason and we think our scouting and coaching of the line is good — is hyperbole about the scouting and coaching —
and underestimates the key thing — the player at LT is the biggest part of the equation.
September 6th, 2025 at 8:47 pm
I’ll believe it when I see it. I want to agree but fear this Heck stinks. Dont think the coaching is taking the stench off. Hope I’m wrong, but it’s why I’m praying they run the ball a ton. Looks like that big bugger can run block decently.
September 6th, 2025 at 8:49 pm
not sure anyone has stated this but Penix is left handed. They have a 3rd string tackle on his blind side.
September 7th, 2025 at 11:57 am
I know the.preseason is meaningless in the standings but I really don’t remember hearing Hecks name.called often or even once for a mistake he made. Heck is going to be fine , bank it. He may not be Wirfs but who is? Heck is as good as 80% of the other LTs in the league & hes our guy.