Graham Barton Flipping Positions: “Night-And-Day Difference”
September 15th, 2025
Second game at left tackle.
Yes, of course, Joe knows playing center and playing tackle are two different things.
So last week when Joe talked to Graham Barton and Barton talked about having a crash course. The Bucs’ starting center was pressed into playing left tackle last week for All-Pro Tristan Wirfs while he rehabs from knee surgery.
Sure, Barton played left tackle at Duke two years ago. But even as he told Joe, “There’s a difference between the ACC and the NFL, especially when you are facing Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson.”
And that is what Barton is staring at tonight. He’ll face a serious competitor.
Joe asked Barton to describe some differences between playing center and left tackle.
“It’s a night-and-day difference,” Barton said. “I’d argue it’s almost a different game.
“You’re playing completely different [type of] bodies, longer, faster, twitchier. You’re setting in different paths, you are protecting a different space.
“It’s just a different game. You see different things. You go from this four-by-four box, really a confined box, [to] playing out on an island.”
And to counter taller, quicker guys, Barton must use more speed than he would at center, when he may get by with brute strength and leverage.
If Barton is able to hold his own tonight against Danielle Hunter, who will likely be lined up on the right side of the Houston defense, that would suggest what a premier athlete Barton is — excelling at two very different positions on the offensive line.
September 15th, 2025 at 3:51 pm
Fingers crossed. He did ok last week. Hopefully he’ll only get better each week. But last week, he wasn’t up against the talent he’ll be facing tonight. We’re rooting for you Graham!
September 15th, 2025 at 3:55 pm
Wish they would have just found another backup tackle then having our center play tackle and guard play center
September 15th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
So far so good. I trust the oline coaches. They see the potential and know how to get them in the right position to do their best.
Let’s keep the ship upright until the starters are ready to come back.
1-0
LFG!!!
September 15th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
One more week, Wirfs will be back for the home opener. Barton is up for the task.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:12 pm
Barton got his feet wet last week and did well. He will be even better tonight.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Tell him to say Danielle is a girl’s name. Im sure that will get under his skin. He’s probably heard it before… he’s a heckuva athlete. I hope Barton can stop him.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:50 pm
I have total confidence in Barton. He did well last week and will be even better tonight. He’s a solid player.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:57 pm
Barton has already proven his talent and draft choice last season. He’s smart and tough. He’ll be ready.
September 15th, 2025 at 4:59 pm
Is Charlie Heck just sitting on the bench then? The backup for the backup?
September 15th, 2025 at 5:04 pm
Barton is a straight stud if he pull this off.