Graham Barton Draws Leadership Praise; Luke Goedeke Gets Focus Acknowledgement
November 4th, 2026
Joe’s already shared how center Graham Barton got sick within 24 hours of Sunday’s Bucs-Falcons game and was loaded up on meds and IVs and was monitored through the game.
But he deserves applause for more than that, according to one important man at One Buc Palace.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles says Barton has been instrumental in the running game’s historic surge. He also noted right tackle Luke Goedeke was razor sharp after missing a game with a calf issue and coming back to play Sunday at the 11th hour.
“The leadership [Barton’s] been showing as far as getting us in the right play and lining people up and getting people on the right blocks and Luke coming off injury, really just having a full practice on Friday and then coming in the game and not blowing in assignment and playing very physical, says a lot about those guys,” Bowles told his Buccaneers Radio Network show.
Joe is intrigued to see if Barton looks improved in the passing game when the Bucs resume pass blocking Sunday night against the Bears. Barton is sure to see plenty of face time with All-Pro manbeast Jeffrey Simmons. (Sorry, the non-stop run parade is about to end.)
If Barton finishes this season strong, Joe will be very impressed. That would mean the Bucs have a 24-year-old, durable, veteran, upper-tier center.
November 4th, 2026 at 10:28 am
“That would mean the Bucs have a 24-year-old, durable, veteran, upper-tier center.”
One a rookie deal at that.
Graham keeps it up he’s going to get that 5th year option next May and I’d love to hear him working out with AQ at some point next offseason.
November 4th, 2026 at 10:29 am
These are the type of matchups that help our young players grow. Hope Barton and Wirfs push Simmons around as a “welcome to the NFC”
We have the right ingredients to wear out this Bears team.
November 4th, 2026 at 10:49 am
Let’s see how Bowles does.
This game is a referendum on his coaching abilities.
Must win game
Against an excellent coach
On National TV, before the bye.
Coming out flat or unprepared is no bueno.
November 4th, 2026 at 10:56 am
You know the Bears are going to game plan to defend the Buc’s running game. A good O-coordinator should have an effective passing scheme developed for when they load the box. So, this game will tell us a lot about Robinson. RPOs, slants, screens, and the occasional long ball for 1-on-1 matchups should should all be dialed up and ready to go. We’ll see!
November 4th, 2026 at 11:25 am
JMark
I respect your skepticism Todd has certainly earned it!
I’m just curious if the team comes out against Chicago fired up, and wins on Sunday night on the road against a top tier team, do you suppose some of the calls for Todd’s head dissapate a bit during the bye?
IE Is Todd already in a no win situation with the fans?
November 4th, 2026 at 11:54 am
SPBF
Hard to say. I know if he loses, the roars will get loud. I assume if he wins, it’s still wait and see, given his proclivity to lead epic collapses.
November 4th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
I wish him the best
But he is only an average NFL center and below average in pass protection.
Sunday was meaningless for drawing any conclusions.
It was a win and that is all