How To Help A Rookie OT
May 27th, 2020
Breaking in Tristian Wirfs.
It’s hard to believe, but Bucs left guard Ali Marpet is a grizzled NFL veteran now entering his sixth season as a starter.
Two seasons ago, he helped a rookie guard break-in at his old spot, right guard. That was returning starter Alex Cappa. With the Bucs drafting Tristan Wirfs in the first round last month, Marpet might be helping another young teammate learn the NFL ropes. Wirfs is slotted to start at right tackle but also can play guard,
Marpet, in a Zoom conference chat today with Joe and the local pen and mic club, was asked how he plans to help Wirfs in this weird offseason without OTAs and a minicamp.
Marpet said that before he or anyone else can help Wirfs reach his goal to ball out at right tackle, they first have to get to know him and find out where he needs help. So far, Marpet has only chatted with the rookie virtually or perhaps texted/called him.
“I think what success looks for [in] a rookie in the NFL depends on what he needs,” Marpet said. “I don’t know him that well personally yet. But what will be needed for him to succeed might be different than for Cappa.
“So, that depends on who you are dealing with. We will figure that out when he gets here. [Coaches] will get the best out of him as well.
“We will do everything we can to help him along. But as of right now, I don’t know what it is going to be, specifically.”
Offensive line coaches will get Wirfs up to speed, said a confident Marpet. But he also mentioned he will be happy to help Wirfs any way he can.
Marpet is well aware that the quicker Wirfs adapts, the better he can help protect park-violating, home-invading Tom Brady.
And in turn, that will help out the entire team.
May 27th, 2020 at 4:21 pm
But when will the players get to workout together? The Rays are already allowed workouts (to some degree) in the Trop. Why is the NFL dragging their feet on this?
May 27th, 2020 at 4:52 pm
Many reasons but most important is NFLPA-owners have to come to an agreement.
May 27th, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Don’s BFF’s Goodell and billionaire owners can’t agree to out door practicing at team facility??? A certain amount of players at least. It was ok by NFL to practice at a high school.
May 27th, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Two completely different animals. Casual Observer seems to be suggesting the Bucs open up their facilities and start workouts (like the Rays did unlocking the gates to the Fruitdome). So far NFL facilities are closed. Two or three are starting to open, but only with 50 percent staff and no players.
Brady working out with teammates at a high school was on their own time away from the (closed) team facilities. And yes, that was fine.
May 27th, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Joe off topic, I read that the buccaneers could be interested in trading for Jamal Adams, even if the desire is there would it be financially viable? I know we was real low on cap especially bringing in Gronk. I mean hell Adams would/could be the final player to propel us to A NFC champ and increase our possibility of a SB run. Plus he could be Hella valuable to help the rookies and second year players while giving the secondary that elite not in my house attitude that would help instill confidence and drive for the young players.
May 27th, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Marpet is going to be a prized O=line coach one day. Very intelligent and a great communicator. Wirfs could have no one better in his corner and at his back.
May 27th, 2020 at 6:30 pm
The problem with the NFL is that they want all teams to be on an equal footing…..and while that’s a great aspiration, it simply isn’t possible with some state’s restrictions…..
So….I suspect they will find a way to subsidize teams that are forced to practice away from their home state.
They’ll find a way…..way too much money on the line.
May 27th, 2020 at 7:04 pm
I just don’t know how the line is gone to get fired up to block for a park-violating, home-invading QB after have America’s QB for so long.
May 27th, 2020 at 8:21 pm
He needs helping out……but not helping out of the pool, obviously…
May 27th, 2020 at 8:42 pm
Bucsfan77 Says:
May 27th, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Joe off topic, I read that the buccaneers could be interested in trading for Jamal Adams, even if the desire is there would it be financially viable?
Where did you read this? Because I am a huge Jamal Adams fan. I think he is a top 20 defensive player in the league.
However, like you said we do not have the money – so cannot see it happening.
May 27th, 2020 at 8:48 pm
I wonder how much Jason Peters wants…Yes, he is old, but still good. Have an open competition for the RT and RG spots, with either Cappa or Peters providing depth.
May 27th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Good thing we picked up Joe Haeg this offseason. If Wirfs isn’t ready and able to protect TB12 then he may get a couple starts to begin the season
May 27th, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Wirfs is sooooo much more talented than Marpet it is incredible!
That said I LOVE Marpet!
Wirfs is gonna be a BEAST!!!!!!
May 27th, 2020 at 11:55 pm
@ Casual
Big difference between a baseball practice and a football practice. Baseball players don’t huddle every play nor line up inches away from each other. If just one Buc gets the ‘Rona and goes out and practices … no bueno!
May 27th, 2020 at 11:57 pm
Not to say practices can’t be tailored around limiting cintact, but that doesn’t help linemen like Wirfs develop much.
May 28th, 2020 at 12:02 am
Brady – pending injury, is maybe a 2yr rental QB, to win now in alignment w BA’s tenure and save JL job. And hallelujah that JL realized the O-Line needed help “to protect a QB” Brilliant observation, JL….as you drafted 10+ DB’s while JW was under constant attack during his 5 years.
IF Bucs win SB in 2020 or 2021 > Awesome QB rental strategy. No matter short-term results, Wirf is amazing, and will pay dividends to our future rookie QB’s success. STUD!
May 28th, 2020 at 1:11 am
I think Wirfs is going to be a stud day 1
May 28th, 2020 at 6:18 am
Wirfs was one of the most ready RT in the draft. He has a lot of natural ability, speed and strength to recover from many rookie mistakes. If any rookie offensive lineman has a chance to flourish in his first year, it will be Wirfs. I see him making the all rookie team.
May 28th, 2020 at 9:40 am
Confused – I appreciate your point. But I wasn’t thinking about practices. Just some workouts – as the Rays are doing. Distance rules can be managed and the players could get acquainted. Just a thought.
May 28th, 2020 at 10:10 am
Smart answer; doesn’t give a canned sound bite but an honest answer. I like it.
May 28th, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Big difference between where Wirfs is coming from, and where Cappa came from. Wirfs has been playing RT at a high level against good players for three years. Not only did Cappa play against nobody, he had to learn to play guard. Plus there’s no comparing the talent between the two. Wirfs will start day one, and our whole line will be better for it.