Tristan Wirfs: Happy To Pass On Preseason Games
August 6th, 2022
Our beloved Bucs are just seven nights from taking the field again before a nearly sold out crowd at The Licht House.
Todd Bowles already announced Tom Brady won’t play in the Bucs’ lone home preseason game, along with many other starters. They’ll get their work against the Dolphins in controlled scrimmages on Wednesday and Thursday.
It’s a departure from last season, when Brady played a series against the Bengals in the preseason opener and promptly was sacked courtesy of Tristan Wirfs (video below).
It happens, but it doesn’t happen in scrimmages when no QB hitting is allowed, so maybe that’s why Brady won’t play.
Joe asked Tristan Wirfs if, as an accomplished veteran now, he’d embrace skipping preseason games. Wirfs said bring on the bench seat cushion!
“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind not playing in them. It’s a long regular season,” Wirfs said, noting the Bucs won the Super Bowl without preseason games and that 20-game season was a long grind.
“Last year we got our work against [in scrimmages], you know, earlier in the week and then some other guys played in the game and get their reps,” Wirfs added, saying it doesn’t matter to him if he plays in August or not.
Joe will note that for years the Rams haven’t played starters in preseason and it’s worked out well for them.
On the flipside, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh goes all out in preseason and is riding an NFL record 20-game preseason winning streak, one that’s won Joe a few bucks on the gambling circuit. Of course, Harbaugh is a borderline Hall of Fame coach who surely will pass Father Dungy and Marv Levy on the all-time wins list this season.
Joe is all for the bubble wrap approach when it comes to preseason, but Joe also is fine with players who feel they need half a game to get their bodies and minds right for Week 1.
"I just know we got to get back to work." A HUGE debut & a sack of Tom Brady won't stop @joseph_ossai from the goal. 😤@Geico | #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/986E6cCJMC
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 15, 2021
August 6th, 2022 at 6:55 pm
In preseason, Bubble Wrap is better, Ummkayy. For the starters (stars), at least.
August 6th, 2022 at 7:52 pm
Preseason should be for players on their rookie contract. Basically a 3 game XFL season. Just saying.
August 6th, 2022 at 8:32 pm
Matthew Stafford apparently has a bad elbow injury. I wish them the maximum adversity possible.
August 6th, 2022 at 8:42 pm
I for one, hate the way teams hose season ticket holders. You are required to buy the pre season tickets. I’m sure plenty sell them on secondary sites, but it’s still a rotten deal. Who the hell wants to go see third and fourth stringers, most of which won’t make the team. The dress rehearsal is always fun, but it lasts two, maybe three series. I agree with D-Rok, keep them all in bubble wrap. I’m done with the Gronk a day, but he hasn’t played a pre-season game in years.
August 6th, 2022 at 9:18 pm
The early exit last year should give us more time to rest. Winning a Super Bowl isn’t just getting a trophy, players get invites, endorsement, interviews, it all eats up time. While other players are already working out in the gym, champs are still partying. And for teams with older lineups like bucs, recovery is longer. This time Bucs should be fresh and hungry. We have youth and experience and we have been there. Our chances of winning another super Bowl is pretty good.
August 6th, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Being the hunted is different. Every team uses you as a measuring stick. I’m sure that came as a surprise to many players. Winning a title is hard enough, repeating is another story. There’s a reason it hasn’t been done in almost 20 years. Still, the Rams will be incredibly hard to beat. Of any team, I think they have the best chance for a repeat since the 2000 Rams, Brady’s first superbowl.
August 6th, 2022 at 11:42 pm
I love the joint practices. And will see good competition reps for any non-starters in the games.
August 6th, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Bubble wrap everyone that matters and start Trashk so his fanboys can get all googoo eyed when he’s staring down his primary and throwing pick sixes.
August 7th, 2022 at 12:04 am
Preseason is to evaluate 2nd-4th string. Some is to win a starting spot (like LG) but it’s rare. With the season at 17 games now… no reason for starters to play any more than one half of a game, if the feel it’s necessary.
August 7th, 2022 at 4:59 am
I’m with SOEbuc on this one; ‘I love the joint practices’ too. But contrary to most, I still think it’s important for starters to play for about 1 quarter in the 1st preseason game IF it’s against the opponent’s starters. And the same in the 2nd preseason game, but not in the 3rd.
Practices are scripted & I would think that you get to know your opponent’s ‘tendencies’ very well IF that opponent is your own team. Practicing against another team helps, but that’s still scripted by-and-large. Not so much in preseason games, and I think that it’s important to be able to work out ‘little kinks’ in things like communications, etc, then make sure you’ve corrected them (thus 2 games).
IF preseason games don’t benefit the starters in any way, then I see no need for them. Just do more joint practices to prep for the regular season.
August 7th, 2022 at 6:54 am
The starters didnt play in jax vs raiders game the other night so not sure what the big deal is
August 7th, 2022 at 7:29 am
I can see the value to teams for preseason… I don’t like the way they are used with season ticket holders….
The prices should be dropped significantly allowing families with children to attend.
I’m looking forward to seeing our kickers, returners, rookies & bubble players get some live action work.
August 7th, 2022 at 10:17 am
I bet he wouldn’t be nearly as happy to have to pass on the buffet table. But for the super athlete he is, have another plate man. Won’t hurt you a bit.