Can’t Lose Him
July 12th, 2023
Invaluable.
So what player going down would be a lethal blow to the Bucs?
That’s a tough question. The Bucs have several to choose from. If Lavonte David goes down the Bucs suddenly become vulnerable to the run. “This Joe” doesn’t believe disgruntled Devin White is the Bucs’ best linebacker, provided he even suits up this year.
Of course, like most teams, if starting cornerbacks Carlton Davis or Jamel Dean miss significant playing time, look out.
And could the Bucs survive an injury to Mike Evans?
Well, Cody Benjamin of CBS believes the Bucs could stumble their way past losses to David, Davis, Dean or Evans. But if left tackle Tristan Wirfs goes down, all hell will break loose.
Mike Evans is a fair candidate, considering he’s the most reliable, consistent member of a WR corps lacking many answers beyond teammate Chris Godwin. But imagine Baker Mayfield under center if Wirfs, their best blocker, is knocked from the lineup.
Benjamin makes a compelling case. Outside of Wirfs the Bucs’ offensive line is nothing but question marks. Even Jensen himself is a question mark. How good can he be with his torn-up knee?
And even Wirfs is a question mark at left tackle.
So yeah, if the offensive line collapses, so too could Baker Mayfield and the Bucs as a whole and the next thing you know, NFL warden Roger Goodell is calling brittle Michael Penix’s name from a podium in Detroit next April as the Bucs’ next draft pick.
July 12th, 2023 at 5:02 am
Wirfs and Vita Vea.
July 12th, 2023 at 5:44 am
Not a question of if but WHEN Carlton Davis and/or Jamel Dean miss significant playing time. When was the last time either have played a full season? OH….and CATCH THE BALL!
July 12th, 2023 at 5:57 am
I’m sure you’ve written about him before Joe, but it took me awhile to figure out why you’re now pushing Michael Penix in the 2024 draft … he’s from Tampa. Interesting departure from the usual 6-footers (or less) that you usually glom onto (like Johnny Manziel & Baker Mayfield?). The 2024 QB class seems pretty deep though.
July 12th, 2023 at 6:53 am
Don’t know why some still think that Jensen will be back to his ole self. That injury and his old age will mean that he will limp thru half the season. He will likely retire after this season.
July 12th, 2023 at 7:10 am
If Wirfs goes down to injury you can pretty much count out a productive running game, at least to the left.
July 12th, 2023 at 7:56 am
Yeah, and if Brady retires, we’re in deep doo doo. This season is nothing but question marks. Rather than speculating on a worst-case scenario, why not just let things unfold naturally and enjoy the ride. We have no expectations this year, so if the team surprises us, great. If they sink like a rock, oh well bring on the 2024 draft. I’m really looking forward to watching this year unfold, exactly because it is so unpredictable.
July 12th, 2023 at 8:33 am
Let’s hope our best pass rusher jTS doesn’t get hurt
July 12th, 2023 at 11:48 am
Nope. Joe doesn’t care where players come from or where they went to school. Doesn’t mean a thing to Joe.
What Joe does care about is production. Michael Penix produces and turns around teams (that’s plural).
Sadly, he’s brittle.
July 12th, 2023 at 12:08 pm
^^^
Us commenters gave you the heads up on Penix Jr., we take it Joe doesn’t watch much college ball.
July 12th, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Oh?
Did you watch Penix play for Indiana and manhandle Penn State and lead the Hoosiers to a Gator Bowl?
Or did you watch Penix light up the PAC-12 and embarrass Texas in the Alamo Bowl?
Joe watches a whole lot of college football, from noon to 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Each and every week.
Folks who claim Joe doesn’t watch college football clearly don’t know Joe’s routine on Saturdays in the fall and clearly do not follow Joe on Twitter on Saturdays in the fall.
July 12th, 2023 at 1:08 pm
“Did you watch Penix play for Indiana and manhandle Penn State and lead the Hoosiers to a Gator Bowl?”
Penix didn’t play against Penn State in 2019 nor in the 2020 Gator Bowl, he got hurt against Northwestern late in the 2019 and he didn’t have 1 full season with the Hoosiers
Your twitter isn’t poppin Joe lol
July 12th, 2023 at 1:29 pm
We are paper thin at every position except Guard – pick a spot where we lose a starter and it’s a glaring hole
S-CB-T-TE-LB-WR-C-DT-DE – we have rookies and street free agents as primary back ups at all these positions
Think back to that Atlanta game at seasons end with all second teamers – they blew us out and they suck out loud
Oh and we already have no qb1 – we have a qb2 in Baker and a complete unknown in Kyle – clipboard holder in the other guy, basically Ryan Griffin
What happens when Baker goes down week 2 and Kyle looks like Stewart MClown?
It’s gonna be a long season
July 13th, 2023 at 3:46 am
i think we will struggle more if Mike Evans gets injured. the Oline have weaknesses even if Wirfs is around and Mayfield can still run but without Mike CG will be doubled. where to get 1000+ yards?
July 14th, 2023 at 5:40 am
Joe in Michigan Says:
July 12th, 2023 at 5:02 am
Wirfs and Vita Vea.
Ditto!
We have some depth issues just about everywhere though.
Go Bucs!