Graham Barton: Better Player Than Before
September 3rd, 2024
Better player already.
Bucs rookie center Graham Barton has been a part of the organization for a little more than four months. Yesterday, the first-round draft pick said he’s a much better player than the guy who walked through the front door of One Buc Palace.
“Definitely come a long way just, you know, getting in there at center and competing, building chemistry with the guys, improving on communication,” Barton said. “Obviously, a lot of reps between since [training camp started] and now, so I feel good, feel ready to go. Just looking forward to diving more into this game plan and getting ready for Washington.”
Joe wouldn’t be surprised if Barton is on a learning curve. He’s talented, no doubt and very smart. However, there is a reason NFL coaches refer to the regular season as when “the real bullets are firing.” Defenses are so basic during worthless preseason games and they show little.
Joe has a strong belief that Washington will throw surprises at Barton a few times come Sunday. Being able to handle those surprises will be key for the Duke product.
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September 3rd, 2024 at 3:16 am
Great coaching will have Barton well prepared.
September 3rd, 2024 at 3:23 am
For once I agree with your take on Preseason Joe. Althoough I would never use the term worthless to describe it. However, Vanilla defense and offense is accurate. Also hard to guage a players true ablities when they are going against guys who won’t be in the league in a few weeks.
Excited to see what we truly have in Barton and others. LFG!
Go Bucs!
September 3rd, 2024 at 4:55 am
Surprise attack…we got our man Jason….good job brother
September 3rd, 2024 at 6:36 am
“Being able to handle those surprises will be key for the Duke product.”
Agree and I would add that IMHO this places as much pressure on Coen and his OL coaches as Barton.
Barton is a very smart, highly motivated player. The coaches need to do their best to prep Barton in advance for the oxymoronic expected surprises.
September 3rd, 2024 at 7:17 am
“…worthless preseason games” Not taking the bait Joe! Oh wait. I just did!
September 3rd, 2024 at 9:07 am
I just know that I’ll be happy to see real football again. Well, except for the weird kickoffs.
September 3rd, 2024 at 9:20 am
Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are probably licking their chops in anticipation of facing a rookie center. A good challenge!
September 3rd, 2024 at 9:51 am
I’m with Larrd, Allen and Payne are first rnd picks from ‘Bama and Dan Quinn will sic them on Barton. Lots of twists and inside games to test our IOL. Last year the Washington defense was bad, but Quinn will turn them around using their very good ILB’s Wagner and Luvu.
September 3rd, 2024 at 10:20 am
Do both Joe’s consider the preseason worthless? How about Ira?
September 3rd, 2024 at 10:32 am
Preseason gives the rooks and free agents a good taste of what the regular season will be like playing for their teams. They need that cos they will get thrown to the lions when regular season cranks up. Barton knows what he’s up against. He also knows he’s got great support from his fellows on the Line, the skill players (RBs, WRs, and TEs), and the coaches. Gonna be fun Sunday. Hey joes, I like Commandos better than Commanders. LOL.
September 3rd, 2024 at 10:34 am
Having A Great Head/Defensive Coach Helps. Barton Brings Talent, Attitude, and A WILL to BATTLE.
September 3rd, 2024 at 10:52 am
I wonder if Quinn had his pass rushers rushing the passer in training camp. It’s a way better idea to draft a rookie to be a pass rusher and then not let him practice pass rushing against NFL competition. Drop him in coverage all the time, for well rounded mess and to confuse the quarterback. Genius like this gets you the 4th worst pass defense in the league.
But not this year!
#TightCoverageTodd
September 3rd, 2024 at 12:31 pm
I suspect he’s athletic enough with excellent footwork his curve will be shorter than most.
September 3rd, 2024 at 1:42 pm
The SEC has great players but…
For those two LB’s from Bama it’s going to be like having to play against the best offensive lineman from each of the top 5 teams in the SEC all at once. Oh yeah, and they changed the rules too.
Rookies are a liability until they’re not.
That goes for their rookie QB too!
September 3rd, 2024 at 6:16 pm
@Joe
Guns are firing, bullets are flying
September 5th, 2024 at 4:00 am
Here’s the thing though.
Having played O line for a few years there were times when teams threw some wrinkle at us but by the middle of the first quarter you had seen all they had and adjusted. Sometimes with little or no need of a coach telling you anything. Barton will be fine.
Go Bucs!