Tristan Wirfs Finally Being Used In Run Game
September 29th, 2024
Left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
For the longest time, too long, the Bucs seemed allergic to running behind Bucs stud left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Last year, for example, the Bucs ran behind left tackle less than any other run option behind offensive linemen, yet that is where the Bucs had the most success running the ball. Weird.
The same thing happened this year with a new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen. Why?
Joe remembers when Wirfs was a rookie, granted, at right tackle, then-Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians talked about running behind Wirfs. Arians had no problem trusting the rookie from Iowa.
Arians cracked a cat-ate-the-canary smile and remarked how well the offensive line gets a push when the Bucs ran right. Since Arians left, it is almost like an unwritten rule not to run behind one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
Weird.
That changed today, at least somewhat. The Bucs had key runs behind Wirfs, including a third-quarter touchdown run by Bucky Irving.
So maybe the Bucs are getting the hint. If your run game is struggling, why not run behind one of your best players who happens to be one of the better tackles in the game?
September 29th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
The biggest question is why haven’t the Bucs been doing this from the start.
September 29th, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Joe you know the answer to this! His ankles. He had a sprain last season and he’s been fighting another to be begin this year. He must be getting better
September 29th, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Both Bucky and White played well Pleased with thiss game overall look forward to rewatching it. Missed who/where the buck ran behind.
September 29th, 2024 at 5:13 pm
Did he really suffer an ankle sprain this offseason?
I’ve seen this mentioned in comments once or twice, but have never seen any confirmation anywhere.
September 29th, 2024 at 5:21 pm
White can’t run behind Wirfs. White can’t run behind a Pro Bowl Oline
VS a JV Dline..
September 29th, 2024 at 5:36 pm
R. White:
10 carries, 49 rushing yards, 4.9 ypc, 17 yards longest run, 2 rec, 35 rec yards
B. Irving:
10 carries, 49 rushing yards, 4.9 ypc, 1t yards longest run, 1 rec, 7 rec yards
September 29th, 2024 at 5:40 pm
I think the reason they don’t run a lot behind Wirfs has to do with how they use him in pass blocking.
Tristan Wirfs has by far the most 1 on 1 left alone on an island passblocking reps among NF tackles since entering the league.
I think they’re trying to make sure he has a long and healthy career but not using him too much. You can find a lot of other elite tackles whose body starts to break down on their second contract.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:52 pm
With his limited carries, Tucker looked good too. Three headed monster?