Unleashed.

A couple of weeks ago someone on the Bucs’ offensive staff had an epiphany.

Since the end of last season, Joe has been banging how the Bucs don’t run behind their best offensive lineman, Tristan Wirfs. Or they didn’t run behind him nearly enough.

Last year the Bucs had the most success running the ball behind Wirfs in terms of yards per carry. Yet incredibly, the Bucs ran behind Wirfs the fewest amount of times. Madness!

In a win over the Eagles, the Bucs had a key run where they ran behind Wirfs. Imagine that.

Joe asked Wirfs why that was. He replied that he had never thought about it and said he was sure it was only because of gameplans.

Well, noted NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell did a video breakdown of the Bucs’ run game for NFL Matchup. Cosell has noticed the Bucs are running better the past two weeks (except when they need a first down on the final drive of a game they choke away).

Cosell loves the way offensive coordinator Liam Coen is scheming runs. But the kicker here is the run plays Cosell highlighted in this video presentation are running behind Wirfs.

Coincidence? Hell, no!

Finally, someone at One Buc Palace thought, “Gee, maybe it might be smart if we run behind our best offensive lineman.” Rocket science!

In both plays Cosell highlights, Wirfs pulls and fully takes out a defender. A monster of a man like Wirfs with a full head of steam, Joe sure wouldn’t want to tangle with him.

Having a linebacker try to man up on Wirfs just ain’t fair.

Enjoy the breakdown from Cosell.

#GoBucs vs. #Saints ! Tampa Bay has been rushing the ball efficiently over the last 2 weeks. @GregCosell goes into the blocking assignments and creativity that has led to their recent success.@DariusJButler | @GregCosell pic.twitter.com/pKiYchR8DQ

— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) October 11, 2024