The Rematch
November 7th, 2020
Before Bucs right tackle Tristan Wirfs was drafted, some analysts claimed he was a little soft, a little too “nice guy” on the field.
You know, too Gerald McCoy — great at his job but not manly enough to be a feared warrior because he’s too gentlemanly.
Of course, this is silly talk for those who’ve watched football for decades. Many great players have shown they can play through the whistle without a need to publicly display hate for their opponents and dance on the wire of a penalty flag.
That critique of Wirfs has all but disappeared; he’s been stellar through eight games with few hiccups.
However, one of those hiccups (and Joe’s seriously nitpicking) came on opening day. He was strong against Saints DE Cameron Jordan and the Saints, but not great, a very nice outing for a rookie in Week 1 and Bucco Bruce Arians praised him for making only seven mistakes.
Joe’s very interested to watch the Jordan-Wirfs rematch on Sunday night. This time around there’s film on Wirfs, and Jordan is known for being a trash talker, in addition to his All-Pro status.
Joe would love to see Wirfs be up for the challenge and the extreme pressure with his all-business style. Joe firmly believes a shutdown game from Wirfs on national television could put him firmly on a Pro Bowl path with voting opening soon.
November 7th, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Agree completely. Pro Bowl aspirations will get featured in this contest which is why I was sad Ali can’t answer the bell but at least Wirfs will get his props.
Our duo of great LB’s will continue growing their rep as well.
November 7th, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Wirfs job is to keep Brady upright. Last 7 games A+
November 7th, 2020 at 3:47 pm
For sure, the Bucs are not even close to the same team that went to NO on opening day.
But are the Saints?
November 7th, 2020 at 3:48 pm
As I recall some nobody beat D Smith a couple times in that game. The saints ran Hayward at the rookie and who wouldn’t, but I think they may prefer to put Hayward on D Smith’s side more this time round.
November 7th, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Snoop Dog
Long Beach, California
I get it. You hated him 4 years ago and you hate him now. I’ve seen a lot of hate thrown his way, but this guy is a consistent winner and an overachiever. Call it jealousy, call it envy, some people just can’t handle how successful he is and how much money he has, could even be jealous that he’s got a hot foreign model as a wife. That’s what people who support him love about him. Yes there have been some scandals, yes there have been some lies and maybe a few times he’s twisted the truth to make himself look better. He’s out there everyday proving those haters wrong time after time. You may not have wanted him in this role but he’s there now and there is nothing you or I can do about it. I know it’s possibly going to get worse over the next several days, but like him or not, Tom Brady is turning things around in Tampa Bay.
November 7th, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Hendriskson gave D Smith a problem the first game. I think Wirfs will be ok. My biggest concern is the communication with Ali out of the game.
November 7th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
yeah, if he keeps up his play in the second half of the season, at least give him pro bowl honors…
since he will get totally shafted in OROTY voting
November 7th, 2020 at 4:25 pm
I remember that one year when McCoy put the team on his back with his amazing get off and leadership and then led us to last place, wait I meant every year. I wish the Bucs media would stop glorifying an ok player because he was nice to them in interviews.
November 7th, 2020 at 4:48 pm
Jordan will switch sides depending on the matchup, he did that in week 1 during the first half. I would expect the same, especially if Marpet is out, to pressure Smith and Haeg.
I think the Bucs adjustment (which I’m not overly fond of) to 4 receiver sets will help. The defense has to tip their hand when spread wide. That should help regardless of what side Jordan is on – he just has to get the ball out quick.
Look for a lot of Scotty Miller and Antonio Brown
November 7th, 2020 at 4:58 pm
The Saints may put Jordan over Haig, now that Marpet is out.
November 7th, 2020 at 5:36 pm
@Chris: Jordan plays outside.
November 7th, 2020 at 6:12 pm
@Cobraboy. They ALL play outside. There’s no dome on the stadium. Sorry about that. I’m in a particularly good mood tonight, and I just couldn’t resist.
November 7th, 2020 at 8:58 pm
The last time i heard Gerald McCoy’s name, he was with Carolina and got baited into an AWFUL unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Bucs which extended a drive that resulted in the game winning TD….. crickets ever since.
I think we made McCoy more than what he actually was. Kind of like Evan Longoria.
November 7th, 2020 at 10:01 pm
They will prob line Jordan up on smith.