Are Bucs Engaging In A Risky Experiment With Tristan Wirfs?
July 19th, 2023
Transition.
So we are a week from Bucs training camp and this still keeps Joe tossing at night.
Joe just doesn’t like flipping stud right tackle Tristan Wirfs from right tackle to left tackle.
Yeah, Wirfs should be OK at left tackle. That’s the problem. We all should win the lottery. We all should come home from work and see Kate Upton in bed waiting for us. We should all have a world-class chef preparing aged steaks for us each night. We all should be healthy.
Wirfs was a world-class right tackle. The Bucs have no idea what he may be at left tackle.
It seems Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, like Joe, has an uneasy feeling about pulling one of the best players in the NFL as his position.
The team’s best offensive player, Tristan Wirfs, is likely switching to the left side, with 2022 second-round pick Luke Goedeke moving from guard to right tackle. It’s a risk, but Wirfs has been lights out since being the fourth tackle taken in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Effing with an elite player is an unneccary risk that almost smells of a panic move by a coach knowing he could be on his last legs unless something drastic happens.
Most good teams just go out and get a left tackle. It’s not like there were none available.
Wirfs was a great right tackle. Too many people throw that word around so it’s often diluted to mean good. No, Wirfs was great at right tackle in the true definition of the word. Hall of Fame-bound. Elite.
At left tackle, we hope he’s OK.
Damn, “should” and “hope” are such evil words.
July 19th, 2023 at 8:16 am
RE-LAX. I’m sure this move was planned for sometime. Look how fast Donovan Smith was jettisoned when the season ended. Wirf’s himself said he is getting comfortable with the move. He played LT in college, albiet only about three times. I think it is kinda like Baker Mayfield at QB..if it works out like planned, the Bucs will be set at LT for years. If not, go draft a natural LT in April. Now in the immortal words of Bobby Lewis, – no more “tossing and turning” Joe.
July 19th, 2023 at 8:16 am
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it . His position was the best. And if he has never played. LT before it sounds like you are inviting trouble. This sounds like a move because so many fans suggesting it also. Now those fans will get what they wanted. But I do know who is going to get blamed if the QB gets sacked from that side and it won’t be Wirfs.
July 19th, 2023 at 8:19 am
Wirfs Played several games in his time in college at LT and a few at guard. He has known about this move since January, woe is me…… {{{{(Splat!)}}}}
July 19th, 2023 at 8:22 am
At least on the left side he’ll see less of Cam Jordan..
July 19th, 2023 at 8:27 am
I am more worried about the potential for injury as set-up and movement will be different on the left side for him.
July 19th, 2023 at 8:55 am
My Momma agrees with Ian Beckles: Wirfs prior ankle injuries is disconcerting for his future, and making this move could impact his long term success wherever he plays. This could potentially ruin his career, and Kyler Traskfields.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:06 am
If this transition pays off. I think you will feel really silly Joe. At least the fanbase will remember you being a nervous wreck over a good move….
July 19th, 2023 at 9:10 am
Joe I love you, but this narrative is getting so old. You think he’s the first great lineman to ever change positions? He will still be one of the best linemen in the game, now at a more important position. In the immortal words of Arnold, “Chill out!”
July 19th, 2023 at 9:16 am
Joe is used to tossing ………
July 19th, 2023 at 9:18 am
Wirfs is a superior athlete and will do well at LT. Let’s at least let him get training camp under his belt before you predict doom.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:22 am
makes me nervous……but if any person can do it wirfs can!
July 19th, 2023 at 9:24 am
Ali played 3 separate positions and on both sides of the line. I think Tristan is of the same (greater) talent and skill than Marpet. He will be fine.
Goedeke is a guy I think is very way more comfortable on the right side and not everyone can flip sides seamlessly, but I got faith in Tristan big time to succeed there and I think it’s needed and in the best interest of the Team going forward. He can always play the right side if needed anyways. This is the time to experiment with essentially a brand new O-Line/position switches/etc.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:28 am
I was not in favor of switching Wirfs. I sure hope all works out, but it is much tougher on the left side.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:33 am
A little
He should get it sorted out after enough reps
July 19th, 2023 at 10:06 am
Coaches constantly harp on the benefits of cross-training a player for multiple positions. It helps the team.
I see no problem with the experiment of switching Wirfs to LT. After the 4th preseason game, if it fails, simply put Wirfs back at RT.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:13 am
I’m with you Joe. Keep him on the right side where he can continue his Hall of Fame trajectory. For those of you who think it’s “easy” it’s akin to asking a baseball pitcher to just learn how to throw with the opposite hand and all he needs is a few reps.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:18 am
Teams generally like to have a backup tackle who can play on both sides of the line. A swing tackle. But somehow the best athlete on our line is in danger of struggling. Hogwash, I say.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:24 am
Of course they are. It is Bowles.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:32 am
Many linemen switch sides. He has some college experience at left tackle. As someone noted, marpet played three different positions while here. Clay Matthews played all five spots on the offensive line. But collectively we keep freaking out about our most athletic offensive linemen making this move. If he stays healthy I see no reason why he won’t succeed. It seems like his floor would be to be an average LT. And likely he will be better than that.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:45 am
Because everybody knows if it doesn’t work out you’re not allowed to move him back to the right side. SMH
July 19th, 2023 at 10:53 am
There’s very little risk. He has every tool he needs to be an All-Pro LT. In the extremely unlikely event the move doesn’t go well, he moves back to RT. Given the budget constraints and the way their draft board played out, moving Wirfs to LT is our best option.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
July 19th, 2023 at 11:11 am
If Tom Brady was still a statue in the pocket (provided Hainsey didn’t end up in his lap), I could see some concern but, our boy Wirfs grew up, he is king of this offense, and it’s a different scheme than what Byron gave us. Tristan’s fine.
July 19th, 2023 at 11:13 am
No big deal if he’s dominant on left side that’s great news if not they can always move him back no harm no foul just something for some to cry about
July 19th, 2023 at 11:24 am
There is definitely a plan behind moving Wirfs to left tackle and in my opinion , I don’t believe it has much to do with improving the running game, if that were the case why not just leave him at right tackle and run there? No, it is the traditional position that protects the passer, which makes me wonder if our attack is going to be as run heavy as we have been led to believe, at best I think it will just be more balanced which is not a bad thing.
July 19th, 2023 at 12:32 pm
On Todd Bowels epitaph:
“HE MOVED WIRFS TO LEFT TACKLE”
July 19th, 2023 at 12:33 pm
Why does this move seem like a possible permanent mistake from Joe’s perspective?
If it doesn’t work just play an uno reverse card and move Wirfs back.
July 19th, 2023 at 3:28 pm
It’s a genius move and Joe is wrong on this one.
July 19th, 2023 at 6:39 pm
Aside from Center, the LT position is probably the most difficult and also important position on the line. Putting your best lineman in at LT (as long as he’s able to make the transition and nobody really doubts Wirfs’ ability to do that) seems like a smart move.
Wirfs being “all-world and H.O.F. bound” at RT isn’t nearly as important as putting the best team possible on the field. He’ll get his accolades and certainly a pay bump with this move. Priority number one is winning.
Should Canales call plays to make sure ME13 averages at least 59 yards per game to keep his 1000 yard streak alive? Or should he call the game to win the game?
Moving Wirfs isn’t a huge risk and certainly not something that can’t be undone if it doesn’t work.
July 19th, 2023 at 7:31 pm
Tristan is going to be a force at LT.
Why? Because he’s a dominant athlete with the drive to be the best. Zero concerns about Tristan Wirfs.
July 19th, 2023 at 7:38 pm
It would be a bigger risk to try to sign him at a “best RT” number when he obviously can be the best LT in he league.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:02 pm
Awful take
Wirfs will be one of the best LTs in the game for a long time.
He was always meant to play LT.
And everything is a risk. Stepping out my door in the morning is a risk. He just stated the obvious lol.
July 19th, 2023 at 11:44 pm
@ A Bucs Fan – That means Godekie is going to see Cam Jordan instead ! Wirfs did a great job with Jordan and whoever else he was going up against . I remember him shoving the guard for the AINTS so far that the guy fell on his azz , while blocking Jordan at the same time. Can’t replace that. I’m sure Brady didn’t want Wirfs to move from right to left tackle while he was under center for our Bucs.
July 19th, 2023 at 11:46 pm
But , I do believe he will be just as great at LT as he was RT. Only problem will be the Bucs will have to pay $ him an extra $10mil a year at LT. Go Bucs
July 20th, 2023 at 8:27 am
Don’t like it either Joe…at all. He was the only dependable lineman we had last season. We leave Jensen and Wirfs at their spots we have 2 guys we know can play. Now we have One if he is healthy.
I too question the reasoning for it. Because we went out and signed a FA in Fieler…A right tackle left guard? but we replace right tackle Wirfs with Goedeke? We have Guards coming out of our ears. None of whom we trust to play? Not even gonna talk about Mauch playing guard.
Left tackle money issue maybe? All the LT free agents were either High dollar, or not an upgrade over what we have. 2.5 mil for a guy who can play both makes sense in that respect.
At least we have no reason to question Wirfs’ work ethic so I trust he will do his best.
Go Bucs!
July 20th, 2023 at 9:39 am
Have some cheese with that whine good lord