Bucs Need Wirfs To Step Up And Lead O-Line

Yes, the Bucs have some talent along the offensive line, but football is a game of emotion and momentum swings. And it looks like the Bucs don’t have enough energy and emotion in the trenches and that is killing any hope of creating momentum on offense.

Marpet was usually quiet and reserved, but had a “C” on his chest for a reason, serving as a multi-year team captain. Although he didn’t speak a whole lot, when Marpet spoke everyone listened. And when the Bucs needed a yard, they didn’t hesitate to run behind him.

Jensen has a fiery temperament to match his long, ginger hair. He’s a ruffian in the trenches and the biggest talker along the offensive line. He’s the player that made QB sneaks look easy in Tampa Bay – whether it was Jameis Winston or Tom Brady under center.

Jensen’s replacement, Robert Hainsey, is a smart technician. He doesn’t have the bark – or the bite – that a dawg like Jensen has as the anchor of the offensive line.

Luke Goedeke is a rookie, who has been more of a survivor than a thriver as a starter replacing Marpet. He’s had a really rough introduction to life in the NFL and is a ways away from just being a competent NFL left guard – much less a quality starter with any leadership abilities.

Donovan Smith is what you would expect from an NFL left tackle – he operates on an island. It’s not that Smith, an eight-year veteran, can’t lead or won’t lead. It’s just not in his nature to try to become the next Jensen for this offensive line.

Right guard Shaq Mason is a newcomer and is feeling his way through his first season in Tampa Bay and Byron Leftwich’s offense. It’s a lot to ask for a new addition to step in and fill a leadership void right away.

Wirfs Is Being Called On By Bucs To Lead

The most logical place to turn for leadership would be right tackle Tristan Wirfs. He’s easily the best and most talented offensive lineman in Tampa Bay, boasting Pro Bowl and All-Pro credentials. Wirfs is a mild-mannered lineman in his third year, but has been asked by the coaching staff to step up as a leader – now more than ever with Marpet gone and Jensen out of the lineup.

“I’ve been trying to a little bit – trying to lead within my personality,” Wirfs said. “I don’t want to change who I am to be that leader. I’m not Ryan, nobody’s Ryan. I just try and lead by example and lead by going out there with good attitude, good effort. I always tell guys that those are the two things we can control are attitude and effort. I had a coach tell me that a long time ago, I always just try and make sure I always bring that to the table and be a little bit more of a leader.