Buccaneers vs. Saints: 3 rookies that can step up big time
By Rob Leeds
Tristan Wirfs
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs makes a strong case as the most important Buccaneer on the field this week. Tom Brady is important to commanding the offense through one of the season’s most stringent tests, but he can’t do that if he isn’t protected.
The Buccaneers drafted Wirfs to help turn their offensive line woes around. The Bucs’ offensive line wasn’t stellar in 2019, and Wirfs was seen as a way to bring an improvement to the line immediately and long term.
Wirfs was already going to be under the microscope during this matchup, but this is compounded exponentially since he is lining up across from one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL. Cameron Jordan is a force to be reckoned with, and “trial by fire” doesn’t do the situation justice.
If the rookie offensive lineman can step up to the plate during the biggest moment of his young career, the Buccaneer offense will be able to post monster numbers against the Saints. If Wirfs struggles in his first start, the Bucs will also struggle heavily.
First-round picks are usually able to answer the call early on, mainly because the Bucs have been able to draft well, but Wirfs will still have his hands full. No single player ever decides a game alone, but Tristan Wirfs will have a massive impact either way.