Buccaneers have 1 major strength that could fuel a Super Bowl run

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built one of the best offensive lines in the NFL across the past few seasons. 

It’s easy to forget just how dominant the unit is, thanks to an injury-riddled 2025 season in which the starting group didn’t play a single game together.

The way in which Tampa Bay’s offensive line was decimated by injuries last season is almost unheard of.

But they’re back healthy as the new season approaches, and it could be what catapults the Bucs back into contention in 2026.

A healthy Buccaneers’ offensive line is the key to success in 2026

The Bucs took a major step back offensively last season, and injuries across the O-line were a big reason.

Back in 2024, the Bucs ranked No. 3 in total offense with 399.5 yards per game. They ranked No. 3 in passing offense and No. 4 in rushing offense. The team’s 29.5 points per game scored ranked as the third-best in franchise history. 

Last season, the team regressed drastically, going from an elite unit to a middle-of-the-pack offense. Their scoring dropped by an entire touchdown per game, finishing at 22.4.

Many will point to the departure of offensive coordinator Liam Coen and the subsequent failure of his replacement, Josh Grizzard, for the offense’s decline, but the injuries to the offensive line quietly played a huge role. 

The team’s best player, All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, missed five games. Left guard Ben Bredeson and right tackle Luke Goedeke missed six games each. Right guard Cody Mauch suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2, missing almost the entire season.

Center Graham Barton was the only Bucs lineman to escape the season unscathed. The full starting offensive line didn’t play a single snap together in 2025, and having them return will change everything for Baker Mayfield and the offense. 

USAToday’s Jacob Camenker recently ranked every team’s offensive line ahead of the upcoming season, and he clearly didn’t let last year’s injury situation fool him. The Bucs finished at No. 5, earning recognition as one of the best units across the league. 

“Barton was the only Buccaneers offensive lineman to play more than 800 snaps last season. Wirfs, Goedeke and Mauch all missed time due to injury, so getting them back healthy could help Tampa Bay's offensive line establish itself as one of the league's best,” wrote Camenker.

This same group was one of the most dominant across the league by all metrics in 2024. We know what this offensive line is capable of, and the continuity and chemistry they’ve built together could help them soar even further.

It can’t be overstated just how crucial it is for the Bucs to have their best unit returning in 2026, and how productive Mayfield and this offense can be as a result.

Football is won in the trenches, and if the Bucs reach their lofty goals and go on a deep playoff run this season, the offensive line will be one of the biggest reasons why.

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