The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line was all the talk during the offseason. Several new faces and familiar faces in different places led to most experts thinking this unit would be one of the team’s weaknesses. Not so fast.
Since then, the Pewter Pirates’ front five has proven to not only NOT be a team weakness, but one of the better lines league wide.
Per Pro Football Focus, the Buccaneers’ offensive line is ranked as the 10th best unit in the league.
Here’s PFF’s analysis,
“The Buccaneers’ offensive line kept the Saints’ pass rush in check for most of the afternoon, allowing just five pressures on 39 dropbacks and ranking second in the league in pass-blocking efficiency for the week.”
This ranking may surprise some of you, and that’s fair. But look no further than the rise of tackle Luke Goedeke as a huge factor. Goedeke definitely struggled during his rookie campaign last season coming in as the 70th best lineman in the league. This year he’s all the way up to the 25th ranked spot. Huge improvement for the glass-eater. Tackle Tristan Wirfs ranking as 3rd best offensive tackle and best pass blocker overall definitely doesn’t hurt.
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