Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by: USA Today “I think all year they’ve done a tremendous job in pass protection,” Mayfield said this week. “I think the biggest improvement has been the run game – more reps, the new scheme, whether it’s mid-zone or some gap-scheme stuff, it’s just guys understanding what we’re trying to get accomplished. More reps always helps. It was new for a lot of guys. “[Robert] Hainsey starting at center. I know he did last year, but then Cody [Mauch] was a new guard, [Aaron] Stinnie and [Matt] Feiler switched at left guard, Tristan [Wirfs] made the switch to left tackle – there was a lot of moving parts, but they’ve been more and more comfortable and on the same page in the run game. That’s why you’ve seen the improvement.” Mayfield hits on a couple of great points here. It cannot be understated how valuable reps, especially in-game, have been to getting the run game going. While the weekly gameplans have been adjusted throughout the season to accommodate the versatility of running back Rachaad White, the offensive line has gotten comfortable with understanding the gaps to hit and how to create spacing. Earlier in the year, one issue that plagued the running game was hesitancy by White coinciding with the offensive line clogging lanes instead of clearing them. With all of the moving parts, struggles were sure to happen at times. But as the team has showcased, those are starting to be placed in the rearview mirror and the Bucs are growing ever-confident in things coming together across the board. The Bucs’ O-Line Is Still Coming Along, Focused On “Fun” Saints Game When asked about if the offensive line is starting to show continuity with more time to gel, Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales praised the group for its efforts and the coaches who have helped throughout the season. 
Bucs RG Cody Mauch and C Robert Hainsey – Photo by: USA Today “Absolutely,” Canales said. “Again, it’s a great opportunity to talk about ‘Goody’ (Harold Goodwin) and Joe [Gilbert] and the job they’ve done with those guys. Luke [Goedeke] going over to another spot which he played before in the past, Tristan [Wirfs] flipping on the other side. There’s a lot of different analogies you can think of – trying to use your left hand to brush your teeth, for example. “It’s a really cool thing to see them come together, to see Cody [Mauch] develop, to see [Robert] Hainsey really get a full season of work to see all the things he needed to see. [Aaron] Stinnie of course had some playing time in the past, but that chemistry has been huge. I’ve just seen them stick to the fundamentals and focus on the basics of their play. That’s what’s really come along for us.” Not only has the group stuck to the basics, they have also stuck to their roots. They have let their energy and toughness flow effortlessly on the playing field, and that has only added to how they are beginning to be perceived. This is not a group to mess with. Instead, it’s a group that gets under opposing defensive linemen’s skin. #Bucs RT Luke Goedeke tries to get under the skin of opposing defensive linemen on the field. Goedeke added that “it’s fun” and “adds to the experience” out there. pic.twitter.com/FIEHgclIDk — PewterReport 
(@PewterReport) December 28, 2023 
Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: USA Today With a NFC South division title on the line this Sunday, Tampa Bay’s offensive line will need to contain the likes of Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson, among others. In particular, I’m curious to see how Jordan’s trash talk holds up against Goedeke. The veteran defensive end has not been afraid to diss the Bucs and the rivalries within the division in the past. There is another offensive lineman that is just as excited for the next matchup – and test – the group faces along its journey. “We know it’s a big game, Tristan Wirfs said. “Big game for a couple of reasons – we can clinch, it’s the next one, [and] it’s the [New Orleans] Saints. Whatever it may be, whatever you want to make it, we know it’s a big game. “It’s an important one, but at the same time, I’ve said it for weeks, there is nothing we can do to change it, but go out there and play our best. So, that’s what everyone is trying to do, focus in, definitely take care of our bodies this week, like I said, it’s going to be physical, and yeah, it’s going to be fun.” The post Bucs O-Line Looks Comfortable And Is Playing With Confidence appeared first on Pewter Report. Source: https://www.pewterreport.com/bucs-o-lin ... confident/
