The Bucs’ offensive line is in a unique spot as they navigate unique waters. They are down offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is the anchor of the group, could be back any week now after avoiding the PUP list coming out of training camp.
However, his absence has made the Bucs have to shuffle some things around, including the positions of those on the line. On Sunday, less than an hour before kickoff, general manager Jason Lucht shared they would be moving center Graham Barton to tackle, guard Ben Bredeson to center, and practice squad guard Michael Jordan would become a starter.
Bowles shared and explained the situation, saying, “We’ll see what it is this week. I thought Graham [Barton], for the first time at tackle, played very well. I thought [Ben] Bredesen did a very good job at center, especially controlling where the blitzes go and the pickups and everything like that. Michael Jordan played well at guard, as well. So, they played tough and they battled. You know, for those guys moving around, playing their first game at different positions, I thought they did a good job. Going forward, we’ll see.”
In the mix of the shuffle, Barton played extremely well, given that it is a position he has not played in over a year. He was a starter at left tackle for three years at Duke, but making that switch in the NFL is not so easy. Whether or not the move sticks in Week 2 will be worth watching as we go through the week.
For what it is worth, the lineup worked well in Week 1; no reason to believe it won’t in Week 2.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs’ Todd Bowles happy with offensive line with last-minute shift in Week 1
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
