Through four games, Tristan Wirfs has proven he’s capable of playing among some of the leagues best on defense.
As the Buccaneers set off to the windy city for a Thursday Night Showdown at Soldier Field against the Bears, remember this. They have a 21-year-old right tackle who is shutting down Pro Bowlers through his first four weeks. Nothing newsworthy.
On a more serious note, hats off to Bruce Arians and Jason Licht for, perhaps, nailing back to back drafts since coming together as a staff. Rookies Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr. are playing near the top of their respective positions right now. In the entire NFL. But, more about the former for now.
What Kept Wirfs Out Of The Top 10?
The main setback for Wirfs coming out of Iowa was his size and hand placement. Once playing at 285lbs, detractors would say he couldn’t handle elite NFL strength. Tristan has since proved that his natural athletic ability allows him to handle the “bendiest” of edge rushers. This, something his counterpart on Tom Brady’s blindside has failed to do for a lot of his career. As far as hand placement, coaches would say Wirfs’ set was too low off the snap. He has eradicated that problem since joining the Buccaneers and it’s paying off in a big way.
A Dominant First Quarter
For my day trading gurus out there, we have a saying. “Never sell or short near quarterly reports”. Through Tristan Wirfs’ first quarterly report of his career, early indicators are suggesting massive ROI in his first year and all 32 NFL analysts should have a huge consensus “Buy” on the Iowa product. “Buy” as in buying the hype. I bought in for the next 10 years after watching Wirfs put All Pro, Joey Bosa, in dirt play after play. Great stuff.
1st Rd draft pick Tristan Wirfs is the real deal folks! @Bucs__Report pic.twitter.com/CpYSls4spz
— Blake Anthony (@BlakeAnthony49) October 6, 2020
Through his first five games, and with virtually no offseason and a canceled preseason, Wirfs has been thrown the gauntlet right out the gate. The Saints in New Orleans. Vic Fangio’s Broncos in Denver. Joey Bosa and the LA Charger’s top 10 defense. And will now head to Chicago to face Matt Nagy’s 3-1 Bears in two days. Whatever happens, my money is on #78 to get the job done.
