The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a reported competition for two places on the o-line: LG and Center. Both of them have been filled. And it is the players that Bucs’ fans should’ve expected. Despite my sarcasm, this is a good thing. It means the players the Bucs wanted to start ended up working out.
Everyone and their mother knew that Robert Hainsey’s days at center were numbered. Graham Barton was the man to replace him. While he played LT at Duke, he had always been projected to play center. That does come with some extra responsibilities, mainly snapping the ball but also calling out protections. For a rookie, this is a really big responsibility. And early on, there did seem to be some mild concern with his snapping ability. However, the pre-season proved he was a mean blocker and especially opened up holes in the run game.
The other position filled was of course LG with Ben Bredeson taking over. There was a competition between him and Sua Opeta, but with the latter tearing his ACL, it was Bredeson’s job to lose. Something he did not do. Bredeson has been solid and should be another upgrade over a pitiful interior o-line.
Via the team’s website,
“Yes, Barton will start at center. We knew he was tough. It’s just how fast he picked it up and the experience he’s been getting and the way he’s been finishing plays. His pass protection has picked up a lot.”
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