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Ex-Buc Marvels At Graham Barton Accomplishment

September 11th, 2025

Cameron Brate.

Joe thinks what Graham Barton pulled off Sunday has been criminally underrated, as has been the next-level offensive line crafting by Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht.

How many starting centers can kick out to left tackle and play well in a starting role on short notice? Joe wishes Team Glazer or Licht would order a staff member at One Buc Palace to do the research.

When has that ever happened?

Offensive line depth was a question mark entering this Bucs season. It seemed weaker than it was last year. Todd Bowles himself even said the team doesn’t have a backup center.

Well, it turns out the Bucs’ guard depth was strong with veteran Michael Jordan signed in July, straight from the zoo. He started Sunday at left guard as Ben Bredeson was stout at center after relocating at left guard. Anyone see a bad snap? Joe sure didn’t.

That’s not just depth on display, it’s versatility. And now three guys have invaluable experience at different positions.

Things will get back to normal when Tristan Wirfs returns later this month or in October, but Joe does not discount what was seen Sunday and its implications.

Former Bucs tight end Cameron Brate sounded in awe.

“Really credit to those guys, Brate said. “Michael Jordan, right, signed him off a tryout at the beginning of training camp and he’s starting left guard Week 1 and he did a great job. And then Graham like, probably the only center in the league that can bump out to left tackle, pretty incredible. So, just considering all that being Week 1 on the road, new [offensive coordinator], I thought it was pretty good by the offense.”

Brate’s take came on the Buccaneers Radio Network. (Joe listened on the SiriusXM app)

Joe’s glad Brate acknolwedged the uniqueness of Barton’s performance, one Joe hopes he can repeat on Monday night against savage Texans edge rushers.