Ugly data on Bucs’ front line.
Man, the way the Bucs blocked at Seattle and against San Francisco in back-to-back weeks, Joe thought the offensive line had settled down.
Tristan Wirfs looked like Tristan Wirfs. Ben Bredeson and Graham Barton were back at their old positions, left guard and center, respectively, and it seemed the offensive line had settled down after a terrible rash of injuries.
Even Charlie Heck was playing solid ball at right tackle.
Then came Detroit. Eh, it happens. The Monday night hex continued. On the road against a strong defense. Sometimes, you’ve got to doff your cap to the other team. They get paid, too.
But New Orleans? The slimy Saints? Maybe the worst team in the league? And the Bucs got owned up front? WTH?
Well, maybe the Bucs haven’t had all that much solid play on the offensive line this year? That stands to reason with all the injuries.
NFL data scientist for BSPN Bet, Sam Hoppen, did a composite ranking of five separate offensive line categories through Week 8. His sources are nflfastR, which Joe is unfamiliar with, TruMedia, which Joe is very familiar with, and BSPN stats.
(Thankfully, Hodden didn’t ruin his credibility or research citing any offensive line data from the PFF tribe.)
The Bucs data Hodden has is ugly. Of the five categories, the Bucs are only in the top half of the league in one — barely. That’s stuffed run percentage, where the Bucs rank 15th.
In run block win-rate, the Bucs are damn near the worst (29th).
Joe really thought the line, specifically the left side, was playing so well in Seattle and at home against San Francisco. In Seattle, Wirfs was like a bowling ball, blowing up dudes on each level of the Seattle defense on Rachaad White runs.
What happened?
Key offensive line stats: pic.twitter.com/hLln4WqTAx
— Sam Hoppen (@SamHoppen) October 29, 2025