Which Tampa Bay Buccaneers players would you want to see suiting up for the New Orleans Saints this week? It’s an interesting question and a great way to compare the two teams’ strengths and weaknesses; what, exactly, do the Bucs have to offer?
The simplest answer: better protection up front. Their offensive line has surpassed expectations to start the season and the Saints defense could have a tough time beating them at the line of scrimmage. Here’s where we see some room for improvement:
Tristian Wirfs would add a lot of talent to a Saints offensive line that is currently in need of improvement. He also provides the versatility the Saints like in their offensive linemen. Wirfs made the move over to right tackle from left tackle this season and has performed well at both. With Ryan Ramczyk’s health and Trevor Penning’s youth, New Orleans could use Wirfs at both positions. — Darrion Gray
Looking over the Buccaneers roster, I realized that there aren’t a ton of players that I’d take head-to-head against the Saints. They’re very talented across the defensive front, but the Saints’ front seven is fine right now. That’s when I remembered Antoine Winfield Jr. With the loss of Marcus Maye to suspension Jordan Howden growing, there’s room for another presence in the secondary. When Mathieu inevitably retires, sooner rather than later, Winfield is also a great option to look at for a replacement. He’s a jack of all trades safety that plays different roles and finds success all over the field. — Dylan Sanders
It feels from a week-to-week basis I continue to take the best offensive lineman on the opposing team, and for good reason. With the Saints OL still struggling through 3 weeks, give me Tristan wirfs. An absolute physical force on the field at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, with the technique to dominate the NFL landscape. At only 24 years old, his best years are likely ahead of him as well, which is promising for an older Saints roster. — Jeremy Trottier
It has to be offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs – the Saints came into the season with some questions abound regarding both the offensive line and the defensive line. I just hand general inconsistency has played a role over the years. The team has been up and down up front, and a young talent like Wirfs would help open up things offensively and perhaps slow down the revolving door that’s seemed to be an issue here. — Crissy Froyd
