The Bucs have an attitude problem up front along the offensive line.

No, there is no bad apple spoiling this bunch in Tampa Bay.

All five starters – and the team’s reserves – are on the same page. But this unit must get better across the board – in run blocking, pass protection and converting third downs. Especially third-and-short situations. And fast before the season starts to slip away.

But what’s missing up front is some attitude – and leadership – along the offensive line. It’s not just the Pro Bowl play that the Bucs are missing in retired left guard Ali Marpet and injured center Ryan Jensen. It’s their ability to set the tone up front.

That tone can be the difference between picking up a critical yard on third-and-1 or having to punt and end a drive without points.

“The disappointing part is not being able to get one yard in this league with who we have from a personnel standpoint,” said offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs, C Robert Hainsey, LT Donovan Smith and QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

Yes, the Bucs have some talent along the offensive line, but football is a game of emotion and momentum swings. And it looks like the Bucs don’t have enough energy and emotion in the trenches and that is killing any hope of creating momentum on offense.

Marpet was usually quiet and reserved, but had a “C” on his chest for a reason, serving as a multi-year team captain. Although he didn’t speak a whole lot, when Marpet spoke everyone listened. And when the Bucs needed a yard, they didn’t hesitate to run behind him.

Jensen has a fiery temperament to match his long, ginger hair. He’s a ruffian in the trenches and the biggest talker along the offensive line. He’s the player that made QB sneaks look easy in Tampa Bay – whether it was Jameis Winston or Tom Brady under center.

Jensen’s replacement, Robert Hainsey, is a smart technician. He doesn’t have the bark – or the bite – that a dawg like Jensen has as the anchor of the offensive line.

Luke Goedeke is a rookie, who has been more of a survivor than a thriver as a starter replacing Marpet. He’s had a really rough introduction to life in the NFL and is a ways away from just being a competent NFL left guard – much less a quality starter with any leadership abilities.

Donovan Smith is what you would expect from an NFL left tackle – he operates on an island. It’s not that Smith, an eight-year veteran, can’t lead or won’t lead. It’s just not in his nature to try to become the next Jensen for this offensive line.

Right guard Shaq Mason is a newcomer and is feeling his way through his first season in Tampa Bay and Byron Leftwich’s offense. It’s a lot to ask for a new addition to step in and fill a leadership void right away.

Wirfs Is Being Called On By Bucs To Lead

The most logical place to turn for leadership would be right tackle Tristan Wirfs. He’s easily the best and most talented offensive lineman in Tampa Bay, boasting Pro Bowl and All-Pro credentials. Wirfs is a mild-mannered lineman in his third year, but has been asked by the coaching staff to step up as a leader – now more than ever with Marpet gone and Jensen out of the lineup.

“I’ve been trying to a little bit – trying to lead within my personality,” Wirfs said. “I don’t want to change who I am to be that leader. I’m not Ryan, nobody’s Ryan. I just try and lead by example and lead by going out there with good attitude, good effort. I always tell guys that those are the two things we can control are attitude and effort. I had a coach tell me that a long time ago, I always just try and make sure I always bring that to the table and be a little bit more of a leader.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Coaches have talked to me about that, but they’ve also said, ‘Stay within yourself, don’t change who I am to do that.’ If being a little bit more vocal is what it takes then I can do that. I think all of these guys know me, I’ll say something when it needs to be said, but I just try and go out there and do my job. I don’t want to say be the fire-starter because that’s not … I’ll say something when it needs to be said. I’m not all fiery like Ryan. That’s kind of been a big thing I think this season, me and Goody (assistant head coach Harold Goodwin) have talked, me and [offensive line coach Joe] Gilbert have talked.”

Wirfs comes across as one of the nicest guys in the world – even when he’s shutting down premier edge rushers with ease on a weekly basis. But tough times call for tough measures, and Wirfs could stand to toughen up and become more of a leader and more of a tone-setter up front.

The biggest hesitation Wirfs has had when it comes to embracing that role is his age. He’s just 23 years old after entering the league as a 21-year rookie in 2020 as Tampa Bay’s first-round pick.

“I’m just doing my best to – I don’t want to say bring guys along, it’s just doing my best to lead when I can,” Wirfs said. “It’s weird just thinking about it and talking about it and doing it because I’m still the youngest one on the offensive line. I thought for a while and I felt for a while that I couldn’t or it wasn’t my time yet. But Goody’s like ‘No, you gotta do it, it’s here now.’ I’m just doing my best to do that.”

The time is now for Wirfs to become the leader up front, to demand better play from the offensive line and to hold his linemates accountable. He has all the necessary credentials and the respect that comes with them, and this offensive line just looks like it lacks leadership right now.

Nick Leverett is taking over at left guard for Goedeke – at least for the Ravens game as the rookie is dealing with a foot injury. He’s a feisty player and a bit of a fire-starter in practice. If he can pry the starting job away from Goedeke with a good showing against Baltimore, perhaps he and between Wirfs can try to fill the energy void and leadership void left by Marpet and Jensen.

And perhaps with a little extra oomph, the Bucs offensive line can start to pick up a necessary yard in short yardage as a result.