The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the NFL's best offensive lines at protecting the quarterback, but their struggles in the running game continue to hold the unit back. Despite allowing the lowest pressure rate in football, Tampa Bay dropped two spots in Pro Football Focus' latest offensive line rankings, falling from seventh to ninth entering Week 6. According to PFF, all five starting offensive linemen have earned pass-blocking grades above 60.0, with Ben Bredeson the only starter below 70.0. Tampa Bay has allowed pressure on just 18.4% of its pass-blocking snaps, the lowest rate in the NFL. However, only two starters have earned run blocking grades above 60.0, exposing a significant weakness that has been overshadowed by the unit's success
in pass protection.
Even Tristan Wirfs, arguably the best player on Tampa Bay's offensive line, hasn't been immune to those struggles. Wirfs currently leads all offensive tackles with an 88.6 pass-blocking grade but ranks 58th at his position with a 52.3 run-blocking grade. His ability to protect the quarterback remains elite, with an active streak of 90 consecutive snaps without allowing a pressure, but his performance in the running game hasn't met the same standard. Cody Mauch has also been a major concern. The former second-round pick has struggled to consistently win individual run-blocking assignments, despite entering his fourth NFL season. At this stage of his career, Tampa Bay should expect considerably more from a player in whom it invested significant draft capital. His struggles cannot continue to be overlooked simply because the offensive line is performing well in pass protection.
Meanwhile, Bredeson has been considerably more effective in isolated run-blocking matchups, highlighting the inconsistency across Tampa Bay's interior offensive line. Bucky Irving's 165-yard rushing performance against Dallas was encouraging, but one dominant outing doesn't erase the issues that have plagued the running game. Irving has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays, but Tampa Bay cannot expect him to consistently overcome poor blocking to generate production. The Buccaneers have invested heavily in their offensive line, and ranking ninth in the NFL is respectable. However, with Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Graham Barton, Mauch, and Bredeson anchoring the unit, the expectations should be higher. Until Tampa Bay improves its run blocking, this offensive line will remain a talented group that isn't playing up to its full potential.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs OL drops 2 spots in latest PFF rankings
