Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 X-factor players for Week 1 vs. Saints

3. Tristan Wirfs, Right Tackle

Tristan Wirfs is the Buccaneers’ first-round draft pick out of the latest draft. He immediately filled a gaping hole for the team and even though he is talented he is inexperienced. No one knows how he’ll react in his first NFL action no matter who the opponent would be.

In his first career start against the Saints, Wirfs will be undergoing one of his hardest tests of the season. The Saints’ primary trio of defensive ends is headed by Cameron Jordan. Jordan is coming off of a season in which he had a career-best 15.5 sacks and his two other counterparts Marcus Davenport had six sacks and Trey Hendrickson had 4.5.

Wirfs will be lining up across at least two if not all three of those defensive ends during some point of the game.

If Wirfs struggles, the Saints may smell blood in the water and continue to attack him forcing the Buccaneers to send help his way. This is not a move Bruce Arians is typically in favor of doing. Combine this with a 43-year-old quarterback who does not enjoy getting hit or hurried and you can see why Wirfs will need a strong day.

Last season, the Saints sacked Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston eight times in their two wins against Tampa. To avoid a repeat, the Buccaneers will need a big game from Wirfs.