TAMPA — New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said the team’s offensive line is equipped to run any ground scheme he installs, expressing confidence that a unit decimated by injuries last season can recapture the form that made it one of the NFL’s best in 2024.
“This offensive line is incredibly versatile,” Robinson said during training camp. “There’s really nothing these guys can’t do. I’ve watched them for the past couple years on tape, just on crossover tape — obviously you see the gap, you see the zones, you see the duo game, you see a number of different variations, perimeters. It is a well-rounded group and they’re taking everything in stride.”
The stakes are clear. Tampa Bay ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and third in yards per carry in 2024 with the same starting five up front. Last season, injuries shattered that continuity — center Graham Barton was the only expected starter to play more than 12 games — and the rushing attack dropped to 21st in the league. The five projected starters did not play a single offensive snap together in 2025.
Robinson, in his first year as coordinator, is widely expected to introduce wide-zone concepts to the playbook. Right guard Cody Mauch, returning from a leg injury that cost him nearly all of the 2025 season, has said perfecting the new wide-zone scheme will be a gateway to making the rest of the offense more efficient. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain, but the Bucs are hopeful he will be ready for the regular-season opener.
“Exactly what that’s going to like once we start kicking this thing off, that’s to be determined, but we’re working everything right now,” Robinson said. “We’re kind of honing in on what we want to be truly here in a couple weeks once we reach that after the Jets practices. We’re going to hone in on what we want to be. Those guys, I can’t say enough about just the investment they’ve put in, how smart they are. It’s a great group to work with. They’re incredibly physical, feeling what it feels like in pads with some of those guys, especially in some of the pass-protection stuff as well. It’s a firm group up front.”
The backfield has also been restocked. Running back Bucky Irving, a sensation as a rookie in 2024 before injuries slowed his second season, is fully healthy. The Bucs added running back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency after he posted career highs in Pittsburgh with 73 catches and 1,023 yards from scrimmage.
“Bucky is a stud,” Robinson said. “Watching him in ‘24 — explosive play waiting to happen. He’s just got such a great attitude, great spirit about him. He’s a team guy, always has a smile on his face, so just the person has been cool to get to know him. The way that he runs the football his feet are always on the ground so he’s always able to change directions, and obviously that keeps him so balanced to break tackles. The versatility he has in the pass game, run game — he’s done a great job. It’s been a blast seeing him cut some of these runs.”
Robinson said the coaching staff plans to finalize its preferred run-game identity after joint practices with the New York Jets in the coming weeks.