Bucs All-Pro Left Tackle Tristan Wirfs has joined offensive line analyst Brandon Thorn with a recent addition to the Thorn’s Trench Warfare Podcast. On his appearance, WIRFS went deep on many keys to his success, including mental preparation and feedback side to understand his game.
While discussing the key to his success, the Bucs Star offensive lineman quickly praised his former teammate for helping both in-game and actually lead the matchup.
Tristan Wirfs admits Justin Skule helped him get better
Justin Scowl spent two years at BUCS from 2023 to 2024 before signing with the Vikings this offseason. In addition to offering a key start last year, WIRF and right tackle Luke Godeke missed time due to injuries, but Skule was an active participant in a game that he hadn’t played on the field according to WIRFS.
When he and Thorn reviewed the game movie together on the podcast, WIRFS saw how much help Skule provided in-game after observing the start tackle during the attacking series.
Justin Scowl’s Bucks – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
“As the game progresses, you have to learn from things too,” WIRFS said. “As if what you have and what he is [the primary rusher he is matched up against] Would you give it to you? And that’s great for Justin Squall. So that we can get out [the field] And we’ll talk about it. He spoke about it, “This is what I saw. What did you see? What did you get?” and replied, “It’s good to make sure he’s giving me these moves. This is what I’ve got so far. What is he going to go back to? What did it work for him? How can I get better?”
“It’s all about tweaking the game. What you’re looking at from the rush. And what you’re getting.”
Hearing Thorn, WIRFS, explains how Skule interacted with WIRFS, how Goedeke interacted during the series, comparing the role of Swing Tackle to the role of backup quarterback as Gameday’s live soundboard. WIRF agreed and detailed how Skule could provide such valuable feedback.
“he [Skule] Did it for both me and Luke [Goedeke]WIRFS added. He’ll look at someone late. But he looks at both of us and tries to help both of us.
“When you’re playing, sometimes you’ll get a bull [rush] And you say, “I was right on the quarterback. I was in his lap.” And he’s like, “You had plenty of space.” But everything is closer than it actually is. He said, “You had a room. You were good.” I’m happy to hear in-game. You said, “Okay, I’m not as close as I thought. I’ll hop one more time if I need it.” But it’s good to bouncing it off someone and have another eye on you. ”
Tristan Wirfs recognizes the value that back-up offensive linemen brings
Later in his interaction with Brandon Thorn, Tristan Wirfs pointed out how Justin Skule helped prepare for the various pass rushes he faced throughout the season.
BUCS RT TRISTAN WIRFS – Photo: Cliff Welch/Pr
“Me, Luke and Squall talk the most about Edge Rush, then take it out of the meeting room and head out to the practice field,” Wyfs said. “The scowl is the best because, for some reason, he can replicate badly near every move. They aren’t as fast as some people, but he could.
“He’s very smart too. He’s like, ‘I saw this mostly in the third and longest’, and you remember it in the game. You say, “Oh, it’s third and long. I remember Scaule talking about this.” Something like that. What we talked about the week. Then you’re watching it. You’re watching it on Gameday. You’re like we talked about it! ”
When Thorn suggested he might want to get more swing tackles on his show, WIRFS energetically agreed, “Yeah, if you’re wearing a scowl, he can speak the ball!”
It is clear that WIRFS has an affinity to previous backups and believes in Skule some of his own successes. This is on his heel Emotional tribute I left Tampa Bay this offseason for my friend and former teammate Robert Hainesey for the opportunity to start at Jacksonville center. With Skule leaving this year, WIRFS may turn to new backup Charlie Heck for similar feedback on Gameday and assistance with preparing throughout the week.
What I really enjoyed about this interaction is that, both current and original NFL linemen, the thorns work well overall, is peeling off the curtains more than most people to reveal what it really is to play and prepare as an offensive lineman in the league. You can catch two short clips here.
In a similar way, so that the backup QB can add values to the starter, Swing OT can do the same in the OL room.
Tristan Wirfs Bucks Swing Tackle Breaks the role of Justin Skule and it’s easy to see how important he is, especially for tackle. This was amazing. pic.twitter.com/dvaucb55q6
– Brandon Thorn (@brandonthornnfl) April 16, 2025
Full interviews are available on Thorn’s Substack. Trench battle.
