Bucs' Tristan Wirfs backed his All-Pro selection with a simple but ridiculous stat

When the debate has raged among media and fans about who the best offensive tackle in the NFL is, Tampa Bay Buccaneer standout Tristan Wirfs' name often isn't one of the first mentioned.  From Lane Johnson to Trent Williams to Penei Sewell, Wirfs has been considered by many as near the top but not on top. 

That should be starting to change after Wirfs was named an AP first team All-Pro this season as a left tackle, becoming the only player to earn such honors as both a left and right tackle.  He was named AP first team All-Pro as a right tackle in 2021 before making the switch to the left side before the 2023 season. 

And the numbers don't lie: Wirfs was the very best in 2024 at the thing that tackles are tasked primarily with: protecting their quarterbacks. 

Per 33rd team, Wirfs finished first among all tackles (with a minimum of 500 pass blocking snaps) with a pressure allowed rate of just 1.3%.

According to Pro Football Focus, Wirfs allowed just 13 pressures all season and 1 quarterback hit with no sacks allowed.  That's made things a lot easier for Baker Mayfield not having to check his blind side.  No small reason why Mayfield has had career seasons over his first two years with the Bucs, making the Pro Bowl both times. 

As with most standout players in Tampa Bay (i.e., Mike Evans, Lavonte David, etc.), Wirfs likely already would have received even more publicity and praise if he was on the Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, Giants, etc.  However, Wirfs' play has screamed loudly enough to earn honors from the media and respect from his peers on multiple occasions.  

We'll see if Wirfs can make first team All-Pro honors for a third time next fall as he continues to build what looks early on to be a Hall of Fame career.