“We went to the Moon”

2020 was uncharacteristic of a typical NFL season due to Covid-19. Teams were not able to come together for OTAs, training camp, or even a preseason. But the Buccaneers still found a way to put it all together, and they ultimately won it all.

There is no doubt that the Buccaneers’ offensive line played a huge role in that odd championship season. The team’s offensive line had been a target of scrutiny for years, but last season, you could see that the O-line was getting better with every snap. Buccaneers veteran center Ryan Jensen believes that even though there are some little things that need to be tweaked, the offensive line is getting better and better.

“I think we’re doing good. Every day, we’re stacking days, getting better and better. We’ve been together now for four years as a unit.” However, Big Red also admitted that “There are still little things that every unit needs to work on and get better at. I feel that through training camp, we’re climbing that mountain and getting there.”

The 2021 season already differs from the 2020 championship season, as teams can have the traditional preseason activities. But it allows the offensive line unit to continue working on their friendships and keep building those necessary bonds.

“It’s huge. Last year was so weird. I think after Week 3 or 4 is when they shut down being able to hang out with each other outside of football.” Ryan Jensen said. “As an offensive line, we used to go out to dinner every Thursday night to different local restaurants here in Tampa. To potentially do that again is going to be awesome.”

As for the team coming together last season during the strangest historical season in the history of the NFL, everything clicked at the right time.

“Everything just kind of clicked.” Ryan Jensen said. “Not having a traditional training camp, not having the traditional OTA, preseason games, stuff like that, and having a new quarterback, I think everything just started to click for us. As you can see, when it started to click, we went to the moon, and I think that’s just something with any offense every year. Eventually, you have to get that jell in, and you have to start clicking. For us last year, we clicked at the right time, and for us this year, we want to consistently play that way.”

Being able to continue strengthening the bonds built from prior seasons is vital for any football team. Hopefully, the extra time together further develops those bonds, and everything begins to click right away. God knows we all wouldn’t mind another trip to the moon.