To describe the Bucs season as a rollercoaster would be an accurate assessment. They are only five games into the campaign and have had only one game go according to plan so far. Their victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 1 did not create shockwaves in the football world.
Since then, the Bucs have had highs and lows on a weekly basis that would give a patient with tachycardia a run for their money. A surprising win in Detroit was followed by a lackluster performance against Denver. They finished off their current 3-2 record with a solid win over the Eagles before faltering late against the Falcons.
The inconsistent results of the team game by game, combined with the relatively short season so far, may lead to overreactions concerning the current state of the team and the outlook for each position group in the short and long term. With 30% of the regular season completed, it’s worth examining each position group while the Bucs have some time to recuperate during their mini bye after an emotional Thursday Night Football game.
Today, we will focus on the wide receivers and tight ends, while tomorrow we’ll look at the offensive and defensive lines.
Wide Receiver
The duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin is one of the most productive pass-catching pairs in the league. They are averaging a combined 2.07 yards per route run, ranking seventh among the top two route runners in the NFL. Their combined 132.4 receiving yards per game is the 6th highest in the league.
Evans and Godwin complement each other well, allowing both to thrive. Godwin is having a standout season, on pace for 109 catches, 1,312 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Evans, while slightly off his usual 1,000-yard pace, is still performing well with a touchdown per game and over 150 yards in his last two games.
Key Stat: 0.8
Beyond the top two receivers, rookie Jalen McMillan has shown promise but struggled to integrate into the offense before missing time due to injury. Trey Palmer, on the other hand, has looked better than McMillan in limited opportunities, with better efficiency metrics. Sterling Shepard, who has shown potential, could be an intriguing option for the Bucs moving forward.
Short And Long-Term Outlooks
For the short term, the Bucs should focus on offensive efficiency by incorporating Shepard into three-receiver sets. Palmer and McMillan should also see playing time, but Shepard’s immediate impact could be significant. In the long term, the Bucs may face turnover in the wide receiver position group, especially with Godwin’s pending free agency. Investing in retaining Godwin could be crucial for the team’s future.
Tight End
Cade Otton has had a solid but unspectacular season as a receiver, with inconsistent blocking. He ranks in the middle of the pack among tight ends in various metrics, but his role in the offense may need adjustment. Payne Durham has seen limited playing time, leaving Otton to carry a heavy load.
Key Stat: 4.3%
Otton’s usage in the passing game has changed under the new offensive coordinator, leading to marginal improvements. However, he may not be a game-changer when it comes to sustaining the offense in case of injuries to key receivers.
Short And Long-Term Outlooks
For the rest of the season, Otton remains the starter, but the team may need to consider upgrading the tight end position for the future. Finding a quality third option in the passing game could be crucial for the team’s offensive success in the long term.
