The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the 2024 NFL season with a mix of hope and skepticism. After a teeter-totter 2023, highlighted by Baker Mayfield’s up-and-down season, fans are left wondering: which Bucs team will show up? Will it be the team that finished strong, winning five of their last six to earn their third straight NFC South title, or the squad that struggled through a mid-season slump and nearly saw their quarterback put on the bench after opening 4-7?
As the Bucs seek a playoff berth for the fifth consecutive year, consistency will be key. Given their recent performance trends, fans are keen to see how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds will reflect their chances in the NFC’s competitive landscape.
Let’s dive into what this season might hold for Tampa.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Lead an Overlooked Offense
When you think of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you can’t ignore the dynamic duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans, at 31, has proven age is just a number after an impressive 2023 season, racking up 79 catches for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns—earning himself a well-deserved spot in the Pro Bowl. Evans has his eyes on history in 2024, as he is seeking to tie Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (11).
Godwin, now 28, may not have the same headline-grabbing stats or jaw-dropping records, but his ability to consistently surpass 1,000 receiving yards for four out of five years shows he’s a reliable asset. Together, they create a formidable receiving corps that keeps defenses guessing. And while much of the attention is on them, adding talented wide receiver Jalen McMillan through the draft only provides some more depth at the position and shows the Bucs also have their eyes on the future.
Baker Mayfield, coming off a career year with 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 64.3%, will need both players to shine again if the Bucs want to clinch a playoff spot. Last season, he managed these feats largely without a strong running game, which raises a crucial concern for the upcoming season: can the Buccaneers improve their ground attack? Richard White’s production has been underwhelming, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. However, with promising new additions like rookie running back Bucky Irving and first-round center Graham Barton leading a more seasoned line anchored by Tristan Wirfs, there are signs of potential growth.
Additionally, while White has struggled on the ground, he has made up for it in the passing game, catching 64 passes for 549 yards and three touchdowns last year, making him a dual-threat back.
Despite losing offensive coordinator Dave Canales to the Panthers, this offense has the tools to perform well. With improved play-calling and stronger rush support, Evans, Godwin, and Mayfield could indeed take the Bucs to new heights in 2024.
Will Todd Bowles’ Defense Stay Above Average?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense has long been a cornerstone of their team identity, and with Todd Bowles at the helm since 2019, they’ve maintained a consistent scheme. However, last season, they ranked 20th in the PFF Defensive Line, 23rd in Linebackers, but a more encouraging 12th in the Secondary. This mix suggests potential pitfalls as they gear up for 2024.
Bowles and his co-defensive coordinators, Larry Foote and Kacy Rodgers, have a wealth of talent to work with, particularly in the front seven. Young guns like YaYa Diaby, who had an impressive 7.5 sacks as a rookie, alongside first-rounder Calijah Kancey, form an exciting core. Veteran Vita Vea will also provide muscle in the trenches. The secondary is a strong point, led by Antoine Winfield Jr., who not only commands the field but was also in contention for NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season. His presence offers a stabilizing force that can elevate the entire unit.
However, the inside linebacker situation raises eyebrows. Lavonte David, entering his 13th season, isn’t quite the force he once was, and K.J. Britt, while talented, has minimal starting experience. To truly compete for a deep playoff run, this defense must evolve and elevate its performance, particularly in stopping the run and making timely plays. With a few queries to answer, the Bucs’ defense remains a fascinating question mark heading into the new season.
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