The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are continuing to install a new offensive system under coordinator Zac Robinson, and Thursday’s training camp practice provided another glimpse into the changes.
One of the biggest differences has been an increased emphasis on wide zone concepts. The new approach is designed to create more opportunities for Tampa Bay’s athletic offensive line and talented running backs.
The Buccaneers also saw second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka continue his strong training camp by hauling in a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield during red zone work.
Buccaneers Adding More Wide Zone Concepts
Wide zone is designed to create horizontal stress on opposing defenses. Instead of attacking defenders vertically, offensive linemen move laterally and force defenders to react.
The running back reads the movement of the defense and looks for cutback opportunities. If defenders overcommit toward the play side, the runner can exploit the open space created behind them.
Several offensive coaches have found success using wide zone principles, including Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel. Both have added their own variations through motion, formations, and spacing concepts.
The Buccaneers believe their personnel fits the system well.
Tampa Bay’s offensive line has the athleticism required for the scheme. Running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell also possess the vision and processing ability needed to maximize those opportunities.
Guard Ben Bredeson has already noticed the impact of Robinson’s changes.
“Very impressed with it,” stated guard Ben Bredeson. “A little bit more wide zone stuff and it is something that I feel can work and it has obviously worked with Atlanta and his previous stops before that so I am excited for it.”
Zac Robinson Bringing New Ideas to Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers have now operated under a different offensive system every season since 2022.
Byron Leftwich, Dave Canales, Liam Coen, Josh Grizzard, and now Robinson have all brought different philosophies to Tampa Bay.
Robinson comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree after spending time with the Los Angeles Rams. His offense includes several new wrinkles designed to create advantages before the snap.
Those additions include wide zone concepts, gap and duo runs, pre-snap motion, condensed formations, and multiple personnel groupings.
The goal is to create similar looks for both the running and passing games. Tampa Bay wants defenses to hesitate by disguising its intentions through motion and alignment.
The Buccaneers defense has been the first unit to experience the challenge.
“I think it is real situational,” stated Zyon McCollum. “They have a real situational awareness and getting everybody on the same page, they are communicating well. There is a lot of movement and a lot of moving parts and the personnel groupings have been confusing from a defensive standpoint so being able to lock in and kind of understand that they are going to give us every look, every personnel grouping and we don’t know what is coming. It is fun to go against now and it is really preparing the defense for the future and for the season and it will be exciting to see our offense go against other defenses.”
McCollum’s comments highlight the challenge Robinson’s offense presents. The constant movement and different personnel packages are designed to create confusion.
Emeka Egbuka Continues Strong Training Camp
The Buccaneers also received another impressive moment from their young receiver.
During a 7-on-7 red zone period Thursday, Egbuka connected with Baker Mayfield for a touchdown. The second-year receiver ran a post route and worked toward the back of the end zone before Mayfield placed the ball in a spot where only he could make the play.
Egbuka has primarily worked as the “Z” receiver during camp. However, Robinson’s offense is allowing him to move throughout the formation.
That versatility fits Egbuka’s biggest strengths.
During his rookie season, Egbuka earned praise for his football intelligence and ability to quickly absorb the playbook. Now in Year Two, he continues to show advanced route running, strong awareness, and excellent understanding of defensive leverage.
Chris Godwin Jr. has noticed that development firsthand.
“Mek is an incredible talent but he is also a great student of the game and I think when he first got here, that was probably the first thing that really stood out to a lot of us was how he sees the game as a receiver is almost like a quarterback in his understanding of coverages and understanding of how to use leverage and keys,” said Chris Godwin Jr. “From Year One to Year Two, your comfort level jumps dramatically. Everything is not flying around as fast and you know what is expected of you, and you know how to practice, and he just continues to take steps further and further.”
Buccaneers Offense Showing Early Promise
It is still early in training camp, and the Buccaneers have plenty of work ahead before the regular season.
However, Robinson’s offense is already creating optimism inside Tampa Bay.
The combination of wide zone concepts, pre-snap movement, and versatile playmakers could give the Buccaneers a more dynamic attack.
If the offense continues progressing, Tampa Bay could have a system capable of maximizing its talent while keeping defenses off balance throughout the season.
Shout out to Brianna Dix for the quotes and concept.
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