The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reeling after a brutal loss to the Ravens, not just because of the 41-31 score but because of the injuries to both star wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans, sidelined until after Week 11, and Godwin, likely out for the season, leave the offense scrambling for answers. However, first-year OC Liam Coen and Tampa Bay’s offensive depth might just keep them competitive. Here’s how the Bucs plan to rally and pursue a fourth straight NFC South title.
It all starts with OC Liam Coen, who’s worked wonders with the Bucs’ offense so far. Now, he faces his biggest test yet—making it work without his top two targets. Fortunately, Tampa Bay boasts a powerful backfield trio: Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker, each with a distinct skill set that gives the offense some flexibility. White’s receiving prowess, Irving’s elusiveness, and Tucker’s physicality provide Coen with endless creative options, and don't be surprised to see multiple backs on the field at once.
With strong contributions from a revamped offensive line featuring rookie center Graham Barton and free-agent guard Ben Bredeson, Tampa’s O-line has stabilized and will need to give Baker Mayfield the protection to get quick passes off. And speaking of Mayfield…
Without his top receivers, Mayfield needs to lean into his smarter, sharper version of play rather than falling back on his old “hero ball” instincts. His success depends on embracing quick throws, avoiding forced deep shots, and giving his playmakers space to gain yards after the catch. Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer, the rookies stepping into Evans and Godwin’s roles, bring some fresh energy, and if they rise to the challenge, Mayfield could find new favorite targets.
With the receiving corps thinned, tight ends Cade Otton, Payne Durham, and rookie Devin Culp will play bigger roles in the passing game. But it’s not all about the offense. Tampa Bay’s defense, led by Todd Bowles, must step up its consistency. They’re getting healthy at the right time, with stars like Antoine Winfield Jr., Vita Vea, and Calijah Kancey back. If this unit can stop the bleeding on points allowed, the offense won’t have to win shootouts every week.
This season has dealt the Bucs some serious blows, but Tampa Bay has the talent and strategy to stay competitive in the NFC South. It’s up to Coen’s play-calling, Mayfield’s maturity, and a renewed defensive focus to keep the ship afloat.
As the Bucs face their toughest stretch yet, one thing’s certain: this team isn’t backing down.
Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
Sunday, October 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
Raymond James Stadium (capacity: 65,844)
Tampa, Florida
Television: FOX
TV Broadcast Team: Adam Amin (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analyst), Pam Oliver (reporter)
Radio: 98Rock (WXTB, 97.9 FM), Flagship Station
Radio Broadcast Team: Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (analyst), T.J. Rives (reporter)
Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente
Spanish Radio Broadcast Team: Carlos Bohorquez (play-by-play), Martin Gramática (analyst)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reeling after a brutal loss to the Ravens, not just because of the 41-31 score but because of the injuries to both star wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans, sidelined until after Week 11, and Godwin, likely out for the season, leave the offense scrambling for answers. However, first-year OC Liam Coen and Tampa Bay’s offensive depth might just keep them competitive. Here’s how the Bucs plan to rally and pursue a fourth straight NFC South title.
It all starts with OC Liam Coen, who’s worked wonders with the Bucs’ offense so far. Now, he faces his biggest test yet—making it work without his top two targets. Fortunately, Tampa Bay boasts a powerful backfield trio: Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker, each with a distinct skill set that gives the offense some flexibility. White’s receiving prowess, Irving’s elusiveness, and Tucker’s physicality provide Coen with endless creative options, and don't be surprised to see multiple backs on the field at once.
With strong contributions from a revamped offensive line featuring rookie center Graham Barton and free-agent guard Ben Bredeson, Tampa’s O-line has stabilized and will need to give Baker Mayfield the protection to get quick passes off. And speaking of Mayfield…
Without his top receivers, Mayfield needs to lean into his smarter, sharper version of play rather than falling back on his old “hero ball” instincts. His success depends on embracing quick throws, avoiding forced deep shots, and giving his playmakers space to gain yards after the catch. Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer, the rookies stepping into Evans and Godwin’s roles, bring some fresh energy, and if they rise to the challenge, Mayfield could find new favorite targets.
With the receiving corps thinned, tight ends Cade Otton, Payne Durham, and rookie Devin Culp will play bigger roles in the passing game. But it’s not all about the offense. Tampa Bay’s defense, led by Todd Bowles, must step up its consistency. They’re getting healthy at the right time, with stars like Antoine Winfield Jr., Vita Vea, and Calijah Kancey back. If this unit can stop the bleeding on points allowed, the offense won’t have to win shootouts every week.
This season has dealt the Bucs some serious blows, but Tampa Bay has the talent and strategy to stay competitive in the NFC South. It’s up to Coen’s play-calling, Mayfield’s maturity, and a renewed defensive focus to keep the ship afloat.
As the Bucs face their toughest stretch yet, one thing’s certain: this team isn’t backing down.
Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
Sunday, October 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
Raymond James Stadium (capacity: 65,844)
Tampa, Florida
Television: FOX
TV Broadcast Team: Adam Amin (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analyst), Pam Oliver (reporter)
Radio: 98Rock (WXTB, 97.9 FM), Flagship Station
Radio Broadcast Team: Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (analyst), T.J. Rives (reporter)
Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente
Spanish Radio Broadcast Team: Carlos Bohorquez (play-by-play), Martin Gramática (analyst)
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