logo
5 Burning questions on the Bucs offense that need answered ahead of 2025

5 Burning questions on the Bucs offense that need answered ahead of 2025

USA Today3 days ago
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare to defend their NFC South title, their offense is in a transitional but promising phase. With a mix of veterans, emerging contributors, and new faces, each offensive position group faces its own key question heading into training camp and the 2025 season.
Here's one big question surrounding every unit on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback: Can Baker Mayfield sustain his career-best season under new play-caller Josh Grizzard?
Mayfield delivered a breakout performance in 2024, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with a 71.4% completion rate. That season's offensive upturn was orchestrated by new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who stepped up after Liam Coen departed for Jacksonville. Grizzard now takes the reins, bringing continuity while adding his own strategic concepts. The burning question: Can Mayfield continue to build on his success and adapt to Grizzard's approach, proving he's more than a one-season sensation?
Running Back: Can Bucky Irving replicate his historic rookie year, and will depth behind him step forward?
Fourth-round rookie Bucky Irving became the first Buccaneer since Doug Martin (2012) to rush for over 1,000 yards, finishing 2024 with 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on a stellar 5.4 yards per carry. He also chipped in 47 receptions for 392 yards, contributing to the team's explosive ground game. With Rachaad White returning mixed workloads and Sean Tucker adding depth, the question is: Will Irving build on his All-Rookie debut, and can Tampa deepen its backfield to maintain balance?
Wide Receiver: Will Chris Godwin return to full form and fortify an already elite receiver room?
While Mike Evans remains a reliable threat, the Bucs' offense missed its full rhythm after Chris Godwin Jr. fractured his ankle in Week 7 of 2024. Godwin tallied 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games. Fully recovered and signed to a three-year extension, his return is critical. The key question: Can Godwin regain his previous form to reinforce an elite WR corps and restore three-dimensional receiving production?
Tight End: Can Cade Otton break out and become a true mismatch weapon?
Tight end Cade Otton delivered a safe and effective performance in his first two seasons, highlighted by 52 receptions for 497 yards in 2024. With offensive concepts under Grizzard and Mayfield acknowledging his reliability, the question is clear: Can Otton elevate to become a consistent seam threat and red-zone mismatch, not just a check-down safety valve?
Offensive Line: Will the offense hold up without Tristan Wirfs to start the season?
All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss the opening weeks of 2025 due to a lower-leg injury. In his absence, Charlie Heck will likely start at LT. Alongside second-year center Graham Barton, right guard Cody Mauch, Luke Godeke, and returning left guard Ben Bredeson. Someone will need to step up to be the anchor until 78 returns. The burning question: Can this reshuffled line protect Mayfield and maintain a potent rushing attack without its star tackle?
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bucs' Lavonte David on 2025 season: 'I know what we are capable of'
Bucs' Lavonte David on 2025 season: 'I know what we are capable of'

USA Today

time3 hours ago

  • USA Today

Bucs' Lavonte David on 2025 season: 'I know what we are capable of'

Lavonte David is back for his 14th season in the NFL and with the Bucs, and he doesn't want to waste his time. The team had it's moments in 2024 but they ultimately fell short with a playoff loss, at home, to the Washington Commanders. After the loss, fans had wondered if they would ever see their captain again in Lavonte David. The former Cornhusker turned Buccaneer has played his entire career in Tampa Bay and has won a Super Bowl during his tenure. He knows what a Super Bowl-winning team looks like, and on Wednesday, he made comments that should have fans excited. The future Hall of Fame linebacker gave the bold proclamation, saying, "I know we can get it done. I feel like we fell short last year, I feel like we would have had a great run at it last year, honestly. We just fell short, and definitely unfortunate, but probably one of the main reasons why I came back, and I know what are capable of and I know what we can do. We have the talent to do it, and we have the mindset to do it. So, we just got to put it all together. . ." David returns as the Bucs try to figure out what the future of the position looks like for the team. They passed over on Jihaad Campbell in April's NFL Draft. Instead, they opted to run things back with SirVocea Dennis who is coming off a shoulder injury of his own. If Dennis can be healthy and play tag team partner alongside David, the middle of the Bucs defense will be in much better shape to defend in 2025.

Todd Bowles excited for 'God-send' Lavonte David to return for 14th season
Todd Bowles excited for 'God-send' Lavonte David to return for 14th season

USA Today

time3 hours ago

  • USA Today

Todd Bowles excited for 'God-send' Lavonte David to return for 14th season

Todd Bowles had to be smiling from ear to ear when he was told that Lavonte David would be returning for the 2025 season. After the loss, fans had wondered if they would ever see their captain again in Lavonte David. The former Cornhusker turned Buccaneer has played his entire career in Tampa Bay and has won a Super Bowl during his tenure. He knows what a Super Bowl-winning team looks like, Todd Bowles knows if they are going to compete for one they need the veteran linebacker back. The veteran head coach explained his excitement by saying, "He's meant everything to me. He's the second coach on the field. He gets everybody lined up, he talks to everybody, inspires everybody, corrects everybody, he understands situations, he can call out plays when he's out there, and he makes plays all the time. That's been a godsend for us. He's been one of the consistent ones over there. There's a reason he's played that long." David missed all of minicamp and OTAs, not due to any contract issues, but most likely due to his veteran status. Bowles also talked about the impact of his presence during camp on Wednesday and his ability to lift the unit as a whole.

Bucs' Jalen McMillan says Antoine Winfield Jr. is 'everywhere' after day 1 of camp
Bucs' Jalen McMillan says Antoine Winfield Jr. is 'everywhere' after day 1 of camp

USA Today

time4 hours ago

  • USA Today

Bucs' Jalen McMillan says Antoine Winfield Jr. is 'everywhere' after day 1 of camp

The Bucs sorely missed Antoine Winfield Jr. last season during the Bucs' rollercoaster of a 2024 season. While they won the NFC South, they did so while dealing with an injury bug that bit the team time and again, specifically their All-Pro safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. Jalen McMillan spoke to the media on Wednesday after the Bucs' first practice. He told Fox Sports' Greg Auman that Winfield Jr. was in midseason form based on what he saw during the session. Auman shared that McMillan talked about Winfield Jr., saying, 'Tweeze is everywhere. He's a ninja on the field. . .' Antoine Winfield Jr. picked off two passes on Wednesday, including the first pass of the training camp from Baker Mayfield. Winfield Jr. and his play style were recognized by the team last offseason when he earned a contract extension from them, worth four years and $84 million. While he didn't get a chance to prove his value last season, it seems he is poised to do just that during the upcoming season if he can remain healthy for the Bucs.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store