Heading into 2022, the Bucks have become accustomed to having an explosive and powerful offense. In 2021, he averaged 30.1 points per game. The previous season, when he won the Super Bowl, he scored 30.8 points per game. In 2019, the year before Tom Brady arrived in Tampa, Jameis Winston’s offense was still scoring 28.6 points per game.
In 2022, the Tampa Bay offense fell apart. Even with Brady still under center, the offense was inconsistent at best and neutral at worst. The Bucks scored just 18.4 points per game, but there were many reasons for that decline. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich’s inability to adapt was a big problem, and he was fired this offseason as a result.
Another reason is the decrease in human resources on the offensive side. Yes, this unit still featured Brady, with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin leading the way as receivers. But with Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski gone, Leonard Fournette couldn’t replicate the success he had during the Bucks’ Super Bowl run and throughout the 2021 season.
Russell Gage struggled with injuries and disappointed as the team’s WR3 last year, while aging Julio Jones had little to offer as a WR4. Running back Rashard White had a promising rookie season, as did first-year tight end Cade Otton.
Possibilities aside, as the 2023 season approaches, the Tampa Bay offense is far from what it was a few years ago. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell’s 2023 “offensive arsenal” ranking (ESPN+ subscription required) reflects as much.
Bucks plummet in Barnwell rankings
Bucks RB Rachard White and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Heading into 2023, Barnwell ranks the Bucks’ offense 18th in the NFL. This is down from 5th place last year and from the top spot in 2021. There’s no arguing that Tampa Bay is mid-tier here as well.
The Bucks’ wide-receiving corps is still led by two of the best in the league, but there’s little certainty behind those two.
“It’s just Evans and Godwin now, not much else,” Barnwell wrote. “Tampa Bay acquired Russell Gage from the Falcons last year, and he averaged 8.4 yards per reception while battling a variety of injuries, especially a horrific concussion in the playoff loss to the Cowboys. Gage is absent from the OTA due to another issue and is barely behind him on the depth chart.
“Cade Otton, who joined the starting lineup as a rookie due to an injury to Brat, was the most notable of the three tight ends selected on Day 3, and was the snapper for the Tampa Bay position. It will be the majority.”
Leading the backfield is the talented but unproven Rashard White. This will be his first chance to become a full-time starter in the NFL, but the depth of his established depth is second to none.
“Mr Fournette was fired after a disastrous 2022 election campaign, handing the job over to Rashard White by default,” Barnwell wrote. “The 2022 third-rounder isn’t much of a rookie and has mostly functioned as a safe pair in the passing game,” Barnwell wrote.
“The Bucks signed former Broncos back Chase Edmonds to fill in for the Bucks, who had the fewest-than-expected rushing yards (-135) of any player in football. Chase Edmonds has a RYOE per attempt of 50. Ranked lowest among players with at least 1 carry (minus whopping -1.6 RYOE per carry).The Bucks line wasn’t good without Ryan Jensen last season, but this is it. Not necessarily an inspirational backfield.”
Bucks OC Dave Canales – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
What Barnwell writes is fair.Attack on Tampa Bay, especially Hiring New Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales instead of left witch. Canales will run an efficient system that is friendly to quarterbacks, and that should solve the problem. But the fact that the Bucks primarily retain weapons, other than Evans and Godwin, is unavoidable. It’s full of unknowns and question marks.
Still, Evans and Godwin are more than most teams have. In fact, three of last year’s playoff teams ranked below the Bucks in Barnwell’s rankings. That includes the defending Super Bowl champions Chiefs, who are No. 19, as well as the Bills (No. 20) and Giants (No. 27).
In terms of NFC South teams, Tampa Bay is ranked No. 3, followed by the Panthers (No. 31), followed by the Saints (No. 14) and Falcons (No. 10).
