Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a 9-8 season in 2023, where they not only secured a division title but also won a Wild Card playoff game. Despite entering the 2024 season with a win total projection of just 7.5, the Bucs have proven they can defy expectations.

With Baker Mayfield leading the charge and some key pieces returning, Tampa Bay fans have reasons to be optimistic. But will they be able to repeat last year’s success or will they face the regression many predict?

Let’s dive into the details.

Key Insights and Team Overview

Offensive Outlook

The Buccaneers’ offense in 2023 showed flashes of brilliance, but there’s still room for improvement, particularly in consistency and efficiency.

• Baker Mayfield’s Impact:
  • Solid Performance: Mayfield had one of his better seasons, throwing for 28 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions, earning a 94.6 passer rating and a Pro Bowl nod. His ability to lead the offense was a key factor in the Bucs’ success.
  • Key Connection with Receivers: Mayfield’s chemistry with his top two targets, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, was crucial. Evans, in particular, had another stellar year with 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns, proving he’s still among the elite receivers in the league.
• Wide Receiver Corps:
  • Mike Evans: The definition of consistency, Evans has recorded 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL. His ability to perform at a high level, regardless of who’s under center, is a huge asset for the Bucs.
  • Chris Godwin: Godwin also crossed the 1,000-yard mark, giving the Bucs one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.
  • Trey Palmer: The rookie made a solid contribution with 389 yards as the team’s third option. His development will be key for the offense moving forward.
• Tight End and Running Back Roles:
  • Cade Otton: The young tight end showed progress in his second season, with slight increases in catches, yards, and touchdowns. He’s becoming a reliable target for Mayfield, particularly in the red zone.
  • Rachaad White: White emerged as a dual-threat back, leading the team in rushing with 990 yards and adding over 500 receiving yards. However, his 3.6 yards per carry highlight the struggles the Bucs had in establishing a consistent ground game.
• Offensive Line:
  • Mixed Results: The Bucs’ pass protection was decent, with Mayfield only sacked 29 times. However, the interior line struggled, particularly at guard and center, where Cody Mauch and Robert Hainsey allowed a combined 15 sacks.
  • Key Additions: The Bucs addressed this by drafting a new center, Garrison Barton, who is expected to start right away. Barton’s versatility and strong hands should help solidify the middle of the line.

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Defensive Adjustments

Tampa Bay’s defense was a mixed bag in 2023, excelling in some areas while struggling in others. The team made several changes in the offseason to address these issues.

• Defensive Line and Pass Rush:
  • Vita Vea: The anchor of the Bucs’ defensive line, Vea was instrumental in their success against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game is critical to the defense.
  • Pass Rush Concerns: Shaquil Barrett’s production dropped to just 4.5 sacks, leading the Bucs to release him. In his place, they’ll rely on emerging talents like Yaya Diaby, who led the team with 7.5 sacks in his rookie season, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who added five sacks. The addition of second-round pick Chris Braswell should also provide a boost.
• Linebacker Corps:
  • Levonte David: A Pro Bowler once again, David was a tackling machine with over 130 tackles and 4.5 sacks. However, the departure of Devin White, who was solid in coverage, leaves a significant gap.
  • K.J. Britt: Britt is expected to step up as White’s replacement, but this is a clear downgrade. The Bucs are hoping Britt can rise to the occasion, especially in pass coverage.
• Secondary Shuffle:
  • Antoine Winfield Jr.: Winfield had an outstanding 2023, earning First-Team All-Pro honors with 120 tackles, six sacks, and three interceptions. He’s the leader of this secondary and will be crucial in defending against the pass.
  • Cornerback Concerns: The departure of Carlton Davis is a big loss. While Jamel Dean returns, his performance last season (allowing a passer rating over 110) was concerning. The Bucs are hoping that young corners like Christian Izien and Zion McCollum can step up, with third-round pick Tae Smith expected to make an immediate impact in the slot.

Special Teams

• Kicking Game: Chase McLaughlin was reliable in 2023, hitting 29 of 31 field goal attempts, including a long of 57 yards. His consistency will be important in close games.
• Return Game: No major changes here, with the Bucs continuing to rely on a solid return game to help with field position.

Season Outlook

The Buccaneers enter the 2024 season with a lot of continuity on both sides of the ball, but they also face some significant challenges, particularly in maintaining their defensive performance and improving offensive consistency. Here’s how their season could shape up:

• Win Total Floor: 7 Wins
  • Why? If the offensive line struggles persist, and the defense can’t adequately replace the production of Shaquil Barrett and Devin White, the Bucs could find themselves losing close games and falling short of the playoffs.
  • Key Concerns: Offensive line play, pass rush consistency, and secondary coverage.
• Win Total Ceiling: 10 Wins
  • Why? If Baker Mayfield continues to play at a high level, and the defense can integrate its new pieces effectively, the Bucs have the talent to compete for another division title.
  • Key Strengths: Veteran leadership on offense, a solid defensive front, and strong special teams.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the potential to be a playoff team again in 2024, but they’ll need everything to click. Baker Mayfield’s leadership, combined with the experience of players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Levonte David, gives them a solid foundation. However, the performance of their new additions, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary, will likely determine whether they exceed expectations or fall short.

Key Points Recap

• Baker Mayfield needs to continue his strong play to keep the offense moving.
• Mike Evans and Chris Godwin remain one of the league’s top receiving duos.
• The offensive line, particularly the interior, is a concern.
• The defense must replace the production of Shaquil Barrett and Devin White.
• The Bucs’ season could range from 7 to 10 wins, depending on how well they address their key issues.

Bucs fans, get ready for another rollercoaster season—2024 could go in several directions!