The Bucs have assembled quite a star-studded cast of offensive talent. Of course, the star of the show is quarterback Baker Mayfield. There is a scenario where Mayfield works into the NFL MVP conversation, especially with the co-stars he has around him.
Wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin lead the way, but they are not the only options the two-time Pro Bowl signal-caller has when he is looking for someone down the field. Young wideouts Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka are brimming with promise. The tight end room is led by Cade Otton, who has developed into a solid starter. Then there are running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, who are two of the best receiving backs in the league.
After recently being crowned as having one of the best offenses, they earned similar high marks when evaluating which passing attacks are the best.
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema Crowns Bucs As Having Second-Best Passing Attack
In the modern-day NFL, the teams that can sling the rock are the ones who go deep into the postseason. It should come as no surprise that these two variables have a strong correlation. Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema ranked the top passing attacks around, giving the No. 1 spot to the Eagles, who are coming off a dominant Super Bowl win.
Led by wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, superstar running back Saquon Barkley, and tight end Dallas Goedert, there is little debating how elite Philadelphia is in the passing game. Still, the Bucs own collection of offense star power is close.
Very close.
Sikkema ranked them second, having this to say about just how much of a toss-up it is.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
It was a coin flip between the Buccaneers and the Eagles for the top spot, as they earned equal 79.1 PFF receiving grades in 2024. But Philadelphia’s top pass-catching options all placed ahead of their Tampa Bay counterparts in PFF’s position rankings.
The Buccaneers win the depth battle, though, as Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and Rachaad White make for the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. Mike Evans (90.2), Chris Godwin (85.7) and Bucky Irving (90.5) were all top-15 players in PFF receiving grade among qualifiers at their positions in 2024.
When it comes depth, no one comes close to what Tampa Bay’s wide receiver room has.
It is not often that a room is four-deep with talented wideouts who could start on a handful of teams. Regardless of who wins the No. 3 wide receiver job, they will form the game’s best trio. The icing on the cake is that it actually is a quartet.
That is truly unheard of.
Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
While the team might lack a bit high-end talent in the room compared to the Eagles, they do not lack in depth. That should help the passing game immensely this year should injuries arise. There will not be a game where the leading wide receiver is Ryan Miller with one catch for 11 receiving yards, like it was the case last year during the Bucs’ 23-20 loss to the 49ers. Better health alone should help the offense gain an edge and win more close contests.
To contextualize this ranking further, rounding out the top five were the Bengals, Lions, and 49ers.
Plenty of question marks remain a little over a month until the start of training camp. For the Bucs to truly be a Super Bowl contender, it will not solely be because of the offense. Games are won and lost on both sides of the football, but do not be shocked to see another year where the passing game is clicking and cannons are firing at Raymond James Stadium. More recognition has come the team’s way, now they just have to meet the high expectations that have been set.
