The X-Factors Folks Are Overlooking

So the 4-6 Bucs sure have painted themselves into a corner by losing their last four games.

Many, many, many folks are pointing at the strong second half of the season last year as not just reason for hope, but as an expectation the Bucs can flip the switch and return to the playoffs.

As Lee Corso famously says, “Not so fast, my friend!”

One reason the Bucs went 5-2 to close the 2023 regular season was due to Chris Godwin having some of his best games of the season.

In December, Godwin, had 155, 78 and 81 receiving yards in three straight games, respectively, to help put the Bucs on the doorstep of the NFC South title in December.

As we all know, the Bucs gutted out a division-clinching victory on the road against the Stinking Panthers to end the regular season.

This year, there’s no Godwin. He trashed his ankle against Baltimore and has since had surgery. Todd Bowles weeks ago cautiously admitted there is a scant chance Godwin could return if the Bucs reached the postseason.

Sadly, the Bucs aren’t there yet. Also sadly, no Bucs receivers have stepped up to firmly secure Godwin’s WR2 status, forget WR3.

Another overlooked hill to climb for the Bucs if they hope to run the table, or go 6-1 the rest of the way, is how is the defense will magically improve.

The Bucs allow the sixth-most points per game at 26.6. Last year the Bucs’ defense was just the opposite: The Bucs in 2023 allowed the sixth-fewest points per game at 19.1. That’s a full touchdown difference. That’s big.

On the other side of the coin, the Bucs have a far better running attack this season compared to the league-worst running game of last year.

But no Godwin and a big-time drop in the defense are two major obstacles the Bucs must overcome if they hope to play meaningful games in January.