The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations after adding more firepower to an already explosive offense. Led by the strong arm of Baker Mayfield and the electric legs of rookie running back Bucky Irving, the Bucs lit up scoreboards across the league. But a wave of injuries on the other side of the ball may have been the biggest factor in Tampa Bay falling short of their ultimate goal.
Offensive Fireworks
Make no mistake, the Buccaneers boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL in 2024. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen unlocked the full potential of Mayfield, who tied for the second-most passing touchdowns in the league with 41. The connection between Mayfield and perennial Pro Bowler Mike Evans was nearly unstoppable, as Evans racked up 1,000 yards for a record-tying 11th consecutive season.
But the biggest revelation was rookie running back Bucky Irving. The fourth-round pick out of Stanford took the league by storm, amassing the 10th-most scrimmage yards in the NFL and the most ever by a rookie. His blazing speed and incredible elusiveness in the open field made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
This group had the makeup to go all the way. Unfortunately we didn’t bring our best stuff tonight and Washington did.
– Baker Mayfield after playoff loss to Commanders
Injury Bug Bites Defense
While the offense soared, the defense struggled to stay healthy. The secondary in particular was ravaged by injuries, with outside cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum, nickelback Tykee Smith, and safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead barely playing a few quarters together all season. In total, 18 starters missed a combined 62 games.
The linebacking corps was hit especially hard by the loss of budding star SirVocea Dennis to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4. Without their expected tandem of Dennis and veteran Lavonte David, the Bucs defense lacked speed over the middle of the field. Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the unit seemed to slow down as the season wore on.
- Defensive starters missed a total of 62 games
- 18 different starters were out injured at some point
Failing to Finish
Tampa Bay’s ultimate downfall may have been an inability to close out tight games. Despite having one of the most potent fourth quarter offenses, the Bucs were a mere 2-5 in one-score games, tied for 25th in the league. Costly turnovers late in losses to the Falcons and Cowboys proved especially damaging.
Those issues reared their ugly head again in a heartbreaking Wild Card loss to the Commanders. A lost fumble by Mayfield and a defensive breakdown leading to a go-ahead Washington touchdown with under 10 minutes left ended up being the difference. The offense still put up points, but the depleted defense couldn’t get a stop when it mattered most.
An Uncertain Future
The Buccaneers now enter the offseason with more questions than answers. Cornerback Jamel Dean has a massive cap hit in 2025 and the team has to decide whether to commit long-term to the oft-injured playmaker. Receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are both set to become free agents and will command huge deals on the open market.
Franchise icon Lavonte David is also at a crossroads as he ponders retirement. The Bucs would love to have their defensive leader back, but David has made it clear he will only return on his own terms. How the team navigates these crucial decisions will shape the direction of the organization for years to come.
In the offseason, you reevaluate everything. There’s nothing that goes unturned.
– Head coach Todd Bowles on approaching the offseason
One thing is certain – the Buccaneers’ championship window is still open thanks to an offense that can score with anybody. But if Tampa Bay is going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, they’ll need better health and execution in the game’s biggest moments. An infusion of young defensive talent will be critical to achieving those goals.
