The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Grading the Buccaneers offense at the first quarter mark

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchdown with teammate tight end O.J. Howard #80 in front of defensive back Coty Sensabaugh #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of a game on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchdown with teammate tight end O.J. Howard #80 in front of defensive back Coty Sensabaugh #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of a game on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Tight ends – A

What a start it has been for O.J. Howard. He went down with an MCL sprain against the Bears, but he lived up to his first-round draft status to kick-off the season. In three games, Howard caught 11 passes for 222 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown reception.

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Cameron Brate, on the other hand, wasn’t a significant factor in the offense in the first quarter, at least until Winston took over. In the second half of the Chicago game, he caught his first touchdown of the season.

No matter which tight end gets the majority of the targets, Bucs fans should have complete confidence in them. There isn’t a better tight end duo in the league.

Wide receivers – A

Thanks to the pass-first play-calling of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the Buccaneers have two top-ten receivers.

Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson rank among the top pass catchers in the league, with 850 combined yards.

This is the best version of Evans that Bucs fans have ever seen. He’s been the primary target on third down and in the clutch. When Fitzpatrick needed a completion, he looked at Evans to make a play. He’s caught nearly every pass in traffic, with Winston returning to the starting role, this is just the beginning for Evans.

Jackson has returned to form as a premier deep threat. He’s averaging a league-best 24.9 yards per reception.

The final piece to the Bucs receivers is second-year player Chris Godwin. He flashed at the end of the 2017 season, but he’s taken a big step in his development and turned into a starting quality wideout.

So far this season, Godwin has snagged 15 passes, for 193 yards and sits tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.

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