Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. used to be one of the best pass-catchers in the league, but his production has taken a notable dip this season. In his first year without Mike Evans, Godwin has failed to step out of the shadow of the legendary Bucs receiver and emerge as the team's new No. 1 receiver.
Despite leading the Bucs receivers and tight ends with a catch rate of around 77 percent on a team with poor quarterback play this season, Godwin is only averaging nine yards per reception and less than seven yards per target. He does lead the Bucs with 243 receiving yards, but he's still averaging only 30 yards per game. It's not enough.
Godwin hasn't raised the floor of the entire unit or made it easier for Emeka Egbuka or the team's playmakers to get more space. He has been a nice safety valve for his quarterbacks at times, but he's also not getting open nearly enough, which is why his overall target share is so low. The Bucs could do more to scheme for him, sure, but Godwin is pretty invisible when he does play, and with the ball in his hands, he's been borderline useless after the catch.
Chris Godwin needs to step up to help the Bucs match the Bears
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to beat their last two opponents by pounding the rock. But the Chicago Bears, their prime time opponents this weekend, are not as soft as the Carolina Panthers and aren't going to see their passing attack neutered by the elements like the Atlanta Falcons did in Week 8. And with all due respect to Michael Penix and the Dirty Birds, the Falcons are nowhere near the threat offensively as the Bears, who might just be the most explosive in the league.
Baker Mayfield is going to need all hands on deck in his third game since returning from an injury to the thumb in his throwing hand, and that means his most experienced and best overall receiver is going to have to start playing like a No. 1.
At some point, the Chicago Bears are going to force the Bucs into making a big play. Godwin is the elder statesman in Tampa Bay's locker room and needs to finally step up and put his stamp on this game.
The Bucs are going to need to throw the ball against the Bears defense, not just run it as they have in recent weeks. To get the passing game going, they'll need Godwin to find ways to get open, move the chains, and get some YAC. This is a much bigger game for him than a lot of people think; he has to start showing out.
Add us as a preferred source on Google