For the fourth consecutive season, the Buccaneers’ offense has a new offensive coordinator at the helm. After Byron Lefwich was fired following a disappointing 2022 season, Tampa Bay struck gold with Dave Canales and Liam Coen in back to back years, but both bolted for head coaching jobs after just one season calling the Buccaneers’ offense.
Grizzard brings some familiarity, as he served as the passing game coordinator and third down strategist on Coen’s staff. With Grizzard's help, the Bucs converted 50.9% of their third downs in 2024, which was the highest in the NFL and a franchise record for Tampa Bay.
While the offensive scheme will remain largely the same for continuity’s sake, there are inevitably details and philosophies that will change now that Grizzard is in full control of the unit.
Speaking to Buccaneers' team reporter Casey Phillips on an episode of Slice published by the team’s official YouTube page, Gizzard was asked what the hallmarks of his offense are.
“I would say when people watch our film, our hope and what we’re trying to design right now through the strength and conditioning is that we’re going to be a disciplined team. We’re going to play longer and harder than the next opponent,” said Grizzard. “That’s how we look at it when we’re preparing for a defense. ‘How hard is this team willing to play? Can they play as hard in the fourth quarter as they can in the first quarter?’”
Grizzard’s emphasis on testing the opponent’s ability to match the Buccaneers for the entirety of four quarters signals his desire for a physical, disciplined, and mentally tough offense that can wear opponents down and make them quit over the course of a game.
This is great news for the team’s running back stable, who should get tons of opportunities as the team looks to control the tempo of games. Bucky Irving and Rachaad White were one of only two running back duos to each eclipse over 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2024, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them do it again in an offense that prioritizes physicality.
Buccaneers’ offensive line must bring Grizzard’s vision to life
The offensive line will be the key to unlocking Grizzard’s desired offensive identity. If the Buccaneers are going to wear down opposing defenses, they will need their offensive line to lead the charge as absolute bullies that can demoralize the opponent.
Luckily, the personnel for that vision is already in place.
The offensive line is led by left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is the first player in NFL history to earn All Pro honors at both right tackle and left tackle. At his current trajectory, Wirfs might as well go get fitted for his gold jacket in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The other side of the offensive line is anchored by Luke Goedeke, who has blossomed into one of the league’s best right tackles after struggling as a guard early in his NFL career.
The team has two young maulers in center Graham Barton who is entering his second season and right guard Cody Mauch who is entering his third season. If the two can both take another step forward in their development in 2025, the offensive line could easily be the best in the NFL.
The line is rounded out by left guard Ben Bredeson, who performed well enough on a one-year prove it deal last season to earn a robust three-year, $22 million extension with Tampa Bay this offseason.
Pro Football Focus ranked Tampa Bay’s offensive line No. 3 in the league following the 2024 season. If the unit can maintain that elite performance in 2025, the sky’s the limit for Grizzard and the Buccaneers’ offense
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