The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a step back offensively last season, forcing the team to fire offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after just one season.
From predictability to a failure to capitalize one of the NFL’s most talented wide receiver groups, there was clearly something missing in the Tampa Bay offense last offseason.
Recent comments from wide receiver Jalen McMillan spoke volumes about Josh Grizzard and his failures.
Jalen McMillan said the quiet part out loud about Josh Grizzard’s Bucs offense
After the first day of OTAs, as the Bucs begin to install their new offense under Zac Robinson, Jalen McMillan was asked about if the offense is more similar to last year’s offense or Liam Coen’s 2024 offense.
“I feel like last year we had a lot of plays that just weren’t called, but this year, I feel like we’re repping a lot of them and we’re giving coaches the confidence to call them," said McMillan.
McMillan’s statement quietly revealed what many had observed watching the Bucs last year — the offense was over simplified and too vanilla.
Now, it’s clear that the playbook was deeper than what was shown on the field, but the plays weren’t being called.
It’s fair to ask why this was the case, but that’s water under the bridge now. McMillan’s comments indicate that the playbook will be fully unlocked this season.
The Bucs will need big things from McMillan entering his third season after the departure of Mike Evans. He had an incredible rookie season in which he had eight touchdown receptions before missing most of last season with a neck injury.
A fully-healthy McMillan teaming up with Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and rookie Ted Hurst in a more dynamic offensive scheme will make the Bucs dangerous offensively once again.
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