It's been a roller coaster eight-game stretch. A quick hot start pushed the Bucs to an early 5-1 record, but back-to-back mediocre performances have stalled the hype train in Tampa Bay. The next three weeks are huge; the Bucs will be tested heavily by playoff contenders, and multiple players must rise to the occasion.
TE Cade Otton
Through eight games this season, the Bucs' receiving core has been hit-or-miss. Besides a small injury, Emeka Egbuka has been the single mainstay. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan have all been injured and have remained sidelined.
Through all the smoke, Otton has yet to receive a real boost in targets. Despite a wiped-out receiver core, the tight end has just 271 yards this season.
With Evans and McMillan out for the foreseeable future, Otton must step up. The fourth-year tight end totaled career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns last season, all through 14 games. For the Bucs offense to remain consistent, Otton must revert to his 2024 form.
OLB Haason Reddick
The 31-year-old is a far cry from his 2023 form. The veteran linebacker compiled 50.5 sacks over his most productive four seasons, and then his production fell off a cliff. In coverage, Reddick isn't much better. He has allowed completions on 66% of targets his way thus far.
The Bucs are good at getting to the Quarterback, but no one stands out. Tampa Bay sits sixth in sacks per game; additional pressure wouldn't hurt, but Reddick must improve all around. Reddick is an important piece of the Bucs defense moving forward, especially if he continues to play 75% of the snaps.
LB SirVocea Dennis
SirVocea Dennis has played a large role in defensive success this season. Through eight games, he leads the team in tackles for loss, has 59 tackles, four QB hits, and two sacks. After spending most of the last two seasons with the special teams unit, Dennis has stepped up big time.
Through eight games, Dennis has played in 94% of defensive snaps, by far a career high. Some numbers look impressive, but Dennis has certainly struggled. He is ranked 71st out of 82 linebackers by PFF, yikes!
The 2023 fifth-round pick has gotten to the Quarterback often, but rarely defends the pass well. Through 38 targets, opponents have a 89% completion percentage against him. If Dennis wants to turn into an elite linebacker, he must improve his pass defense.