4 bold predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024

We have finally arrived at the new football season. Preseason games are over and the real deal is here and we are about to find out who did the right work this off-season and who left wins on the table.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kickoff their quest for a fourth consecutive NFC South title with a meeting against the Washington Commanders.

If the Bucs are going to run things back and build on the success of last season, we must look beyond Week 1 and try to decipher what we can expect from this team on the macro. It won’t be easy, but there are a few things that could happen that help push Tampa Bay even further than it went a year ago.

4 bold predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024

The Buccaneers will have a Top 5 total defense

This one might not seem very bold at a glance as the Bucs finished 7th in total defense just a season ago. Having said that, I still think they will make a step forward this season and they could very well carry the team at times this season.

Calijah Kancey is entering his second season and he looks primed for a true breakout campaign alongside the irreplaceable Vita Vea.

Those two should combine to make life very difficult for opposing offenses, especially against the run. Don't be shocked to see both men push for 20 tackles for loss this season.

Lavonte David returning for another season to orchestrate the defense is brilliant news and it offsets the departure of one Devin White who never could find his peak form from a few years ago. Rookie edge Chris Braswell should partner with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to create a rock solid edge rush as well.

The secondary still has arguably the best safety in the NFL in Antoine Winfield Jr. as well as some athletic corners that make things happen. This defense can be great if everything hits like it can.

Chris Godwin will have 10 receiving TD in a season for the 1st time

All the buzz around Godwin this summer has centered on how he has looked like his 2019 self once again, in that he is a dangerous all-around wideout that can cook any defense he goes against.

Coincidentally, that year is when he recorded his career high of 8 receiving touchdowns in a season. With a return to almost fulltime duty out of the slot, Godwin should be primed for a huge season as one of Baker Mayfield's most reliable and explosive targets.

Mike Evans is usually the scoring machine in this wide receiver room, but I think Godwin gets his shine this season and find the double-digit mark for the first time in what could be a fun offense to watch.

The emergence of rookie Jalen McMillan will also help him as well as he is another credible threat that secondary's will have to account for, thus allowing No. 14 to eat over the middle and underneath.

Bucky Irving will have 700+ scrimmage yards

Heading into Week 1 there is no denying Rachaad White's status as the No. 1 running back in Tampa Bay.

He had a very good season in 2023 and earned the respect he currently has right now among the coaches and players.

However, that does not mean he will be immune to challenges from his peers or an occasional swoon during the long season. In comes the name Bucky Irving.

Irving, the Bucs' 4th round draft pick in April has wasted little time creating a strong impression of himself within the organization and he has shot up the depth chart. Coach Todd Bowles raved about him;

"He’s probably the first player in after me. When I go to the training room and workout, I see him in there. To be that young and that early day-in and day-out, and to not have any mental errors, is impressive.” "

- Todd Bowles to Bucs reporter Brianna Dix

That work ethic combines with his skills on the field as a pass catcher and a player that runs harder than his size might suggest he should. He had a very good preseason and is the clear No. 2 behind White, but I think this offense will have enough touches to share that he could hit 700 scrimmage yards for sure.

The Bucs will have an even better winning record than last year

It’s unlikely that Tampa Bay is going to be a juggernaut this season that challenges for the No. 1 seed in the conference. However, there is more than enough talent on this football team along with a lot of leadership in the right area that winning at least 9 games is more than within the scope of expectation.

Mayfield must repeat his great work from a season ago, if not improve on it, but there are so many weapons around him on offense, both old and new, that he is in the best spot of his career in that regard.

We already know how good the defense is and if Bowles can keep them locked in and stay away from crippling penalties, they could be a really special unit.

Sprinkle in playing Carolina twice and New Orleans twice and the record already begins looking good on that front. Beating Washington in the opener is almost a must-have for this prediction to come true, but it won't be a death knell if a loss occurs.

I am very optimistic about this team and of course these predictions are dependent on player health so that is always on the table as well.

This team though is more than capable of winning 9 or 10 games if everything clicks.

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors