What Critical Offensive Challenges Do Bucs Face?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2024 season with high expectations, aiming to build on their recent success, which includes three consecutive NFC South titles and a playoff run to the Divisional Round.

However, to surpass their 9-8 record from 2023 and make a deeper playoff push, the team must address several key challenges.

One of the most pressing concerns is the impact of new offensive coordinator Liam Coen . After Dave Canales left to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers , the Buccaneers turned to Coen, who brings experience from the Kentucky Wildcats and the Los Angeles Rams.

While Coen’s offensive scheme shares similarities with Canales’, his approach includes introducing more variety in the running game and utilizing presnap motions to better read defensive coverages.

Additionally, Coen plans to move wide receiver Chris Godwin back into the slot, a role in which he excelled during Tampa Bay's 2020 Super Bowl run. Coen’s background under Rams head coach Sean McVay , known for his offensive innovation, suggests that the Buccaneers' offense could see significant improvements this season.

Another major area of concern for the Buccaneers is their offensive line, which struggled in 2023, partly due to the injury to center Ryan Jensen .

His absence forced Robert Hainsey into the starting role, where he struggled. To strengthen the line, Tampa Bay selected Graham Barton from Duke in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Barton, standing at 6’5” and weighing 313 pounds, is expected to bring much-needed stability to the offensive line with his exceptional technique and agility and was recently named the starting center.

Related: Buccaneers' Offense 'In A Good Spot' Says Chris Godwin

However, the rest of the line remains unchanged from last year, placing significant pressure on Barton to perform at a high level from the outset. The success of the Buccaneers' offensive line—and consequently, their entire offense—will hinge on Barton's ability to elevate the unit's overall performance.

As the Buccaneers prepare for the 2024 season, the effectiveness of their offensive strategies and the performance of their revamped line will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their dominance in the NFC South and achieve a deeper playoff run.