TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin the 2024 season on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. General Manager Jason Licht brought back many of the impact players from 2023, re-signing quarterback Baker Mayfield, receiver Mike Evans and kicker Chase McLaughlin. He also extended the contracts of left tackle Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
However, it will take more than a talented roster for Tampa Bay to have success this season. Primarily, three things will define how close the Bucs get to their ultimate goal of winning another Super Bowl.
1. The rushing attack
The Bucs had the NFL's worst rushing yards per game average in 2022 and 2023. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen — Tampa Bay's third offensive coordinator in three years — is tasked with improving that area of the offense.
Rachaad White returns as the lead back after coming up 10 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. The Bucs also drafted Bucky Irving out of Oregon. He rushed for 1,180 yards in his final college season. He should get a fair share of touches when White needs a breather.
An improved offensive line should also help Tampa Bay run the ball better. They drafted center Graham Barton out of Duke and signed guard Ben Bredeson in the offseason.
2. Baker Mayfield
Mayfield had the best season of his career in his first as a Buc. He set career highs in completions, yards and touchdowns on the way to becoming the MVP of last season's Pro Bowl.
He previously worked with Liam Coen when both were with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. The experience with Coen and the continuity on offense could spring Mayfield into the top tier of quarterbacks.
"When I can truly dig my feet in to make a difference in the culture and the people around me and make people better — that’s when I’m at my best." he said during training camp.
3. Creating turnovers
The Bucs had one of the best defenses in the NFL last year, allowing only 19.1 points per game. However, they were in the middle of the pack in the forced turnover category with 26. Tampa Bay also failed to create a turnover in their playoff loss to the Detroit Lions in January.
The return of safety Jordan Whitehead should help the Bucs in that area. He returned to Tampa Bay this offseason after leaving the Bucs for the New York Jets in 2022. He recorded a career-high four interceptions last season. He'll line up next to Winfield Jr., who is the highest-paid safety in the league after an All-Pro season in 2023.
