As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reach the quarter mark of the 2024 PML season, the 3-2 record paints a complex but hopeful picture. At times, the team looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender, particularly on offense, where Baker Mayfield has silenced doubters with his remarkable play. But in other areas—especially on defense—concerns have emerged, suggesting that if the Buccaneers are going to maximize this talented roster, changes need to be made. These first five games offer a mix of highs, lows, and everything in between, and as the team looks to build momentum, the front office’s aggressive approach may be the key to addressing some of the roster’s most pressing needs.
With the clock ticking on the current window of opportunity for success, the Buccaneers’ leadership is making it clear they are willing to make bold moves. Rumors are swirling that the team has been reaching out to other franchises, exploring potential trades to bolster the defense—especially in the secondary. It’s been reported that they are even willing to part with future draft picks to ensure they can capitalize on the immense talent currently on the roster. The addition of veteran left tackle David Bakhtiari to stabilize the offensive line shows how committed the front office is to winning now, rather than waiting for the future.
A Quarter Season Snapshot: The Numbers Tell the Story
To gain a better understanding of where the Buccaneers stand at this point in the season, it’s essential to break down their performance statistically over the first five games. The offense has been electric, while the defense, particularly against the pass, has been porous. Here’s a closer look at some of the key stats that have defined the first five games.
Team Offense:
- Passing Yards per Game: 328.4 (2nd in the PML)
- Total Yards per Game: 422.2 (3rd in the PML)
- Points per Game: 34.8 (5th in the PML)
- Third Down Conversion Rate: 47% (7th in the PML)
- Rushing Yards per Game: 87.4 (28th in the PML)
It’s no secret that the Buccaneers have been winning primarily on the strength of their passing game. Baker Mayfield has been the catalyst for an offense that ranks near the top of the league in both passing yards and total yards. His connection with receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, and Devin Culp has been electric, and he’s been efficient in converting critical third downs. However, the run game remains a work in progress, with the team ranking in the bottom third of the league in rushing yards per game. This imbalance has made the offense somewhat predictable, though Mayfield’s ability to execute under pressure has kept defenses at bay.
Team Defense:
- Passing Yards Allowed per Game: 326.2 (30th in the PML)
- Total Yards Allowed per Game: 414.6 (28th in the PML)
- Points Allowed per Game: 29.4 (24th in the PML)
- Sacks: 8 (T-25th in the PML)
- Interceptions: 2 (T-26th in the PML)
Defensively, the Buccaneers have been a different story. They’ve allowed over 400 yards per game and have been particularly vulnerable against the pass, ranking near the bottom of the league in that category. The lack of a consistent pass rush has put even more pressure on a secondary that has struggled to keep up with opposing receivers. Despite having talented players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jamel Dean, the unit has been exposed in multiple games, allowing big plays that have kept opposing teams in contention.
These statistics tell the story of a team that can light up the scoreboard but is in danger of being dragged into shootouts week after week. With these numbers in mind, let’s dive deeper into the different aspects of the Buccaneers’ season thus far, exploring the offensive highs, defensive lows, and the front office’s aggressive pursuit of improvements.
Baker Mayfield’s Leadership: The Bucs’ Offensive Identity
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Buccaneers’ season has been the elite play of Baker Mayfield. Through the first five games, Mayfield has thrown for 1,642 yards and 13 Touchdowns. He’s completed 67% of his passes and boasts a passer rating of 108.6—one of the best in the league.
Mayfield has shown remarkable poise, particularly in late-game situations, when the Bucs have needed him to step up and deliver. His ability to spread the ball around has been a key factor in the offense’s success. While Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been the primary targets, Mayfield has also developed strong chemistry with younger players like Trey Palmer and Devin Culp.
Palmer has emerged as a dynamic deep threat, regularly stretching defenses with his speed and averaging over 20 yards per reception. His breakout plays have added a new element to the offense, helping to open up the field for other receivers. On the other hand, Culp has been a reliable possession receiver, catching critical passes in traffic and moving the chains when needed. The synergy Mayfield has developed with his receivers is reminiscent of some of the most successful offenses in the league.
Combined Offensive Numbers:
- Passing Yards (Total): 1,642 yards
- Total Touchdowns (Passing): 13
- Receptions: 40 (Evans), 30 (Godwin), 22 (Culp), 18 (Palmer)
- Total Receiving Yards: 847 yards (Evans), 459 yards (Godwin), 317 yards (Culp), 395 yards (Palmer)
Offensive Line Transformation: Bakhtiari’s Impact on Protection and Run Game
The signing of veteran offensive lineman David Bakhtiari has been one of the most pivotal moves of the offseason, and his arrival has had an immediate impact. The Buccaneers already had one of the best tackles in the league in Tristan Wirfs, who has continued to excel at left tackle, but the addition of Bakhtiari to the right side has further solidified the line. This allows the Buccaneers to protect Mayfield better and gives him the time to let routes develop down the field.
Bakhtiari, a perennial All-Pro during his time with the Packers, has transitioned smoothly to the right side and has brought a level of experience and leadership to a line that needed a veteran presence. His ability to hold up in pass protection has been crucial in the team’s ability to take deep shots downfield. But beyond his physical talents, Bakhtiari has also helped elevate the play of those around him. Younger linemen have benefitted from his mentorship, and the cohesion of the unit has improved, allowing the offense to function more efficiently.
However, while the pass protection has been solid, the run game has yet to take off. The offensive line hasn’t consistently opened up running lanes, and as a result, the Bucs have struggled to control the clock and maintain balance on offense. This is an area that will need to improve as the season progresses, especially as they face tougher defenses later in the year. If Bakhtiari’s presence can help jumpstart the ground game, it will make the Buccaneers’ offense that much more dangerous.
Combined Offensive Line Stats:
- Sacks Allowed: 8 (T-12th fewest in the PML)
- Rushing Yards (Team Total): 437 yards
- Average Yards per Carry: 3.8 (23rd in the PML)
Defensive Struggles: Secondary and Pass Rush Woes
While the offense has carried the load, the defense has been a sore spot through the first five games, particularly the secondary. Opposing quarterbacks have had little trouble carving up Tampa Bay’s defensive backfield, and wide receivers have feasted on blown coverages and missed tackles. In several games, the Bucs have allowed over 400 yards of total offense, with a concerning number of those coming through the air.
The secondary’s struggles are compounded by an inconsistent pass rush. The Bucs have only registered 8 sacks in five games, ranking near the bottom of the league. Without pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the secondary has been exposed, as passers have had too much time to scan the field and find open receivers. The lack of sacks is particularly alarming given the talent the Bucs have on their defensive front, including Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Calijah Kancey. Both players were expected to take a leap this season, but neither has been able to consistently disrupt opposing offenses.
The issues in the secondary have led the Buccaneers’ front office to aggressively pursue potential upgrades. Reports indicate that the front office has been in discussions with multiple teams, exploring trade possibilities to bring in veteran help. The Bucs are willing to part with future draft picks, knowing that the championship window is now, and that without defensive improvements, their chances of making a deep playoff run could be in jeopardy.
Combined Defensive Numbers:
- Total Passing Yards Allowed: 1,631 yards
- Passing Touchdowns Allowed: 11
- Interceptions: 2
- Sacks: 8
Front Office Moves: Trading Draft Picks for Defensive Help
The Buccaneers’ willingness to trade future assets for immediate help speaks volumes about the front office’s mindset. The team’s leadership have made it clear they are in win-now mode, and with good reason. The current roster is stacked with talent at key positions, including Mayfield, Evans, Godwin, and Lavonte David, and the addition of Bakhtiari has solidified the offensive line. The defense, though struggling, has playmakers who can make an impact if they get the right help.
This is why the front office is considering trading future draft picks to bring in veteran reinforcements. The Bucs recognize that they don’t have time to wait for young players to develop—especially in the secondary. They need players who can contribute immediately, and the trade market may offer the best solution. The team’s willingness to part with draft capital suggests that they are all-in on this season, and it’s hard to blame them. With an offense playing at this high of a level, they are one or two defensive pieces away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The aggressive approach by the front office is a calculated gamble, but one that shows confidence in the team’s ability to win now. It’s a strategy that mirrors what other successful teams have done in recent years—sacrificing future draft picks to acquire the missing pieces needed to contend for a championship. Whether it’s a top cornerback or a pass-rusher, expect the Buccaneers to be active in the trade market as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: Opportunity and Urgency
With the first five games in the books, the Buccaneers find themselves at a pivotal moment. Their offense is capable of competing with any team in the league, but the defense remains a concern. The front office’s commitment to improving the roster is clear, and the next few weeks could bring significant changes if trades are made. This is a team that is not content to wait and see how things unfold. They are actively pursuing solutions and are willing to make the bold moves necessary to compete for a championship.
The offensive firepower is there, and if the defense can take even a moderate step forward, this team has the potential to be dangerous come playoff time. But the margin for error is slim, and the Bucs know it. With key matchups against tough opponents looming, the focus will be on finding balance. If the defense can tighten up, and the offense continues to hum, the Buccaneers could find themselves in the thick of the playoff race.
The quarter mark of the season has shown that this is a team with immense potential but also with pressing needs. The front office’s willingness to trade future picks for immediate help indicates that they believe in this roster—and that the time to win is now. As the season unfolds, expect the Buccaneers to remain one of the most intriguing teams in the PML, as they seek to capitalize on the talent they’ve assembled and make a push for postseason glory.
