Chris Godwin Responds; Did He Flash A Me-First Attitude?
December 7th, 2023
Joe wasn’t sure how Chris Godwin would respond today after his wife blasted Todd Bowles yesterday and then tried to clarify her intentions this morning following the deletion of her Bowles darts on social media.
Godwin talked to local media and Joe didn’t think Godwin sounded like a guy who just came off a huge home win, one in which he had a 19-yard rushing touchdown that snapped a two-game losing streak and catapulted the Bucs into second place and a Sunday showdown with the Falcons.
Godwin made it clear that he “never had like any malice or, like, ill-will toward [Dave] Canales or [Todd] Bowles or anybody.”
Gee, that was nice to know. Joe might have felt better if Godwin said he “loves” his coaches.
“We’re just trying to figure out how to move forward and make this the best that we can make because that’s all we want at the end of the day. We want to win and go the playoffs,” Godwin said.
Joe wonders if Godwin and other Bucs are deeply frustrated because the Bucs choose to run the damn ball so much when they’re not good at it. Heck, if Godwin’s frustration about targets is really all about winning, then the run frequency should be the priority subject on the table — and it should be coming from more players than just Godwin.
“For me, it’s not necessarily just like, ‘Oh, I want targets. I want targets. I want targets.’ It’s like I’m trying to be able to provide the most value that I can and that I know I can,” Godwin added.
Joe undersstands Godwin being passionate about wanting the ball more to help the team. Every elite and highly-paid receiver should want the damn rock. That’s a small part of what makes them great. But something feels off when it comes to the timing of the Godwin family comments.
In addition the comments coming after a victory, this wasn’t a typical game. Godwin was battling through a neck injury, and he did appear to drop his first pass. Plus, it was a weird rain day that certainly affected the passing game.
Ultimately, Joe thinks Godwin is like most Bucs fans. He watched the Bucs offense struggle Sunday against a miserable Panthers team and the win sort of felt like a bad loss that needed to be addressed immediately.
Regardless, before Godwin’s comments today, Joe considered Godwin to be the ultimate team-first player. Joe’s not quite sure about that now.
(Joe almost never posts YouTube video, but today will be an exception. You can watch Godwin’s chat with local media below and share your feedback.)
December 7th, 2023 at 5:43 pm
He wants to escape the staff IMO. At least he will not strip on the sideline and dance to the tunnel…LOL We are in Tatters. Our only chance Sunday is keep it close and a major Atlanta blunder at the end.
December 7th, 2023 at 5:45 pm
Translation he wants a QB that can throw him a catchable ball.
December 7th, 2023 at 5:47 pm
Godwin is in a situation here, because while he’s undeniably good, he’s not irreplaceably good. He’s not ME13.
December 7th, 2023 at 5:53 pm
@UK
are you friggin high?
CG has not cost us games. I can name several games this year we lost where ME dropping balls directly resulted in us losing.
BM force feeds ME because he is too damn short and does not have the touch Brady did to hit CG….nor the vision.
when ME went out hurt we WON the game and CG lit it up!
December 7th, 2023 at 5:53 pm
Grover, do you think the bucs are great?
December 7th, 2023 at 5:53 pm
All players want to make the playoffs cause of the extra pay.
December 7th, 2023 at 5:54 pm
MC the Bucs are great bcuz we have a NFL team. That is great. We could be Orlando……
December 7th, 2023 at 5:55 pm
It would be irresponsible to not scheme Chris into the offense more than he has been. Spread the love. The run game is dead.
December 7th, 2023 at 5:56 pm
This is what you get when Maybefield is the QB1. He is a cancer and destroys teams one snap at a time.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:00 pm
I didn’t hear anything that he said that suggests he is not a team first player.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:06 pm
Boss Says:
@UK
are you friggin high?
CG has not cost us games. I can name several games this year we lost where ME dropping balls directly resulted in us losing
——————-
Evans is open even when he’s covered. CG is not. Sure, ME has had a few drops this year, but he’s still having one of his best seasons ever.
CG is great, don’t deny it. I’d prefer he was moved to slot, but he’s not a rare-HoF calibre receiver.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:08 pm
If Chris Godwin had a problem with Todd Bowles then he should have addressed it with Todd Bowles before his wife did. Totally unacceptable behavior from Chris Godwin. Hopefully he keeps his wife under control and doesn’t become a locker room cancer because Baker Mayfield isn’t throwing him the ball.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:12 pm
Will you look at that, I actually agree with UKBuc. The Bucs probably cannot afford to pay both Evans and Godwin 20+ mil AND sign guys like Wirfs and Winfield, (and a new G). If I have to choose 1, I choose Mike.
Also agree with ATLBuc. Nothing in that interview said “me-first.”
December 7th, 2023 at 6:16 pm
Bowles totally messed up Devin White and now he’s working on Chris Godwin……who’s next……
December 7th, 2023 at 6:19 pm
I don’t have any doubts about Godwin being a team first guy and nothing I heard
in that interview changed my mind. Also think its a coaches responsibility to have an open door policy to address issues a player has. At the end of the day it is up to Baker to find him and give him a chance to make plays. Git er done, Baker.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:32 pm
CG, is doing the best he can with what this poorly head coached team is allotting him. That goes for Dave Canales too. They are handcuffed by their HC. The style of offense looks very similar to last years with similar results. Coincidence ? I think not! Even with a better play caller in DC. The plays are different but the run game has certain priorities that handcuff the offense. Such as “we must run between the tackles” even if time after time after time this results in 2 yd gains and 3rd and long! Then we hear our HC saying ” this is all good!! We have to keep it up!!”. Of course DC has to echo that or look for another job. So CG gets frustrated especially after the lack of targets and almost losing to that poor ash panther team. He confides in his wife his frustration. Then she hears TB making up sh!t about CG and she can’t hold back… I Don’t Blame Her !!!! I blame this so called head coach who should focus on getting his defense off the field on 3rd and 4th downs instead of focusing on the offense.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:43 pm
@Boss. Are you kidding me? Come on man. ME13 is balling the eff out. You do understand that the man has over 1,000 yards already, again and again, and has 10 TD’s. Everybody drops a ball here and there. Not everybody that drops a ball makes sick catches. ME13 does. He put this team on his back to get the job done vs the Panthers. That’s one of the nuttiest comments I’ve ever read.
Godwin too is a massive part of this team. He can go over the middle, take the hits, work the sidelines while ME13 runs deep outs and go’s. The problem for Chris is Dave is a meh playcaller and more importantly, Baker has no vision. He locks onto his first read and does a poor job of coming off the first read to scan the field. To top it off, he’s probably just short enough to not see over the trenches to find Godwin.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:48 pm
Gonna be a veteran talent jailbreak next spring!
December 7th, 2023 at 6:50 pm
The problem CG is having is because under Brady most of his targets were over the middle. However, Baker doesn’t throw over the middle because he’s to short to see over the line. That’s why Evans is targeted on the outside so much. What is Bowles going to say CG is not being targeted because his QB is too short to throw over the middle. Therefore he just be says CG is injured. Start Trask now.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:54 pm
Godwin is not happy with his Qb. The Mayfield blind faith movement will be calling for CG to go. Can’t have an actual player think Bakers awesomeness isn’t really awesome. How dare anyone think otherwise. Results be danged. We will be losing talent from this roster. We could be reliving the culverhouse Era/misery all over again. It’s a bucs life.
December 7th, 2023 at 6:59 pm
He will be here longer than this coaching staff. All good.
December 7th, 2023 at 7:13 pm
Chris Godwin is a most decent, unselfish guy who has played through pain and given it all for his team.
Respect the man.
December 7th, 2023 at 7:16 pm
If we were transitioning to a dink dunk and run team last summer, WHY would we re-allocate the best slot receiver in the NFL? I don’t have all-22 so I can’t see what he’s doing on the far side of the field, but it seems his skills aren’t being taken advantage of
December 7th, 2023 at 7:36 pm
Maybe Odell Beckham had a point! Maybe it’s Baker mayfield !
December 7th, 2023 at 7:40 pm
Not sure why you are on the fence about him being a team-first player. Remember Mr. Godwin was present for the entire off-season at One Buc Palace. Not only to learn the new offense, but help teach his other team members. I heard nothing from his time before the 4th estate today that screamed ”I am Desean Jackson, I am all about me and my targets.” or Did you expect him to throw his wife under the bus?
Now if you made that comment about Devin White, I would concur with you. If anything I would suspect Joe, just wants the TABLOID headlines. Only sense I can make from your statement.
Personally, I think a larger conspiracy is why the week off with no notice for the IRA podcast, an apparently pulled off the storage shelf story about Simeon Rice and then when the podcast returns, comments are turned off?
Something may smell rotten in Denmark, but it isn’t Chris Godwin.
December 7th, 2023 at 7:52 pm
Godwin is a class act and team first player. He is doing damage control for his wife going Miko.
December 7th, 2023 at 7:53 pm
Never go full Miko.
December 7th, 2023 at 7:59 pm
Kbazzuka says u r the cancer on this site period grf off
December 7th, 2023 at 8:00 pm
I bet he wants Brady back! He would make sure Chris got his touches.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:01 pm
Ah yes it’s Baker’s fault. BTW don’t know if you guys heard that horrible fart from the Buc’s cheerleader…Baker’s fault…a fan slipped coming down Ray Jays steps..again Baker’s fault.
Chris Godwin has 3 drops this year…again as a poster said…Baker’s fault.
ME13 has SEVEN drops this year…at least one a certain TD again Baker’s fault.
ME13 also has over 1000 yards on the way to his best production in years including those with the GOAT…again Baker’s fault? Oops of course not.
ME13 caught a ball in stride and took it to the house to put the Bucs on top of Carolina…again Baker’s fault?
Cade Otton dropped an easy TD pass…oops Baker’s fault.
Mayfield led the Bucs to a dramatic 4th Q comeback win over the hot Houston Texans in THEIR crib!!! Touchdown Buccaneers
(:49) (Shotgun) B.Mayfield pass short middle to C.Otton for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
But he left :49 second on the clock and the defense gave up the booty. AGAIN Baker’s fault.
Let’s have a new hashtag here…#Bakersfault
December 7th, 2023 at 8:05 pm
All the haters I’m sure baker was the cancer at Panthers last year also he such a bum Heisman trophy winner playoff winner Cleveland fans loved the guy never heard them such such garbage as u jokers do here.i c home games & everyone in the stands r cheering on baker & crew u don’t c nasty signs & stupid stuff from real fans they even pay a premium to go to live games all u haters wud never spend 10 cents cause u r all a pile of bs & cheap skates keep u r garbage to u r self
December 7th, 2023 at 8:05 pm
Winning cures everything including WR’s who feel they’re not getting the ball enough..unless they’re Meshawn Johnson or OBJ.
IF the Bucs win 4 of their next five and make the playoffs this kind of story will disappear!
Who is Atlanta going to be targeting defensively Sunday? After this story they’re certainly going to realize CG will get more targets and ME13 was always going to get his share of double coverage.
Do the Bucs FORCE the ball to them…or do they hit an improved and probably open Trey Palmer or even Cade Otton. Nah that would be unexpected and the Bucs never do the unexpected.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:07 pm
Man…disappointed to see people coming at CG. All anyone has been saying is that we need to get him the ball. Then when there is an opportunity when to amplify that, many in the comment section are turning on Chris. CG didn’t publicly post that…his wife did.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:08 pm
Fact is, if he gets the ball more, our offense is more dynamic. He dominated New Orleans…it’s a mystery he just disappeared after that game.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:10 pm
Bottom line is he gets open regularly, especially when he goes across the middle of the field. Yet, the ball is not coming to him. If the receivers are getting open regularly, then the passing offense isn’t the problem, the QB is. I don’t know why so many don’t understand this simple concept. It sure as hell didn’t take long for Kyle to target Godwin, and it almost ended up in a score – from a QB relatively cold off the bench, no less. If the Bucs really want Godwin to get more passes, change the QB.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:12 pm
We all know CG14 is a team first guy JOE. Lay off the bigs storms lol. The offense is bad. They have several good plays but they are bad for most of the game in literally every game so far. This is terrible when you have weapons like our WR. The online holds up in pass protection. ME13 will go a whole half without a target and they barely use CG14. This is criminal. They want to run the ball into a brick wall time and time again and again and not use their weapons. It’s so frustrating. High school coaches could get more out of their stats then these coaches. Bring BA back for a season and I bet the offense goes from worst to frost
December 7th, 2023 at 8:12 pm
First * lol
December 7th, 2023 at 8:24 pm
Joe,
I think you’re missing the point here! Godwin is a team first guy but there have been questions about his targets for weeks now! Then, Todd Bowles makes an invalid statement, and I believe that is what caused Godwin’s wife to make that first statement. When you say he’s banged up or he’s not in the game, then you make it something it’s not – and that’s what Bowles did! He wasn’t truthful! So, when it’s time to negotiate for a new contract, that’s the excuse for not getting your value because you’re always hurt, and I believe that Godwin wanted to clear the air. Whether it’s with the Bucs or another team, he doesn’t want his value to go down on the false assumption that he’s hurt all the time. Brilliant move and extremely calculated! He knows folks will look at the snap count and see he played the usual snaps!
December 7th, 2023 at 8:30 pm
Dumbest coaches in the league. No surprise players see it too.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:30 pm
Jack Clark Says:
December 7th, 2023 at 6:08 pm
If Chris Godwin had a problem with Todd Bowles then he should have addressed it with Todd Bowles before his wife did.
How do you know that he didn’t???
December 7th, 2023 at 8:42 pm
Its a down year for CG, and he is frustrated at the second consecutive season handcuffed to young, struggling OC. Still a Bowles problem because he should know to keep his best players happy. On offense, he only had two jobs- keep Evans and Godwin happy. These guys never gripe until a Bowles regime. I have always had Licht’s back, but he should know this better than anyone else, and if he isnt in someone’s ear over this, he needs to move on as well. They alienate these guys, one of them struggles, and look- Evans is not under contract this year, and it is likely going to be hard to move Godwin with his cap hit if you went in another direction. Thats a bold strategy, Cotton.
December 7th, 2023 at 8:49 pm
Thats my DAWG is all that anyone needs to know..
Chris, you and yours are my dawg homie…. XOXOXOXOXOXOOXOX
December 7th, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Godwin needs to keep his wife in check. If she gets out of pocket again he needs to b-slap her
December 7th, 2023 at 8:56 pm
Stfu bakersbucs, any fan here is a real fan. Get out of here with that crap. I am a baker fan but even the most casual fan can see he doesn’t scan the field. He zeros in on the first read. Baker will not be here next year with the new coaching staff.
December 7th, 2023 at 9:31 pm
Chris Godwin isn’t getting open like Evans. Hey, it is what it is. Evans is in a contract year! Duh, lack of guaranteed money is a high priority you know.
Play well and you break da bank. I’m not saying ‘cheetah’ money, but pretty darn near… just sayin.
December 7th, 2023 at 9:44 pm
Ok we can blame the coaches, but they don’t throw the ball. Mayfield just doesn’t have the skill to throw to the all pro receivers. He can only check down to White / Otten / slot. I don’t think this is a coaching problem as much as it is a QB skill problem. I don’t know if Trask is the answer, but it is clear Mayfield doesn’t have it.
December 7th, 2023 at 10:00 pm
#99 the big fella Says:
December 7th, 2023 at 8:56 pm
Stfu bakersbucs, any fan here is a real fan. Get out of here with that crap.
——
No you get outta here with YOUR CRAP. I see Baker scan the field all the time even on some of our red zone TDs
December 7th, 2023 at 10:21 pm
Didn’t Tom Brady say that Godwin may have the best hands of anyone he threw the ball too? The only thing that has changed is the QB. Brady and Godwin developed a good connection and a trust. I don’t think that has happened with Mayfield. Mayfield has a good connection with Mike Evans but not Godwin. It may be as simple as that. Or it could be something more sinister that may come out as the season ends.
December 7th, 2023 at 10:23 pm
Godwin is and always has been a baller.
He shouldn’t have to defend himself to anybody.
This GM/ Coaching staff gotta go.
December 7th, 2023 at 10:27 pm
Last year Godwin was getting more attention, ME13, outside of that 200 yard Panthers game, wasn’t. Otoh, Godwin getting $20 mil per year
December 7th, 2023 at 10:33 pm
He knows theres a trash QB behind center who isn’t capable of threading the needle.
December 7th, 2023 at 10:46 pm
@buccos. Hopefully you are drunk off your arse to make a statement like you did. Regardless if you are drunk or not you are clueless and I am being nice! I feel for your loved ones. Embarrassing!
December 7th, 2023 at 11:01 pm
Gotta keep’em inline! My wife would NEVER, EVER do something like that to embarrass me
December 7th, 2023 at 11:11 pm
What’s your secret beej?
Slap ‘em around once a week, Whether they need it or not?
You been talking this ish since first thing this morning.
December 7th, 2023 at 11:20 pm
There’s one person to point the finger at, and that is Baker Mayfield, who is a middling QB who struggles to throw for 200 yards a week. If Mike has a big game, it means there isn’t much ball to go around.
If / when you get a real QB that realizes the job of a QB is to score points, then everyone will get the ball more.
I have no issues with Godwin in the least – he didn’t go to the media or be a dramaqueen about it, it was his wife who p/o’d as she was cashing checks on his huge extension he’s not going to get when Baker leaves Godwin with 0 catches on the week.
December 7th, 2023 at 11:32 pm
I don’t think it’s really fair to question if he’s a team player just over this one incident. I think what you said about having to deal with this offense being crap and the win being more like a bad loss is correct. He’s had to deal with losing for so long, been a stand-up guy, great player, and then he says one thing and now he’s possibly not a team player?
December 7th, 2023 at 11:33 pm
Just gave it.
This team blows and there isn’t any hope until this entire regime is changed.
December 7th, 2023 at 11:34 pm
*just face it
Thank you archaic web platform
December 7th, 2023 at 11:35 pm
So sick of Todd Bowels and Jason Licht my b***s.
Enough is enough.
December 7th, 2023 at 11:56 pm
“Jmarkbuc Says:
December 7th, 2023 at 11:11 pm
What’s your secret beej?
Slap ‘em around once a week, Whether they need it or not?
You been talking this ish since first thing this morning.”
joking aside, it’s a VERY bad look for him. (or ANY man) Might as well get some birkenstocks, start wearing a manbun, go vegetarian
December 8th, 2023 at 12:04 am
Jmarkbuc Says:
December 7th, 2023 at 11:11 pm
What’s your secret beej?
—-
His secret is if his significant other gets out of line he just deflates them and sends them back to the manufacturer if the return deadline has not passed.
December 8th, 2023 at 12:24 am
Always buy Amazon!
December 8th, 2023 at 1:34 am
Todd. Bowles.
A guy who could have the 1999 – 2000 Rams Greatest Show in Turf and average 16 points a game and go 6-11 with them.
December 8th, 2023 at 5:40 am
Tony marks you can leave when baker leaves ,you little bitch boy
December 8th, 2023 at 7:18 am
Godwin is also the best wr running the ball and that run was the first run or screen I remember him having this season
December 8th, 2023 at 8:12 am
Any player who gives a 10 minute interview complaining about his place in the offense etc.–during an early December week leading into the biggest game of the year–isn’t really impressing me as a team guy.
Most everyone’s wife is their biggest supporter and top sounding board. Not many dudes’ wives run to the media and the bosses with the private complaints, however.
Godwin’s got about five fewer catches than Evans on the year. Last year he had a lot more catches than Evans, and the offense sucked then, too. And Evans didn’t complain as far as I can remember.
OBJ and his daddy had a better case.
December 8th, 2023 at 8:59 am
If Bowles, and by extension Canales were awesome, this wouldn’t be happening.
Women and wives speak out. I don’t think she’s going full Miko. I also don’t think she has to be “ kept in line”.
She pulled the posts down. She sees that the heat of the moment got to her.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:22 am
CG doesn’t own his wife. Are you guys are stuck in the 1950s? Every marriage is different some people still treat their wives like chattel but these days most respect them as equals. To each their own. I’m not judging. But to assume CG’s wife isn’t allowed to express her own opinion isn’t a given. She knows more about football than any of us. She didn’t run to the press as some falsely stated. She posted some facts and her editorial on Instagram. CG said he found out after the fact and spoke to her about it. Also said he spoke to the Bucs staff. Everything he said was team first, anybody’s opinion otherwise is making stuff up for clicks and or attention.
December 8th, 2023 at 9:41 am
Funny how when a player’s wife has her own personal viewpoint which about 90% of the Tampa Bay fans have watched for 29 games now under Bowles, the column is pointing towards her comments that Chris isn’t a team player.
Rubbish, the guy has the courage of a lion and skills similar to Deebo Samuels thought not a strong, but just as tough.
He can can open very quickly in an offense that runs crossers and pick plays in the 10-13 yard area but the Bucs are more focused on trying to push 1st down runs that get 2 yards every time. That shrinks the coverage and a guy like Godwin is best in the middle of the field but when you are in 2 and 8’s the defense closes in that part of the field. Stupid offense, stupid scheme.
These coaches have had 29 games to figure it out. 400 yards of total offense to get 3 TD’s a game isn’t that difficult with these skill players on the Bucs but it ain’t happening.
December 8th, 2023 at 11:21 am
Bowles lied. It wasn’t just “coachspeak”. He lied. The truth from the wife of a player is toxic for some people. This is 2023, not 1923. The LADY is not screaming and yelling at video conferences. She posted the truth, and Chris has supported her, as he should. He doesn’t want to be a twenty million dollar decoy. He wants to be involved. He wants to contribute, as he has done from the very first day that he put on the uniform. He’s frustrated. The fans are frustrated. I’m not confident that Bowles can fix anything at this point. I trust Licht to find a competent replacement next month.