Chris Godwin Talks Rise From “Abysmal”

November 26th, 2024

Still cruising around on a scooter a month after his horrible ankle injury, Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin is keeping a close eye on all things Bucs.

Godwin appared on the Buccaneers Radio Network yesterday and was in good spirits. Always chill, Godwin had extra juice in his voice when addressing the Bucs’ run game.

“It’s sick, like absolutely. Because we’ve just been abysmal in the run game the last handful of years,” Godwin said of the improved run game.

In 2023, the Bucs ranked last in the NFL in yards per carry. Same for 2022. This year? Tampa Bay is fourth in the league.

Godwin said running a mid-zone running scheme last year with former offensive coordinator Dave Canales was a tough adjustment but it helped transition to playcaller Liam Coen’s system this year. Godwin said 2024 offensive linemen are better at understanding angles and receivers have a stronger feel for cutback lanes.

Of course, no discussion about running the ball is complete without Bucs rookie running back sensation Bucky Irving.

Godwin said he could see in the first preseason game that Irving had special characteristics — the kind, per Godwin, that don’t show up in non-physical practices of spring and summer, aka underwear football.

Irving’s “contact balance” is special, “Godwin said. “On contact he’s tough to bring down and I think his mentality allows him to really flourish.”

Joe thinks the Bucs’ run game could still take another step as the young offensive line keeps growing and Coen’s feel improves. Joe could say the same for the Bucs’ young tight ends in the run game, as well.

“Abysmal.” Joe was glad to hear Godwin be candid about the past run game, much like Baker Mayfield finally was in July.

26 Responses to “Chris Godwin Talks Rise From “Abysmal””

  1. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Godwin will not be a Buc next year.

  2. Tbbucs3 Says:

    Godwin is a pro’s pro.

    I think the Vincent Jackson influence is still trickling down the Bucs WR room even till this day.

  3. JimBobBuc Says:

    At the beginning of the season I would have been happy going from last to the middle of the run rankings, so ranking #4 is a huge jump. Coen’s diverse run plays are better than Canales, Carberry is coaching better than Harold Goodwin, the OL is balling, and most importantly Bucky’s 5.6 ypc is better than White’s 3.7. Interesting that White’s 3.7 ypc is the same as his last two years, so White has no part in elevating the run game this year????

  4. SB~LV Says:

    Did CG have surgery or was the fracture reduced and cast ?
    Great to see and read a story about him.
    It’s almost as if without ME and CG we have no other functional wide receivers!
    Bucs are going to have to be aggressive and lucky in the 2025 draft at WR and ILB

  5. Dewey Selmon Says:

    Godwin will be a Buc next year. No one will sign him to a big contract until they see him 100%. Tampa will get a hometown discount.

  6. IrishTony Says:

    Buc for life

  7. LVMYBUCS Says:

    If he doesn’t stay he will be like Edwards and Whitehead go to another team be unvalued and used and come back

  8. drdneastup Says:

    Dewey Selmon you are probably right and for good reason. About 20 years ago the Bucs had a developing WR named Paris somebody. During the final preseason game Paris caught a pass on a post pattern and was hip drop tackled just like Godwin. It was sickening to witness. The poor kid never did come back from the gruesome injury.

  9. PSL Bob Says:

    No way Licht and Bowles (if he’s still here) will let Godwin get away to another team. He’s too valuable to this offense. Just think where the Bucs might be now if neither had been injured. With a good run game going, they would have even more opportunities to produce.

  10. BucsFanSince1996 Says:

    Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
    Godwin will not be a Buc next year.
    —————————————————-

    That’s possible but I hope you’re wrong.

    If Licht feels the Bucs will be good enough next season to legitimately contend for a Super Bowl I believe he’d want to keep Godwin around if at all possible.

    If we let Godwin walk its only because the defense needs some serious help!

  11. Crickett Baker Says:

    His interview was great. His wife really helps him. He is also a very good speaker. I doubt he will ever leave the Bucs.

  12. Beeej Says:

    They’ll offer him something in the low-mid 20’s, and he’ll take it

  13. Winny Testaverde Says:

    Some may be trying to bum rush him off the roster…but he’s such a warrior who plays with reckless abandon. Hard luck injuries…questionable cheap arse plays both times ( especially the Taint one ). Hard to say what the future holds…but he’s had a very solid career no matter what happens from here.

  14. HC Grover Says:

    2 more wins in a row and we break the Bowles Barrier…..500

  15. Dave Pear Says:

    Abysmal.

    Much like the genius defensiveless coich and his masturmind “schemes.”

  16. Stanglassman Says:

    WR Paris Warren. 2005-6?

    I hadn’t thought about that name in awhile. I didn’t realize that was a hip drop tackle until you said it.

  17. Simeon4HOF Says:

    Hope so much to have Chris back next year

  18. El HEFE Says:

    The bucs are gonna re-sign Godwin because they don’t like getting rid of their own but they will bring him in on a cheap deal because of his injuries

  19. First Last Says:

    @Buccaneer Bonzai

    I would argue that his injury makes him more likely to be a Buc next year because he will be cheaper to get. Especially with the chemistry him and Baker had

  20. #99 the big fella Says:

    Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
    November 26th, 2024 at 8:11 am
    Godwin will not be a Buc next year.

    And who told you this??
    I will bet you are wrong

  21. Usfbuc Says:

    CG will be back next year. My guess is it will be a short deal 2-3 years. With the offense running like it is Licht knows he needs to maybe add a third WR and maybe some more solid oline depth and the offense is set for a run.

    It’s just the defense that needs to be handled by either a different coach or rebuilt.

  22. #99 the big fella Says:

    In case you did not know Dave Pear does not like Todd Bowles

  23. orlbucfan Says:

    Hey earth to BB: CG14 will be back as a Buc Receiver next year, dimwit! Harbaugh and his cheap shot guaranteed it. I am surprised and relieved to read this report. CG and Ms. have already been involved in dog and animal rescue in the Tampa community. It sounds like they are putting down roots here. We couldn’t ask for classier people. No wonder he and ME13 are buds on and off-field. Go Bucs and win the next 5 in a row for CG14!!

  24. BillyBucco Says:

    I take a break and come back and see Dave Pear is still saying the same thing.
    We get it!!
    Why do you have to repeat it Over and Over and Over again?
    Godwin is the topic.
    This man is simply too valuable in this scheme to let walk.
    We have enough WRs right now.
    Baker just needs to continue to spread the ball around.
    You could tell they worked on it over the bye week.
    Baker played beautifully. Probably his best game honestly, even though he didn’t throw a TD. When was the last time the Bucs had 4 rushing TDs in a game?
    Probably Doug Martin against the Raiders.

  25. Bucs Guy Says:

    Love CG, but I’m really disappointed none if the.WRs have stepped forward to become the other solid option. Instead it’s become the TE. Maybe Shepard a little. No Palmer, McMillan or Jarrett. All have potential, but haven’t balled out.

    I expected more from Palmer in year 2 and really thought we got a steal in the draft (like CG) with McMillan in the 3rd round.

  26. Bartow Buc Says:

    McMillan, Palmer, Jarrett, they are all stepping up, it just takes time amidst all of the incredible offensive talent the Bucs have.

    Go Bucs !!