Getting The Backups Prepared
October 20th, 2025
Ready to play.
It just blows Joe’s mind how the Bucs last week against the 49ers were down to their Nos. 5-7 receivers, and never really missed a beat.
In the win over San Francisco, throwing to wide receivers not named “Emeka Egbuka,” Mayfield was 7 of 10, which is 70 percent. That’s to two guys who are at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart!
So how did the Bucs have receivers — who are lucky to have two targets thrown their way a game — be so ready and prepared when their numbers were called?
Last week Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard credited wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon. Naturally, guys at the bottom of the depth chart are don’t get many snaps in practice, let alone snaps with Baker Mayfield.
So to hear Grizzard explain it, McClendon has backups come in early and stay late after practice to help prepare, just in case.
“I think it’s the preparation they have, and especially what ‘B-Mac’ [Bryan McClendon] has been able to do with them on some of these walkthroughs,” Grizzard said. “The guys are in here early in the morning [and] they’re walking through in the afternoons as well.
“That way, if they end up in a spot where they didn’t get that practice rep, they’re ready to go. That definitely happened with Kam [Johnson] last week on some of the things he might not have gotten but ‘Mek’ [Emeka Egbuka] took [those snaps] during the week – and then in real time, you’ve still got to run those plays.
“We’ve got the confidence in [Kam Johnson] to do it because we know that he’s preparing – ‘B-Mac’ is preparing him that way. If his time comes, it’s his turn to make a play.”
The last three offensive coordinators the Bucs have had (Grizzard, Liam Coen, Dave Canales) were receivers coaches and worked their way up the ladder.
The way Grizzard is going this year, he may be the next in line as a head coach following the paths of Coen and Canales. And from the sounds of it, McClendon may just tag along wherever Grizzard goes to be offensive coordinator or a position coach.
It says a lot about McClendon if he is the guy responsible for getting Tez Johnson and Kam Johnson ready to make plays coming in cold off the bench.
October 20th, 2025 at 9:21 am
This team is full of players that hold each other accountable. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and Shep are veteran guys who lead by example. They have as much (or more) to do with the quality of play we’ve seen from Egbuka and the Johnson’s as the coaches do.
October 20th, 2025 at 9:24 am
Grizz is a head coach in waiting. The Glazers and Licht should get creative in order to keep him. Sooner rather than later.
October 20th, 2025 at 9:43 am
I want to see Tez have a big night tonight. Just having Evans and possibly EE out there ought to open up things for the Johnson boys. .
October 20th, 2025 at 10:02 am
Adam S. Just said on wake up that Double EE is game time decision. Depending how he feels in warm up. Damn I hope he plays.
October 20th, 2025 at 10:02 am
I love what Grizz is doing but if I was a GM with an opening I just don’t think I’d hire a first-year OC. It shocked the world when the Panthers hired Canales just as it shocked the world when the Jags hired Coen. They seem to be doing well, but still, those are not franchises to pattern yourself after.
October 20th, 2025 at 10:03 am
Agreed Lt Dan. Bucs need to do everything they can to keep the talented offensive coaches here in Tampa.
October 20th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Hopefully not. Hopefully they can have some sort of stability and keep Grizz and B Mac for another year after the Super Bowl win!
October 20th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Coen was a seasoned OC. He was new to the NFL but he knew what he was doing. Canales was a bigger gamble that looks to have paid off.
October 20th, 2025 at 10:18 am
Glazers, Jason, secure the package. Grizzard 2026.
October 20th, 2025 at 10:37 am
Joe, didn’t you know Tez is in the running for MVP!!?? haha Go Bucs!!!
October 20th, 2025 at 11:03 am
This all started with Tom Brady’s winning mentality and the Bucs embracing his mind set. Prior to Brady coming to the Bucs Jason Licht and the Glazer family not only choose good players, but players with good character.
We are now see the results of this winning formula. Are we witnessing the beginnings of a dynasty similar to the Patriots under the leadership of Brady and Belichek.
We will know as the season plays out. I have a good feeling about this team and organization.
October 20th, 2025 at 11:17 am
Good Morning Aqualung. If, and it’s a big if, we win 2 straight going into the bye week the fact is that Bowles will be a favorite for Coach of the Year. He’s done a heck of a job.
October 20th, 2025 at 11:26 am
I went to Bucs Bills preseason & watched Kam Johnson run the kick return to mid field. I instantly knew who our returner was!!! BEAST
RIP Doug Martin
October 20th, 2025 at 11:32 am
I mean you can offer Grizzz the world moneywise but he can still leave for a HC job ,, and there is only 32 of them ,,, grizz to jets or dolphins and McDaniel as OC next year , and Glenn DC next year ,,, bowels becomes CEO or the team
October 20th, 2025 at 11:32 am
this idiot is clueless!!!!!!!!!
On June 26, 2025, Bowles signed a multi-year contract extension with the Buccaneers!!!!!!!!
the “package” has been “SECURED” since June!!!!!!!!
if you werent too busy being wrong, you’d know that!!!!!
6-1!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 20th, 2025 at 11:58 am
Coach Bryan McClendon probably spends more time with those depth guys than Grizzard and should get a share in the praise of keeping them ready. Then you’ve got to shoutout the scouting team, especially for Kam Johnson because I didn’t even know Barton College exsisted. It’s the NFL equivalent of hitting on a $20 scratch-off
October 20th, 2025 at 12:02 pm
Baker baker the head coach maker
October 20th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
I think Jason Licht and the Glazers will be doing what they can to keep Grizzard .
The common denominator is Baker Mayfield. Coen’s flaws got exposed vs the Rams
October 20th, 2025 at 12:36 pm
Looks like grossard is going to be the next coach of the Titans, and Mac will be our next OC LOL
October 20th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
After aqua and the poo crews 2nd favorite coach, Coen (Campbell is his fav) burns out quickly in Jax other teams may think twice about grabbing the new OC a for head coaching gig.
October 20th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
Kenton – I meant keep Griz and his assistants. Do what is necessary. Not saying to fire Todd. A win tonight and at Nwawlins and the party is on!
And to two of the 3Tards, Gruden signed a big extension in 2008 and the Glazers fired him a year into it, stupid is as stupid does, Forrest and Bubba. There is precedent. It’s not going to happen barring a collapse of Raheemian proportions. But extensions don’t mean squat in this NFL,