Josh Grizzard Explains Lack Of Tight End Targets
October 2nd, 2025
Tight ends needed elsewhere.
If you have been wondering if Cade Otton is still with the Bucs, there’s a reason for that.
It’s easy to forget Otton, the fourth-year tight end, is on the field on Sundays (or a stray Monday night). If you forgot about Otton being on the team, you also likely think both Payne Durham and Devin Culp have been released, too.
All three are very much with the Bucs but they’re not catching many footballs. The Bucs, after Week 4, have the lowest percentage of pass attempts targeting tight ends of anyone in the league.
Per the Twitter account @Doug_Analytics, the Bucs target their tight ends on 9 percent of the pass attempts.
So today, Joe asked Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard why that is. Is it because he wants to push the ball downfield more? Or is Grizzard keeping the tight ends back to help block with the Bucs’ offensive line ravaged by injuries?
Grizzard said it was that the tight ends, led by Otton, are staying back closer to the line to help keep Baker Mayfield’s jersey clean.
“Cade and [and Durham] are being selfless and being able to be in that alignment to try to help out on some of the protections where [Otton is] not necessarily getting out into a route, or if it is a route, it’s not something that’s vertical down the field,” Grizzard said. “So that’s really where that’s coming from.”
Grizzard emphasized their lack of targets has nothing to do with a lack of confidence. He still wants to get the ball to Otton, but right now Otton is needed elsewhere.
“We do intend to try to keep getting him the ball when we can on those kind of things, but what he’s been able to do, what those guys have done, by taking the team-first [approach] and being able to say, ‘This is what’s needed, at least, at this current time, to get some of [the plays] off.'”
And Grizzard lauded Otton for being a team guy and willing to do the dirty work while sacrificing his numbers.
“He never complains about it,” Grizzard said of Otton. “Goes about his practice — had a hell of a practice today.”
When Luke Goedeke returns and the Bucs’ offensive line stabilizes, Grizzard said Otton will be more active in the passing game.
Target Percentage by Position
(weeks 1-4) pic.twitter.com/8PPmi8SrUJ— Doug Analytics (@Doug_Analytics) October 2, 2025
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:14 pm
Makes sense
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:22 pm
Meanwhile Hainsey is in Jax.
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:24 pm
Makes total sense. Until we get the o-line stabilized, we need help up front to keep Baker upright. I’m hoping that after the bye we’ll be back to a more recognizable offensive unit. That is if the guys already on the field stay healthy.
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:26 pm
Baker has to get the ball out of his hands quicker, and get rid of it! I don’t know why they’re not using RWhite more in the passing game and getting him involved a lot more!? Especially, given all of our injuries at WR and also not using our TE’s in the passing game due to the injuries on the OLine. Baker has to take what the defense is GIVING HIM. QUICK. And, FAST. LoL. But, there has to be shorter intermediate routes being schemed to begin with, in order for him to do so! Even though, I have seen him on SEVERAL occasions, never even look there and continue holding the ball, when HE HAS had receivers open across the middle. Just TAKE-IT. Let’s Go. Keep-It Movin. TEMPO. RYTHYM. Go Fast. Stay Clean. Wear Them Down. Don’t Allow Them To Substitute.
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Has there been any mention of exactly what Luke’s injury is and when he might be back? There’s been zero mention of it.
It’s smart if Todd to keep that from getting out but I’d still like to know
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:29 pm
“Exactly?” Like what muscles or nerves or ligaments or bones are bruised or hurt or dislocated? No, and the Bucs likely won’t until he’s back on the field.
It’s a foot injury of some sort. That much we know.
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:50 pm
What sucks for Otton is this is his option year. Catching 13 passes for 67 yards isn’t gonna boost interest in him
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:52 pm
If Baker doesn’t survive, there won’t be any one to throw TE’s the ball.
October 2nd, 2025 at 5:09 pm
MelvinJunior Says:
October 2nd, 2025 at 4:26 pm
Melvin while I agree with some of what you are saying, I think Baker has a little bit better handle on what is going on in the field than arm chair coaches and qb’s. Have you not heard him talking to almost every player on the field when he sees something that is coming up? Pretty amazing, but there are some that will never be convinced.
I would like for Grizz to go in “move the chains mentality” which means playing faster and more quick hitters. Was happier under Coen.
October 2nd, 2025 at 5:12 pm
Imagine if AJ Brown was a TE on this team lol
October 2nd, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Didn’t Gronk block AND catch a few passes?
October 2nd, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Should have franchise tagged Hainsey