Cade Otton Says Zac Robinson Has Him Studying Atlanta Tight Ends
July 24th, 2026
Building a two-headed monster?
Last year Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson used mostly two different tight ends when he was calling the shots for the Atlanta offense, Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner.
Pitts was the primary target and Woerner was more of a blocking tight end. Bucs tight end Cade Otton suggested Robinson wants him to catch like Pitts and block like Woerner.
Otton was on “The Insiders” last night, a weeknight show on NFL Network. He detailed how he’s melding with Robinson, who is Otton’s fifth different coordinator in his five NFL seasons.
“We’ve watched a lot of Falcons film from them last year, and it’s been a bunch of fun to watch,” Otton said. “You … see the behind-the-scenes of what Kyle Pitts did last year and Charlie Woerner, and [the plan is to] kind of be able to do a little bit of both those [players].”
Joe hopes that means Otton will be used as a downfield target more. He has it in him as he showed, rarely, last year.
Last season when Otton caught a pass of at least 18 yards, the Bucs were 4-2. In the final game of the season last year, Otton’s 18-yard touchdown catch down the left hashmarks gave the Bucs an early lead.
Still, the Bucs had the worst production from tight ends in the NFL last season. Joe guesses then-Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was channeling his inner-Mike Martz.
Joe sure hopes Robinson tries to get Otton involved more if he has Otton studying Pitts’ tape from last year.
As for the new Bucs offense, Otton peeled back the curtains a little.
“There’s a lot of play-action involved in getting down the field with what [Pitts] did,” Otton said. “And then just some different schemes in the run blocking game [as Woerner did].
“It just looks like a lot of fun and a great offense to be in. Spread the ball around, run the ball, and you know, explosive plays down the field.”
If recent history means anything, Otton getting explosive plays downfield improves the odds of the Bucs winning.
July 24th, 2026 at 6:05 am
Hopefully magically its the Blocking Part.
I rewatched the week 16 game against the Panthers this week on the NFL channel. Tied 20-20 4th Quarter late after Baker hit Egbuka for a 40 yard gain, Otton absolutely whiffed on a block for a considerable loss of yards for Bucky.
Had to punt after Baker bounced a ball to Godwin.
After I rewatched Seattle vs LA week 16. McVay had Stafford hit 3 TEs for 6 catches and around 75 yards. We never see that type of Production in a Big Game from our TEs. Maybe Sharpe will change things but it isn’t Otton.
July 24th, 2026 at 6:09 am
I do believe for clarity, Bakers height plays a key role in him not hitting TEs on seam routes over the middle. And he would rather hit a WR outside.
Unless its a screen or busted play TEs block in Tampa.
Poor Devin Culp. Why draft speed at TE if you aren’t gonna use it?
July 24th, 2026 at 6:24 am
The Rams offensive line is ranked 4th in the entire NFL. No need for a blocking TE! The Bucs when everyone is injured ranks last. Not only do you keep the TE in to block you also have to have the RB blocking as well. Not to mention their defense ranks around 4th as well where our passing D is last so it makes sense their TE’s had a lot of success against us.
July 24th, 2026 at 6:53 am
“I do believe for clarity, Bakers height plays a key role in him not hitting TEs on seam routes over the middle. And he would rather hit a WR outside.”
Baker is the same height as Drew Brees–Payton always had pro-bowl-level interior O-line in front of him for that reason
July 24th, 2026 at 7:27 am
One thing that might help Baker, that Breez did, was that he delivered a lot of downfield passes on his tiptoes. In theory it might help his vision and reduce batted ball at line scrimmage.
July 24th, 2026 at 7:33 am
Cade Otton will be one of the best TEs in the NFL this season.
HAHAHAHA!
Just kidding.
Mediocre at best.
July 24th, 2026 at 7:34 am
Don’t forget Russell Wilson, who is an inch shorter than Brees and Baker. Although Wilson was not great throwing over the middle, Brees definitely was, changing his arm slot on throws to thread passes between tall defensive linemen.
Baker hit Otton on a ton of big time plays in 2023 and 2024. Chalk last year up to a combination of scheme and using him a bit more to block.
July 24th, 2026 at 7:59 am
“If recent history means anything, if Otton can get some explosive plays downfield, the odds that the Bucs win certainly increase.”
Could run some screens for -1 yard gains after catching it 4 yards in the backfield, good grief Grizzard was terrible for even keeping those plays. Probably played a part in 54% of Cades receiving yards being YAC, which are the only explosive type plays I’ll expect from him.
Also, Cade getting more looks in the receiving game could be a move to unlock other aspects of this offense, but with the way we’ve trended targeting him the last few years somebody may have to get hurt first.
July 24th, 2026 at 8:27 am
@ scotty
When Russ Wilson won the SB he also had the NFL’s #1 rated defense.
The Bucs defense stinks like rotten socks stuffed with brie cheese and left outside for a decade or so…
So there is that little fact you failed to mention.
Oooooops.
July 24th, 2026 at 8:29 am
He also had “Beast Mode” going nuts chewing Skittles and running the ball like a mad man…
July 24th, 2026 at 8:32 am
And please never mention the name Drew Brees again.
Thank you for your cooperation with this matter…
July 24th, 2026 at 8:36 am
PLUS – Todd Bowles couldn’t hold Pete Carroll’s joke IMO…
July 24th, 2026 at 8:36 am
*jock not joke.
lol.
July 24th, 2026 at 8:37 am
does he have him studying how to wear gloves?
July 24th, 2026 at 8:44 am
You’ll notice he puts bands of tape on every finger, seems to be more comfortable with that
July 24th, 2026 at 9:17 am
“You’ll notice he puts bands of tape on every finger, seems to be more comfortable with that”
Joint protection you don’t get with gloves, don’t think the average fan realize how susceptible pass catchers hands are to getting mauled on a play to play basis. Practical stuff.
July 24th, 2026 at 10:39 am
Beeej Says:
“Baker is the same height as Drew Brees–Payton always had pro-bowl-level interior O-line in front of him for that reason”
Mayfield is 1 inch taller than Drew Brees.
He is 4 inches shorter than Peyton Manning.
July 24th, 2026 at 10:43 am
Marine Buc Says:
“Cade Otton will be one of the best TEs in the NFL this season.
HAHAHAHA!
Just kidding.
Mediocre at best.”
Cade has it in him to be an above average TE. He may of may not have it in him to be the best (unlikely, but possible) in a single season.
One thing is certain: With the way the rest of the NFL is viewing this team, barring injuries again, this entire team will suddenly look better to them by week 6…but there will be a hesitancy until they prove they can stay healthy following the bye week.
I know I’ll be nervous.
July 24th, 2026 at 11:15 am
Pete Carroll 🤣
July 24th, 2026 at 11:47 am
Otten: You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
July 24th, 2026 at 11:48 am
Lots of Saints fans on here.
Go Bucs!
July 24th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
“…Bakers height plays a key role in him not hitting TEs on seam routes over the middle.”
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Yeah, we never see Baker hit a (shorter) WR over the middle on a crossing pattern or in the seam… {sarcasm, wow}
“One thing that might help Baker, that Breez did, was that he delivered a lot of downfield passes on his tiptoes.”
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
hahahaha, Im sorry to be so rude. Maybe. you were joking? Is this what coaches refer to as footwork drills?
I don’t know why I read the comment section.
July 24th, 2026 at 1:22 pm
Let’s take a poll:
Who would you rather have as a DC during their prime?
#1) Todd Bowles
#2) Pete Carroll
Oh boy.
Can’t wait for this outcome…
Hee-hee.