Tweaks, Wizardry And Deep Balls
August 27th, 2025
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
A tale of two coordinators.
Jeff Ulbrich, the new overseer of Atlanta’s leaky defense, is feeling better after gazing at Tampa Bay’s injury chart and realizing the Bucs may be without four offensive starters in Week 1.
On the visitor’s sideline, new Bucs OC Josh Grizzard finds himself dealing from a short deck. Tristan Wirfs, Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin won’t be available in the season opener and tight end Cade Otton suddenly looks doubtful due to a fresh leg injury.
Rookie Bucs playcaller Josh Grizzard.
Despite scoring 56 points and rolling up 765 yards against Atlanta last season, the Bucs were swept by a division rival eager to end Tampa Bay’s 4-year stranglehold atop the NFC South.
If the Bucs have to win a shootout Sept. 7, that task now appears far more daunting because some of Baker Mayfield’s favorite targets will be sidelined. And without Wirfs, arguably their best player, the Bucs must make adjustments along the offensive line to buy Mayfield more time.
Grizzard welcomes a challenge — and he’s staring at a big one. He was already facing pressure because he’s inheriting an offense that averaged 29.5 points under Liam Coen. The only time the 2024 Bucs were held below 20 points came in Week 3 against Denver.
In contrast, Coen and Dave Canales were hired to fix broken offenses.
In 2022, when Tom Brady was distracted and Byron Leftwich called the plays, Tampa Bay averaged only 18.4 points, topping the 20-point plateau only six times in 18 games.
Canales bumped that average up slightly in 2023, but the Bucs topped 21 points only eight times in 19 games.
When Canales was hired as Carolina’s head coach, Coen came in and orchestrated one of the most potent attacks in franchise history.
“We’re trying to be the best offense in the league,” says Mike Evans. “I think Josh can help us get there.”
There is some good news for the 35-year-old Grizzard. Mayfield, Evans and Bucky Irving are healthy and determined to put the Falcons in their place from the start.
For Irving, this one is personal.
One of the few blemishes on Irving’s wondrous rookie season was a late fumble deep in Atlanta territory in Week 5 that helped the Falcons pull off an eventual 36-30 OT victory.
In his first game that counts as an NFL play-caller, Grizzard has every right to feel a bit handicapped. Instead of bringing rookie Emeka Egbuka along slowly, Grizzard is counting on the first-round pick out of Ohio State to make an immediate impact. If Otton is unavailable at Atlanta, Tampa Bay will rely on the tight end tandem of Payne Durham and Devin Culp, who combined for only 16 catches in 2024.
“Grizz knows the system like the back of his hand,” Wirfs says.
Todd Bowles says Grizzard has been “tweaking some things” while keeping the basic offensive system intact.
“He’s extremely smart and he’s patient,” says Bowles. “He’s not going to panic when calling plays.”
Tristan Wirfs weighs in.
Despite all those gaudy numbers last year, the Bucs were not know for a downfield passing game. Mayfield posted only five completions of at least 40 yards. Twenty other quarterbacks had more.
Mayfield’s longest completion was a 57-yard TD throw to Evans against the Chargers. There were 31 other quarterbacks that boasted a longer completion, including Mitch Trubisky, Anthony Richardson, Cooper Rush, Mac Jones, Drew Lock and Aidan O’Connell.
Whether he’s in the booth or on the sidelines, Grizzard knows expectations are heightened for this offense. Godwin, Wirfs and Otton should be back by October at the latest, but if the Bucs plan on their sixth consecutive winning September, Grizzard needs to be resourceful.
“He’s a wizard,” Wirfs says. “He knows what to do. He knows what to call.”
Unlike the challenge faced by Canales and Coen, this Buc offense doesn’t need an overhaul. It needs a steady hand until the cavalry arrives.
Is Grizzard a wizard?
Probably not, but there’s more than enough talent on hand to make Ulbrich sweat in the opener. A few more deep balls wouldn’t hurt a bit.
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August 27th, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Griz has a huge hurdle he has to overcome. His half time boss is distracted because he’s also doing a half time inadequate job as the distracted defensive coordinator. The pressure for 40 burgers is strong or the chances of winning are weak. This season is shaping up to be a major disappointment. Bowels’ Yucs.
August 27th, 2025 at 8:41 pm
I’m not very optimistic wither Aqua. If we lose to Atlanta we are staring at a 1-3 start to the season. We suck in prime time so thinking an L to Houston and likely an L to Philly. Remember last season they were without their 2 best wide outs. I’m sure they are sick of hearing Bucs own them.
I truly think the Falcons game is a Must Win which is rare to say week 1 of a 17 game season but it seems it is and we are going to need to do it underhanded especially on the offensive side of the ball. I so desperately want to be wrong but man this is a brutal start to be without such key guys. I mean if they are 1-3 are we really hopeful we go to Seattle to score a W. This season could tailspin in a hurry.
I’ve gone on record here saying I’m not a fan of Bowles. I really don’t understand the extension. If they have an awful season this year do we really want him back? I will gladly eat crow and give Bowles his flowers if he can somehow come away with a winning record through these first 5 games. 3-2 would be yuuuuge imho.
August 27th, 2025 at 8:50 pm
Right on Mac
August 27th, 2025 at 8:52 pm
We got a run game finally. Also understand Buck and Tuck can catch. Dez should make a few plays. I think we’ll be all right for a few weeks. Jmac was growing to be my favorite. Thanks Teddy
August 27th, 2025 at 8:56 pm
Defense is key. Unfortunately that’s the kiss of death under the genius twocoach.
August 27th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
This might be the type of game where a gambler could bet the under and make some coin. The Bucs have a bunch of injuries but the Falsons OL is a mess and although Bowles is renowned for putting up defenses that make rookie and backup QBs look like Kurt Warner in 1999, this game may not be as high scoring as everyone would normally expect. Current line as of Wednesday night, 9:00 PM: Bucs -2.5, o/u 47.5.
August 27th, 2025 at 9:07 pm
Aqualung and Mac. Perhaps you should reread this excellent article another time or two. Mike Evans is quoted and it’s a masterpiece. Tristan Wirfs is quoted. Another masterpiece. This is 2 future Hall of Famers. It’s not you guys bellied up to the bar drunkenly prognosticating. From Bowles to our team leaders I’m hearing the kind of confidence you rarely hear from top players entering a season. They know. “We’re trying to build the best offense in the league”. Mike Evans knows of which he speaks. Starting the season 1-3? You guys are nearly comical.
August 27th, 2025 at 9:11 pm
A fast start will be important. If we can avoid falling behind early I like our chances a lot more. I’m hoping Grizz comes out slinging it to set up the run vs the opposite but dudes got plenty of time to game plan and I’m going to have to trust he knows what the hell he’s doing.
The defense with starters seems like complete mystery other than personnel. Talent wise we should be good if our starters can stay healthy 🤞🏼
Won’t call this a must win but IT IS the biggest opener I can remember.
August 27th, 2025 at 9:14 pm
Needs to be said…it’s on the defense
August 27th, 2025 at 9:24 pm
There’s a lot to be said for letting our offense play keep away from Atlanta’s offense. As Ira points out, we’re going to be down several starters on offense. Grind it out on the ground, use up the clock and keep it out of Penix’s hands, so long as it’s a close game.
August 27th, 2025 at 9:32 pm
Bucs confidence under Bolwes is disastrous. Cowboys playoff game, Brady’s last. Last season, flat as a pancake last Saints game with everything on the line. Plowboys game with Cooper “Joe Montana” Rush. Then lose to a rookie in the playoffs, never force a punt. Losing to Atlanta twice. Should have lost to the Panthies were it not for Anthony Nelson who doesn’t get enough snaps.
Go watch all 16 losses from the last two seasons. It’s all you need to understand the buffoonery the so called genius enables on the field.
It’s toast.
August 27th, 2025 at 9:54 pm
Mike, Emeka, Shepard, Ted, Durham, Culp, Bucky, White, Tucker and Baker is why I’m it a bit worry about this game. And that is just on offense. The defense is healthy.
Traskies are still bitter. I understand. My condolences. He might end up in another team. Everything is gona b alright!
LFG!!!!!
August 27th, 2025 at 9:57 pm
2003 vs Philly is the biggest opener.
August 27th, 2025 at 10:08 pm
I’ve said it all along and I will say it again. Both Wirfs and Godwin will be back before October. I haven’t bought into the dire media hype about either of them.
I’m betting by game three for both at the latest. If it was game 4 or later, taking them off PUP/IR doesn’t make any sense.
August 27th, 2025 at 10:17 pm
Hasn’t Wirfs stayed publicly that game 3 would be pushing it?
August 27th, 2025 at 10:32 pm
Bucs added an edge rusher Mohamed Kamara*****drafted by Dolphins in the 5th round 2024. Last year he played in 5 games, no sacks. This is his college: 2019: Played in 9 games (22 tackles, 1.5 TFL).
2020: Played in all 4 games (21 tackles, 1.5 sacks).
2021: Played in all 12 games (36 tackles, 9.5 TFL with 7.5 sacks).
2022: Second-team All-Mountain West Conference. Led the team with 16 TFL, 8.5 sacks. Played in all 12 games (44 tackles, 2 FFs).
2023: Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. First-team All-MWC. Led the team with 17 TFL. Tied for third in the FBS with 13 sacks. Team captain. Played in 12 games (56 tackles, PBU, 2 FFs).
Brother, Amara, played DL at Temple.
August 27th, 2025 at 10:36 pm
Scotty Mack–thinking JMac is healed up quick as well as he is socializing at the last game only a week in, must be comfortable enough for that, soon he will ditch the brace and get healed even faster. Just my guess. He is feeling good enough to go to the game then he is doing well.
August 27th, 2025 at 11:05 pm
If Grizard is indeed a wizard I hope the spell he relies on most in the opener is “run it at the raw rookie relentlessly.” Pearce gets downhill phenomenally fast but ended up alone on his belly often at Tennessee. Irving will be inspired to redeem himself and I expect he will but I hope Grizard gives each of the four horsemen he has at RB some opportunities to get Pearce as crossed-up as possible. Then he can conjure a Tez jet sweep his way. Pepper in the “Mayfield’s arm strength” and “Mike Evans owns the skies” spells in combination, as the Sage suggests, throughout Peace’s baptism by fire and Grizard has a recipe to Bake a statement debut despite three of his top four targets being unavailable. He is going to have to keep it up all season before I’ll anoint him as the wizard Wirfs says he is. Until then it’s just a rhyme.
August 27th, 2025 at 11:12 pm
One of the few blemishes on Irving’s wondrous rookie season was a late fumble deep in Atlanta territory in Week 5 that helped the Falcons pull off an eventual 36-30 OT victory.
———-
Yet the Bucs still win the game if the refs call the blatant face mask that happened directly in front of the ref. Everyone say the flag thrown, thought the game was over, and instead the j/o refs call a made up holding penalty. People should never forgot how the Bucs were screwed in that game, then screwed again in the next game vs the Falcons when Pitts fumbles through the endzone only to have the refs instead award him a TD.
The best thing the Bucs can do to win vs Atlanta is to have the Glazers breakout the checkbook and make sure they’re paying the refs more than the Falcons are paying them.
August 27th, 2025 at 11:22 pm
It’s a brand new year. Nothing that happened last year, good or bad, matters at all.
Let’s go Todd, Grizz, Baker, Bucky, Mike, EE, Tez, LVD, SVD, and all the rest of the Bucs Krewe 👍🏼
August 27th, 2025 at 11:37 pm
WOW the.negativity is astounding. The line for this game opened at Tampa -1 and is now -2 or -2,5. The professionals are on the Buccaneers. Penix completed less than 60 per cent last season and was 1-2. Their right tackle is out for the season. No offensive starter played a single play in the preseason. Yet our fans are already conceding the game and the season.Sad.
August 28th, 2025 at 6:31 am
Good stuff Ira! I was confident we would make Atlanta look like they should think about switching to scrabble. Now? Not so much but we do have some replacements who should have something to prove. Not to mention Grizzard.
Culp and Durham have looked capable. Heck has not embarassed himself in preseason. I am way comforatble with Buka and our other WRs. Can hardly wait to find out how all these dudes do.
Go Bucs!
August 28th, 2025 at 6:33 am
Think we have a couple of secret Saints fans here.
Go Bucs!
August 28th, 2025 at 6:39 am
You’re crazy if you think there’s no way this team could start 1-3. It could easily happen. This opening game at ATL is crucial. And we’ll be down 4 offensive starters including the best tackle in the league. This is more caution than negativity. I think we can win but alot of things will have to go right.
August 28th, 2025 at 8:29 am
Aqualung … ‘This season is shaping up to be a major disappointment. Bowels’ Yucs.’
Aqualung … ‘Defense is key. Unfortunately that’s the kiss of death under the genius twocoach.’
Aqualung … ‘Bucs confidence under Bolwes is disastrous.’
Wow, you were busy last night Aqualung. But unlike Kyle Trask, you’re consistently consistent; you obviously really dislike Bowles (at least as a HC/DC) & seem convinced that he’ll be the downfall of the Bucs this year. We disagree on that, although like you, I don’t particularly like dual-hatted head coaches (very few can pull that off successfully).
The Bucs overall though (as an organization) have developed into a bonafide contender since our first season under BA. We’ve undergone a major rebuilding since 2021 but have still remained competitive. We’ve built a Top-5 offense despite having 4 different OCs in the last 4 years under Bowles. Our defense hasn’t fared nearly as well, but I think most of that is because our defense didn’t get quite the same priority as our offense from a drafting perspective for several years (starting in 2022), and that’s had an affect.
Still, we’ve got the starters to be a Top-10 defense IMO. But it’ll all depend on injuries, just like it did last year. I’m not sold that Winfield is back to All-Pro condition. I’m not sold on SVD at all. Reddick is still an unknown IMO in THIS defense, and Vea not having a beastly backup still scares me (if he goes down, we are toast). Lots of IFs out there, but not because of Bowles. He’s actually pretty good at ‘tweaking this scheme’ to minimize Points Allowed, but he still has to have the horses.
August 28th, 2025 at 8:29 am
It’s far less likely the team starts 1-3 than 4-0.
August 28th, 2025 at 10:48 am
Whenever I see Aqualung I just move on to the next post. His posts are worthless, just nonsense wrapped up in an agenda.
August 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am
Sounds like our players are 100% behind Grizz. He was there, they know and trust him. Not worried at all. I do wish he would stay on the sidelines and not in the booth for play calling.
August 28th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
Was Grizzard promoted from within or an outside hire? I’m too lazy to research it. Rod and I am on the same page regarding the refs. I’ve said for years that the winning Bucs teams prepped for 2 opponents each game: the opposing team and the refs. I stand by it but it hasn’t stopped me from being a loyal fan. As far as yahoos like Aqualung go, I just skim over them. Not worth reading. Thanks DR as always. Joe oughta hire you, IMO.