Third Down Conversions Have Plummeted Without Mike Evans, Chris Godwin And Bucky Irving
November 9th, 2025
Third down woes.
Back when the Bucs beat the Seahawks on the road a month ago, racking up 38 points in a 38-35 win, the Bucs had a tremendous third-down offense.
But in that same game, Chris Godwin got hurt. Again. He hasn’t played since. Two weeks later, Mike Evans returned but had his clavicle broken and it out until at least December at the earliest.
Just like last year when both Evans and Godwin were hurt, the Bucs’ passing offense went into the tank, so has the Bucs’ offense this year without their dynamic duo.
Despite the Bucs scoring a bunch of points in a 30-19 win at home over the 49ers, the Bucs’ third-down offense has been terrible. Rich Hribar of Sharp Football Analysis has the details just how bad the Bucs’ third-down conversion rate has fallen off a cliff without both Evans and Godwin.
Tampa Bay has converted 27% (10 of 37) of third downs over its past three games (30th in the league), down from a 41.5% rate prior (11th).
Again, last year the Bucs only had to survive three games without both Evans and Godwin — and lost all three games. This year, Godwin may not be back until late this month or perhaps December. Evans may not be back until the playoffs. Maybe.
Yes, Joe knows the Bucs have Emeka Egbuka, unlike last year. Still, Joe is not comfortable banking on a rookie to lead the passing offense.
Last week Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said he needs to find a way to get Egbuka the ball more, even if he is double-teamed, which he is.
An NFL South title may be on the line if Grizzard can’t.
November 9th, 2025 at 12:41 am
“Last week Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said he needs to find a way to get Egbuka the ball more, even if he is double-teamed, which he is”
Maybe this is too much, too fast for Grizz. Yes, let’s force feed Egbuka. Let’s run some jet sweeps with him, and get Baker to throw to him while double covered cause of it ain’t a low percentage throw, then ya ain’t tryna hard enough(?). What’s up with this guy?
November 9th, 2025 at 1:05 am
Do you not want your star receiver to be more involved in the offense. His statement basically boils down to “I have to scheme him open more”, which he does need to do
November 9th, 2025 at 2:03 am
The biggest factor with Egbuka will be how well that hammy feels after a week of rest. I mean – God bless him for playing hurt – but in the last 2 games, Emeka was not the same player at all that we saw the first 5-6 games.
I’m positive the hamstring injury that he played through was the reason EE looked so mortal the last 2 games.
Double teamed or not – if Egbuka is once again healthy – he will find the open area and make some eye popping plays. Get used to it – this young receiver is already a star – playing at a level in his very first few games that most NFL WRs could only dream of…… drawing legit comparisons to Jefferson and Chase right out the gate…..
November 9th, 2025 at 2:42 am
Ugo nailed it.