The Buccaneers' receiving room is back at full strength and Chris Godwin Jr. has continued his efficiency on third down as a safety blanket for Baker Mayfield. Although the Bucs operated out of a run-heavy script against the Carolina Panthers with the goal to pound the rock more than 30 times in the Week 16 matchup, Godwin Jr. found a way to extend drives with timely physical plays. He has been targeted more in the short-to-intermediate area of the field to generate his trademark yards-after-catch, but Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard stressed the desire to get the ball in Godwin's hands more frequently down the field on vertical routes and on early downs.
"I think we can find him on a couple more routes down the field," noted Grizzard. "What I think Chris has done is an unbelievable job – especially in that game – being on the road and having a north-of-50 conversion rate on third down and a lot of that came from Chris Godwin. On these routes that it might not look good on the stat sheet that it is a five- or six-yard completion but the one he had in the low red and the timing that Baker put that on him to be able to extend that drive, I think we were on the 10 or 15-yard-line, is really what embodies Chris on being in the right spot versus zone to get it done. Then he had another good one going back the other way where he was able to double up the nickel to get a conversion. That led to points but Chris does a great job for us on third down and I think we need to get him more involved on early downs."
Since 2019, Godwin is 10th in the NFL with 71.4 receiving yards per game and ranks fifth in yards after catch leaders among wide receivers (2,812). The slot weapon is adept in contested catch situations and plays with superb body control. He takes advantage of a less restricted release from the slot and works two-way go's with ease. Godwin has an expansive route tree and is proficient on crossers, out-breakers, wheels and jet sweeps. The versatile playmaker elevates the offense and throws his body downfield to spur runs. He is an effective crack blocker on linebackers/safeties and makes the physical catches over the middle of the field.
Godwin has a feel for settling in zones and has become a key fixture in the Bucs' offense and a reliable target for Mayfield in critical situations. As defenses try to pick their poison with Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka at full strength, opportunities could increase for No.14.
