Bucs' Offense "Striving For" Greatness
In 2024, the Buccaneers' fielded an offensive onslaught. The Bucs were the only team in the NFL to rank in the top five in both passing yards (third, 250.4) and rushing yards (fourth, 149.2) per game. Tampa Bay ranked third in net yards per game (399.6) and fourth in points per game (29.5). The 2024 Bucs' offense became the first team in NFL history to complete at least 70% of its passes and average at least 5.0 yards per carry. Additionally, Mayfield torched defenses down the stretch, setting new franchise single-season records for passer rating (106.8) and completion percentage (71.4%). With the majority of the offense still intact at every position and the incorporation of first-round technician Emeka Egbuka and seventh-round YAC star Tez Johnson into the receiver arsenal, optimism abounds for the unit entering 2025. When asked if the Bucs' offense could be "one of the best in the NFL" this upcoming season, center Graham Barton emphatically responded that the answer is yes, given the team's talent, hunger and work ethic. After falling short of expectations last year, the Bucs are chasing more than another NFC South title in 2025.
"We've got all the talent in the world," said Barton. "We've got the skill, the camaraderie, the effort, the work ethic. We have no excuse not to be. We have everything going for us, so it's just about working hard, continuing to get better and not being satisfied ever, and just continue to stay hungry. Play physical, play violent, continue to have that mojo that we had last year. Play with a chip on our shoulder. Like I said, we have no excuse not to be. That's what we're striving for."
Injury Updates
With the 121st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bucs nabbed three-time Consensus All-American David Walker out of Central Arkansas. The impressive rookie left practice early on Friday with an apparent knee injury and is expected to miss some time.
"He is still sore and they are running some more tests on him, so we will see what happens," noted Head Coach Todd Bowles.
In addition, quarterback Michael Pratt has not participated in practice since training camp began. He is on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) and Bowles disclosed on Sunday that he is dealing with a back injury.
"He has a lower back injury and he is week-to-week," stated Bowles. "So, we do not know when his return will be but he is still sore back there."
Slippery Prowess
Tez Johnson has made his presence felt throughout camp with shiftiness and the ability to make players miss in a phone booth. The YAC weapon holds Oregon's No. 1 and No. 2 spots for most single-season catches and is electric with the ball in his hands. Johnson can start-and-stop on a dime and has explosive burst on verticals and as a punt returner. He can redirect with ease, easily regaining top speed. Johnson studies the tape of best friend and former Duck teammate Bucky Irving, gravitating towards his theatrics and cutting skills that leave defenders grasping for air. His prior experience in the return game has translated to his prowess after the catch.
"When I catch the ball on offense, I am trying to make a guy miss regardless of the situation," noted Johnson. "I am trying to go for 60 and make the crowd yell so I try to tie that into my game – making people miss is what I do."
