Injuries and underwhelming performances have limited the Bucs when it comes to finding a true third option in the passing game through the first nine games of the season. When the Bucs throw the ball, it’s been a lot of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin with the production and that’s about it.

Bucs WR Julio Jones – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Heading into the season, the wide receiver group looked to be a strength on the roster with newcomers Russell Gage and Julio Jones rounding out the receivers room. However, a hamstring injury that’s bothered Gage since training camp has severely limited him. Gage has made 29 receptions for 231 yards and one touchdown in seven games.

The only real time he’s been a factor was against the Packers in Week 3 when he went for 12 catches, 87 yards and one score, but that was when Godwin and Jones were out and Evans was suspended. Gage has missed the last two games and hasn’t practiced yet this week.

Jones has had even less of an impact as his recent injury history continues to plague him. After a promising debut in Week 1 where he caught three balls for 69 yards, a partially torn PCL has kept him in and out of the lineup. He’s only played in three other games (Weeks 4, 8 and 9) and made five receptions for 56 yards and a garbage time touchdown. Jones lacks the explosiveness that he once had and can’t be relied on to be a key contributor.

Bucs Not Getting Help From Other Veteran Receivers, Either

Looking at the rest of their options, Breshad Perriman made a clutch touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the Bucs ahead of the Saints in Week 2 and that’s just about all he’s done. Scotty Miller had his best game of the season last week with seven catches for 53 yards. Can he consistently be that guy for the Bucs? The jury is still out.

The bottom line is the Bucs have a huge drop off in production after Evans and Godwin.

“I think it changes each game,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said.  “Whether it’s running back by committee that has the catches, whether it’s Julio, whether it’s Gage, whether it’s Scotty, sometimes it’s Perriman. I don’t think we have a solidified third catcher as of right now with Julio having been in and out of the lineup, but I think guys are stepping in and making plays, and kind of as a group slowly forming that aspect of it.”

As Bowles pointed out, Tampa Bay is going to continue needing help from their running backs. Leonard Fournette is third on the team with 314 receiving yards and also has three touchdowns. He was third amongst all running backs in the NFL last season with 69 receptions, so he’s used to being a big part in the passing game. Rookie back Rachaad White has added 135 receiving yards as well.

Running backs aren’t typically getting the ball down the field, though, where the Bucs used to thrive with their vertical passing game. At some point they’re going to need that production from other players. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich believes it’s coming, but it’s just taking time with the amount of injuries that have hit this group.

“I just think it’s [about] health,” Leftwich said. “I think we’ll get production from our guys as we go. The more we’re able to spend more time together, practice together – because we’re talking about guys that [haven’t] been here for two [or] three years, right? The more time we get together, I think you’ll see better play from guys around other than Mike and Chris.”

Each team needs to time to gel together and get on the same page. Both Gage and Jones are new players on this team. But the Bucs are halfway through the regular season and into the month of November. How much more time do they need before they get it together?

Bucs Have Something Brewing With Otton

Bucs QB Tom Brady and TE Cade Otton – Photo by: USA Today

There is some light at the end of the tunnel and that comes in the form of rookie tight end Cade Otton. He was the hero in the Bucs’ 16-13 comeback win over the Rams, sparking the game winning drive with a 28-yard reception over the middle and then ending it with the go-ahead touchdown catch with nine seconds remaining.

Otton had a career-best five receptions for 68 yards and his first career touchdown. He’s made 11 catches for 147 yards over the last three games and continues to be a focal point each week. Slowly but surely, he’s gaining the trust of Tom Brady.

Otton’s touchdown was not only the first of his career, but also the first touchdown by a Bucs tight end this season. With all of the red zone struggles, hopefully they’ll utilize him more in both that area and as a reasonable option to move the ball better than they have all season. And with that, it could lead to just their second two-game winning streak of the year.

“I think the vibe in here is really good,” Otton said. “Guys are really excited to get to work again and go get another one. There’s no satisfaction with just one win here – we want to keep it going.”