Each week after every Bucs game, we’ll take a closer look at the snap count distribution for Tampa Bay on offense and defense. We’ll assess what we can learn from who played the most and least from the game.

Here’s a closer look at which players received the highest and lowest number of snaps in an excruciating loss for the Bucs. They lost to the Texans, 39-37, after taking the lead with 46 seconds to go and blowing it with six seconds remaining at the end of it.

Bucs Offense

There wasn’t too much a change to the weekly snap count distribution in this game. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have swapped who’s led in playing time amongst wide receivers over the last couple of weeks. This time Godwin just edged out Evans by 88% to 83%. Trey Palmer’s snaps dropped by 8%, but that’s not enough of a difference to put a real dent in it.

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: USA Today

Rachaad White continued to dominate the number of snaps amongst the running backs at 80% and that’s how it should be. Earlier in the season I’ve advocated that the Bucs should split up the reps more throughout all the running backs, but it’s obvious that White is not just the best option for Tampa Bay, but has emerged as the No. 3 threat in the passing game. Once again he totaled over 100 scrimmage yards, going for 73 yards on the ground and another 46 in through the air.

Last week backup tight end Payne Durham out snapped Ko Kieft by 3%. This week they were on an even playing field at 15%. The real story at tight end, though, was the progress of starter Cade Otton, who had his best game as a pro with six catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns. His last touchdown should have been the game-winner, but the Bucs’ defense failed to hold up at the end. Hopefully Otton can continue to make his presence felt as a reliable target in the red zone.

Bucs Defense

Many have requested for Dee Delaney to play over and Ryan Neal at strong safety and they got that on Sunday….to a degree. Delaney would sub in for Neal on third downs, which upped Delaney’s playing time all the way to 67%. Neal still had his struggles as he was largely responsible for the 75-yard touchdown catch and run by Noah Brown. He played in 28% of the snaps.

Texans WR Tank Dell and Bucs CBs Zyon McCollum and Carlton Davis III and S Dee Delaney – Photo by: USA Today

We got a large dose of Zyon McCollum again after Jamel Dean exited the game in the first half with a concussion. McCollum ended up playing 86%, which was second most among corners behind the struggling Carlton Davis III. McCollum has filled in for Davis and Dean before so nothing will be new to him if he has to start for Dean next week.

Along the defensive line it was Calijah Kancey that had the most snaps of the group with 82%. Not only was that the most of his young career, but he jumped his second-highest amount back in Week 6 by 20%! It was certainly a good move by the Bucs as Kancey led the team with three tackles for loss and had his second career sack.

Returning from injury, nose tackle Vita Vea played 69% while Will Gholston kept his numbers steady at 40% in the absence of Logan Hall. The playing time for the outside linebackers was relatively similar to most weeks, but outside of Shaq Barrett, they aren’t getting a lot of production as a group.