In a weekly column every Thursday on PewterReport.com, two Pewter Reporters will debate a topic with opposing viewpoints. Which Pewter Reporter wins the debate? You get to decide in the comments section below.

This week’s topic: Where Should Bucs’ Offensive Focus Be In 2026?

Point: Bucs Need To Attack With Their Array Of Talent In The Passing Game

By Matt Matera

The NFL is a passing league. If you don’t have the quarterback and top targets to throw to, your team isn’t going to go far in this league. 

The Bucs have exceptional talent and depth in the passing game for Tampa Bay with receivers Chris Godwin Jr, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and hopefully Mike Evans returning. That’s not to mention how much of an impact running back Bucky Irving had in the passing game as well. 

Bucs WRs Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Although Baker Mayfield struggled at times last season, he’s still the same guy that threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. He has that in him if the new offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay can tap into it the right way. 

Having all the aforementioned pieces on offense is the closest group of talent that the Bucs have had since they had Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski. Is this 2026 group on the same level as this 2020 unit? No, not yet, but it’s good enough to take the Bucs places. 

The problem is, the Bucs had the same players last season and yet refused to utilize it when they had everybody returning. All this talent in the passing game and the Bucs chose to run it and not have their top receivers involved. 

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Nathan Ray Seebeck

Why have all of these great receivers if you’re not going to throw the ball to them? It’s like an artist that has a canvas but no paint, or a construction worker that doesn’t have any nail guns or power drills.

What is the point of having all these talented players? The Bucs could have a huge advantage going three and four wide receivers against their opponents. There will be a mismatch that they can exploit.

It just comes down to the numbers game. Fix the passing attack by Tampa Bay’s offense and win more games this season.

Counterpoint: Bucs’ Offense Has To Get The Run Game Going Once Again

By Adam Slivon

Much is up in the air about who the next Bucs offensive coordinator will be. After things appeared to be trending in a positive direction with Todd Monken, all signs are that he is heading to New York and pairing with John Harbaugh once again on the Giants’ coaching staff. With Mike McDaniel set up to interview with Tampa Bay on Friday, he is the name many want to lead the offense in 2026. Whether it is McDaniel or another offensive mind calling the shots, the newest play-caller must emphasize running the football next season.

Bucs OC Candidate Mike McDaniel – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Sam Navarro

Just as much as NFL teams require top-tier quarterback play to make it anywhere in the postseason, the same can be said for needing a running game that can complement the passing game. Survey the remaining teams in the playoffs, and you see some of the best ground attacks in the league. Christian McCaffrey is lethal out of the 49ers’ backfield and makes Kyle Shanahan’s life easier. Sean Payton’s penchant for utilizing multiple running backs in Denver has produced big results. Kyren Williams, James Cook, TreVeyon Henderson, I can go on.

What sets up a quarterback’s success is keeping defenses off-guard. That only happens with a plus run game.

Former Bucs OCs Liam Coen and Josh Grizzard and RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Corey Perrine

Look at the 2024 Bucs’ offense, for example. Liam Coen designed an offense that could pass and run at will. Coen spoke at length about the nuances of his run scheme and blending zone and gap runs. His ability to make weekly ground game adjustments allowed for Bucky Irving to run rampant for 1,122 rushing yards and average 5.4 yards per carry during his rookie year, while backups Rachaad White and Sean Tucker were also productive and capable of making dynamic plays. The entire offensive line followed suit and played up to its strengths, which is why the discussion of the continuity upfront became as much of a talking point in the first place.

All of that set up Baker Mayfield to ball out and have a career year, and heading into next season, this needs to be re-emphasized. 

There is an expectation, regardless of who the offensive coordinator is, that the passing game will already be improved just based on availability alone. A healthier Mayfield and wide receiver corps will yield better results than 2025, assuming Mike Evans returns for a 13th season. Evans, along with Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and even Tez Johnson for a full season, will make any offensive coordinator’s job easier.

Scheming that up should not be much of an issue, but the best iteration of Tampa Bay’s offense is one that can marry the pass and run together. It is no secret how vital Mayfield and his cast of aerial weapons are to scoring points, but that will only happen with a run game which can open things up and take some weight off his shoulders.