Each week following every Bucs game, Pewter Report will take a close 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 in the game.

Let’s get a closer look at the Bucs players who received the highest and lowest number of snaps in the Bucs’ 38-35 road win against the Seahawks. As has been the case all season for Tampa Bay, it was another game that was wild and chaotic, but a last-second field goal saw the team win once again.

Bucs Offense

So, was it going to be running back by committee with Bucky Irving out? Nope! Rachaad White led the way and took the bulk of the snaps at 80%. That was third-most among all skill position players for the Bucs, and the most snaps logged by any running back from a percentage standpoint. The most Irving had was 76% in Week 1 at Atlanta, White blew that out of the water in one game where he got to start.

White’s very important in the passing game, which explains why he was likely in more. He’s Tampa Bay’s best pass blocking back and gets the job done when they throw to him. Sean Tucker was seldom used in this game and didn’t look good when he was in. Maybe we’ll chalk it up to jet lag with just three yards on three carries and three catches for minus-4 yards. Rookie Josh Williams had two offensive snaps, including one in a Pony package.

What a game it was for rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in his homecoming to Seattle in front of friends and families.  He recorded seven catches for 163 yards and a touchdown, and provided some of the most exciting plays in the shootout win. Egbuka played a typical range of his snaps at 85%, which was actually 4% less than a week ago. Regardless his presence was felt.

Bucs WRs Tez Johnson and Emeka Egbuka – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs proved that they can get the job done if it’s receiver by committee. Chris Godwin Jr. still appears to be knocking the rust off, but his 77% indicates the team has no problem playing him for the long haul and they won’t limit him in any way. Tez Johnson had the best game of his early career with four catches for 59 yards, and his 36% snap percentage was the most he’s played thus far, going 5% higher than a week ago. Although Sterling Shepard got the most snaps at receiver after Egbuka and Godwin Jr, his snap percentage significantly decreased going from 62% to 41%. He was impactful, though, scoring a touchdown.

It was certainly a breakout game for Cade Otton, who had a season-high four catches for 81 yards. Many fans have been clamoring for Otton to get the ball, and all it took was a trip back to Seattle where he played his college football for the Washington Huskies to get it done. Otton played 92% of the snaps, a slight dip to what usually does but was as important as ever. Fellow Washington Huskie Devin Culp got in for five plays, and Payne Durham had a 9% increase all the way to 30% on Sunday.

Bucs TE Cade Otton – photo by: USA Today

Bucs Defense

Tampa Bay’s plan in the absence of Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison at corner was to move slot corner Jacob Parrish to the outside for the majority and have him play in the nickel when called upon. Morrison ended playing 97% of the snaps, easily the most of his career, while Kindle Vildor played 56% and was outside when Parrish was at nickel. It was an ugly game overall defensively by the Bucs, but these two played tough.

Bucs CB Kindle Vildor – Photo by: USA Today

Nose tackle Vita Vea might want to dress up as Superman for Halloween because he’s pretty much doing everything for this defense. His 84% was tied for the most he’s played all season, and it was significantly higher than the next closest defensive tackles with Logan Hall at 69% and Greg Gaines at 44%. Head coach Todd Bowles said Elijah Simmons was going to get more snaps, but he was at a similar amount.

The Bucs once again deployed outside linebackers Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby for a heavy amount. And once again they were no-shows in terms of getting to the quarterback. I’m not saying they should be subbed out because there’s not a better player behind them, but they’ve become invisible except for when they’re missing sacks and can’t hold onto the quarterback. It’s becoming a glaring problem.

Bucs LB Lavonte David – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Thank goodness Lavonte David played 100% of the snaps because he’s interception late in the quarter helped set up the game wining kick for the Bucs. There were some struggles for David in the game with several missed tackles, but with everything on the line he came up in the clutch and made a big play.