Each week following 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 in the game.

Let’s get a closer look at the Bucs players who received the highest and lowest number of snaps in their wild, 51-27 win over the Saints on the road in an important divisional matchup.

Bucs Offense

How the Bucs used their wide receivers was intriguing. Chris Godwin, who thrived on the day with 11 catches, 125 receiving yards and two touchdowns, led the way for skill position players at 94% of the snaps. Mike Evans was playing hurt as it was easy to tell that he was hobbled after getting off to a good start with two catches for 34 yards on the first drive. His 57% snap count percentage was the lowest of the season and the Bucs used him on a pitch count primarily on second and third down passing situations.

What many wanted to know was who was going to WR3 for Tampa Bay with Jalen McMillan returning. That answer would be Sterling Shepard, as he was in for 75% of the snaps. Shepard had his imprints all over the game as he had three catches for 23 yards, four rushes for 31 yards – and unfortunately three penalties.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: USA Today

McMillan was seldom used getting in on 18% of the snaps. He didn’t make a catch, and also had a huge mistake when he was unable to come up with a pass from Baker Mayfield, as he knocked the ball up into the air making an easy interception for the Saints. Tampa Bay relied a lot on Ryan Miller as well at 42%, as the practice-squader had a big catch-and-run for 39 yards and also helped out run blocking.

It was the Buck and Tuck show at running back with Bucky Irving starting and Sean Tucker having a huge impact. Neither player was overused and each had a significant amount of playing time as Irving was on for 64% and Tucker had 38%. Each player scored a rushing touchdown while Tucker also had a receiving score and was a key piece in the Bucs’ offense.

Is less more for tight end Cade Otton? Although he recorded two catches for 15 yards, he did find the end zone for the first time this season. Otton’s 81% playing time was the lowest for him on the season. Payne Durham was used a little more, plus the Bucs gave some different looks with Evans limited that required different personnel.

Bucs Defense

So much for a platooning situation at inside linebacker. K.J. Britt played for 100% of the snaps as he and Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum were the only Bucs defensive players to go the whole way. Britt has been struggling in pass coverage, but with not many other options, Todd Bowles elected to stay with him.

Bucs DB Tykee Smith – Photo by: USA Today

Because Tampa Bay had a big lead late in the game, the team was able to swap in some backup defensive players, so starters like Lavonte David didn’t play their usual snap percentage. The Bucs wasted no time knocking off the rust of Calijah Kancey and Antoine Winfield Jr. in there return to action as Kancey led all defensive tackles with 63% while Winfield was on for 80%, and likely would’ve played more if the game was closer.

Credit should go to undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Tyrek Funderburk for playing 86% after coming in for an injured Jamel Dean. Funderburk wasn’t a liability by any means and will have a big role moving ahead depending on Dean’s availability.

Another player that deserves recognition is rookie nickelback Tykee Smith. Although he was on for 60%, his presence was felt on every play as he recorded a forced fumble and his first career interception.

The rotation at outside linebacker was relatively the same. We were able to see a little more of Jose Ramirez due to the outcome. Chris Braswell recorded a half a sack, the first statistic for a sack in his career.