With Pro Bowl receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is bracing for one of the most challenging stretches of the season. Evans is out until after the team’s bye, while Godwin’s season came to an abrupt end after a severe ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens. Coen acknowledged the monumental task ahead: “It’s hard anytime you lose two guys that have produced a lot for you,” he admitted, preparing for matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers
The absences of Evans and Godwin strip the Buccaneers’ offense of its two most consistent and explosive playmakers, placing added pressure on Coen to get creative. Without his star receivers, Coen sees this as an “opportunity” for lesser-known names like Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer. “We’ve got to get creative… this is a chance for others to step up,” he stated. While that optimism resonates with the coaching staff, analysts argue it will be a colossal effort to keep up with powerhouse teams like the Chiefs and 49ers
The upcoming schedule couldn’t be more brutal. Even at full strength, facing Kansas City’s explosive offense and San Francisco’s ironclad defense would have posed challenges. Now, Tampa Bay is forced to adapt, using speed and versatility from younger receivers to create scoring chances. To compensate for the loss of two dominant downfield threats, Coen is expected to deploy innovative passing schemes and creative formations that exploit mismatches—a far cry from the usual comfort zone of relying on Evans’ and Godwin’s big-play abilities.
This three-game stretch will be pivotal not just for the Bucs’ season but for Coen’s own reputation as an offensive mind in the league. The Falcons are on deck first, with a defense that ranks among the league’s top ten against the pass. With Evans and Godwin out, Tampa Bay will need to lean heavily on its backfield and explore quick passes and unpredictable play-action to get the ball moving. How well Coen can execute a balanced, versatile game plan will determine if Tampa Bay can maintain a winning record heading into the bye week
As Buccaneers fans brace for a major test, the big question looms: can Coen’s creativity and the grit of Tampa Bay’s offense overcome the loss of their biggest stars? Or will this season-defining stretch show that no amount of innovation can make up for the absence of Evans and Godwin?
