As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers adapt to life without top receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, offensive coordinator Liam Coen has a clear message for quarterback Baker Mayfield: stick to the basics and trust in his current teammates. With Evans sidelined for at least a month and Godwin out for the season, Coen reassured Mayfield that he doesn’t need to take unnecessary risks or attempt heroics. “He doesn’t have to do anything more than what we’re asking him to do… play fast, and we have to take care of the football,” Coen advised
With Evans and Godwin out, Mayfield will likely turn to three trusted targets: veteran Sterling Shepard, dependable tight end Cade Otton, and versatile running back Rachaad White. Each has a connection with Mayfield, and Coen believes they’re ready to step up. Shepard, who shares a college connection with Mayfield, came out of semi-retirement specifically for this opportunity. Otton, known for his resilience, took several hard hits against Baltimore yet continued to make plays. White, meanwhile, has been a go-to for Mayfield since his arrival in Tampa
Facing a tough schedule, including the Falcons, Chiefs, and 49ers, Mayfield will need all his focus to keep Tampa Bay’s offense afloat. Without Evans and Godwin to attract double coverage, Mayfield’s options will face tighter defensive pressure. Coen acknowledged that this increased attention could challenge the Bucs’ ability to gain yardage but maintained confidence in Mayfield’s ability to lead.
In the coming games, Tampa Bay fans will see how Mayfield adjusts to his new targets. Will sticking to fundamentals and relying on trusted options be enough to keep Tampa Bay in playoff contention, or will the absence of the Bucs’ star receivers prove too significant?
