July 20th, 2026
Former Bucs running back Rachaad White.
The numbers do not lie.
Fans who yearn for the 2024 Buccaneers offense to return this year under Zac Robinson are going to see something very different.
But wait, Joe. Robinson and 2024 playcaller Liam Coen are best friends and are from the same coaching tree.
That’s all true, but Robinson is his own man. Plus, players last month said the new offense is about 50 percent similar to Coen’s, and key personnel is quite different.
Joe thinks who was producing 2024 first downs tells the story well. The Bucs’ No. 2 and No. 3 first-down makers have left the building.
2024 First Downs
Bucky Irving 72
Mike Evans 60
Rachaad White 53
Chris Godwin 33
Cade Otton 33
Baker Mayfield 25 (rushing)
Jalen McMillan 25
2025 First Downs
Rachaad White 47
Bucky Irving 38
Emeka Egbuka 34
Baker Mayfield 27 (rushing)
Cade Otton 25
Mike Evans 23
Sean Tucker 23
Yes, White was unsung. It’s obvious on film. Why he didn’t command more than a piddly one-year deal in free agencey from the Commanders is unclear. Joe suspects White’s agent is partly to blame.
Evans? Every Bucs fan knows part of the story. The legend left for less money and he’s got bizarre Brock Purdy love.
Who will step up to return the Bucs offense to where it was in 2024?
Maybe Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin can stay healthy. Maybe Kenneth Gainwell can deliver to Tampa the 57 first downs he had for the Steelers last season (34 rushing and 23 receiving).
Joe is sure of one thing in 2026. The Bucs sure could use improved production from the tight end position.