The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent the past two mornings working on the same practice fields as the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the two teams convened for a pair of joint practices prior to their preseason matchup on Saturday. For the Buccaneers' offense, those two workouts had their highs and lows, and as quarterback Baker Mayfield said on Thursday, "you're going to have those days in practice" sometimes.
Among the lesser moments for the Bucs' offense on Thursday was a Mayfield pass nearly picked off in a practice-ending two-minute drill period and a Kyle Trask pass that was intercepted a few minutes later. What seemed like the visitors' shining moment on offense – a very deep pass from Trask to Trey Palmer, who fell into the end zone as he caught it – was waved away by Head Coach Todd Bowles after the game, who said Trask had been "sacked" before getting the throw off.
So there will be some learning moments on Thursday's tape, but one aspect of the Buccaneers' offense is clearly working just fine in mid-August and could prove lethal in September and beyond. Unsurprisingly, that is Mayfield's connection with starting wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Godwin had a noteworthy day on Wednesday, and the first full-team drill on Thursday saw Mayfield hit Evans for sizeable gains on two of the first five snaps. The first was a crossing route, with Mayfield slinging it sidearmed without a great sight line and leading Evans perfectly. The lengthy receiver did have to extend fully to snare the ball in front of him, but he didn't have to break stride, leading to the possibility for yards after the catch. Moments later, Evans ran a vertical route for about 15 yards right into the face of a defender, feinted a dig inside and then cut back to the outside. The move game him just a small amount of separation from the defender but also gave him position to wall that defender off with his big body and Mayfield astutely put his throw just to the outside, where only Evans could reach it.
Last year, in his first season as the Bucs' starter, Mayfield had a career year and a huge resurgance, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns and making the Pro Bowl. While Mayfield threw more completions to Godwin (83) than Evans (79), it was the latter who led the way with 1,255 yards (15.9-yard average) and an NFL-high 13 touchdown grabs. There's no reason to expect Mayfield and Evans to be a less prolific combo in 2024.
"For Mike and I, it's the constant communication," said Mayfield. "Obviously, he's going to win on a lot of his routes – that's just is who he is. For me, understanding and talking to him about how he's thinking he's going to win on different leverages. Obviously, with time and experience and more reps, that continues to grow, but I just think we're in a very good spot, the two of us right now. It's the same with Chris as well."
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers competing with the Jacksonville Jaguars during joint practices on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Trevor Lawrence during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Trevor Lawrence during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Trevor Lawrence during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Doug Pederson and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Senior Manager of Coaching Operations Sarah Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8, Safety Christian Izien #29, Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46, Outside Linebacker Jay Person #44, Safety Rashad Wisdom #38 , Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 and Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Latreal Jones #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back D.J. Williams #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tackle Brandon Walton #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back D.J. Williams #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Xavier Delgado #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 14, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin could see his volume go up after transitioning back into playing primarily in the slot in three-receiver sets. The last time he filled that role, in 2022, he had 104 catches and he still wasn't fully back to peak form after the knee injury he sustained late in 2021. He was closer to that last year and might be even closer to that pre-injury form this year.
"Obviously, Chris is feeling better and better about where he's at physically," said Mayfield. "Chris is an unbelievable communicator and a pro's pro. Those two guys, [I'm] constantly talking to them about, 'Hey, if we get this look, what are you going to do? How are you going to run it?' Just making sure we're on the same page. I feel really good about where we're at."
When Godwin previously played in the slot, and at times in line with the offensive line, he brought huge value as an integral part of the blocking schemes in the Bucs' run game, a job he has always welcomed with relish. This time around, he might enjoy the slot assignment even more, if new Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen utilizes him anything like how the Rams have historically used Cooper Kupp.
"You can tell he's excited to do a lot of that stuff," said Mayfield. "Obviously, from those guys watching the L.A. system – and a lot of our install tape is that L.A. system – and watching Cooper and honestly last year with Puka [Nacua] as well and seeing all the different things he can do. That's the stuff Chris does best – playing physical through the catch, tight spaces, being able to have contested catches. Chris is an unbelievable team guy – he's going to get dirty in the run game, as well. He understands his role on this team and it's extremely important."
Hey, sometimes you have one of those days in practice in which some things go well, some don't and you end up with a list of items to work on. For the Bucs, though, there will be a lot of days that go very well – in particular on Sundays – because of the connection Baker Mayfield has forged with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
