Oct 22, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (18) warms up before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered this past weekend's tilt against the Atlanta Falcons looking to take sole control over the NFC South and they would have to do so without two of their best playmakers on the offensive side of the ball in wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
They needed everyone on the offensive side of the ball to step up in their absence, and while we did see guys make plays, it wasn't quite enough as the Bucs went on to lose the pivotal matchup 31-26.
The Buccaneers' running game wasn't as prominent as it had been as the game script made for a bigger passing day. Cade Otton was the pass catcher who stood out on the day, celebrating National Tight Ends Day with a nine catch, 81-yard, two-touchdown performance. Baker Mayfield had a decent day statistically, but it was his two interceptions that had the most impact as the Bucs left points on the board.
Here is how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive players graded out in their loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (18) rushes the ball against Carolina Panthers linebacker Deion Jones (40) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 90.8
2. RB Bucky Irving
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Nate Landman (53) attempted to tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 87.5
3. TE Cade Otton
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 77.2
4. RT Luke Goedeke
Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (67) lines up against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) intercepts the ball from Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller (81) in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 70.6
Lowest Graded:
1. C Graham Barton
Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Graham Barton (62) lines up against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 44.4
2. WR Sterling Shepard
Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (17) catches a touchdown pass behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (33) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 52.2
3. WR Trey Palmer
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (10) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham (87) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 56.3
5. RG Cody Mauch
Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Cody Mauch (69) looks on before their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 56.4
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.
Caleb is from Nashville, TN and graduated from Florida State University in 2018 with majors in Sociology and History. He has previously written for an FSU outlet and started covering the Buccaneers in March of 2022. Caleb is an avid sports fan and former host of the Tribeoholics podcast. You can follow Caleb on Twitter @chsnole