Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver Chris Godwin’s lack of targets in last week’s win over Carolina received considerable attention in the press conferences that followed. First, Todd Bowles claimed it was due to frequent substitutions on account of Godwin’s health, despite the fact that he played 83.9% of offensive snaps. Then, offensive coordinator Dave Canales blamed himself for not scheming more touches for Godwin.
The cold hard truth is the Bucs are paying Chris Godwin far too much to not make him a focal point on offense, and it would be even worse to do so against Atlanta. Godwin is historically successful against Atlanta, averaging 10.6 yards per target and recording four 100-yard games and four multiple-touchdown games in his NFL career playing the Falcons.
Godwin isn’t the big play weapon that Mike Evans is, but his sure hands and ability to separate make him Tampa Bay’s best option to move the sticks, which they have struggled to do this season. Getting Godwin more involved in the offense is not only overdue, it is necessary to get the offense on a level capable of winning the division.
