Key Highlights
- Cade Otton continued his Iron Man role on the Bucs’ offense.
- Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson saw significant playing time in the game against Detroit.
- Buccaneers used heavy doses of two-TE sets and kept Rachaad White on the field for most offensive snaps.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week Eight Depth Chart: Cade Otton’s Iron Man Performance
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their week eight depth chart, revealing that tight end Cade Otton is once again filling a critical role on the team. Otton played virtually every snap in the Bucs’ game against the Detroit Lions, contributing seven catches for 65 yards.
Offense: Tight Ends and Wide Receivers
At tight end, Cade Otton and Payne Durham saw significant playing time. Otton was on the field for all but two of the team’s 69 offensive snaps against Detroit. This marks his second consecutive game where he played every snap.
Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson also had a notable role, taking 47 snaps and emerging with four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.
The Buccaneers utilized two-TE sets heavily in the game, with Durham also getting 24 snaps despite not being targeted. The team’s top wide receivers, Mike Evans and Ryan Miller, were still in the lineup alongside other notable players like Chris Godwin.
Defense: Key Performances and Rotations
In the defense, rookie defensive lineman Elijah Roberts continued his growth by making his first career start next to Vita Vea. He played 68% of the defensive snaps and recorded two tackles, a quarterback hit, a pass defensed, and his first career fumble recovery.
The Buccaneers’ cornerbacks saw varied roles with rookie Jamal Morrison continuing to play alongside veteran Jamel Dean. Dean secured the Bucs’ lone interception in the second quarter, marking three on the season. Rookie Jacob Parrish returned from a missed game due to a thumb injury and had 30 snaps and four tackles.
Special Teams: Anthony Nelson’s All-Game Role
Anthony Nelson played 100% of the special teams snaps, recording a kick-coverage tackle. Despite an uptick in defensive snaps following an injury to Haason Reddick, Nelson maintained his role and contributed with four tackles and a sack on defense.
The Bucs’ game against Detroit ended with a loss, 24-9, but the depth chart provided valuable insights into the team’s strategies and player roles. As the NFL season progresses, these depth charts continue to offer vital information for fans, analysts, and reporters alike.
