There is a difference between Cade Otton being a reliable part of the Buccaneers‘ passing game and becoming one of Baker Mayfield’s primary targets. Tampa Bay needs the former, but Otton drawing so much attention in the passing game is another sign of how poorly the offense is distributing opportunities. Otton led with eight targets against the Chicago Bears, catching four for just 25 yards. This wasn’t an isolated example of a tight end having a quiet night. Through nine games, Otton has 23 receptions and 211 receiving yards without a touchdown. He is tied with Chris Godwin for second on the team in targets, behind Emeka Egbuka’s 54, despite playing one more game than Egbuka.
Otton deserves credit for being dependable and doing the less glamorous work that comes with playing tight end. He is an important blocker, understands his responsibilities, and gives Mayfield a familiar option underneath. But those qualities should complement the passing game, not make him a primary source of production. Tampa Bay has too many receiving options for a tight end averaging just over nine yards per reception to be drawing this much of the offense’s attention. The bigger concern is what this says about the Buccaneers’ wide receiver usage. Egbuka has shown he can be a productive downfield option, while Godwin remains a proven receiver who can make plays after the catch. Ted Hurst also needs more opportunities to develop into a meaningful part of the offense. Those players should create more problems for opposing defenses than they currently do.
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Some of this falls on Mayfield, who has been dealing with a thumb injury, and some falls on Zac Robinson’s offensive design. Otton is often a convenient option when the quarterback needs to get the ball out quickly, but relying on short completions cannot be the foundation of a passing attack that is already struggling to generate production. The issue is not that Otton should be taken out of the offense. The Buccaneers need more involvement from their receivers, more opportunities for explosive plays, and better target distribution. Otton can be a valuable piece, but he shouldn’t be the player defenses see at the top of the target sheet every week.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Cade Otton should not be leading the Buccaneers in targets
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