Week 17 Snap Count Analysis: Bucs vs. Panthers

Each week after each Bucs game, we take a closer look at the quick count distribution for Tampa Bay’s offense and defense. We will assess what we can learn from who has played the game the most and the least.

Here’s a closer look at which players received the highest and lowest number of snaps in the Bucs’ 30-24 win on Sunday afternoon at home against bring in the division about the Panthers in week 17.

Bucs attack

This round of declining snap count distribution favored Rachaad White over Leonard Fournette, who just outscored him 39 to 36 out of a possible 78 snaps. The run game is still a mess for the Bucs as their two best backs combined are only 50 yards on the ground. But they both contributed again in the passing game, with White averaging 5.2 yards per catch and Fournette averaging 4.8. The lower percentage of plays also meant that Tom Brady had many empty backfield sets.

No Cam Brate meant the Cade Otton show was at an end. He had the most snaps of any skill position player with 68 out of 78. Ko Kieft was around his usual percentage at 29%, and Kyle Rudolph was rarely used, playing on 14% of snaps.

It was an exceptional day for the wide receivers. Michael Evans went off with 10 catches for 207 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, those touchdowns all came on deep balls from Brady, so their connection seems to have been restored. While Evans deserves the headlines, Chris Godwin had one shot more than him and was also very productive with nine receptions for 120 yards.

Russell Gage made some clutch receptions on third and fourth downs, as well as making three catches for 33 yards. Julio Jones only had a limited amount of playing time with 22 snaps. I wonder how much his knee injury flared up during the game to bother him.

Box defense

The Bucs had six defensive players for 100% of snaps with two others for 98% and 95%. They relied heavily on their top players – including players who have recently been injured or normally don’t play all the time – to play a whole lot.

That includes players like Anthony Nelson, who quickly plays well enough to earn a second contract after his stripping of Sam Darnold in the fourth quarter helped clear the game for the Bucs. Nelson has performed adequately with only him and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka available as outside linebackers. Tryon-Shoyinka also played a good game, recording seven tackles for second on the team.

We also have to give a shoutout to cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting. It was a great three game stint for Murphy-Bunting and he showed up big again on Sunday with an interception and another pass breakup in the end zone. Murphy-Bunting has been a backup all season, but his number was called at key moments and he rose to the challenge.

Linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David deserve credit. Week in, week out, they play every snap without almost ever getting a break from the field. David led the Bucs with eight tackles while White made seven and recovered a fumble deep in the Panthers’ territory.

It was good to see Vita Vea back on the field playing with Akiem Hicks. They were a major factor in stopping the Panthers’ running game. The Bucs used Logan Hall a bit more, giving him up to 35% of snaps, especially on passing downs. We’ll probably see a lot of him next week when the Bucs have nothing to play for and might give some of their usual starters a break.