Panthers
Zac Robinson did not hide it. Asked on Thursday, October 22, about Chris Godwin Jr.'s game against Pittsburgh, the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator said the offense had a "pretty tough meeting, honestly, on Monday" (JoeBucsFan, October 23). The topic was the passing game, missed opportunities and a lack of detail.
Key facts
- Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said on October 22 that the offense had a pretty tough meeting on Monday, October 19, about the passing game, missed opportunities and detail (JoeBucsFan, October 23).
- Baker Mayfield said the team needed the meeting and called it uncomfortable (JoeBucsFan, October 23).
- Chris Godwin Jr. had 4 catches on 8 targets for 37 yards in the 26-19 overtime loss to the Steelers on October 18 (JoeBucsFan, October 23).
- Godwin has no game over 50 receiving yards and no touchdown catch in 2026, and the Bucs' passing offense ranks 30th in the NFL (Buccaneers.com, October 23).
- The Panthers have the NFL's top-ranked passing offense entering Week 7 (Buccaneers.com, October 23).
- The 1-5 Buccaneers play at the 3-2 Panthers on Sunday, October 25, at 1:00 PM ET, 18:00 CET (ESPN, Buccaneers.com).
What was said
Pewter Report confirms that Robinson and the quarterbacks had a tough conversation on Monday, October 19, the day after the 26-19 overtime loss to the Steelers, though it gives no details of what was discussed. JoeBucsFan adds that Robinson pointed to a third-down pass that hit Godwin in the hands. Godwin finished with 4 catches on 8 targets for 37 yards.
Baker Mayfield, who spoke to reporters for the first time in several weeks, said "We needed to have it" (JoeBucsFan). He called it uncomfortable and said it covered more than the last game. He also said the quarterbacks need to hit their reads and footwork on time (JoeBucsFan). Our recap of the Steelers game has the full story of that loss.
The numbers behind it
Item | Figure |
|---|---|
Passing offense rank | 30th in the NFL |
Godwin games over 50 receiving yards in 2026 | 0 |
Godwin touchdown catches in 2026 | 0 |
Bucs record | 1-5 |
Source: Buccaneers.com, October 23.
Buccaneers.com lists inconsistency, miscues, third-down and red-zone struggles and communication errors as the causes. Godwin sits second in franchise history in receptions (612), receiving yards (7,626) and receiving touchdowns (41), so his quiet season stands out. Mayfield said the offense needs to get him more touches. For the scheme behind all this, see our Robinson offense explainer.
Mayfield's return
Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Week 3 and has missed three games. He practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday wearing a custom glove, and ESPN reports he did not need surgery but needed stitches for a wound. ESPN reports he is expected to start barring setbacks, while Buccaneers.com says Todd Bowles will decide after Friday's practice. Rookie Jalon Daniels would start a fourth straight game if Mayfield cannot go. Our Mayfield thumb update tracks the status.
What comes next
The Bucs visit the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 25, at 1:00 PM ET, which is 18:00 CET (Europe goes back to winter time that night). Carolina is 3-2 and has the NFL's top-ranked passing offense, according to Buccaneers.com. Our Week 7 viewing guide has channels and times, and the schedule shows what follows.
A meeting does not fix a 30th-ranked passing game, and Robinson and Mayfield both framed it as a start. The next proof is a clean Sunday: throws on time, third downs converted and Godwin involved early against a Panthers offense that will test whether Tampa Bay can keep pace.
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