The way Chris Godwin looked in the 2 games he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this season left the impression that not only was the former NFL All-Pro not the player he used to be, but that the Buccaneers made a huge mistake when they signed him to a 3-year, $66 million contract in March.
Then, finally, in a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, signs of life.
When his team needed it the most, at that.
Godwin had 3 receptions for 78 yards against the Cardinals and showed the spark that’s made him one of the NFL’s best receivers the last 5 years … even if he did drop a point blank touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in the first quarter.
Either way, the Buccaneers needed every single one of Godwin’s yards as they snapped a 3-game losing streak and got a pair of offensive stars back in Godwin, who has missed 8 games with a fibula injury, and running back Bucky Irving, who missed the last 7 games with a shoulder injury.
Another NFL All-Pro wide receiver, Mike Evans, has missed a combined 8 games with a hamstring and a broken collarbone. He might not play again this season.
Godwin only had 2 receptions for 9 yards in a 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12.
“It was amazing. I definitely felt a lot more like myself,” Godwin told The Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud after the game. “Just being out there, being able to make some plays and helping our team to a win.”
Godwin’s Return Huge Relief to Buccaneers Fans
Saying it was hard to watch Godwin in 2 games earlier this season is putting it lightly — there was quite obviously something wrong with him when he tried to play.
Coming back and looking how he did against the Cardinals could very well be the difference between making the playoffs and staying home. Four of Tampa Bay’s final 5 games are against NFC South foes, including 2 games against the Carolina Panthers that should determine the division title.
“Chris Godwin looking much better today than any other game so far this season,” sports physician Dr. Jesse Morse wrote on his official X account.
“He looked like Chris freaking GODWIN and that is HUGE going forward!” Buccaneers fan John Garvey wrote on X.
“Todd Bowles says that the Bucs missed Chris Godwin’s intelligence, which bleeds into how he runs routes, blocks for the run and applies himself throughout the game,” Bucs GameDay’s River Wells wrote on X.
Godwin, WRs Upstaged by Big Man TD Against Cards
Godwin’s big day got upstaged by his own mistake — dropping the touchdown pass — followed by a 2-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to 6-foot-5, 325-pound left offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs on the next series.
It was the first career reception and first career touchdown for Wirfs, a perennial All-Pro and the NFL’s elite offensive lineman.
Wirfs’ touchdown, which came with 1:36 left in the second quarter, gave Tampa Bay a 10-0 lead and set social media ablaze over the unusual Big Man Touchdown.
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