Tampa Bay’s offense has struggled without Godwin in play, averaging only 25.2 points per game without him compared to 29.9 points with him. Baker Mayfield’s passer rating is at 107.1 with Godwin and only 93.5 without him.

While missed games from Mike Evans and Tristan Wirfs also contribute to the Bucs’ performance, Godwin’s absence is noticeably felt.

The most significant impact shows up on third downs. Godwin leads the NFL in this arena, grabbing 78.6% of passes Mayfield has thrown his way and converting 64% of them into first downs.

Godwin’s teammates Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Ryan Miller, and Trey Palmer have tried to step up, but their output isn’t the same. Combined, the players catch about 63.2% of the passes thrown their way, compared to 80.6% of the passes Godwin has received.

“I think (Mayfield is) very comfortable with them because, when Mike (Evans) was hurt as well, they got more comfortable early in the season,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told the Tampa Bay Times in an interview. “That’s paying dividends right now. We’re not asking them to be Chris. We changed some of the routes for them so they can be themselves, and we’re comfortable with them helping us out going forward.”

The Bucs have tried to make the best of the hand they’ve been dealt. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen has revamped the Bucs game plan to counter the loss in Godwin’s short- and mid-range routes. Tight end Cade Otton and running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White have had their targets increase by approximately 37% over the Bucs’ last five games.