“Like Validation For Me That I Do Have What It Takes”
May 11th, 2018
General manager Jason Licht has not been shy about saying the desired prototype Buccaneer is second-year wide receiver Chris Godwin.
Whenever Joe mentions Godwin to Bucs players or officials, man, their faces light up and they take a reverent tone at the same time. It’s almost like Godwin is some sort of national treasure.
Joe can only compare it to the way folks at One Buc Palace responded when asked about America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, during his first two seasons.
Anyway, the next Roddy White (aka Godwin) is an intense cat who is ready to build on the seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown he had against the Saints to close last season. Godwin finished 2017 with 34 catches for 525 yards and that one dramatic game-winning TD.
As a guest on WDAE-AM 620 this week, Godwin said the finale against the Saints, a game in which he was targeted a season-high 12 times, wasn’t just another outing for him.
“I think it did a lot for me, especially scoring that last touchdown, it was kind of like validation for me that I do have what it takes to play at this level,” Godwin said. “It really boosted my confidence going into the offseason, as well as it showed me things I need to work on.”
After hearing that take, well, maybe it was 100 percent spectacular for the Bucs to win that game, which cost them critical draft position.
More highlights from Godwin’s interview:
*Godwin said he learned a ton from DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans, including “picking apart coverages” and attacking “different styles of defensive backs.”
*Yes, Godwin spent time working with Jameis over the team’s winter break. He believes that goes a long way toward building chemistry. Godwin also spent a lot of his down time on route-running.
*Godwin says he doesn’t set any statistical goals for himself because he believes it takes away from his maximize-every-day approach to the game.
*”Exciting!” is how Godwin described the Bucs’ tough opening schedule against the Saints, Eagles and Steelers.
*Godwin says he watched the NFL Draft closely with a close eye on his former Penn State teammates, including rookie running back Saquon Barkley. Godwin called him one of the most humble people he knows.
*Godwin says he will train through his summer vacation except for one week “to reset the mind; reset the body.”
May 11th, 2018 at 10:45 pm
He gon’ be good. 🙂 El Lichto can draft. I hope we win enough games to keep our GM.
May 11th, 2018 at 10:48 pm
bright future ahead for this kid!
Hope to see him on the field a lot this year. Liking the possibilities of this lineup:
Evans
Godwin
OJ
Brate
Djax / Rojo / Hump
May 11th, 2018 at 11:00 pm
With all that said and known, let’s see if the overpaid diva gets more snaps. I’d rather see that rookie on the outside over djax.
I would be calling around trying to trade him for a good kicker
May 12th, 2018 at 12:27 am
I begged for this kid before his draft and I’m so stoked he is a Buc. Godwin and Evans on the outside puts us in favorable matchups on passing plays and running plays. I really hope they use DJax in the slot more this season. Imagine that lineup with OJ and Rojo to boot, have fun covering that all game.
I personally believe DJax hurt Godwin last year. He could’ve gotten a lot more reps, since it seemed DJax was missing in several games last year.
May 12th, 2018 at 1:10 am
The kid Watson should get a solid look. Phillips from Syracuse could be a sleeper. Humphries’ days have been numbered ever since that game in Buffalo last season. He wasn’t right the rest of the season after that. Bobo’s going to be hard to shake too.
May 12th, 2018 at 1:33 am
When will the “a-win-that-hurt-our-draft-stock-BS” end? Even after having one of the greatest maximization of draft-capital by trades I still have to read that.
May 12th, 2018 at 2:50 am
3rd rd selection with 1st rd talent 🙂
May 12th, 2018 at 3:25 am
We have great depth in receivers and on the D-line. Solid foundation for the future imo.
May 12th, 2018 at 3:26 am
Agreed German Buc
May 12th, 2018 at 4:20 am
I truly nearly broke my computer when Justin Evans was picked and Godwin was passed on in the second round. I still can’t believe he slipped that far. The 2017 draft was just so deep.
I kind of had the same reaction when Stewart was picked instead of Isiah Oliver. I would really like to have doubled up on Oliver and Davis. That pick I fear will cost the Bucs twice a season for a long time. Prove me wrong Stewart please. I’ve been suprised by Evans (in a redraft, Godwin is a late first round, second round pick)
And I agree, the lost draft position is something I guess, but moments like the end of the Saints game fuel the motivation of hungry guys like Winston and Godwin. That shows why they work so hard. Moments like those push them to new levels.
May 12th, 2018 at 6:03 am
GermanBuc, agree 100%. You play every game to win, regardless of what your record is at that point. And by moving down just a few slots, we ended up with 4 picks instead of 2 in the top 2 rounds. Had we lost that last game, we probably would’ve picked 5th & could’ve snagged either Chubb or Nelson, both excellent picks. Our original priorities were probably DE, RB & CB. We picked up RB Jones & CB Davis, two excellent prospects. IMO, that’s like saying we got DT Vea AND CB Stewart for free. Not too shabby.
May 12th, 2018 at 7:53 am
And to think the whiners & losers who regretted winning that last game would take that winning touchdown away from this kid…..what a shame.
And, the truth be told we very well could have still ended up with the same picks at 5 if Cleveland had taken Chubb as they should have.
The object of the game is to WIN……
You wonder why we have a losing culture….fans who want losses for higher draft picks are part of the reason.
May 12th, 2018 at 10:11 am
I like this kid. I appears that he is what a pro should be, humble, hard working, and a team first guy. I wish he was the #2 WR….
I didn’t like the DJax signing last year, and I like it less now. He has always appeared to be a me first, WR diva.
May 12th, 2018 at 10:43 am
Gotta love Godwin. Stud.
May 12th, 2018 at 11:27 am
What was our longest pass play last year?
5 yard slant to Godwin for 75 yards vs Carolina
we need more slants and short crossing patterns to Godwin each game to utilizes his yac skills to open up the defense…this is highly efficient and beat the pass rush and move the chains
“I love it when Godwin runs down the field on special teams”
Klueless Koetter
May 12th, 2018 at 12:43 pm
I agree with what Kobe just said.
Lord have mercy.
May 12th, 2018 at 12:45 pm
“Lord might not be able to cure Koetters turtle-itis”
Kobe Faker
May 12th, 2018 at 11:58 pm
More slants an crossing routes period to all the receivers. Cum on koetter an mokin. Lets get it done. An i love jameis. But someone tell him. A check down on first down is not a bad thing. Jus move the chains on first down. Instead of always lookun for 16 to 20 yards. Its good to have. But also causes sacks. Fumbles. Interceptions from forced throws. Jameis check it down we got rojo. Live to fight anotha down. Go bucs
May 13th, 2018 at 12:03 am
Godwin is a monster i seen it wit my own eyes when possible target him he is gonna get open. The guy can catch is reliable get this guy the ball. He is a true 2. But i like him to cum in when djax or mike gets tired only because he is a reliable target when those guys get tired. Like our sixth man off the bench with starter talent. He will be our 2 of the future um um fine with that go bucs
May 14th, 2018 at 1:18 am
I see Godwin as an even better talent than DJax because Godwin will lay out to catch a pass. DJax is too much of a diva to lay out. I love what Watson will add this year too. We have the best receivers in the NFL now. We just need a great return man this year. Why not try DJax there this year and see what he can do there.