Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

How's Jalen McMillan's Role Growing in Playoff Chase?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Dec 10, 2024 4:36 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense has changed in several ways this season. At the start, the Bucs looked like a dangerous team through the air with Baker Mayfield operating under Liam Coen with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin flanked alongside him.

Tampa Bay's motives to attack through the air remain present, but the Bucs have uncovered a top 10 rushing attack among all NFL teams. Bucky Irving's emergence has created a dynamic dual threat with Rachaad White out of the backfield that has lifted the Bucs in the latter stages of the season.

That comes from this team's growth and uncovering of their identity. But this has also been a forced change as a result of injury issues midway through the campaign. When Evans and Godwin both went down in Week 7, the Bucs had to quickly adapt without two staples in the lineup.

Those injuries gave way for Irving and Cade Otton to play bigger roles in the weeks without both players. In the meantime, Jalen McMillan dealt with his own health issues as his role changed as well.

Now, he finds himself listed as the No. 2 receiver on the depth chart and comes off the most impactful game of his career to date. He reeled in four catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns in the Bucs' win over the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon.

"Just the work, you know... modeling my game after Mike and Chris... every day you've got to be consistent and it's hard to be consistent every day... that's something I've been working on," he said following the game.

With two excellent role models to learn from in a rookie season, Tampa Bay may count on an expedited education process.

Though Evans has since returned to action, the Bucs are still in need of a consistent No. 2 option. Otton has had his moments, but that role has been somewhat filled by a committee since Godwin went down.

Perhaps McMillan could be the up-and-comer to assert himself as the Bucs' season winds down. With defenses likely focused on stopping the Tampa Bay run and keying on Evans through the air, McMillan could be the key in relieving some pressure off his teammates.

Now those are not set expectations for the young receiver, but development into such a player would make the Bucs all the more dangerous on offense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: