Bucs Have More Weapons Emerging On Offense

Payne Durham and Tampa Bay’s seventh round pick, Devin Culp, had career games versus Carolina in Sunday’s 48-14 win. Tampa Bay may have found another way to attack its opponents and move the ball successfully through the tight end position – even with Cade Otton out.

While Durham was a small factor in Tampa Bay’s Week 16 loss on Sunday Night Football in Dallas, he and Culp really provided the Bucs with a one-two punch as they demolished the Panthers in Week 17. The Bucs learned that they might be able to lean on 12 personnel (two tight ends) a bit more, and even go 13 (three tight ends) adding Ko Kieft into the mix.

Durham, who made two catches for 36 yards, scored his first career NFL touchdown on Sunday. He immediately launched the ball into the crowd, which required some work by the Bucs’ game day staff to retrieve the ball. Durham’s first catch of 31 yards, which is his career long, set up Tampa Bay’s first score of the game.

Culp made his first career NFL catch and added more to it throughout the game. He ended up with three catches for 52 yards and playing the most snaps he’s ever had with 20 on the afternoon. Culp made the most of his chances and might have even earned a little more trust from the coaches to get more playing time if Otton is out.

Bucs head coach Todd Bowleswas very complimentary of the two young tight ends as they each played big roles.

“Payne has been tough, he just hasn’t had a chance to get the balls because Cade has been getting them, but he’s been a good player for us,” Bowles said. “We thought he was going to be a very good player. Devin getting his first action, really, on that side of the ball this year, it was really very great to see him play some meaningful football and make some great catches and act like he’s been there before. He took advantage of his opportunities, he stayed in his notebook, he practiced. Coach [Justin] Peelle did a great job getting him ready and he took advantage of it.”

It wasn’t even that Culp just made a play or two. His 52 receiving yards was third-highest amongst the Bucs in that game, trailing just Bucky Irving and Mike Evans. It’s unclear if Otton will be ready for Sunday’s game against the Saints, but Tampa Bay can use Culp for the season finale, especially with his speed at the position.

There’s not much NFL tape on Culp, and the Bucs may have just found another weapon to use to keep scoring at such a high rate, which they’ll need to continue to do in the postseason.

“Devin is obviously extremely talented in the pass game,” Bowles said. “He’s able to catch the ball. He’s a little bit explosive, so it was good to get him involved – the reason why, not exactly – but it’s good to see him play well.”