The Green Bay Packers tight ends, specifically Tucker Kraft, can be a key contributor on offense against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has been susceptible against that position group.
Unlike in recent weeks, where the Packers offense leaned on the run game, it feels like the pendulum is going to swing in the other direction this week towards the passing game. For one, Green Bay is dealing with injuries at the running back position. Second, Tampa Bay is allowing only 3.9 yards per carry, which ranks among the best, but also 7.2 yards per pass attempt, which ranks among the worst.
Opposing tight ends have found quite a bit of success against the Bucs. On average, tight ends are targeted nine times per game and catch roughly six of those pass attempts–both rank among the top five in those categories. The 60 yards per game surrendered to tight ends is also the fifth-most this season as well.
Kraft has continued to play an important role as a blocker at the tight end position for Green Bay, but in Luke Musgrave’s absence, he’s also seen more opportunities as a pass catcher. Since Week 12, Kraft has caught 9-of-11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Just as he did at South Dakota State, Kraft has been effective with the ball in his hands, ranking eighth with an average of 7.6 yards after the catch, along with flashing some downfield ability as well.
“If you look just throughout the course of the season,” said Matt LaFleur on Tuesday, “you could argue he’s just as improved as anybody. He’s consistently making plays, and he’s doing a good job. You see the production in the passing game, but I think the run game has gotten so much better.
“It’s not a shock to me. The guy shows up every day. He does a great job in practice, and he’s developing really good habits, and I think that’s when you see improvement.”
With all of that said, despite what the passing game numbers say and how the season has played out, this is a Bucs’ defense that has its share of talent and one that can present matchup problems for Green Bay. Overall, this is a physical and aggressive defense that will blitz often under head coach Todd Bowles.
At safety is Antoine Winfield Jr., who makes an impact in all phases of the game as a run defender, blitzer, and in coverage. The Packers must know where he is positioned at all times. Then at linebacker is the dynamic duo of Devin White and Lavonte David. Two rangy defenders who are able to impact the game in a variety of ways.
“Those guys, you can see they’re in complete command,” said LaFleur of White and David. “Obviously, very familiar. David’s been doing it for 12 years now. He’s played at a high level since the moment he stepped into this league and the same with Devin White. That’s one of the better combination of inside linebackers that I think that this league has seen. They’re both monsters. They’re tone setters, and they are really good at what they do.”
While opponents have found success moving the ball on the Bucs’ defense between the 20-yard lines, in true bend but don’t break fashion, Tampa Bay has been one of the best red zone defenses in football, ranking fourth in touchdown rate allowed. As Adam Stenavich described this week, in the red zone, the Bucs do a good job of stopping the run and funneling everything towards the middle of the field for White and David.
Along with the on-paper matchup dictating that Kraft, and possibly Ben Sims and Josiah Deguara see increased targets, the Packers will again be short-handed at receiver. Christian Watson is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, while as of now, Dontayvion Wicks is questionable with an ankle injury.
As the season has progressed, Kraft has seen his role increase as he’s developed. Without Musgrave, he has been the Packers’ top tight end option and has become a regular contributor. Now, this week, he could be one of the focal points within the entire offense.
“Once Luke came out,” said Stenavich, “he (Kraft) became the focal point at that position. But with him, as the years progressed, he’s taken on a bigger and bigger role every game. Obviously, when Luke came out, he’s ascended into this role. He’s done a great job. I’m fired up for him. He’s handled everything thrown at him and responded in a great way. He’s got a very, very bright future for sure.”