The best way to describe the 2021 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a great roller coaster ride. The highs were the Buccaneers winning an NFC South divisional title for the first time in 13 seasons. Tom Brady continuing to defy the human aging process by having another outstanding season of throwing the football.
The lows were the number of injuries sustained to both starting units. The players lost were a who’s who of a Pro Bowl roster. Chris Godwin missed the final three games of the regular season and the Bucs lone playoff contest due to a torn ACL. Leonard Fournette, Lavonte David, Shaquil Barnett, and Jason Pierre-Paul all missed time with various injuries. The flux in the lineup ruined the Bucs chances of claiming the NFC’s No 1 seed.
Despite the abrupt end to their season, some of the players stood out and were deserving to be named Buccaneers season team award winners:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021 Season Team Awards
Team Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady
At 44-years old, Tom Brady continues to defy Father Time and shows why he is the best quarterback of the NFL’s modern era. in 2021, Brady led the league in passing yards (5,316 yards) and touchdown passes (43). He was primed to make another run at a Super Bowl title. However, time ran out as the Bucs were eliminated in the NFL Playoffs divisional round.
Honestly, the candidates for team MVP were limited. Brady’s play was as good as any other season of his distinguished NFL career. He might have been his best when the majority of the Bucs receivers were on the sidelines nursing injuries.
And he lived up to his NFL folklore once again. Opposing teams crumbled in front of him as Brady continued to squeak out victories in the final minutes of games. If you give TB12 time in the pocket, he would put points on the scoreboard.
Let’s face it, Brady is amazing to watch.
Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Godwin
The Buccaneers have one of the more prolific passing games in the NFL. Opposing secondaries swear there are too many receiving threats to cover efficiently. However, only one player not named Brady made an impact on the team’s offense. His name is Chris Godwin.
Before tearing his ACL, Godwin’s overall season numbers (98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns) allowed him to separate himself from the league’s top receivers. Who can argue with his production? Godwin recorded five 100+ receiving yards games in 2021. As the season progressed, it was obvious that opposing defenses had a hard time slowing the Brady and Godwin partnership.
Part of this combination’s success was Godwin’s versatility to run different pass routes. Most of his production came on deep pass routes, but Godwin is just as dangerous with yards after the catch. Often, Brady would dump a pass to him in the flat, and Godwin would turn the throw into a big gain downfield. He used his speed, elusiveness, and physicality to weave through defenders.
No question, Godwin’s absence from the lineup contributed to the Buccaneers early exit from the playoffs.
Defensive Player of the Year: Shaquil Barrett
In the pass-happy NFL, opposing defenses better have a quality pass rush or it will be a long day at the office on Sundays. A dominant pass-rusher is vital for survival. For the Buccaneers, Shaquil Barrett has stood out as the team’s premier pass-rusher. His dominance off the line of scrimmage has awarded him the Bucs defensive player of the year.
In 46 games played as a Buccaneer, Barrett has recorded 37.5 sacks. Simply put, he creates havoc in the opponent’s backfield. Barrett has the speed and power to go through most offensive lines. Opposing teams try to counter his strengths by masking double team blocking assignments to stop him in his path to the quarterback. Unfortunately, no blocking scheme known to man has deterred Barrett from bull-rushing through blockers on his way to the pocket.
At one point in the 2021 season, the Bucs were considered the best defense in the NFL. But injuries to key personnel took the edge off their effectiveness to stop the run or defend the pass. Opposing quarterbacks challenged an inexperienced secondary by attempting close to 50 passes per game.
Barrett took it upon himself to make plays from the edge. He inspired his teammates to reverse their fortunes and make a playoff run.
Comeback Player of the Year: Rob Gronkowski
In 2020, the Buccaneers signed Brady as a free agent. The most logical next move was signing TB12’s security blanket, Rob Gronkowski, to a free-agent deal. But both players had to learn a new offense for the first time in over a decade. Gronk struggled as the majority of his receiving numbers (44 receptions for 623 yards and seven touchdowns) were gained inside the red zone.
But 2021 was a different story. Gronk (55 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns) became more of a receiving option in the Bucs passing game. The only setback was him missing games after sustaining rib fractures and a punctured lung. Still, Gronk remained a force for the Buccaneers after returning to the lineup. His renewed play earned him Buccaneers comeback player of the year season honors.
No telling if he will continue to play next season, but Gronk removed the rust off his skillset to have his most productive season since 2017. Gronk was not the first option in the passing game, but he played a vital role in the team’s success offensively. Gronkowski shined brightest in big games.
The odds of Gronk returning to Tampa Bay might be slim, but he contributed heavily in his two seasons with the Buccaneers.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jaelon Darden
Depth on the roster is key for any football team trying to compete for a championship. After winning the Super Bowl last season, the Bucs drafted Jaelon Darden out of North Texas in the fourth round of last April’s NFL Draft. And by season’s end, Darden earned offensive rookie of the year honors.
Immediately, the rookie opened some eyes by having a good training camp, but Darden had difficulty making an impact on the football field. He played behind one of the top receiving units in the league. The depth chart was filled with All-Pro talent.
Darden was not buried on the Bucs roster as he saw playing time as a punt and kickoff returner. But his opportunity as a receiver came after injuries and the sudden departure of Antonio Brown from the team. Darden showed he could produce in the passing game.
Potential might be the best word to describe Darden’s rookie season. The goal is for him to continue his growth as a receiver this off-season. If achieved, Darden could see his role expand in the Bucs passing game. Time and patience might become his biggest allies in 2022.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Joe Tyron-Shoyinka
Throughout the history of the NFL, rookies had a tough time breaking into a Super Bowl-winning team’s starting lineup. Bucs rookie Joe Tyron-Shoyinka was not expected to make an impact in 2021. However, he did contribute as a situational edge pass-rusher on certain passing down situations. His outstanding play earned him the Bucs defensive rookie of the year award.
Tyron-Shoyinka provided consistent pressure on the quarterback. He used his speed to get around an offensive tackle and contain the QB in the pocket. Tyron-Shoyinka ended his rookie campaign with four sacks and 10 quarterback hits. With more playing time comes more opportunity to create havoc in the backfield.
In 2022, Tyron-Shoyinka must do a better job of finishing plays. Too many quarterbacks slip through his grasp to gain big yards downfield. A year’s experience could turn those missed tackles into sacks next season.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Antoine Winfield Jr.
One superlative that football players love having associated with their name is being the most improved player on their team. For the Buccaneers, Antoine Winfield Jr. had an outstanding season that has elevated his standing in the NFL. The second-year safety from Minnesota has taken that step forward in becoming one of the top defensive players. It was much-needed as Winfield Jr.’s improved play helped to compensate for the number of injuries suffered by the Bucs secondary,
He seemed to be all over the field. Winfield Jr. finished third on the Buccaneers with 88 tackles. Also, he recorded two sacks, two interceptions, three quarterback hits, four tackles for losses, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries for the season. The numbers do not lie. Winfield Jr. was one of the more effective defenders in the NFL last season. It vaulted him into Pro Bowl status with his first selection.
For Buccaneers fans, the best has yet to come for Winfield Jr.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
