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A breakout season is defined by a sudden significant improvement or increase in popularity. That exactly defines what type of season Chris Godwin is likely to have in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Godwin was the 84th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay. When he arrived, he didn't see much playing time behind Mike Evans, Adam Humphries, and DeSean Jackson.
Last season, Godwin finally was given more opportunities in the offense and flourished with them. With Jackson dealing with injuries, Godwin gradually saw more looks in the passing offense.
Godwin finished the season with 59 receptions for 842 yards and seven touchdowns. Now, heading into 2019, Godwin is believed to be one player of many that could have a breakout season this year.
With the arrival of Bruce Arians, the offense could be even better than it was in 2018. Surprisingly, the Buccaneers boasted the best passing offense in the NFL in 2018 in terms of yards. Both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston combined to throw for 5,125 yards through the air last season.
This season, Winston gets the nod since Fitzpatrick is with the Miami Dolphins and hopes to turn his career around. Having weapons like Godwin could help that become a reality. Here are three numbers to target for Chris Godwin in 2019.
3. 85 Receptions
To have a breakout season in 2019, Godwin is going to have to see his numbers increase favorably across the board. Godwin had an impressive season in 2018 but this season will begin his ascension into being a better wide receiver in the NFL.
In 2018, Godwin was able to catch 59 passes in the Buccaneers offense. That isn't too bad for a guy who started in five games and did most of his work from the slot position.
With Humphries no longer on the roster, Godwin will step into the second receiver spot. As a result, Godwin should garner more targets from Winston.
Godwin has the talent to be a highly touted wideout in the NFL, he just needs the opportunity. He will get the opportunities this year and will haul in 85 or more receptions in 2019.
2. 1,200 Receiving Yards
With great responsibility comes great receiving yards is how the saying goes, right? Well, at least this will be true for Godwin in 2019 regardless of the saying.
In his two seasons in the NFL, Godwin has shown his capability to make big plays in the passing attack of the Buccaneers. The third-year wideout has averaged 14.7 yards per reception in his two seasons thus far.
Therefore, if Godwin maintains his career-average for yards per reception, he will eclipse 1,000-yards receiving for the first time in his career. Not only would he smash his career-high in receiving yards but he has the chance to surpass 1,200 receiving yards in 2019.
1. 8 Touchdowns
Of course, with a receiver as gifted as Mike Evans on the offense, touchdowns are going to funnel in his direction. That doesn't mean that Godwin can't get into the end zone at a high clip as well.
Last season, Godwin was able to celebrate seven touchdowns for the Buccaneers. That numbers could easily rise as his role within the offense continues to expand.
Arians seems to love the idea of using Godwin more and therefore, the young wide receiver could find himself getting more looks in scoring situations. Godwin could be asked to be more versatile in the offense and could line up in different spots throughout the season.
This will only increase Godwin's chances of getting his career-high in touchdowns in 2019. Everything is pointing in Godwin's direction to having a breakout season during the 2019 campaign. If Godwin can total 85 receptions, 1,200 yards, and eight touchdowns, that'd definitely give him a breakout season this year.
