The Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated plenty of headlines with their influx of star power on offense this offseason. However, head coach Bruce Arians is doing what he can to ensure that they do not buy into their own hype.

The Buccaneers' offense enjoyed a productive scrimmage at Raymond James Stadium last Friday. Regardless, Arians did not pull any punches when discussing their recent play at practice, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:

“Defense made the plays all day,” Arians told reporters after practice. “I don’t know if the offense made any plays. [They] might have been reading their press clippings that they’re so good, because they didn’t show up today.”

While Tampa Bay's offensive line may have been notably struggling in pass protection, Arians is concerned with the group's effort as a whole.

Article Continues Below
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News
Mystery player in the middle, Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr around him, Buccaneers logo in the background
1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) celebrates after a 54-yard run in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Buccaneers’ Bucky Irving surpasses Vita Vea, Mike Evans for impressive honorJaren Kawada ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (13) catches the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium.
Buccaneers rumors: Why insider is wondering about a Mike Evans tradeJackson Stone ·
Haason Reddick in the middle, Baker Mayfield and Coach Todd Bowles around him, Stormy skies in the background
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonEnzo Flojo ·
Featured image Desmond Watson
Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles breaks down Desmond Watson’s impact vs. Tush PushDylan Fine ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands off to running back Rachaad White (29) in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Exclusive: Why Tom Brady’s former Buccaneers teammate calls him a ‘ghost’DJ Siddiqi ·

“[I’m] really not,” Arians said. “[I]t was 11 guys that stunk. It wasn’t just them. It hasn’t been a problem until today. The [defense] had so much more energy in that practice than the [offense]. I think the [offense] thought they were something good after Friday, and they didn’t show up today.”

Arians' comments indicate that the offense may have gotten a bit content since they managed to play well in the scrimmage. With the start of the 2020 NFL season just weeks away, he is making sure that the Buccaneers do not let up in their preparation.

The unprecedented nature of the offseason offered up its own set of challenges due to the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the Buccaneers' revamped personnel puts them ahead of the curve, Arians' latest outburst indicates they are still far from a finished product. He seems to be well aware that easing up right now is unacceptable in a year with Super Bowl expectations.