Each week after each Bucs game, we take a closer look at the snap count distribution for Tampa Bay on offense and defense. We'll assess what we can learn from who played the most and least in the game.

Let's take a closer look at the Bucs players who received the highest and lowest number of snapsn their wild 51-27 victory away in an important division game against the Saints.

Bucs offense

It was fascinating how the Bucs utilized their wide receivers. Chris Godwin, who had 11 catches, 125 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the day, led the skill position players with 94% of snaps. Mike Evans played injured as it was easy to see he was hampered after getting off to a good start with two catches for 34 yards on the first drive. His snap count percentage of 57% was his lowest of the season and the Bucs used him on pitch counts primarily in second and third down passing situations.

What many wanted to know was who would go to WR3 for Tampa Bay once Jalen McMillan returned. The answer would be Sterling Shepard as he was responsible for 75% of the snaps. Shepard left his mark throughout the game as he had three catches for 23 yards, four rushes for 31 yards – and unfortunately, three penalties.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: USA Today

McMillan was rarely used in 18% of snaps. He didn't make a catch, and he also made a big mistake when he couldn't make up Baker Mayfield's pass, throwing the ball in the air and allowing the Saints an easy interception. Tampa Bay also relied heavily on Ryan Miller at 42%, as the practice squad had a big catch-and-run for 39 yards and also helped with run blocking.

It was the buck-and-tuck show at running back, with Bucky Irving in the starting lineup and Sean Tucker making a big impact. None of the players were overused and each got significant playing time as Irving played 64% of the time and Tucker played 38% of the time. Each player scored a rushing touchdown, while Tucker also had a receiving score and was a key figure in the Bucs' offense.

Is less more for tight end Cade Otton? Although he recorded two catches for 15 yards, he reached the end zone for the first time this season. Otton's playing time of 81% was his lowest this season. Payne Durham was used a bit more, plus the Bucs gave some different looks with Evans limited, which required different personnel.

Bucs defense

So much for a platooning situation at inside linebacker. KJ Britt played 100% of the snaps as he and Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum were the only Bucs defensive players to make it to the end. Britt struggled in pass coverage, but there weren't many other options. Todd Bowles decided to stay with him.

Bucs DB Tykee Smith – Photo by: USA Today

With Tampa Bay holding a large lead late in the game, the team was able to sub in some defensive replacements so starters like Lavonte David didn't play at their usual rate. The Bucs wasted no time in ousting Calijah Kancey and Antoine Winfield Jr. in their return to action, as Kancey led all defensive tackles at 63% while Winfield was at 80%, and likely would have played more if the game so would have been closer.

Credit goes to undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Tyrek Funderburk, who played 86% after coming in for the injured Jamel Dean. Funderburk hasn't been a liability by any means and will play a big role in the future depending on Dean's availability.

Another player who deserves recognition is freshman Tykee Smith. Despite playing 60% of the game, his presence was felt on every play as he recorded a forced fumble and his first career interception.

The rotation at outside linebacker was relatively consistent. Because of the result, we were able to see a little more of Jose Ramirez. Chris Braswell recorded half a sack, the first statistic for a sack in his career.