5 days Ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quest for a fourth straight divisional title has not gone according to plan thus far. Certainly, they remain in the mix, but four straight losses set them back immensely in controlling their path not only to maintain that title but to secure a spot in a loaded NFC playoff picture. As it stands now, the Bucs hold a 4-6 record, good for second in their division and 11th in the NFC.
However, two items keep providing some solace as they embark on their final seven games. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images First, these final seven games currently line up as the second easiest for any team across the league. Only one team (the Los Angeles Chargers) has a winning record on Tampa Bay's schedule.
Second, the South's leading team has failed to create any separation from them. The Atlanta Falcons, losers of their past two games and three of their last five possess a game-and-a-half lead over Tampa Bay as they head into their bye week. Last week, the Falcons suffered a 20-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints and Sunday they were handled 38-6 by the Denver Broncos.
At 6-5, they still have their own series of concerns to work through in the final weeks of the season. Related: Latest Mock Draft Links Bucs to Star SEC Wide Receiver Of course, the Bucs' own work of digging this hole is certainly not helpful. Tampa Bay held leads in both of their losses to Atlanta this season, making their current deficit in this race a frustrating one.
Regardless of how things have fallen previously, Todd Bowles' team remains squarely in position to chase down their rival and claim another South title. Related: Why Bye Week Can Help Push Bucs' Playoff Surge.
