1 week Ago
This might sound odd, but sitting at 4-6, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can feel content about their work through the season's first 10 weeks. With Baker Mayfield leading the way on offense without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers have been in every game, and despite four straight losses, Tampa Bay had chances to win three of them. The NFL is all about fine margins, and unfortunately, Todd Bowles' team has been on the wrong end of them.
But there is hope on the horizon. With a host of players dealing with injuries, such as Evans, Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Jalen McMillan, and Sterling Shepard, just to name a few, the bye week has come at the right time for Bowles and his team . Still not out of the playoff hunt by any stretch, getting players healthy during the bye week will be pivotal in the Buccaneers getting this train back on the tracks.
© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images While Bowles stated there's no "doom and gloom" around the franchise, he has a right to think that Tampa Bay is in good shape in 2024. Three losses by one score paint the picture of a team that is getting itself into winning positions despite being injury-ravaged over the last few weeks. Related: 'Never Meant to Hurt Anyone!' Smith on Bucs' Godwin Season-Ending Tackle We have seen that Mayfield, with the help of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, can make plays, and with the impending return of Evans, plus healthier versions of Shepard, Wirfs, and McMillan, the Buccaneers' arrow is trending up.
Tampa does have a favorable schedule post-bye, with the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers up next, so there's a chance to build some positive momentum. And the bye week will be a big factor in the Buccaneers making a late-season push for playoff football. Related: Bucs Reveal Latest on Injured Mike Evans Return.
