Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) on the field in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South on the last day of the season. The division did not inspire confidence in any team as a 9-8 record was enough to take the crown. This is an interesting team heading into the playoffs. Many of the pieces have Super Bowl rings and yet they are not expected to make any noise in the playoffs. Here is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff preview.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff Preview
The Bucs get the fourth seed and will host a home playoff game against the Eagles in round one. Both sides of the ball feature quality players. Baker Mayfield has been solid especially with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to throw to. Vita Vea, Devin White, Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett, and Antoine Winfield Jr. are solid players defensively and can stop even the best of offenses. Consistency has been the biggest problem for the team as they probably could have won 10 or 11 games with better play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff Preview: Why They Will Win
This team is playing with house money meaning there is no pressure. If they lose, no one’s opinion of the team changes. Mayfield has shown he can play in big playoff games as he almost upset the Chiefs a couple of years ago. Many of the other players mentioned above have playoff experience and can handle the biggest stage. In a one-and-done playoff setting, anything can happen. If Evans and Godwin go off, they will be able to hang with any team offensively.
Getting the Eagles in the first round doesn’t hurt either. Philadelphia is reeling right now ending the season 1-5 and looking like an absolute mess on defense. If the team can find their groove in this game and carry it over week by week, this team could be a tough out, especially with the number of veterans still on the team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff Preview: Why They Won’t Win
Inconsistency has been the biggest problem and will likely be the downfall of this team. They can look great one week but then terrible the next. The offense couldn’t be stopped in a game against the Green Bay Packers but then only scored nine points against the Carolina Panthers. It is possible that this team pulls off one upset but then gets blown out the next week.
Mayfield especially has been inconsistent and this is now his fourth team in a very short amount of time. Quarterbacks that bounce around the league usually don’t make a run to the Super Bowl. While the defense has a lot of veterans, they are a couple of years older than the last time a run was made. With the high-flying offenses still left in the field, this defense could easily get exposed.
Playoff X-Factor
Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff preview X-factor: Rachaad White
The talented second-year running back has had a solid season. He had just under 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. However, the playoffs put a larger emphasis on the running game. When the cold weather sets in, teams that can run the ball effectively are the ones that often come out on top. A good running game also keeps the opposing offense off the field. If White can become a consistent runner for the next three weeks, this team becomes very dangerous. Teams would have to load the box in order to stop the run leaving Evans and Godwin in one-on-one situations.
Check Out More Playoff Previews On The Forkball!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff preview was tough to write! When you look at the roster, the team is full of talent but they haven’t looked great at times on the field. This is going to be one of the most interesting teams to watch in the playoffs.
