Pressure mounts as Bucs' struggles put playoff hopes in doubt
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After a shocking home loss to the lowly Saints, the Bucs' playoff chances could be slipping away. Photo: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
The Buccaneers entered this season hoping for smooth sailing into another division crown and a playoff run.
- Instead, their pirate ship is rapidly taking on water.
Why it matters: A spate of costly injuries had already put the Bucs' postseason plans in doubt, but last weekend's defeat by the lowly New Orleans Saints (3-10) has fans fuming.
State of play: The latest loss — on the Bucs' home field — dropped Tampa Bay into a tie atop the AFC South with the Carolina Panthers.
- The divisional foes play each other twice in the season's final three weeks, which could decide which team makes the playoffs.
State of vibes: Simmering disappointment over a lackluster season has now boiled over, with head coach Todd Bowles facing pointed criticism.
- The Tampa Bay Times headlined its Saints game recap "Stink, stank, stunk." A follow-up from columnist John Romano: "If things don't change, judgment day may be coming for Todd Bowles, Bucs."
- "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in full-blown disaster mode," writes A to Z Sports. "Embarrassing," says Sports Illustrated.
How it happened: Injuries to big names like tackle Tristan Wirfs and receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans only tell part of the story.
- After a red-hot start, rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka has struggled in recent weeks, including a crucial drop on what could have been a touchdown catch against the Saints.
- Whether due to receiver absences or his own hurt shoulder, Mayfield's stats are down this season and especially recently. He's completing about 10% fewer of his passes compared to last season.
The intrigue: Hoping (or perhaps desperate) to boost a defense that has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, the Bucs this week signed veteran edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul.
- Reasons for optimism: A former All-Pro, Pierre-Paul played for Tampa Bay from 2018 to 2021 and won a Super Bowl with the 2020 squad.
- Cause for concern: He's 36 and last played an NFL game in 2023.
What's next: The Bucs face another divisional foe, the Atlanta Falcons, at home on Thursday night, airing at 8:15pm on Prime Video.
- They visit the Panthers in Charlotte on Dec. 21, then host them to end the season. A date for the latter game hasn't been set.