The Buccaneers Season So Far:
The Buccaneers currently sit at 4-6 coming off a much-needed bye week. The team was off to a promising start and appeared to be playoff-bound after a dominant 51-27 win over the Saints propelled them to 4-2 on the season. Unfortunately, the Bucs are now on a four-game losing streak, and two games below .500. So, the question remains… can the Buccaneers still realistically make the playoffs?
The Positives:
Despite their current record, a lot is working in the Buccaneer’s favor. Most importantly, their remaining schedule. They have the second easiest remaining strength of the schedule in the league, with a combined opponent win percentage of .338. Their remaining opponents include the Giants, Panthers, Raiders, Chargers, Cowboys, Panthers again, and the Saints. There is plenty of potential to start a winning streak against these teams.
The Atlanta Falcons are the team the Buccaneers will likely be competing for the NFC South title with. Unfortunately for the Bucs, the Falcons have the head-to-head advantage this year, winning both of their matchups. However, the Falcons now sit at 6-5 after dropping their past two games to the Saints and Broncos. In both of those games, the team as a whole looked out of sync compared to the level they were playing at earlier this year. Their remaining schedule is more challenging than the Bucs as well, with a combined opponent win percentage of .475.
Although the Bucs have lost their last four games, the past three of those have all been by one score. Not to mention, all four losses have been against playoff-caliber teams.
Additionally, star receiver Mike Evans is projected to return to action in week 12. He will likely be limited initially, but his workload should ramp back up quickly. Wide Receiver has been an underperforming position for the Bucs since fellow WR Chris Godwin and Evans both went down with injuries in a week 7 matchup against the Ravens. Getting Evans back should be a huge boost to Baker Mayfield and the offense.
On the topic of returns, Cornerback Jamel Dean returned to practice Monday, after his stint on Injury Reserve. Dean should provide support once he is back on the field to a currently struggling secondary.
The Negatives:
Despite some optimism for the rest of the season, there are reasons the Buccaneers are currently 4-6. Their ability to close out games has been especially underwhelming. Due to this among other things, speculation has been on the rise about Todd Bowles and his coaching decisions. Adversity around the team, and particularly around coaching, is by no means an easy task to overcome.
Injuries have been another common theme throughout the season for this team, and that didn’t change in their last game. Superstar OT Tristan Wirfs sprained his MCL last Sunday in their matchup with the 49ers. Fortunately, he is only considered week-to-week at this time. Nonetheless, Wirfs is an extremely valuable piece that this team will need healthy down the stretch.
Lastly, the defense has also been particularly suspect as of late. More specifically, the passing defense. Over the past four games, opposing quarterbacks are averaging 300 passing yards and 3.5 touchdowns per game. This is an unsustainable rate for a team trying to make a playoff push.
Buccaneers outlook:
NFL.com currently has the Buccaneers playoff probability at 37%. But based on their remaining strength of schedule, along with some key players returning from injury, among other factors, it seems as though these odds should be higher.
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