Buccaneers Undefeated Through Two Games:
Coming off a 20-16 upset over the Lions, the Buccaneers move to 2-0 on the season. They are off to a much stronger start than most people had expected. However, the question is, can we expect this trend to continue for the rest of the season?
Will Baker Mayfield keep ‘Baking’?
Off to an incredible start to the season, Mayfield is turning the heads of analysts across the country. Though the box score wasn’t pretty, he had a strong overall game versus the Lions and is finally getting the credit he deserves. It looks like he has finally found his home in Tampa after a tough first couple of years in the league. A lack of consistency has plagued Baker throughout his career to this point, so we will have to wait and see if he can continue to play at this level. But at this time, the outlook for the rest of the season shows no signs of slowing down based upon the way he finished last year and has started this year.
The Rest of the Offense:
Though Mayfield has been playing outstanding, it is in large part due to the pieces around him. The Buccaneer’s WR core looks to be one of the best in the league. Not only do they have a top duo in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but they also have the depth pieces with Trey Palmer and the promising rookie Jalen McMillan. The running game has been upgraded from last year as well with the new addition of Bucky Irving. Irving is currently averaging 5.3 yards per carry, along with leading the team in rushing yards.
The major concern at this point is the offensive line. Especially after letting up 5 sacks on Sunday against the Lions. Additionally, 4.5 of those belonged to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. However, the starting RT from week 1, Luke Goedeke was out with a concussion, and his backup Justin Skule was primarily responsible for all of Hutchinson’s sacks. We’ll see if this group can get back into form once Goedeke returns to the lineup.
The Defense:
Despite injuries to some key players, the defense put up a great performance against the Lions. Holding one of the most prolific offenses in the league to only 16 points. Additionally, Christian Izien and Zyon McCollum each intercepted Jared Goff once. However, the defensive line didn’t do many favors in this effort, logging zero sacks and letting up 139 rushing yards. There are many injuries along the defensive line though including Logan Hall, Calijah Kancey, and Vita Vea, who suffered an MCL sprain in this game. None of these injuries are season-ending, so we should see this group back to full strength relatively soon.
On the topic of injuries, it is also worth noting star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was inactive last game due to a foot injury, but he also should be back on the gridiron soon. While some players have gone down, others have stepped up as emerging stars or leaders such as K.J. Britt and Jordan Whitehead. Both of which have been huge boosts to the defense. Overall, there are questions still lingering with linebacker and secondary depth, but to this point, the defense has outperformed expectations.
Buccaneers Season Outlook:
Looking into the future, the Buccaneers without a doubt have the talent to be a playoff team and make a run. Next week they face a struggling Bronco’s team which should result in another win. However, in week 4 they face a tough Philadelphia squad. Nonetheless, the Buccaneer’s current outlook is to compete for a Super Bowl. Injuries to key players such as Antoine Winfield and Vita Vea should clear up in the coming weeks, strengthening this already skilled team.
Although they are not a popular pick for NFC or even Super Bowl champions, there is a very real possibility in which the Buccaneers are contending for these titles. At the very least, they are looking to repeat as NFC South Champions in a seemingly improved NFC South, featuring a new and improved Saints and Falcons team. A season-ending outside of the playoffs would be an underwhelming and disappointing season for the Buccaneers.
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