TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have embraced a self-imposed playoff mentality for the past month, with Coach Todd Bowles emphasizing that this approach is a crucial mindset rather than just a motivational gimmick. This shift comes after a troubling stretch where the team succumbed to five losses in six games, following an encouraging 3-1 start that featured significant victories against the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.
However, following a remarkable turnaround, the Buccaneers (8-6) have secured four consecutive wins, reclaiming the top position in the NFC South. They now find themselves in a position to dictate their path as they pursue a fourth successive division title and an impressive fifth consecutive playoff appearance. “It wasn’t just a switch we flipped; this was genuine. We were in playoff mode from the get-go. With only one or two losses, we were out of contention,” Bowles stated. “We realize the importance of winning every game from here on out, and the players, especially those who were around last year, are aware of this urgency.”
The Buccaneers are once again making a strong late-season push in 2023, having amassed five wins in their last six games to secure the division champion title, a stark contrast to their earlier six losses in seven games during October and November. Their recent form has propelled them to an impressive 8-1 record in December and January regular-season matchups, continuing a trend since 2020. Since Tom Brady joined the team, they’ve excelled in these winter months, standing out as the only NFC team to qualify for the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.
As the team looks ahead, Mayfield has underscored the importance of maintaining the urgency and focus that has characterized their resurgence since the Week 11 bye week. “We’ve got to treat every game like it’s the playoffs,” Mayfield remarked after the latest victory. “One game at a time remains our motto.”
The Buccaneers’ offense has shown remarkable improvement recently, significantly contributing to the team’s return to playoff contention. In their latest game against the Chargers, Mayfield completed four touchdown passes while the team accumulated 506 yards—only the second-highest this season. They have surpassed 400 total yards, including over 150 yards rushing, in four straight games. This impressive stretch includes a league-leading eight games over 400 total yards, with multiple outings exceeding 500 yards.
On the other hand, the Bucs have also worked diligently to limit their mistakes since returning from the bye week. Despite initially trailing the Chargers 17-13 at halftime due to two turnovers, the team regrouped in the second half, displaying resilience. “We’ve matured,” Bowles noted. “Earlier in the season, we struggled to handle adversity, but now we respond effectively and remain focused on our objectives.”
Defensively, the Buccaneers have shown marked improvement over the past month, even amid injuries. Since their bye, they’ve managed to allow a league-low 15 points per game in victories against the Chargers, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders. However, there are ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of a punter. Rookie Jack Browning, who stepped in from the practice squad to play against the Chargers, is the third punter the team has utilized this season. The offense performed brilliantly, ensuring the punter’s pressure was minimized by scoring on nine of their twelve possessions without having to punt.
In terms of injuries, safety Antoine Winfield sat out against the Chargers and is expected to miss at least one more game. The conditions of linebacker K.J. Britt and safety Mike Edwards, who were also inactive for the game, will be assessed as the week progresses.
In key individual statistics, Mayfield, playing in his 100th career game, achieved a personal milestone by throwing his 32nd touchdown pass of the season, marking a new career-high. With this accomplishment, he reached a total of 162 career touchdown passes, joining an elite group of just six quarterbacks drafted first overall with more than 150 touchdown passes in their first 100 games.
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers will be traveling to Dallas for their final road game of the regular season before returning home to face NFC South rivals in Carolina and New Orleans. Currently, they hold a robust 5-2 record on the road, contrasting with a home record of 3-4.
