TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield delivered his most impressive statistical season to date, while Mike Evans achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive season, effectively tying the NFL record. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured the NFC South title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year after finishing the regular season with a record of 10-7.

The Bucs owe much of their playoff contention to a noteworthy rookie class that helped the team navigate through significant injuries and recover from a tough four-game losing streak, ultimately winning six out of their last seven games. Fourth-round pick Bucky Irving and third-round selection Jalen McMillan have particularly stood out, with Irving becoming the team’s first running back to rush for over 1,000 yards since Doug Martin in 2015. McMillan has been impressive as well, catching seven touchdown passes over the last five games.

First-round pick Graham Barton has also made an immediate impact, starting as center since the beginning of training camp and bolstering an offensive line that has transformed what was once the league’s least productive rushing offense into one of its most efficient. Additionally, safety Tykee Smith and linebacker Chris Braswell, selected in the third and second rounds respectively, played crucial roles in maintaining defensive stability despite injuries to key players like Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead, and Jamel Dean.

Head coach Todd Bowles remains cautious about drawing direct comparisons between his players and others in the league. Still, he is enthusiastic about the strides his rookies have made and recognizes their importance in the team’s success as they prepare for a first-round playoff game against the Washington Commanders this Sunday. “I mean, there are great players all over,” stated Bowles when asked about the capability of his draft class in comparison to others. “I like our draft class. They are performing well. We just need to continue improving.”

Even with just three starts under his belt, Irving amassed an impressive 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. The Buccaneers finished the season with the fourth-best rushing attack in the league, averaging 149.2 yards per game, a remarkable turnaround from being at the bottom in previous years. McMillan’s growth has been evident since the team’s Week 11 bye, as he stepped up in the absence of injured star receiver Chris Godwin, who was leading the NFL in receptions prior to his injury in October.

Mayfield noted McMillan’s early season progression, highlighting the importance of development for rookies throughout the year. “He’s a very talented player who understands the offense and is playing with confidence right now,” Bowles said, praising McMillan for his 37 receptions, 461 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.

McMillan heads into the playoffs with a streak of scoring at least one touchdown in his last five games, and Irving’s 11-yard touchdown run sealed the victory that clinched the NFC South title against the New Orleans Saints. The upcoming wild-card match against the Commanders marks the start of a new chapter for Tampa Bay.

The two teams faced off earlier in the season, with the Buccaneers winning convincingly with a score of 37-20. Recalling that matchup, Barton reflected on his growth since then. “There were good moments, but also a few mistakes,” he admitted. “It’s enlightening to see how much I’ve progressed since our first meeting… We need to prepare for what they may bring this time as they have undoubtedly evolved since September.”