TAMPA, Fla. – From the first day Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered training camp, few outside the organization gave them much of a chance this season.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is the fourth team in 19 months to try to fill the void left by the recently retired Tom Brady. The roster is devoid of household names from the Buccaneers’ 2020 Super Bowl season, instead adding unproven youth at some key positions. Oddsmakers predict that Bowles could be one of the first NFL head coaches to be fired this season. The Buccaneers never had that championship feel, at least to outsiders.
So early last week, even though Tampa Bay unexpectedly won the NFC South, Las Vegas looked to be the main team in an NFC wild-card game against the ailing Philadelphia Eagles. A loser, no wonder.
The Buccaneers simply shrugged off this lack of respect and then exacted revenge on the Eagles on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium.
With an aggressive defense and a gutsy performance from Mayfield, the Buccaneers defeated Philadelphia 32-9 to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. Tampa Bay will travel to Detroit for a Sunday afternoon game against the Lions, who are in great shape after beating the Los Angeles Rams for their first playoff win in 32 years.
“The underdog role doesn’t bother us,” linebacker Shaquille Barrett said. “We know what we’re capable of in the locker room, no matter what is expected to happen or what people think is going to happen in the game. We always think we have a good chance of winning the game. So tonight people looked at us as underdogs , we knew they were going to look at us as underdogs going into Detroit, but we knew we had to keep doing the same thing.”
deeper
Buccaneers beat Eagles in NFC wild-card game
It’s often said that a team brings out the personality of its strongest leader, and the Buccaneers are no exception. Players will readily admit they are a mix of Bowles and Mayfield.
Second-year head coach Bowles is gritty and unafraid, but also extremely competitive. The former defensive back is thoughtful, yet aggressive. Meanwhile, Mayfield himself was unapologetic. He was brash at times, always passionate as a competitor and showed the toughness of a middle linebacker.
The Buccaneers took cues from their coaches and quarterbacks and fought against outside noise all season, especially a four-game losing streak from October into November that culminated in a 1-6 finish.
“We just stayed the course,” Barrett said. “We always knew we were a better team than we were on the losing streak. … Now, things are starting to click, which is why we stick to the plan and trust the process and keep doing what you’re supposed to do. We Knowing it’s going to start to work.”
Confidence continues to grow as the Buccaneers win four straight and end the regular season on a 5-1 run to clinch the division title. The Bucs’ determination remains strong this week, ready to avenge a 25-11 loss to the Eagles in Week 3.
The Buccaneers gave up 472 yards, including 201, to the Eagles in the first game, hoping to turn the game around. mission completed. The Buccaneers totaled 426 yards on 23 first downs and converted six of 14 third downs Monday night. They limited the Eagles to 276 yards (just 42 rushing) and went 0-for-9 on third downs.
Bowles and his defense put on a signature performance while neutralizing the threat of the Eagles rushing attack. They forced quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat them with short-handed receivers while nursing a dislocated middle finger on his throwing hand that was painful and slow to heal.
Turning the Eagles into one-dimensional allows Bowles to complete a series of blitzes. Hurts (who was sacked three times, including a safety) and his teammates and coaches never knew how to adjust.
Again, how do you fans feel? ! 😱
📺： #PHIvsTB on ESPN/ABC
📱: Live broadcast #NFLPlus https://t.co/rFlj59UzNi pic.twitter.com/VtoFNKaLZ5— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Linebacker Devin White said the Bucs’ defense “came into the game with a dominant mentality.” We want to get past them early and beat them. I think it’s preparation. That made a difference, coming here with a winning attitude. “
Offensive players draw motivation from their defensive heroes and take inspiration from Mayfield. The quarterback, who was battered and bruised by rib and ankle injuries, called in his personal physical therapist twice in a week in hopes that additional treatment would give him a chance to play.
efficient. Mayfield passed for 337 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while also rushing twice for 16 yards. Mayfield became the second Buccaneers quarterback to pass for more than 300 yards in a playoff game (the other was Brady).
“He gutted it,” Powers said. “I mean, if you watch him during the week, he’s limping, he won’t practice, and he’s getting a little better every day. … He never backed down (Monday). He played a Game after game.”
He baked. 👨🍳
📺： #PHIvsTB on ESPN/ABC
📱: Live broadcast #NFLPlus https://t.co/rFlj59UzNi pic.twitter.com/GjDnqU2FLh— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Tight end Cade Otton, who had a team-high eight catches for 89 yards, said the Buccaneers as a team have inherited Mayfield’s character.
“Just watching his behavior. The way he plays, the way he practices, the way he leads, it’s very genuine and he’s always competing,” Orton said. “He wants to win, but he also wants to Building a friendship with us. It’s great to have him as a leader on our team.”
“He’s a dog,” left tackle Tristan Wirfs said. “He’s a super tough guy and an unbelievable competitor. He’s been doing everything he can to be with us. It’s been awesome to see.”
The Buccaneers listed Mayfield as questionable for the game, but the quarterback said he didn’t think there was a chance he wouldn’t play Monday night.
“We worked really hard to get a chance to make the playoffs, and we just wanted an opportunity, and our guys played very, very well,” said Mayfield, whose three touchdown passes were 44 yards, 56 yards, yards and 23 yards. “Special teams, defense — again … we’re happy, but there’s more work to do.”
The redemption journey continues Sunday in Detroit, where the Buccaneers will try to avenge a 20-6 loss to the Lions in Week 6. Detroit is an early 6 1/2-point favorite, but no one in Tampa cares. Why would they do this, given the difficulties they’ve faced so far?
(Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Football 100, the authoritative ranking of the 100 best players of all time in the NFL, is on sale now. Order here.
