Though many analysts and followers alike had predicted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can be victorious of their Week 16 matchup, their opponents had different plans. The Dallas Cowboys defended their dwelling turf in a 26-24 win over the Bucs. The loss put the destiny of Tampa Bay’s postseason plans within the palms of different groups, most notably their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons.
Regardless of the upset defeat on the street, there are nonetheless many causes for optimism. First off, the workforce is favored of their season-ending matchups at dwelling in opposition to divisional rivals within the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints. The Buccaneers defeated each groups on the street earlier this season. Second, they’re slowly getting again to full well being. Saturday introduced stories that veteran security Jordan Whitehead’s window to come back off the IR had been opened, so if the workforce makes it to the postseason, then the protection can return to the workforce.
Different key elements play within the workforce’s favor as nicely. The cross protection has had a tough go of it (they’re at the moment ranked thirtieth within the NFL in that metric), however the play of rookie defensive again Tykee Smith, the workforce’s third-round choose on this previous April’s draft, has been very encouraging. In actual fact, he is the highest purpose why Tampa Bay shouldn’t panic heading into the ultimate two video games of the season. Let’s take a peek as to why that’s.
1. Tykee Smith beginning to make large impression in Buccaneers’ secondary
The previous Georgia Bulldog has been a revelation for the Bucs of their secondary, slotting in all around the subject because the unit has been ravaged by accidents. The depth at each cornerback and security was suspect getting into the common season. For the reason that Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders, it is solely gotten worse. Smith has additionally been bit by the damage bug, lacking 5 video games. Nevertheless, since his return to the lineup within the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the rookie has resumed his robust begin.
Solely seven of his complete 49 tackles have come within the final three weeks, however Smith has nonetheless been across the ball the vast majority of the time. He had his first profession interception within the win over Vegas three weeks in the past and in addition notched two defended passes. These final two matchups will probably be pivotal to the Bucs’ success. In the event that they win, then that’s their greatest likelihood to get into the dance. Smith and the Tampa Bay protection have already seen their divisional opponents as soon as this season. Can head coach Todd Bowles’ unit rise to the event once more?
2. Bucky Irving/Rachaad White duo tempo Buccaneers’ assault
Since dropping prime vast receiver Chris Godwin to a season-ending ankle damage, Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen has needed to adapt. He is relied extra on tight finish Cade Otton and veteran stud receiver Mike Evans to make performs within the passing sport, and quarterback Baker Mayfield has utilized each weapons repeatedly. Nevertheless, the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving at working again, in addition to the comeback of veteran Rachaad White, have made the Buccaneers’ backfield a lot deadlier.
During the last month since coming back from the bye, White has gained 277 of his 583 dashing yards over 5 video games (a median of 55.4 per matchup) and scored two of his three dashing touchdowns. He is additionally thrived within the third down again position, catching 15 balls for 98 yards and two scores. His game-ending fumble on the Bucs’ ultimate drive was heartbreaking, nevertheless it was whereas he was attempting to increase a play. An comprehensible but gut-wrenching determination that the previous Arizona State Solar Satan has to place behind him. White’s veteran presence has additionally helped within the growth of his major backfield mate, Irving.
The Tampa Bay fourth-round choose on this 12 months’s NFL draft, Irving has proven the explosiveness, steadiness and imaginative and prescient that had made him such a house run risk whereas with the Oregon Geese. If he was nonetheless in Eugene this 12 months, draft analysts and followers would seemingly point out him in the identical breath as Boise State star Ashton Jeanty. However, Irving has introduced a robust sense of unpredictability to Coen’s scheme and has thrived in a variety of roles within the assault. With him and White backing up Mayfield, the veteran quarterback has taken an excellent larger management position this 12 months.
3. Baker. F***ing. Mayfield.
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Simply have a look at the picture above. Come on now. Go forward. Would you imagine that this turned a accomplished cross? In the event you did not imagine it, that might be comprehensible. In spite of everything, Mayfield is stumbling to the turf, flicking the ball into the air on a prayer. Who’s the cross even going to? Effectively, that might be White. Sadly, the ending to that play sealed the Bucs’ loss to the house occupants of AT&T Stadium Sunday night.
“CHAOS! @DallasCowboys ball!” posted the NFL’s official account on X (previously Twitter) account proper after the game-clinching play.
That never-give-up perspective, the fireplace inside, the willingness to try to do no matter it takes to win…. that’s one thing that Mayfield’s predecessor, Tom Brady, additionally gave Tampa Bay throughout his tenure within the Bay Space. That’s one thing that Mayfield offers the Buccaneers now as nicely. Will it’s sufficient to win these ultimate two video games and seize the NFC South as soon as once more? The gun-slinging former primary total choose did it in his first season in crimson and pewter. Now, he is seeking to prime that efficiency with an excellent larger encore.