The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with adversity after starting the season with a 0-4 record. The Buccaneers lost to the Green Bay Packers, 17-14, on Sunday.
Tampa Bay had not had a 0-4 start since 2013, and frustration must be mounting among the players, potentially creating friction in the locker room.
A'Shawn Robinson, however, stressed that they are far from surrendering.
“Because the season isn’t over. You can’t lose and be out (of) the playoffs in four games,” said Robinson in a video posted by Pewter Report.
“We're just focusing on what we need to do now.”
Historically, teams do not qualify for playoffs after dropping their first four assignments. The last squad to do it was the San Diego Chargers in 1992.
The Buccaneers, however, cannot dwell on that. What they need to do now is strengthen their belief in each other, especially with Baker Mayfield out for at least three weeks due to a thumb injury.
Jalon Daniels filled in for Mayfield against the Packers and went 19-of-27 for 148 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was sacked three times. He also had eight carries for 55 yards.
Coach Todd Bowles took full responsibility for their awful stretch, although like Robinson, he remained defiant about their chances, as reported by the Associated Press' Rob Maaddi.
“I'm the head coach. I can do more. I can always do more. I’ll always take the blame. We’re gonna fight, we’re gonna stick together, and we’re gonna figure this thing out. I'll lead them to that. It's my job,” said Bowles.
The Buccaneers will try to end their skid on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.