TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have managed to maintain their winning streak in the first half of the season despite facing several key injuries. This resilience is a positive sign as the team prepares for more critical games ahead.
The Buccaneers currently sit at 6-2 and hold a two-game lead in their division during the bye-week break. These challenges have provided opportunities for other players to step up, enhancing the team's depth and allowing coaches to evaluate backups and reserves in meaningful situations.
"We've had a lot of people play and contribute to this team, and we're going to need everyone down the home stretch," said quarterback Baker Mayfield. "While we're leading the division right now, it's not close to being over. The real football starts after the bye week, and it couldn't have come at a better time to rest up."
As four-time defending NFC South champions, the Buccaneers entered the season with higher aspirations. However, they haven't reached the conference championship game since Tom Brady led them to a Super Bowl title in 2020. Their goal is to make a deep playoff run, but the path is not easy.
The team has already faced tough competition, losing to the Eagles (6-2) and Lions (5-2). The Packers (5-1-1) currently hold the No. 1 seed. They have beaten the Seahawks (5-2) and 49ers (5-3) and will face the Rams (5-2) in the coming weeks.
The schedule remains challenging. The AFC East-leading New England Patriots (6-2) will visit Tampa Bay on Nov. 9. Following that, the Bucs will have consecutive road games against the Bills (5-2) and Rams. If they can go 1-2 in those games, they'll be in good shape because the final six games are expected to be less difficult.
"We feel we match up with them," said coach Todd Bowles regarding Philadelphia and Detroit. "We beat them both last year, and that got us nowhere. We lost to them both this year, so hopefully that gets us somewhere. We will see what happens. ... I think we match up well; it's just a matter of playing good football."
Mayfield has been performing at an MVP level despite a makeshift offensive line and limited receiver support. Star receiver Mike Evans is likely to return in January, which would add significant depth for the playoffs. Chris Godwin could return from a fibula injury in the coming weeks. Rookie Emeka Egbuka had a strong first half and will benefit from a week off after a hamstring injury slowed him in the past two games. If Jalen McMillan returns from a neck injury, Mayfield will have multiple playmakers around him.
Dynamic running back Bucky Irving is expected to return soon after missing four games. Right tackle Luke Goedeke and right guard Luke Haggard are also expected to come back. However, right guard Cody Mauch was lost for the season, along with tight end Ko Kieft.
On defense, the Buccaneers are in better shape. They lost defensive lineman Calijah Kancey for the season and played with a depleted secondary for a few games. Edge rusher Haason Reddick is dealing with an ankle injury.
With the trade deadline approaching next week, the Buccaneers might look to upgrade their roster. General manager Jason Licht prefers not to trade draft capital for high-priced players who will become free agents.
"I think the discussion is more about how much you have to give up to get someone you really want," said Bowles. "That will be the main discussion moving forward. We feel like guys can come back, but at the same time, if there's something out there available, we'll have to weigh those options."
Pressuring quarterbacks and forcing turnovers were the two biggest priorities on defense entering the season. So far, the Buccaneers have achieved both. They rank third in sacks with 25 and are tied for third with 12 takeaways.
Ultimately, the only number that matters is the total of wins. In a competitive NFC, the Buccaneers need to accumulate as many wins as possible to secure the highest seed.