The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sitting with a 7-8 record as we write, are maybe at the most crucial time in this short 2023 NFL season. They barely squeaked by in a number of close games this year. For now, they’re readying themselves for an important retake against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. After this amazing matchup, they’ll head back home to face off against the Carolina Panthers on Week 18. The Buccaneers, for their part, understand that their future is completely in their own hands. They are facing a great deal of internal turbulence that may doom their postseason aspirations.
Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the importance of self-discipline, noting that “we understand we control our own destiny, but our biggest enemy right now is us.” This remark perfectly sums up the misery the Buccaneers have endured all season, especially in crunch time.
The Buccaneers’ inconsistency has been made most evident with how they’ve played at home versus on the road. Against the New Orleans Saints, missed tackles were murdering them. Late in the fourth quarter, they couldn’t stop Saints QB Tyler Shough to save their lives. He seized the moment and made a heads-up play by scrambling around for a 13-yard TD. This foul-up was one of a handful of disastrous blunders that led to their loss.
Beyond just addressing needs, the Buccaneers have been one of the most penalized teams in the league. In their most recent game against the Carolina Panthers, the Dolphins were flagged seven times just in the fourth quarter. Their lack of discipline has turned into a huge problem. They are on pace right now for a league-high, their fittingly 32 penalties in fourth quarters and 104 for the whole season.
Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers’ quarterback, admitted the team’s dangerous track. He expressed frustration with their current standing: “I would love for us to be in a different spot than we’re in right now, don’t get me wrong.” Mayfield was clear that “even though it is difficult, our goals are right in front of us.”
The Buccaneers started the 2022 season hot, holding the best or second-best record in the NFC with a 6-2 record. Their recent struggles have forced them to reevaluate their strategies moving forward. Mayfield pointed out that running the ball effectively could be key to their success, referring to past performances: “It was a formula for us that worked last year,” he said. He went on to elaborate, “If you rush the ball over 30 times versus them, they are 2-15.” He stressed that the intense, physical play they’ve established will be especially important against their next opponents.
As they prepare for their next game against Miami, Bowles has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to execute a solid game plan. He knows that if they’re going to win, they’ll need to set the tone with a dominant running game. The message was to be more physical and run the ball and just execute.” — Bowles. This mentality is intended to develop an unusual but potent recipe for offensive success—having an offense that plays with a defensive mindset.
The Buccaneers understand that a victory at Miami is the best chance for their miracle postseason aspirations. A victory will further pave the way for a monumental final home game against Carolina. Mayfield acknowledged this urgency: “We have to win at Miami and then come back home. We’re not taking anything for granted or making any assumptions, we’re completely locked in on earning a victory in Miami. Beyond that, we’ll find out together what comes next.
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