Everything is coming together for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to turn things around after a four-game losing run almost ended the season. The first significant step in that direction was achieved on Sunday, when the Atlanta Falcons’ 42-21 thumping loss was matched like a fine wine with a 28-13 victory over the Raiders.
The Bucs returned to the top of the NFC South thanks to that mix of results. Furthermore, Tampa Bay is now in charge of its own fate for the remainder of the season: a victory would give the Bucs their fourth consecutive division crown.
Even though everything feels great right now, there is still no room for error. The pressure of what’s on the line won’t make the Bucs’ last four games any easier. As demonstrated on Sunday, the team is still on the verge of catastrophe.
Even though the Raiders game was less stressful than the OT victory over Carolina, the Bucs allowed an inferior opponent to give them a fright in consecutive weeks. In addition to their forthcoming games against the Chargers and Cowboys, the Bucs also have a game against the Panthers and a game against the Saints to complete divisional play.
Although Baker Mayfield wasn’t prepared to downplay the positive sentiment following Sunday’s victory, he was quick to note that The task is not yet complete.
Baker Mayfield sent a perfect message to Buccaneers after 28-13 win over Raiders
There isn’t much to celebrate just yet, Baker said in a media appearance following Sunday’s victory, channelling his inner Kobe Bryant. He also talked about how a win, no matter how ugly, still matters in the rankings.
“I don’t really care how it appears; we’ll accept victories. We’ll need to be much more reliable offensively if we want to make the [playoff] push,” Baker stated. “There is still a lot of ball left and four games remaining. Our situation must continue to improve.
Baker played a game of two halves in the worst way, as he was atrocious for most of the first half before bouncing back down the stretch. He started the game hot, throwing two touchdowns and helping the Bucs gain a 14-0 lead, but he committed three turnovers in quick succession that allowed the Raiders to get back within four points at halftime.
That’s been a swinging penduluum for Baker all season, although he’s managed to look good for the most part. He’s good for a few bad decisions, though, which could end up costing the team in a playoff setting if he can’t figure out how to settle down.
In his message, Baker is referring to stuff like that. The Bucs have regained their top spot, but as Todd Bowles said following the victory, maintaining that position is much more difficult than getting there. Tampa Bay’s offence has been a strength all season, so seeing it falter is a little worrisome, especially considering how dubious the defence has been this year.
That side of the ball has been plagued by injuries, the most recent of which was a knee injury sustained by Antoine Winfield Jr. prior to halftime in Week 14. The Bucs can’t afford many more unfortunate injury pauses, but for the time being, they can relax knowing that they are in charge of their own fate even if the job’s not yet finished.
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