Realistic case for the Tampa Bay Bucs
By: Jake Rajala
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one of the most explosive offenses last season. Baker unleashed 41 touchdowns a season ago. They finished with a record of 10-7. With that said, a fascinating question arises: what is the best and worst case for the ascending Bucs?
The Bucs have won the NFC South in each of the past four seasons!
Worst Case
Sure, Baker threw 41 touchdowns. However, we also have to remember that he led the league in interceptions with 16, too. Furthermore, the Bucs pass defense is blatantly terrible. They ranked 30th in passing yards allowed per game. The Bucs defense has also crumbled over the past few years. Baker has also had injury issues. He missed five games in 2022 and a few games in 2020. Mike Evans also took a minor step back last season, so hopefully father time doesn’t make him take another noticeable step back. It’s also not clear how Godwin has bounced back from a torn ACL at 29 years old.
Best case
The Bucs may have a putrid pass defense, but they compete in a division with one of the most uncertain QB figures. The Falcons have a second-year QB starting, the Saints have a rookie or second year QB getting the keys, and the Panthers have a third year QB starting! The Saints also rank 28th in YPG allowed, while the Panthers ranked 26th and the Falcons ranked 25th! in passing YPG allowed. If something happens to Baker, I believe they have one of the best QB2s in the league in Kyle Trask. The former first-round pick has showed comfort and talent in the Bucs offense.
PFF ranked the Bucs WR group as the second-best WR unit in the league.
I don’t believe that Baker is similar to Jameis Winston, who once led the league in TDs and ints. Baker proved to be a clutch QB and a QB that would safely put away pedestrian teams. The Bucs have some weak spots on defense, but they shouldn’t get dominated, especially by divisional foes.
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