At a Glance
- Bucs must win Saturday and hope Falcons lose to keep playoff hopes alive.
- Coach Todd Bowles says Saturday win is the only path forward.
- Team sits at 7-9, could secure fifth straight NFC South title with a losing record.
- Why it matters: The outcome could decide whether the Buccaneers finish the season with a title or end on a losing streak.
Tampa Bay’s playoff aspirations hang on a single game. The Buccaneers arrived at practice Tuesday after a series of losses that have left them scrambling to stay in the NFC South race.
Playoff Path Depends on Saturday
The Bucs need a victory over Carolina and a Falcons loss or tie to the Saints to clinch the division. With a 7-9 record, they could become the second team in NFL history to win a title with a losing record under coach Todd Bowles.
- Win against Carolina on Saturday
- Falcons must lose or tie the Saints
- Division title hinges on those two outcomes
Coach Bowles’ Tough Reality
Bowles stated:
> “We just have to win the game on Saturday and then we’ll see,” Bowles said Tuesday. “We’ve made this bed (and) we understand that. We can’t do anything on Sunday unless we win Saturday.”
Bowles added:
> “I don’t think I’m stunned to be in this position – it’s disappointing, it’s frustrating and it’s part of the ebbs and (flows) of the season,” Bowles said. “This is the first season we’ve gone through something like this at the end of the season, so you try to make the best of it, and you try to come out of it. You put your head down and you keep working.”
Key Players and Injuries
Baker Mayfield highlighted the need for precision:
> “It’s how well can you execute,” he said. “You look at the things we’ve messed up in these last few games, you’ve got to be able to do the little details, right. Everything – you never know when that play is going to really make the difference. So, be on your p’s and q’s on normal downs and distances, and obviously, third downs and red zone (we) have to be really locked in. How well can we do our jobs? That’s the goal.”
Injuries hampering the squad include:
- Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe injury)
- Cornerback Jamel Dean (shoulder)
- Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring)
- Linebacker Anthony Nelson (knee)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Record | 7-9 |
| NFC South Title Streak | 5 straight |
| Coach Todd Bowles’ Losing-Record Titles | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Saturday victory against Carolina is essential.
- Falcons must lose or tie the Saints for the Bucs to secure the division.
- The team’s 7-9 record could still earn them a historic NFC South title.
The Buccaneers face a do-or-die Saturday; the division title and a historic season hang in the balance.
