The 2025 season could easily feel like a missed opportunity for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After starting 5-1, the wheels well and truly fell off as Todd Bowles' team stumbled to an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs.
For a team dripping with talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball, the fact that this team started so well, then fell off a cliff, is odd.
But for tackle Tristan Wirfs, talent isn't an issue.
"I think the guys in this locker room, I don't think there's any shortage of talent,” Wirfs said. “I think just putting it all together, get everyone on the same page. Coach Bowles said it, stuff starts in OTAs that complementary football stuff, building those relationships and everything. I'm here in the offseason. We got we got a good group of O-line guys training here in the offseason. I think that's where it all starts.
"Hopefully, we keep building and keep getting better, come back next year and fly around.”
More: Why Buccaneers fans have easy reason for 2026 optimism
Buccaneers face huge offseason
The reasons for the big second-half failure will surely be at the forefront of Tampa Bay's mind as it goes through its evaluation process this offseason.
Bowles has seen his future questioned, and until that is put to bed, it will be one of the main storylines for the Bucs this offseason.
Personnel will also be a key watch.
The offense has stars everywhere, so you could say it is "set," but defensively, it might need some reinforcements.
The Buccaneers have talent, as Wirfs points out, but getting everyone on the same page appears to be the top priority this offseason.
More Buccaneers news:
- Buccaneers get what they deserve after Week 18 disaster
- Buccaneers 'break that spell' in Week 18, but too little, too late?
- No Week 18 pity party for Buccaneers' Todd Bowles
- Why Buccaneers' 'main focus' is an odd aspect of Week 18