There is no denying that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a playoff team in 2025, but as far as it pertains to Todd Bowles' team being an NFC and Super Bowl threat? The jury is still out.
Tampa Bay had a chance to plant its flag in the ground against the New England Patriots, but the 28-23 loss was a case of missed opportunities and a lack of attention to the little details.
And against playoff teams, as Baker Mayfield stated, that will get you beat.
With the Buffalo Bills up next, the Buccaneers have a chance to rectify their loss to New England, but Eric Edholm of NFL.com offered up a worrying stat on Tampa Bay this season, as it clings to its top 10 status in his power rankings, coming in at No. 10.
“At 6-3, with all three losses to playoff-caliber teams, it's no time for the Buccaneers to panic,” Edholm writes. “We've gotten used to seeing Baker Mayfield pull it out late, and the Bucs had their chances, but they couldn't find that next gear when they needed it. A frustrating setback, but nothing that significantly alters their outlook.”
More: Buccaneers' Super Bowl confidence starting to wane after Patriots loss
Can Tampa Bay beat playoff teams?
Based on this year, as Edholm points out, no, they can't, being 0-3 against playoff-caliber teams.
And the worst thing is, after Buffalo this week and the Los Angeles Rams the following week, the Buccaneers won't play a team that will likely feature in the postseason.
So, while it will be good to improve their record, they won't get a true test of their credentials again.
Granted, if the Buccaneers lose to Buffalo and L.A., that might end any hope of this team competing for the Super Bowl, so the next two weeks are crucial for Bowles' team.
They've proved they can match it with the best, but they haven't proved they can beat the best.
Time for that to change.
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