Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans could have been forgiven for thinking the world was caving in after Thursday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons...it was that bad.
The NFC South was now considerably tougher to win, and Tampa Bay had to rely on a rival to help them.
And the football gods helped them, with the New Orleans Saints beating the Carolina Panthers 20-17 to keep Carolina and Tampa Bay level at 7-7.
For offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, regardless of the Panthers' result, his team was going to be ready to roll in Week 16.
“No matter what happened on that Saints game, we're going to have the mentality to win every game, to see that happen, of course, doesn't hurt, but there's definitely some juice, and everything we want is right ahead of us,” Grizzard said. "So, everybody's fired up, ready to get a win this week and keep it moving.”
More: Mike Evans reflects on Buccaneers return lamenting Falcons loss
Buca have huge NFC South chance
The Panthers at home this season are 4-2, so it is becoming a tough place to go play, and the Buccaneers, if they have intentions of claiming the division, then winning in Charlotte on Sunday is going to be crucial.
Yes, there is still another game between the two, but that is in Week 18 and at Raymond James Stadium. Plus, the Panthers have the Seattle Seahawks after Tampa Bay, so a win on Sunday would put the Buccaneers in a great position.
After a tough last six weeks that have seen Todd Bowles' team win just one game, the chance to put one foot into the playoff door has arrived.
And it's one that the Buccaneers can't afford to waste.
More Buccaneers news:
- Baker Mayfield shoulders blame for Buccaneers' collapse against Falcons
- Bucky Irving's frustrating lack of usage near goal line explained by Bucs reporter
- Todd Bowles points finger after Bucs' loss to Falcons and it wasn't at the coaches
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons final score, results: Kirk Cousins, Falcons storm back from 14-point deficit to shock Buccaneers