Lots of theories flow about why the Bucs are usually disrespected on a national stage. Many Bucs fans and officials have become so obsessed with the reality they can’t think clearly at times.
Consider Lavonte David was asked during his sitdown [with ESPN’s Mina Kimes](https://x.com/minakimes/status/1927822840679567437) why the Bucs keep winning through all kinds of change, including at quarterback. The on-screen graphic even read, “Why are the Bucs able to exceed expectations?”
Yeah, Kimes previously mentioned the Bucs often get “slept on” by pundits, but she clearly was asking David why the team has become a perennial winner, not at all about disrespect.
David, like most Bucs fans, seemed to have brain seize at the hint of media not feeling Tampa Bay.
> “I don’t know. It’s very confusing, though, right?” David replied.
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> “We’re always doubted. We never be picked to make the playoffs or whatever. But somehow we always end up in there, end up in the thick of things at the end of the season. I guess people just don’t like us. You know, I don’t know why, man. We’re a humble organization. We got a lot of great players. You know, it’s good, though, it’s good. We like having that underdog mentality. That’s who we are. We have a bunch of underdogs on our team. A lot of guys with a tremendous amount of talent, with a lot of guys with a lot of heart who battle week in and week out with each other.”
Joe would love to lead a panel discussion on the Bucs’ image nationally and then see a Bucs-loving nerd write a thesis on the subject.
There are so many reasons and potential reasons why the Bucs get more disrespect than most teams or are routinely underestimated and underappreciated.
Lately, Joe would point quickly to a poor record in high-profile night games, quiet superstars, a somewhat boring head coach and an inexplicable, systemic disbelief in Baker Mayfield.
Over time, Joe thinks the Bucs also are recovering from six years of the worst uniform choice mankind has ever known, as well as the endless malaise of The Lost Decade. A fan base that won’t vote hard to get its players in the Pro Bowl creates a negative vibe, too, along with Bucs home games featuring legions of out-of-town fans.