Can Bucs Beat The Big Boys Of The NFC?
August 23rd, 2025
The national landscape is gushing over the Bucs’ likelihood of winning the NFC South. They’re a common pick, a smart pick and an easy pick.
But Joe sees a lot of analysts slamming the brakes right there.
Not Prickly Pete Prisco, who thinks the Bucs will be the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed in January.
Whether it be lingering Baker Mayfield doubt, or defensive questions, or Todd Bowles’ 1-3 postseason record, a lot of NFL observers don’t envision the Bucs winning a playoff game — again.
The NBC/Pro Football Talk duo of Mike Florio and ex-Bucs QB Chris Simms aren’t sure of the Bucs’ postseason line in the sand.
“Are they in position to, single elimination, go toe-to-toe with the Eagles, with the Lions, with the Rams, with the Commanders?” Florio asked, noting that is the real question with Tampa Bay.
Simms harped on the whether the Bucs have the ability to stop an elite passing attack. He’s not high on their cornerbacks but is adamant the Bucs have the necessary playmakers.
“The defense has got some freaks on it. Period,” Simms said. “Big people on the front-7, [inside] linebackers are good.”
And of course, everyone is a believer in the Bucs offense, but it’s unclear if the Bucs will find enough juice to improve on averaging a whopping 29.5 points per game last season. That’s a huge ask of rookie offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and a currently banged up unit.
Joe expects Todd Bowles to figure it out. Any mulligans are gone. Find the apparently secret sauce to winning night games, tackling well and aggressive cornerback play, and great results should follow.