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Baker Mayfield returned, but Tampa Bay did not need him to carry anything. Bucky Irving ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns, Kenneth Gainwell added 88 more and the Buccaneers called 48 rushing plays in a 43-13 win. Mayfield attempted only 11 passes. That is an ideal reentry for the quarterback and a much stronger offensive formula than the version that had been asking the backup passing game to survive every week.
Tampa Bay surged after a 43-13 win over Carolina as Baker Mayfield returned to the starting lineup. Mayfield's return lifted QB Stability, while Recent Performance, Roster Strength, Defense Strength, and Coaching Direction also improved.
Tampa Bay can return to a much more balanced offense with Baker Mayfield healthy. The Buccaneers ran 48 times against Carolina, with Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell doing most of the damage while Mayfield attempted only 11 passes. That is the ideal formula for easing the quarterback back in and keeping defenses from sitting on the aggressive play-action game that normally drives this offense.
Todd Bowles has to solve replacing Mike Evans’ reliable production and limiting coverage breakdowns before it becomes the part of Tampa Bay's game opponents can attack every week.
Tampa Bay sits near the middle of the league at No. 21 in remaining road strength, with opponents averaging 78.8. Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions create the toughest stretch, but 3 games against current top-10 teams keep the schedule from belonging at either extreme.
Toughest remaining opponent: Detroit Lions at 86.0 PFM.
Shared profile: Roster Strength and Defense.
Tampa Bay builds its defense around disguised pressure and changing fronts, while New York Jets get to a similar place through coverage support behind the rush. That means Tampa Bay can change the protection picture without sending extra rushers every snap, while New York Jets can make the quarterback hold the ball long enough for the rush to arrive. New York Jets separate in Explosiveness through more threats around timing throws and quick-game answers.
The NFC South opened with every team taking a loss, so Tampa Bay did not give away much ground despite the 33-27 defeat in Cincinnati. Carolina allowed 59 points, Atlanta played through an emergency quarterback situation and New Orleans lost in overtime after a 21-point comeback. Tampa Bay still has the most settled quarterback spot, but the division is not offering free separation.
See the current Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth chart across offense, defense and special teams.
Baker Mayfield is still the starter, but Tampa Bay's current context includes Jalon Daniels as the primary young alternative after Mayfield's injury issues. A long-term quarterback plan remains important even if Mayfield returns to form.
Tampa Bay lists only three defensive tackles outside its nose-tackle group, leaving the interior rotation thin behind Calijah Kancey and the veteran front. Another disruptive tackle would improve depth and pass rush.
Alex Anzalone currently starts inside with young Josiah Trotter beside him. Tampa Bay should add another rangy linebacker to keep the middle fast and reduce dependence on a veteran starter.
5,556 F-S value
R1 No. 9 · R2 No. 40 · R3 No. 71 · R4 No. 108 · R5 No. 142 · …
Tampa Bay owns 2 Super Bowl titles from 2 trips, with the latest coming in Super Bowl LV in 2021.
