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Tampa Bay found some life with Jalon Daniels, but the Buccaneers are still 0-4 because the offense keeps giving the defense almost no cushion. Daniels ran for 55 yards and helped create a late push, yet two first-half interceptions kept Green Bay in control before the Bucs fell 17-14. Until Baker Mayfield returns, Tampa Bay needs the run game and protection to make the rookie's job smaller instead of asking him to manufacture comebacks.
The Buccaneers' score moved up despite a 17-14 Week 4 loss, as gains in Offense Strength and Defense Strength outweighed declines in Recent Performance.
Tampa Bay has been forced into a temporary identity built around making Jalon Daniels' job smaller. His movement gave the offense some life against Green Bay, but two early interceptions left the Buccaneers chasing the game again. Until Baker Mayfield returns, the run game, protection and defense have to keep Daniels out of obvious passing situations where the rookie has to manufacture the comeback.
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.
Pick the winner.
Tampa Bay has one of the league’s more favorable remaining roads at No. 23, with opponents averaging 78.5. Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions still give the schedule a real test, but 3 games against current top-10 teams keep the full road from looking as heavy as most.
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Los Angeles Rams at 87.2 PFM.
Shared profile: Defense and Explosiveness.
Tampa Bay builds its defense around disguised pressure and changing fronts, while Las Vegas gets to a similar place through front-four pressure. That means Tampa Bay can change the protection picture without sending extra rushers every snap, while Las Vegas can rush four and still force the quarterback off schedule. The separation is Roster Strength, where Tampa Bay has more proven answers after an injury or matchup removes the first option.
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.
6,286 F-S value
R1 No. 3 · R2 No. 34 · R3 No. 65 · R4 No. 107 · R5 No. 141 · …
Tampa Bay owns 2 Super Bowl titles from 2 trips, with the latest coming in Super Bowl LV in 2021.
