Oh, how the mighty have fallen

If there were ever a season for the Bucs to sneak up on another Lombardi Trophy, this could very well be it. Consider the fates so far of the preseason Super Bowl favorites. Philly has lost two in a row (Denver, Giants), yes, that’s right, the Giants, a team that the Saints beat, stood up and gut-punched the reigning Super Bowl Champs in a blowout 34-17, and are 4-2. Baltimore lost Jackson and has fallen to 1-5, and is probably completely out of it, save for a miracle finish. Buffalo and especially Josh Allen looked very good in their first four games. Since then, they have lost two straight to the surprising Patriots and Drake Maye, as well as the Atlanta Falcons, heading into their bye week in week 7. The 49ers, in their last 3 games, dropped two of them to the Coen-led Jaguars and our Buccaneers. The Chiefs are treading water at 3-3 and look average at best. Washington, who many thought might take that next step this season, is only 3-3 after six. Of course, all but Baltimore could easily get back on track and still contend. The point is that the leading contenders for postseason bliss are stumbling early and look a long way from dominating their opponents.

The Broncos, Chargers, Patriots, Jaguars, Colts, Packers, and Buccaneers all appear to be emerging as potential postseason contenders. The Bucs, led by Baker Mayfield’s MVP-like play at 5-1, seem poised for a strong run. It’s early, so it’s too soon to count anyone (except Baltimore) in or out. Still, this season feels more wide open than usual, which could mean an easier road to the big game for Tampa. NFL parity is obvious—upsets happen often, injuries are leveling the field, and even easy wins aren’t guaranteed. Mike Evans, Zyon McCollum, and Benjamin Morrison are expected back in practice for week 7’s Monday night game against Detroit. Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin have been ruled out, per Todd Bowles.

This is a game Tampa really needs to win. The overall talent level of the teams we have battled this year has not been overwhelming by any means. I don’t want to throw a wet blanket on what they have accomplished, but I want to remain realistic at the same time. The Bucs are going to have to elevate their special teams play and their defense. If not, they are going to be in trouble against good teams. Detroit is one of those good teams. So winning games against good teams is important. They need to be winning more of them, or the whole season will be for not. 5-1 is a nice place to be sitting; losing to Detroit would be a wake-up call because 5-1 means nothing when the whistle blows. You have to go out each week and play like it’s the most important game of the season, and the record should take care of itself. Go Bucs!!