Bright Spots & Blunders: What’s Next for The Buccaneers
The cannons have fired, the flags have waved, and another Tampa Bay Buccaneers season has sailed into the history books—but was it smooth sailing or stormy waters? As the dust settles on the latest chapter of Buccaneers football, it's time to break down the highs, the heartbreaks, and what the crew needs to chart a stronger course next season. From standout performances that made fans roar to the missteps that left us scratching our heads, we’re diving deep into the full Buccaneers season breakdown. Buckle up, Bucs fans—this recap is as bold as a goal-line stand with the game on the line!
The Moments That Kept the Ship Afloat
At the start of the season, most NFL fans and sportsbooks had the Atlanta Falcons pegged as the favorites to dominate the NFC South. But in true Buccaneers fashion, Tampa Bay came through with a thrilling twist, securing their fourth consecutive NFC title—albeit by the skin of their teeth in a nail-biting final game of the season. With one of the youngest teams in the league, this achievement could be a glimpse of the exciting future that lies ahead for the Bucs. The season proved the Buccaneers are ready to face any challenge, with impressive wins over powerhouse teams like the Lions, Eagles, and Chargers.
As the season progressed, the rookies really started to shine—none more so than Jalen McMillan, who lit it up with five touchdowns in the last four games. Graham Barton has been a massive force in the trenches, providing the protection that helped Baker Mayfield have a career year. Mayfield tossed for 4,500 yards—ranking 3rd in the league—and threw 41 touchdowns, tying for second-most in the NFL. His incredible performance was key to the Bucs’ playoff push, and it also helped Mike Evans secure his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, tying him with the legendary Jerry Rice for the most in NFL history. And in true dramatic fashion, Evans reached the milestone on the last play of the regular season against the Saints in a must-win game that clinched a playoff spot. The Bucs’ 2024 season was nothing short of a rollercoaster as the season wasn’t all rainbows, as most Bucs fans would have wished.
Stormy Waters: The Key Mistakes That Derailed Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers experienced a rollercoaster season filled with moments of promise and frustrating lapses. In Week 2, the Bucs showcased their strength by beating the Lions in their own den, winning 20-16. However, this momentum was short-lived as they suffered one of their worst losses of the season in Week 3, falling 26-7 at home against the Denver Broncos. This inconsistency highlighted Tampa Bay’s capacity to defeat top-tier teams while remaining vulnerable to significant upsets.
A prime example came in Week 16 when the Bucs lost to the Cooper Rush-led Dallas Cowboys. Despite the Cowboys' overall struggles throughout the season, Tampa Bay once again found a way to lose during a critical moment. Injuries played a pivotal role in these struggles, particularly in the middle of the season, when the Bucs lost key offensive weapons.
In Week 7, wide receiver Chris Godwin sustained a season-ending injury during a seemingly meaningless play. With Tampa trailing by 10 late in the fourth quarter, Godwin remained on the field unnecessarily, resulting in a dislocated ankle after an awkward tackle on a short reception. Shortly after, fellow star receiver Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury that lingered for nearly five weeks. Despite these significant losses, the Buccaneers chose not to trade for a replacement wide receiver. Big names like Cooper Kupp and Amari Cooper were rumored to be available, yet the Bucs proceeded without a true WR1 or WR2. This forced tight end Cade Otton to take on a more prominent receiving role, limiting the team's offensive firepower even after Evans' return.
Despite a rocky regular season, Tampa Bay managed to clinch the NFC South title and secure a home playoff game against the Washington Commanders, a team they had defeated handily in Week 1 with a 37-20 victory. Hopes were high as the Bucs entered Wild Card weekend, facing Washington on prime-time Sunday Night Football as clear favorites. However, the game unraveled in shocking fashion.
The Buccaneers' defense, typically led by defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles, failed to generate a single stop. Washington did not commit a turnover or punt all night. Defensive struggles aside, the offense also faltered in critical moments. Late in the fourth quarter, a botched jet sweep handoff to rookie McMillan resulted in a costly fumble recovered by Washington deep in Tampa’s territory. The Commanders capitalized on the error, scoring a touchdown to extend their lead.
Tampa Bay responded with a late drive, reaching Washington's red zone while trailing by three. On third-and-two, a premature snap from the center disrupted the play, leading to a loss of yards. Rather than attempting a fourth-and-four conversion, the Bucs settled for a game-tying field goal. This conservative decision gave Washington enough time to drive into field goal range. Jayden Daniels, who had been unstoppable all night, orchestrated a flawless final drive. With three seconds remaining, Washington’s kicker sealed the game with a dramatic field goal that deflected off the upright before bouncing through, ending Tampa Bay’s season in heartbreaking fashion. It is the small things like execution errors, untimely mistakes, and injuries that can make the difference between playoff success and an early exit, leaving the Bucs with much to consider in the offseason.
All Hands on Deck: How The Buccaneers Can Rebound in 2025
Rebounding from a disappointing season starts with stability, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Tampa Bay should prioritize retaining offensive coordinator Liam Coen. If Coen were to walk, the Bucs would have their third offensive coordinator in three years, an unsettling trend that could hinder player development and offensive consistency. Coen has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and continuity in his system could be the key to unlocking the offense’s potential.
On the defensive side, the draft must become Tampa Bay's primary focus. The Buccaneers need to target defensive players exclusively, with a particular emphasis on fixing the glaring holes in their secondary. The defense, which was supposed to be a strength under Todd Bowles’ leadership, fell far short of expectations this season. Without significant improvement, Bowles may find himself on the hot seat next year, especially if the team fails to make a deep playoff run.
Another crucial task for the front office is keeping Chris Godwin in Tampa. The star wide receiver is set to hit free agency, and losing him would be a massive blow to the offense. Godwin’s reliability and playmaking ability make him an invaluable asset, but as much as the Bucs would like to retain him, they might not be able to afford him—particularly with the need to allocate significant resources to rebuild the defense. This is where rookie McMillan will need to step up and continue his hot streak into his second year, proving that he can shoulder more responsibility in the receiving corps if Godwin departs.
The road back to contention will not be easy, but with the right moves—beginning with retaining Coen, addressing defensive weaknesses, and making tough but strategic decisions regarding key players—the Buccaneers can position themselves for a strong rebound in 2025.
