A winnable stretch
Tampa Bay opened the season with some daunting opponents. New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh looked markedly better on paper. However, the Bucs managed to escape the opening stretch with a 2-1 record.
Then, the Bears reloaded with superstar defensive end Khalil Mack and torched the Bucs. A pair of talented offenses in Cincinnati and Atlanta handled their business against Tampa Bay as well.
Through eight games, the Buccaneers haven’t caught a break. They will get face a trio of winnable games before the schedule picks up again down the stretch.
Washington comes to town next week. The Redskins are no pushovers, but the Falcons shredded the Bucs. That game is followed up by matchups against the Giants and 49ers.
If the Buccaneers can sweep their next three games, postseason aspirations will become a possibility again. Sunday is a crucial game, but Tampa should have no problem silencing New York and San Francisco.