Baker Mayfield channeled Kobe Bryant with message to Bucs after win over Raiders

After a four game losing streak nearly derailed the season, everything is falling into place for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to turn things around. The first big step toward that was taken on Sunday, as a 28-13 win over the Raiders was paired like a fine wine alongside a 42-21 blowout loss suffered by the Atlanta Falcons.

That combination of outcomes propelled the Bucs back into first place in the NFC South. Not only that, but Tampa Bay now controls its own destiny for the rest of the season: win out, and the Bucs clinch a fourth straight division title.

As good as everything feels now, there's still no margin for error. The Bucs have four games left, and the pressure of what's at stake won't make it any easier. Sunday was an example of how close the team is still teetering on the brink of disaster.

In back-to-back weeks, the Bucs let an inferior opponent give them a scare, even if the Raiders game ended up being less stressful than the overtime win over Carolina. The Bucs have another matchup against the Panthers, plus a game against the Saints to round out divisional play, as well as upcoming games against the Chargers and Cowboys.

Baker Mayfield wasn't ready to poo-poo the good feelings after Sunday's win but he was quick to point out that the job isn't finished.

Baker Mayfield sent a perfect message to Buccaneers after 28-13 win over Raiders

While speaking to the media after Sunday's win, Baker channeled his inner Kobe Bryant by pointing out that there's nothing much to celebrate yet. He also addressed how even an ugly win still counts in the standings.

"We'll take wins; I don't really care how it looks. Offensively, we'll have to be a lot more consistent for us to make this [playoff] push that we want to do," Baker said. "There's four games left, a lot of ball left. We've got to continue to get better."

Baker played a game of two halves in the worst way, as he was atrocious for most of the first half before bouncing back down the stretch. He started the game hot, throwing two touchdowns and helping the Bucs gain a 14-0 lead, but he committed three turnovers in quick succession that allowed the Raiders to get back within four points at halftime.

That's been a swinging penduluum for Baker all season, although he's managed to look good for the most part. He's good for a few bad decisions, though, which could end up costing the team in a playoff setting if he can't figure out how to settle down.

It's things like that which Baker is referring to in his message. The Bucs are back in first place, but as Todd Bowles stated after the win it's alot harder to stay there than it is to get there. The offense has been a strength for Tampa Bay all season so to see it struggle is a bit concerning, especially against the backdrop of how suspect the defense has been this year.

Injuries have ravaged that side of the ball, with the latest blow being a knee injury that Antoine Winfield Jr. suffered before halftime in Week 14. The Bucs can't afford many more unlucky injury breaks, but for now they can rest a little easier knowing their back in control of their own destiny -- even if the job's not yet finished.

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors