It is natural for fanbases to panic after a stretch of games like the Buccaneers are currently entangled with. Losing three of four is never a good look, especially when the losses have looked uninspiring.
Fans are also probably looking at the upcoming game against the Rams, and wondering "how are we ever going to defeat this team, and what happens when we lose?"
It's a valid concern. The Rams look like worldbeaters right now, beating every team that comes in their path and crushing most of their opponents. Matthew Stafford is throwing three touchdowns a game, and the Los Angeles defense just picked off Sam Darnold four times. The same Darnold who threw four touchdowns against Tampa Bay.
If and when the Rams defeat Tampa Bay, it will naturally lead to questions regarding the Buccaneers' status as contenders. They would fall to 6-5, and would have lost four of their last five games. Not a recipe for success. There's also a chance for Carolina to surpass them in the NFC South, although that would require the Panthers to upset the now-healthy 49ers, also a difficult task.
Point is, there is a good chance Tampa Bay fans might be getting nervous about the teams playoff hopes next Sunday if the Rams hand the Bucs another loss. The good news is, next week is the last truly difficult game on Tampa's schedule. From there, the schedule lightens up, and gives the Buccaneers every opportunity to go on a run.
Tampa Bay's final six games will be against the Falcons, Saints, Panthers (x2), Cardinals, and Dolphins. Four losing teams (three of them who are now starting their backup QB), and two games with Carolina that could decide the division.
Unless the Panthers are about to shock the NFL and hand Tampa Bay a pair of losses, that schedule has 5-1, or possibly even 6-0, written all over it.
It might not be good enough for the No. 1 seed, but there is a really good chance the Buccaneers can finish 11-6 or even 12-5, and that's including a loss to the Rams. If Tampa Bay does get to 11 wins, it's almost impossible for them not to beat out the Panthers and win the South.
So fear not, Buccaneers fans. There is a light at the end of the Lions-Saints-Patriots-Bills-Rams tunnel. A difficult five game stretch should not cause you to lose faith in this team. If Tampa Bay rolls into the playoffs at 12-5 and on a six-game winning streak, there's no reason why they could not go on a deep playoff run.
Good things could still be on the horizon for the Buccaneers.