The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can only control what happens inside their own building, but that doesn't mean they won't be watching what their division rivals do. Last year, Tampa couldn't get past the tie-breaking procedures and watched the playoffs from home. This year, they have to dictate the results.
It might get a little easier by midseason. Tampa won't face the Atlanta Falcons until week eight when they travel to Atlanta. The Falcons and Buccaneers could be heading into two completely different directions by the time that game arrives, and the center of that direction could be Tua Tagovailoa.
Blogging Dirty site expert, Jason Kandel, knows that the quarterback position in Atlanta is a fluid one. The Falcons will have their bye in week 11, and he wonders if Tagovailoa will be at the center of the playoff chase when they resume play.
Tua Tagovailoa could be a critical piece in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' late season success
It's not impossible that Tagovailoa takes over the team long before the bye week. Michael Penix, Jr. may be the presumed future of the franchise, but it's hard to imagine, given his health history, that he will be healthy enough to play that late in the season.
"Do the Falcons make a QB change before or after the week 11 bye?"Jason Kandel - Blogging Dirty
The Falcons added Tagovailoa on a one-year contract this offseason after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. They get him for a league minimum deal while the Dolphins eat nearly $100 million in dead cap space over the next two years.
Tagovailoa matters in the NFC South now. He has the starting experience, but he also has a lengthy injury history. If the Falcons make a change at quarterback, it will be good news for the Buccaneers.
Presuming that Penix wins the job, Tagovailoa starting would represent one of two things. A: The Falcons' season is on the ropes, and Penix is struggling. B: Penix is hurt. If Tagovailoa wins the job in training camp, Bucs' fans still shouldn't worry. The QB is one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the NFL. A turnover machine that the Bucs' defense will take advantage of.
The Falcons are projected to compete for the division title, but honestly, the quarterback room will hinder any success they hope for. Chances are, the QB carousel will take its toll. The truth is, Penix is good, but is he good enough? Tagovailoa can be good, but he doesn't show the consistent drive to make those around him better.
For the Buccaneers, a quarterback controversy may be exactly what they need to eliminate one competitor before the season even begins.
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