TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay missed a golden opportunity to clinch the NFC South with a loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
Now, the road to the postseason is a little more bumpy, but Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said the team doesn’t plan on changing its overall approach.
“Obviously it’s not the scenario we want going forward, but (we) still have to take care of business,” Mayfield said after Thursday’s practice. “Obviously, there are things that have to happen, but if we don’t take care of business, that’s the mentality. We have to start from there and (we) have to do our job. You have to try every little thing and everything that goes into it, and find a way to win. ”
Tampa Bay has experienced highs and lows both in the game and during the season, but the players are relying on their mental strength to make it to the playoffs for the fifth straight year.
“I keep saying this team has a great team mentality. We just have to keep fighting and find a way to win. It’s another thing to have your back against the wall. We all know what’s at stake here,” Mayfield added. “There’s no secret. Yes, we’re going to do everything we can to win. On the other hand, we have to stay at the top. We have to do everything we can to do that, so of course (we) will do everything we can to win. , turn your back to the wall.”
There are multiple scenarios for Tampa Bay to make the playoffs. That includes receiving help from the Washington Commanders (10-5 this season). Bucs head coach Todd Bowles played seven of his eight NFL seasons (1986-90, 1992-93) in Washington. When asked if he would take off his old Washington jersey and watch this weekend’s game against Atlanta, he laughed.
“No, I don’t think I can wear that jersey anymore,” Bowles said with a smile. “It’s in glass and displayed in my basement, but it’s not meant to be worn.”
Both the Bucks and Falcons are 8-7 with two games remaining. Atlanta earned the tiebreaker against Tampa Bay thanks to the season sweep. Here’s the Bucks’ path to the playoffs.
Tampa Bay confirms playoff berth
– Falcons 2-1 (which gives the Bucs the NFC South title and a first-round playoff game).
– 2 wins AND Commanders 2 losses (This gives the Bucks a wild card spot and a road game in the first round.)
– Falcons 1-2 (which gives the Bucks the NFC South title and a first-round playoff game).
Bucks remaining games:
Week 17 – vs. Carolina (Sunday, 1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium)
Week 18 – vs. New Orleans (TBD)
Falcons remaining games:
Week 17 – Washington (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.)
Week 18 – vs. Carolina (TBD)
Manager’s remaining games:
Week 17 – vs. Atlanta (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.)
Week 18 – Dallas (TBD)
Unlicensed contractors in Florida face bail bonds typically imposed on murderers and violent criminals.
Unlicensed contractor in Florida faces bail typically imposed on murderers and violent criminals
