Let’s Embrace The “What If” For Tampa In Week 2
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
There has become sort of a hive mindset in NFL fandom. While there are disagreements within fanbases, generally there is a widely accepted truth about what a team is.
According to local and national media markets, it was a foregone conclusion that the Bengals would beat the Patriots handily in week one. Similarly, many were shocked at the poor performance by Cleveland in their home opener and now have been written off.
This day-trading approach to a team’s long-term success is full of ups and downs that ultimately make people go back on their beliefs week after week.
As the Buccanneers prepare to visit Detroit for a divisional round rematch, it seems to be universally accepted that the injuries on the Bucs defense are too great of an obstacle to overcome. The depleted secondary will have to patch together something to stop the dynamic Lions offense, and Jared Goff will have all the time in the world to throw with limited threat from a banged-up Tampa pass rush.
The expectation is that Tampa Bay will have to employ a “bend-don’t-break” approach against Detroit. It’s a fair analysis. There is a real chance that Goff and company fill up the stat sheet, and if the Tampa Defense can’t lock it down in the red zone, Detroit could light up the scoreboard, ultimately making the game a one-sided affair.
This dismal outlook is easy to identify with. It’s almost comforting to think that the Bucs have no chance in this matchup. However, there is an alternate perspective: We don’t know what we don’t know.
In the early days of the Patriots Dynasty, New England was touted as a “true team.” Analysts and fans lauded Bill Belichick’s group for being a selfless collection of guys who did their job. History would change this as we now understand that team had the greatest quarterback of all time and several Hall of Famers. I’m not here, trying to convince you that these Buccaneers are the equivalent of those Patriots. I am simply pointing out that there is a possibility that whatever you think this team is in this moment, they are something very different. Under Liam Coen, they may just be the sort of offense that has the potential to overcome any roadblock.
The Bucs looked dynamic on Sunday, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Baker Mayfield threw for four touchdowns and 289 yards against the Commanders and fed the ball all over the field, distributing the ball to each of his dangerous receivers– all while his former team struggled mightily.
Baker’s resurgence and obvious chemistry with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin make for a very threatening passing threat. Rachaad White has also become a strong receiver for Mayfield. Despite his struggles running the ball, Todd Bowles acknowledged that his overall play has been an asset to the offense. Add in Bucky Irving and Cade Otton and you have may just have a collection of weapons that you could put against anyone in the league at any time in any situation.
The offensive line had an up-and-down week one, but they should take a step forward in week two. If that proves true, fans can expect a shoot-out in the Motor City, and I like the Bucs chances.
Baker is used to these circumstances. He spent his time in Cleveland as the underdog, often without a puncher’s chance. He proved the doubters wrong week after week during his tenure in the AFC North. Now, he plays for a highly functioning organization and is surrounded by a group of players who know what it takes to win a Superbowl.
If you wanna hop on the pending disaster bandwagon for week two, go ahead. I am offering you a ticket for a different vehicle; the “What If Mobile.” What if Liam Coen knows how to perfectly utilize all his pieces? What if this is just the beginning of Baker Mayfield’s ascension? What if this is one of the best offenses in the league? What if, despite their defensive situation, they can press the shootout button and have a chance in any match up? Doesn’t that sound a lot more fun than a predetermined hive mind assumption?
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