The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made history last season as the sole Florida NFL team to claim its division title, capping off an impressive four-year streak as division champions. With momentum on their side, they’re gunning for a record-breaking fifth consecutive title this year.
The Buccaneers wrapped up the 2024-25 season with a 10-7 record, securing the NFC South title by a two-game margin. Playing in the NFC South might be the Buccaneers’ biggest advantage in their quest for a fifth consecutive division championship.
With the 19th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers snagged Ohio State’s standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The coaching staff is already raving about him, and he looks poised to fill the void until Chris Godwin returns from injury. Godwin is expected to hit the practice field in Week 2.
However, the Buccaneers aren’t without their concerns. Tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to miss time this season, and the defense has its share of question marks. Fortunately, the offense is stacked with talent, so Wirfs’ absence might not be as detrimental as expected.
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Last season, the Buccaneers’ pass defense struggled, finishing near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed per game (243.9). With minimal changes to the secondary, the team relies on key players returning to form.
With three of last year’s top four secondary performers returning, and Antoine Winfield Jr. healthy and ready to go, the Buccaneers’ defense is poised for a big bounce-back year. After missing games due to ankle and knee injuries last season, if Winfield Jr. regains his All-Pro form from 2023, Tampa Bay’s defense could be a major factor in dominating the division.
Fortunately, three of the top four performers from last year’s secondary are back, including Winfield Jr., who’s expected to bounce back from injuries that limited him to nine games. If the All-Pro safety regains his 2023 form, the defense could be a force to be reckoned with, potentially securing the division title.
The BR Rub
The Pewter Pirates are set to defend their division title and pursue an unprecedented fifth consecutive division title. But… there’s always a but, they’ll try to do this by beginning the season with several injuries at key positions. All-Pro Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs and star Wide Receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan won’t be there Sunday when the Buccaneers travel to Atlanta to open the season.
The good news is, these aren’t your father’s Bucs. With a fresh draft class that includes Emeka Egbuka (WR) and Defensive Backs Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, the team has some young blood looking to make a name for themselves.
Now, if we could just fast-forward to Sunday that’d be great.
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