Last season, the Buccaneers found themselves in a three-game stretch against teams that were statistically worse than they were.
The Cardinals. The Saints. The Falcons.
Three Games, One Win
That stretch came in late November and early December and was a major part of Tampa Bay’s disastrous 2-7 finish that ultimately kept them out of the playoffs.
Now, the Buccaneers get a do-over.
Starting Sunday, Tampa Bay faces three consecutive opponents that, on paper, are very beatable: the Cleveland Browns on September 20, the Minnesota Vikings on September 27 and the Green Bay Packers on October 4.
If the Bucs go 1-2 over those three games, this season could very well start spiraling out of control, just as some prognosticators predicted before the season began.
After fumbling away the season opener against Cincinnati, Tampa Bay has to take care of business against a bad Cleveland team. Then they need to find a way to win the next two.
Momentum Required
It’s not just about the record. It’s about momentum.
I’ve seen some fans say the Buccaneers need to beat the Browns convincingly. I’m not necessarily buying that.
What Tampa Bay needs right now is a confidence boost, and that doesn’t necessarily require a 30-point victory.
It requires a clean football game.
Take care of the football. Don’t commit stupid penalties. Execute in the red zone. Make the routine plays. Don’t give the Browns extra opportunities.
Turnovers are contagious, and they have a funny way of coming in bunches. We saw that in Cincinnati.
If the Bucs win by one point or four points but don’t turn the ball over, I’ll take it.
A win is a win.
It’s hard to call a game a “must-win” in September. There are still too many games left and too much football to be played.
But for a team that desperately needs to create some positive momentum—and needs to do it in front of its home fans—this one certainly feels like one.
Many fans have already started blaming Todd Bowles for the Bengals loss. If the Bucs give up an opening score to the Browns or allow Cleveland to hang around into the fourth quarter, those same fans are going to let Bowles hear about it.
Loudly.
Warming-Seat
At this point, I don’t think Bowles can win over the fans who have already decided he should be fired. But he can convince some of those who are still willing to give him a chance that this year really can be different.
And that’s why Sunday matters.
Yes, Sunday is a must-win. Not because the season will be over with a loss, but because the Buccaneers desperately need to start building something before another season slips away.
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