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Bucs Underdog Year: Can Mayfield Shock the NFL?
22 Aug
Summary
- Bucs' OC change: Zac Robinson replaces Josh Grizzard.
- Key free agent additions bolster offense and defense.
- Austin Mock projects Bucs below .500 with 8 wins.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making significant changes to prevent a repeat of last season's playoff miss. Following an offensive step back, Josh Grizzard was replaced by Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator.
Free agency saw the Bucs aggressively recruit talent, adding running back Kenneth Gainwell and bolstering the defensive front with players like Alex Anzalone. The draft also yielded promising rookies, including potential Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain Jr. and linebacker Josiah Trotter.
Despite these additions, skepticism remains, with Austin Mock's NFL Projection Model predicting only 8 wins and a 39.2% playoff chance for Tampa Bay. This projection places them ahead of other NFC South teams like the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers, all of whom are also projected for fewer than eight wins.
Mock cites the team's collective age and quarterback Baker Mayfield's unresolved contract situation as primary concerns. Mayfield, however, has expressed confidence that the team will exceed expectations, aiming to "shock a lot of people." The team's health and new additions are expected to improve their performance over the previous season, with the author believing they are the best team in the division and should reach the playoffs.
