TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached their bye week, banged up, two games under the .500 mark, and trailing in a division race that may require the Bucs to be perfect for the remainder of the season.
Despite all that, there is reason for optimism entering the one-week reboot.
Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles discussed the state of the team with News Channel 8’s Dan Lucas during their weekly ‘Bucs with Bowles’ interview.
The focus for Bowles this week is to review everything the team has done so far and utilize that opportunity to address lingering issues that are costing his team losses, including Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha, top, and linebacker De'Vondre Campbell during the second half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) makes a catch and tries to avoid Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Buccaneers, 30-24. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs out of the pocket for a first down against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) is stopped by Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker, rear, after a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) intercepts a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Logan Hall (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is stopped as he tries to get between Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) and defensive end Zach Allen (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, in Tampa, Fla. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) ![]()
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, center, celebrates his touchdown reception with wide receiver Jalen McMillan, left, and quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
There are positives and negatives that have led to a 4-6 record, but the Bucs have shown their coach that they can play with any team, losing back-to-back games against last season’s Super Bowl teams, with chances to win both games.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield stands fifth in the NFL in passing yards and is tied for the lead in touchdown passes with 24.
Defensively, the Bucs sit near the bottom of the NFL in total yards allowed, mostly due to passing yards, averaging more than 264 yards per game.
The bye week will allow injuries to heal.
Wide Receiver Mike Evans is still aiming for a week 11 return, after the bye week, when the Bucs play at the New York Giants.
Now the team is monitoring a knee injury to Left Tackle Tristan Wirfs, a low-grade knee sprain.
The Bucs will not decide on placing Wirfs on injured reserve until the team enters its practice game week, next week.