Tampa Bay Buccaneers rebound, proving to be a good not great team

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a victory but have a lot to prove if they want to contend.

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Week 14, they got back on the winning track and, at least for a week, silenced those who raised doubts. However, whether they are back to being a contender to play in the Super Bowl they’re set to host remains to be seen.

While the Bucs can take solace in the fact that they pushed Minnesota out of the playoff picture and allowed Arizona to take that spot, Tampa Bay has more pressing matters at hand. One is on the offensive side of the ball.

Tom Brady was effective once again without a single turnover but his performance was a far cry from what was expected. Still, by playing well and winning the game, all other comments are tossed out.

Defensively, Todd Bowles‘ unit struggled early against a formidable opponent in Dalvin Cook, who ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown. However, by applying constant pressure on Kirk Cousins with six sacks, the Buccaneers showed that they can play defense, which historically has been a staple from the days of Lee Roy Selmon to Derrick Brooks and the Super Bowl champions of 2002.

Additionally, the Buccaneers owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dan Bailey, whose missed kicks played a vital role in a victory. But in the NFL, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to make noise, now is the time to do it.

The regular season is coming to a close and playoff seedings are being close to finalized. While Tampa Bay is likely to not win the division, they have a team in the playoffs. Once it begins, the record reverts back to 0-0 and a new season begins.

There have been times where a team goes on a magical postseason run towards glory. Brady knows all about that having allowed the Tennessee Titans last season to force him out of Foxborough en route to an AFC Championship game appearance. Additionally, there have been times where the sixth seed has won it all with Pittsburgh in 2005 and Green Bay in 2010.

Tampa Bay has pieces that can help them contend. Additionally, they have motivation as the teams that beat them are mostly at the top of the conference, meaning a road trip is likely. Then again, every championship in the NFL is earned, and the Buccaneers will have to earn the opportunity.