Buccaneers must embrace underdog role yet again as Super Bowl hosts

Despite hosting Super Bowl 55, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers once again are underdogs to the defending champion Chiefs. 

Imagine being a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season and seeing your team succeed the way they did. The regular season had its ups and downs, as is often the case, and there were times where legitimate questions were asked as to what this team was truly made of. After losing to New Orleans and Drew Brees both times in the year, they got into the playoffs as a wild card.

They were fortunate to win on the road at Washington, where they faced a ferocious defense and opportunistic offense. Next up was the bully of the Bayou in New Orleans. Devin White looked like the great Derrick Brooks and, with his performance and Tom Brady coming up in the big moments, they overcame a nemesis. Finally, they stunned most of the experts by venturing into the frozen tundra and knocking off potential league MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

It all sounds well and good until, of course, Super Bowl LV rolls around. While Tampa has the benefit of playing in their home stadium, they are once again the underdog against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, who, according to initial odds, opened as 3.5-point favorites but have dropped to -3 and are being discussed as a potential dynasty hoping to spoil the hometown festivities.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must play their greatest game ever to win it all this season.

Don’t be fooled by those who praise the Buccaneers right now. Yes, there is some sincerity, but in reality, the Chiefs are the favorites and, come Super Bowl week, the talk from a majority of hosts and fans will soon return as to whether or not Kansas City will become a dynasty. It’s not rocket science; it’s also a fact that a majority of spectators want to see the Chiefs pull this out.

It should be documented that, unlike back in 2002, Tampa Bay doesn’t have Jon Gruden knowing every single play there is on the opposing sideline. But that shouldn’t stop the faith; in fact, it can be enhanced. The Bucs played the Chiefs earlier this season and lost, so they have tape that they can use in addition to the other tapes that can be used to prevent the trick plays and other gimmicks that could potentially come up on Super Sunday.

The defense is underrated. Let it be repeated. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been known for great defenses despite a rough franchise history, have an underrated defense in the Super Bowl. After what took place in the AFC Championship, it’s easy to see why Kansas City is the favorite.

Additionally, Brady is up against Steve Spagnuolo, who, as the then-defensive coordinator of the Giants, denied his dream of perfection many years ago. Revenge without question is on his mind.

Tampa Bay just won the NFC and is still an underdog. It is what it is, and frankly, the players know that role and have embraced it. Only one game remains, and the Buccaneers do not want to be ushered off their own home field after the game is over. They want the opposite, and using the underdog role to their advantage might be their best way to accomplish the dream.