Fighting To The Finish
January 9th, 2025
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
There’s still time for the Buccaneers to order an inspirational T-shirt they can wear during warmups before Sunday night’s playoff game.
You’ve heard the message before and it fits this football team to a T:
Tough times don’t last, tough people do.
That phrase applies to the 2024 Bucs in so many ways. Start with the 4-6 trench they found themselves in, dropping them three games behind the Falcons in the NFC South.
Injuries were mounting, along with turnovers, and it would have been easy for players and coaches to conclude this just isn’t Tampa Bay’s year. Instead, a 6-1 stretch drive vaulted the Bucs to the NFC’s No. 3 playoff seed heading into Sunday’s prime-time matchup against the Commanders.
“It’s a group of guys who just won’t go down,” Cody Mauch told me in the aftermath of the regular-season finale. “We definitely dug ourselves a hole, but this is a group that wants to go to the playoffs and make some noise.”
These Bucs have been at their best when it counts the most. They boast a 247-135 scoring advantage in the second half and the latest example of their resilience came last week, when they overcame a 16-6 halftime deficit against the Saints.
This team looks adversity in the eye — and spits.
Baker Mayfield leads the way by repeatedly raising his game in the final two quarters. Mayfield threw 11 of his 16 interceptions in the opening half and that ball security in the final 30 minutes has been a major factor.
Proud Tristan Wirfs.
Mayfield’s legs have also been instrumental, especially as games progress. He ran for 118 yards and six first downs in the first half this season, followed by 262 yards and 18 first downs on the ground in the final two quarters.
“Bake gets in some weird spots back there,” Mauch says. “Whether it’s pressure or an extra guy we can’t block, most quarterbacks are going down in that situation or they throw the ball away. Not Bake. He’s going to find a crease, he’s going to lower his shoulder and go to battle for us, so we’re trying to do the best we can for him.”
No matter how the postseason unfolds, the Bucs can take pride in their physicality and mental toughness. It’s a tribute to the coaching staff and the kind of players Jason Licht welcomes into the building.
“I know one thing,” says Tristan Wirfs. “We’re resilient as heck.”
Want another way to measure this club’s tenacity? There are 17 teams, more than half the league, who finished the year with a negative turnover ratio. Only one team in that group is still playing — the Bucs at minus-5.
This is not a franchise often lauded for its mental toughness, but things started to change when Tom Brady arrived in 2020.
When No. 12 retired, the prevailing thought was the Bucs would struggle to remain relevant. Those fears turned out to be misplaced.
Even the loss of Chris Godwin for the final 10 games couldn’t derail this locomotive. At the time, Godwin was Tampa Bay’s best player. Heck, he may have been the NFL’s premier wide receiver at that stage.
Just another obstacle to overcome.
These guys go about their business without fanfare … and without distractions. Sure, they tend to make it hard on themselves. Those dismal first halves against Dallas and New Orleans were tough to take for Buc fans, but this club won 10 games. Only nine teams had a better record.
When these Bucs are down, they don’t stay down. They fight.
Tough people fight.
Bring on the T-shirts.
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January 9th, 2025 at 6:54 pm
They could have easily sat around, like losers do, and blamed and complained.
Love the attitude of family on this team. Top to bottom.
January 9th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
“This team looks adversity in the eye — and spits.”. This is the inspirational t-shirt!
January 9th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
I love this seasons team. No matter what, this has been one of my favorite seasons to watch out of 38 years.
January 9th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Drunk
Couldn’t agree more. Football/sports supposed to be entertaining and this was a fun team to watch. Frustrating as Winfield, Dean the back end of the D disappeared but admirable to see guys like Zyon, Tykee pick it up and YaYa finally starting to emerge. Vita and Calijah…old guys like LVD/ME13 and the OL what a great story.
The only thing missing are guys groping Uber drivers, exposing themselves, or embarrassing the organization in any way. And that’s actually too negative.
It’s not just that they DIDN”T embarrass they embellished the Bucs rep with off field activities like ME13 and the Glazer foundation. IE they all seem to be class guys off the field as well as on.
January 9th, 2025 at 7:41 pm
So far so good 👍!! The real season starts Sunday night!
January 9th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
Yeah, we’re not favored to win the Super Bowl this year. Some folks on here say we don’t have the right coach. Some say injuries have sunk us this year. Others are confounded by the defensive schemes and think that’ll be our demise. The Sage has simplified things a bit for all of us. Any questions about where our team stands heading into the playoffs please reread article. We definitely ain’t rolling over for nobody!! Go Bucs!!
January 9th, 2025 at 8:38 pm
It’s fair to say mayfield has far exceeded expectations. This was supposed to his “ regress to the mean “ year. Nope. He still has never had an oc for consecutive years, yet produces. He will hit all of his performance bonuses, plus play off win bonuses. Those of us who felt at the beginning of last year, he could begin an arc similar to Brees are not looking so foolish. This time next year, a contract extension will be all the talk. Another first place schedule with rams, eagles, lions, Texans, and bills (all division winners ) will be challenging, but so was this campaign. A stouter defense and jelled offense should do the trick. Wouldn’t be surprised if the falcons are betting favorites again next year, given the schedule disparity.
January 9th, 2025 at 9:19 pm
Take up a collection Ira.
I’ll give $100 if they wear them.
January 9th, 2025 at 9:20 pm
NFL is slobbering over Penix so Atlanta will definitely be the faves and let them. Bucs are better when they are doubted!
January 9th, 2025 at 9:25 pm
So in a nutshell, Baker, Liam and the offense carry this team, and this team goes as the offense goes. Score 30 points or lose.
Thankful for Baker, Liam, Jason and the roster.
January 10th, 2025 at 4:40 am
Well said, Ira. “Bring on the T-shirts!”
Love the Bucs attitude.Wirfs is correct, resilient.
January 10th, 2025 at 5:01 am
Love it Ira!
Im and XXL these days. 🙂
Go Bucs!
January 10th, 2025 at 5:21 am
Garro, you were one of the “big uglies” back in the day, weren’t you. I love me some big uglies! Our big uglies are working on being “big nasties” and I believe they may just be my favorite part of this team! Go Bucs!
January 10th, 2025 at 6:45 am
Our defense is allowing 17 of the last 7 games.
Remember how fans used to always say that GMC never made plays at important times?
Vea had his sack on a crucial 3rd down.
Vea really shined against the Packers and in the last Super Bowl.
I can see Vea playing a huge role on this Super Bowl run.
Moreover, Kancey is our new Sapp. He’s crazy. He’s so intense. He hates losing. He hits hard and plays a little bit on the edge.
Like Sapp. Kancey is not a nice guy like GMC. Kancey is from Miami. And he is extremely tough.
I can also see Kancey getting a sack in every game during the playoffs.
I am just concurred about Josh Hayes. I love him. But he will need over the top safety help all game.
We are really missing Bryce Hall.
I also think the Braswell pick was a mistake. We should have drafted a CB in the 2nd.
January 10th, 2025 at 6:49 am
Thanks Ira, I needed that. For where I am… its a good reminder…
StPete, well said. And that is why I always read your posts.