Tampa Bay Buccaneers: An Underrated Team in the NFL

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might just be the most overlooked team in the NFL.

Allow me to expand on that. I’m not suggesting the Bucs are surefire Super Bowl contenders this season, but there’s a chance—it’s not entirely out of the question. They’ve made it to the playoffs for the last five seasons, and remember, they actually won the Super Bowl once during that stretch, marking one of the best runs in their history. Interesting, right?

Context is important here. The first three years of this playoff streak involved none other than Tom Brady, who many consider the greatest quarterback ever. After he retired following the 2022 season, the Bucs turned to Baker Mayfield as his successor, which led many, including myself, to wonder if they’d revert back to their pre-Brady struggles.

In the past two years, the Bucs secured the NFC South title, not exactly a walk in the park. They managed to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 wildcard round, nearly toppling the Detroit Lions in the divisional round. It seems they aren’t getting the acknowledgment they deserve, which is something that could extend to Mayfield’s performance as well.

Mayfield, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2017 while at Oklahoma and was the first overall draft pick by the Cleveland Browns, has quite the impressive individual accolades. Sure, team success differs between college and the NFL, but his credentials speak volumes.

You could argue Mayfield has had a significant role in the Bucs’ success over the last two seasons, both of which saw him throw for over 4,000 yards. In fact, last year, he recorded 4,500 passing yards and tossed 41 touchdowns—numbers that certainly put him in elite company, yet somehow, he still doesn’t receive the credit he deserves.

It’s true that it can take time for a quarterback to mesh with a new team. Such was the case with Mayfield, who, after his stint in Cleveland, faced setbacks and quick exits in Carolina and Los Angeles, which didn’t help his narrative.

Tampa has turned into Baker’s new home, even if it’s just the latest stop in his career journey. If he guides the Buccaneers to the playoffs this season, he would match Brady’s own playoff appearances. Interestingly, as Brady had his ups and downs on the field, so has Mayfield, who has a colorful personality that makes him a fun player to watch.

On a lighter note, Mayfield recently collaborated with Popeyes to revamp their chicken wing flavors ahead of the football season—something that definitely makes a football season more enjoyable, don’t you think?

Popeyes’ New Wing Flavors for 2025:

• All Bone Wings: Start with a gentle marinade of Louisiana seasonings, cooked until crispy.
• Signature Hot: A balanced blend of Cajun hot sauce with a hint of sweetness.
• Sweet ‘n Spicy: Coated with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful kick.
• Honey Barbecue: Features a bold, rich, and tangy sauce.
• Ghost Pepper Dry Rub: Includes ground ghost peppers with classic Louisiana seasonings.
• Lemon Pepper Dried Love: Sweet and tangy with a lemon pepper topping.
• Garlic Parmesan Dried Love: Combines parmesan cheese and garlic on crispy wings.
• Buffalo Road Drip Love: Classic Buffalo flavor that packs a punch.

I’ve got to say, I’m a big fan of dry rubs, and I’m thinking I might need to try that lemon pepper flavor multiple times this season. Baker Mayfield has won over many with his football skills, but personally, I also appreciate the delicious food he’s helping to promote.

So, as we gear up for another NFL season, don’t be surprised if Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers pop up in playoff discussions again.

They’ve certainly set a deadline for themselves.