The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hosting the Atlanta Falcons tonight! With first place in the NFC South on the line, this is a massive game for the Bucs and the second-place Carolina Panthers. Tampa is getting some reinforcements with veteran receiver Mike Evans returning tonight. On the Bucs’ “Cremesicle Night” at home, this is a massive moment for Tampa to show the league that they are as good as the Bucs team that started the season. Let’s dive into tonight’s Thursday Night Game!
Bucs’ Recent Struggles
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the hottest teams in the NFL to start the season. Since October 20th vs the Lions, the Bucs have lost five of seven games. Last week was an all-time low. They lost to the dreadful 2-10 New Orleans Saints 24-20. Losing to any two-win team this late in the season leaves room for doubt for any playoff-contending team. Despite the Falcons’ lack of success, if you fail against the Saints, no game can be marked as an instant win.
Baker Burning the Kitchen?
When your starting QB has been as bad as Baker has been the past seven games, it’s difficult to win. Over the 2-5 stretch, he is completing 57% of his throws, passing for 169 yards per game, eight TDs, & five INTs. This Bucs team goes as far as their franchise quarterback will take them. He is the captain who steers the ship, yes, pun intended.
Offensive Reinforcements Inbound
For their playoff push, Tampa is getting some familiar faces back on the offensive side of the ball. Tampa Bay legend Evans is returning from a collarbone injury he suffered against the Lions that has kept him sidelined for the past six games. The 6’5 receiver should bring a different level of spark and confidence to an offense that needs their veteran, despite him being on a snap count for tonight.
He is not the only receiver who is returning. Second-year wideout Jalen McMillan is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. If he returns, it’ll be his season debut. McMillan had a strong rookie campaign with 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns.
Todd Bowles on Hot Seat
If this team collapses and misses the playoffs, I don’t see coach Todd Bowles returning for next season. When they started 5-1, they looked like a Super Bowl contender. Now at 7-6, they are battling the Carolina Panthers for the NFC South title. With all the Tampa Bay fans’ frustrations over the past two seasons, it could be time for a change if they fail in the postseason.
Who Wins Tonight?
I don’t believe that Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons have the firepower to keep up with the Bucs tonight. Without Drake London and a plethora of receivers, this game could get out of hand fast. Tampa has been a better home team than on the road, anyway. Lastly, it’s Cremesicle night. The home crowd will add energy to a team that needs it and suck out what energy the Falcons have. Atlanta is basically on “Cancun on Three” watch.
Final Thoughts
Tonight is a massive game, and I believe the Bucs will defend home field. Tampa Bay wins this game 31-21. The Mayfield-to-Evans connection will be instantaneous. Lastly, Emeka Egbuka has to get back on track. He has been off during their dry stretch. Look for him to have a big game tonight.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers potentially being on the hot seat tonight against the Atlanta Falcons! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
