After the Eagles steamrolled the Chiefs, 40-22, in Tremendous Bowl LIX, will probably be a very long time earlier than extra significant soccer is positioned.
That opens up discussions of how this offseason will go for every NFL staff and the way groups stack up in opposition to each other. ESPN just lately went by such an train, and after making the playoffs for 5 straight seasons, the place do the Bucs rank?
Bucs In The Center Of The Pack Of ESPN’s Early 2025 Energy Rankings
Bucs GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
After barely squeezing into the playoff image this previous season, the Bucs positioned sixteenth within the first 2025 NFL energy rankings. ESPN’s Jenna Laine had this to say in regards to the staff’s present state and the way they will enhance.
With the offensive coordinator scenario solidified (Josh Grizzard), the Bucs really want to shore up their protection. They’ve had solely three double-digit sack edge rushers since 2005 and none since 2021. In addition they had solely seven interceptions in 2024 after nearly double that in 2024 (13). They gave up a median of twenty-two.6 factors in 2024, which is center of the pack and never essentially unhealthy, however they’re attempting to go from playoff contender to Tremendous Bowl winner.
It’s arduous to argue that what’s holding Tampa Bay again from being larger on the listing stems from the problems on the defensive facet of the soccer. They boasted a top-five offense final 12 months, and even with Josh Grizzard changing Liam Coen, there shouldn’t be a lot if any, dropoff. The main target shifts to the protection and the way they will improve the unit for the staff to achieve one other degree in 2025.
To not regularly beat on the proverbial drum, however the staff’s wants are as pronounced as they’ve been since successful the Tremendous Bowl with Tom Brady underneath middle in 2020. Earlier than Brady’s historic arrival, basic supervisor Jason Licht fashioned the nucleus of the roster across the protection as he signed, traded for, and drafted loads of high-end expertise. With the nucleus being slowly ripped aside and changing into much less and fewer intact annually, head coach Todd Bowles’ protection should add some difference-makers at every degree to be in an analogous spot.
That’s the largest method the Bucs can show these energy rankings incorrect subsequent season.
Is sixteenth A Truthful Placement For The Bucs Going Into 2025?
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA Immediately
Proper now, it’s arduous to pinpoint probably the most precise slotting for every staff with the beginning of free company and the 2025 NFL Draft simply across the nook. Nonetheless, it’s value pondering – simply how good will the Bucs be in 2025 understanding what they should tackle and the query marks surrounding the roster? Another groups have larger ones of their very own.
One has to marvel about the way forward for the Vikings, who positioned tenth. They may slide down the listing if quarterback Sam Darnold leaves in free company. The Rams positioned twelfth and have a looming quarterback query of their very own with Matthew Stafford nearing the top of his profession at 37 years outdated. Stafford and vast receiver Cooper Kupp may very well be commerce items if Los Angeles decides to construct round a youthful core.
Different groups simply forward of Tampa Bay embrace the 49ers (thirteenth), Broncos (14th), and Seahawks (fifteenth). San Francisco and Seattle have loads of free brokers and paydays to handout, whereas Denver performs within the league’s hardest division and can be counting on Bo Nix to take the following step.
It’s truthful to say they’re someplace in the midst of this group as a playoff contender, however not a real juggernaut – but.
The place the Bucs have an edge over the opposite groups talked about is having quarterback Baker Mayfield enjoying one of the best soccer of his profession. If the staff desires to hoist up one other Lombardi Trophy with him main the best way although, he’ll want extra assist from the protection to turn into a severe postseason risk.
Perhaps Jason Licht can study a bit from how Eagles basic supervisor Howie Roseman constructed his newest Tremendous Bowl winner.
