It’s the canine days of summer season and the one factor holding us collectively till significant Bucs soccer restarts within the fall is a tacky sport of Bingo. It’s occasions like these that scorching takes are inclined to replenish the X timeline.
One such take making the rounds proper now could be from ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who simply went on the file saying the Bucs are an NFC Championship contender.
“On paper, I think the Bucs are NFC Championship contenders.”
“On paper, I think the Bucs are NFC Championship contenders. I really, really, really do. I think, offensively, very good offensive line. Very good skill players. Baker is the best quarterback in the division.”
He continued with the opposite facet of the ball.
“They’ve invested into this defensive line. And I know they weren’t great last year. I know Vita Vea is a little bit older, but they have put money and picks into this defensive line. And if Rueben Bain is who a lot of people going into the draft thought he was, and obviously Tampa thought he was, then this defensive line should be reminiscent of the ones that we’ve become accustomed to in Tampa.”
Present Me The place Dan Orlovsky Is Mistaken About The Bucs
Learn by way of these quotes once more.
The place did Dan Orlovsky inform a lie? At what level is his evaluation off?
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough seemed good on the finish of final 12 months and Panthers quarterback Bryce Younger has proven flashes. Neither has a robust declare to be one of the best QB within the NFC South. That title is firmly held by one Baker Mayfield. And with improved well being round him restoring his confidence I see no cause to consider he shall be relinquishing that title any time quickly.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: IMAGN Photos – Nathan Ray Seebeck
Tampa Bay does have good ability gamers. When wholesome, Bucky Irving proved to be some of the elusive backs within the NFL. In 2024 he ranked fifth within the NFL amongst all certified working backs in speeding yards over anticipated per try and second in yards after contact per try.
The Bucs simply paired him with one of many extra dynamic complementary backs within the NFL in Kenneth Gainwell.
At receiver, Tampa Bay options one of many deeper rooms within the league. They now not have the bona fide No. 1 of yesteryear with Mike Evans, so the highest of the room is blunted. However the drop-off from No. 1 to No. 3 is as clean as any room within the league and nonetheless offers loads of potential and upside in Ted Hurst, Jalen McMillan and naturally, Emeka Egbuka working alongside Chris Godwin Jr.
The tight finish room isn’t a top-tier receiving corps, nevertheless it’s enabling the remainder of the roster on the high with Cade Otton. All the pieces is on the menu. This ability group may be very near the identical group that put up 29.5 factors per sport in 2024, which was good for fourth within the NFL that 12 months.
Orlovsky additionally identified the expertise on the offensive line. As soon as once more he’s proper. The Bucs’ bookends at sort out of All-Professional Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke are pretty much as good as any twosome within the NFL proper now. The Chargers, Bucs and Eagles set the usual. Inside these two you could have an ascending middle in Graham Barton and a particularly proficient guard Cody Mauch coming back from damage. They are saying an offensive line is just pretty much as good as its weakest hyperlink.
Bucs LG Ben Bredeson – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Effectively 25 groups within the league have a weaker weakest hyperlink than Ben Bredeson. That is the very same unit that was enjoying at one of the best stage within the league down the stretch in 2024. There is no such thing as a cause they can not return to that stage in 2026.
Orlovsky hit the nail on the top along with his evaluation of the line of defense. Any drop off from Vita Vea may very well be counterbalanced by further play time from Calijah Kancey this 12 months. And I actually consider Rueben Bain Jr. generally is a power multiplier whose impact will go nicely past his personal field rating. His affect will create strain, sacks and turnovers for his teammates. The Bucs protection has improved in a significant method.
The items are all there for a really profitable 2026 season.
What Dan Orlovsky Left Out About Tampa Bay
Now, there’s a caveat. It’s not about what Dan Orlovsky stated. It’s extra about what he didn’t say. There was a failure to handle teaching. Now, I’m on file as a Todd Bowles believer. However there’s a greater than honest argument towards him. And poor teaching can take a superb roster with ease, simply as nice teaching can elevate a mediocre roster (see the 49ers circa 2025).
Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Does Orlovsky consider in Bowles, and by extension new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson? My assumption is sure primarily based on his declare. However it will have been fascinating to listen to his ideas on that exact piece of the puzzle.
It’s a make-or-break season for Bowles. The elements are there.
Let’s see what sort of dish he serves.
