Being comfortable is one of the greatest feelings of pleasure in the world. It is also one of the greatest detriments to growth and success. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have grown comfortable this season, as they have rarely been tested by teams (apart from the Rams and Saints). This comfort has led them to make questionable decisions on the field at times.
More specifically, I am talking about the decisions the defense is making. One of my colleagues recently wrote an article that explained it perfectly. In it he said that the defense is lacking discipline, causing us to lose yards on stupid penalties.
Why is this happening? I believe it’s because the defense has grown so comfortable knowing Tom Brady and the high-powered offense will bail them out that they think they can cut corners. That’s not how it works in the NFL. Every day you have guys gunning for your job, looking to take it away from you. If you’re not invested in every game 110% it’s gonna show by the product you put onto the field.
Plain and simple, the Tampa Bay defense hasn’t been good enough this season. I had high hopes seeing as they had the momentum of last season’s Super Bowl victory, one in which they completely snuffed out Patrick Mahomes, but it seems they let it get to their head.
Last season the team played amazingly well during the playoffs because everybody doubted them. In reality, this team didn’t stand a chance against Mahomes and the Chiefs. Guess what? They utilized that underdog energy and it propelled them to an improbable Super Bowl victory.
The Bucs have grown comfortable being the favorites this year. Well, I say F that. It’s time to dig deep down and start playing like they are the underdogs again. Hopefully, this can snap the defense out of the la-la land they’ve been in these past couple of games.
The offense can’t be the main driving point on this team. If Tampa fans want to see another Super Bowl appearance this year, then the defense needs to clamp up and start playing as they mean it. We all know they can do so much better, now it’s just up to them to take the reins and get to work.
How do you feel about the defense? Let me know in the comments below!