Buccaneers Have 'Reasonable Path' Toward Super Bowl Run

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 8:24 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't had such high expectations since Tom Brady arrived in 2020, but that is exactly what Baker Mayfield, along with the help of Todd Bowles and Jason Licht, has accomplished.

Entering the 2025 season, with a well-rounded roster, which includes one of the best offenses (on paper), the Buccaneers feel poised to continue their NFC South domination and make the playoffs.

But given what this team has done in the two years under Mayfield, now is the time to push on in the postseason, and not be content with just making up the numbers; they should be taking scalps.

And for Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, there is a reasonable path for the Buccaneers to follow for a deep playoff run.

"The Buccaneers are the best team in the NFC South on paper," Verderame writes. "Coming off four consecutive division titles, they’ve done it on the field as well.

"Now, after failing to make the NFC title game in any of those campaigns, it’s time for Tampa to take the next step. With the NFC fairly strong considering the Eagles, Rams, Lions, Commanders, Vikings and others, the road to the Super Bowl will be arduous for the Buccaneers, but the path remains reasonable."

For most, the biggest question isn't on the offensive side of the ball, although some doubt Mayfield's ability to play a third consecutive season at a high level, but defensively.

The addition of Haason Reddick will bolster the pass rush, and with two rookie corners, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, to help the secondary, there is hope the unit will be able to limit offenses better than it did a year ago.

Things feel set up for the Buccaneers in 2025, and with an improved roster, can Mayfield lead this team on a deep playoff run?

Everything is there for him to do so.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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