Bucs Don't Have Wiggle Room In Playoff Chase

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Dec 26, 2024 10:44 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had their playoff destiny in their hands prior to the Dallas Cowboys loss in Week 16, and now that, plus the Atlanta Falcons winning, means Todd Bowles' team faces a tough task to punch their playoff ticket.

With the Falcons owning the tie-breaker over the Buccaneers, Tampa Bay must rely on an Atlanta loss and take care of business against a Carolina Panthers team that has caused teams trouble down the stretch.

Given that there are just two games left in the season, the Buccaneers' margin for error is now zero. This means that if they are to achieve playoff football, they must be perfect and hope the Falcons stumble.

"Todd [Bowles] does a really good job of letting these guys understand what is at stake without it being like an insurmountable task," offensive coordinator Liam Coen said.

"He brings it up, we talk about it, but these guys are mature enough, they're grown enough to understand what is at stake, and that we don't have a lot of wiggle room anymore."

With games against the Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, and the Falcons facing the Washington Commanders and the Panthers, it could all be set up for a Week 18 win and you're in the type of scenario for both the Buccaneers.

But they must first take care of the Panthers, and given it is at home, Tampa Bay will be feeling good. However, it must get past the performance against the Cowboys that saw the run game stumble, and the turnovers prove decisive in the loss.

The Buccaneers know the equation - be perfect, or playoff football is off the menu in 2024. No pressure, guys.

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

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