The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium saw their playoff chances take a big hit, with the Atlanta Falcons now controlling the NFC South with just two games left.
After winning four straight games after the bye, the Buccaneers had done a lot of heavy work to get themselves back into playoff contention, but one loss has now thrown their postseason plans into chaos.
But all is not lost, and while the loss against the Cowboys wasn't great, the Buccaneers won't want that feeling to linger, and then cost them against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
And Baker Mayfield has urged his team to get back on track against their division rivals.
“Obviously not the scenario we want to be in, but still have to take care of business,” Mayfield said. “Obviously some things have to happen but if we don't take care of business, that's the mentality, it's got to start there and got to do our job little details and everything that's included in that to try and find a way to win.”
“Take care of business” .. a 4-word push that resonates.
While the Buccaneers don't control their playoff destiny, they won't want to simply hand the division to the Falcons.
With Atlanta facing the 10-5 Washington Commanders on the road, there is a great chance for Mayfield and the Buccaneers to put pressure on the Falcons to come away with a win.
There are still two games left in the season and they are looming as monster clashes for Tampa Bay as it searches for playoff football for the second consecutive season.
But lose to the Panthers and the playoff will look nearly impossible to achieve, which is what the Buccaneers must "take care of business" against Carolina.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!