Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2024 NFL Preview – Regression for Baker and Bucs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | NFC South


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Head Coach: Todd Bowles (3rd season)

Key Additions:

  • Jordan Whitehead (S)
  • Ben Bredeson (LG)
  • Graham Barton (C) – rookie


Key Departures:

  • Shaq Barrett (LB)
  • Devin White (LB)
  • Carlton Davis (CB)



Last Season’s Results and Interesting Trends (2023):

  • Overall Record: 9-8
  • ATS Record: 11-6 ATS (8-1 ATS on the road)
  • O/U Record: 6-11 O/U

  • 0-6 O/U vs. good teams (55% win percentage or greater)
  • 0-3 O/U as home underdogs




Last Season’s Ranks (2023):

  • EPA/play (offense): 12th
  • Rush EPA (offense): 27th
  • Pass EPA (offense): 8th

  • EPA/play allowed (defense): 18th
  • Rush EPA (defense): 5th
  • Pass EPA (defense): 22nd

  • Plays per game: 25th
  • Seconds per snap (lowest to highest): 14th


2024 Season Schedule:

  • Week 1: Washington Commanders (Home)
  • Week 2: Detroit Lions (Away)
  • Week 3: Denver Broncos (Home)
  • Week 4: Philadelphia Eagles (Home)
  • Week 5: Atlanta Falcons (Away)
  • Week 6: New Orleans Saints (Away)
  • Week 7: Baltimore Ravens (Home)
  • Week 8: Atlanta Falcons (Home)
  • Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs (Away)
  • Week 10: San Francisco 49ers (Home)
  • Week 11: BYE
  • Week 12: New York Giants (Away)
  • Week 13: Carolina Panthers (Away)
  • Week 14: Las Vegas Raiders (Home)
  • Week 15: Los Angeles Chargers (Away)
  • Week 16: Dallas Cowboys (Away)
  • Week 17: Carolina Panthers (Home)
  • Week 18: New Orleans Saints (Home)




Commentary: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into the 2024 season with significant changes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The loss of key defenders like Shaq Barrett, Devin White, and Carlton Davis leaves a void that will be hard to fill, especially for a unit that was already shaky last year. Despite ranking 5th in rush defense EPA, their pass defense lagged behind at 22nd, and the departure of key players could exacerbate these issues.

Offensively, the Buccaneers performed admirably, finishing 12th in EPA/play and 8th in pass EPA, largely due to their aerial attack. Baker Mayfield, who received payday, will be under the spotlight this season. With financial security in hand, the question arises whether his motivation will remain high or if complacency could set in. The Bucs were highly efficient against the spread last year, particularly on the road (8-1 ATS).

Given their defensive losses and potential for regression, the road ahead looks challenging, and the Bucs will need to overcome hurdles to avoid slipping back into mediocrity.


Click here for the Week 1 Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup page

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