It has been a very difficult week for us fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Two losses – against two supposedly inferior division opponents – at home.  A 1-5 record since the bye week.  A clueless coach who’s dropping F-bombs in his postgame press conference and throwing certain players under the bus.  A defense that can’t cover anybody.  A quarterback who’s making mistakes at critical times.  Put it all together, and the Bucs are no longer in first place in the NFC South, and in great danger of missing the playoffs.

What happened during the bye week?  I don’t know for sure, but I do know this team was riding high at 6-2.  I’m not going to rattle off any stats; I’m telling you with my own two eyes.

The defense, which has always been bad under Todd Bowles, is now getting exposed on a regular basis.  There is no pass rush.  The middle of the field is wide open.  Guys can’t cover anybody.  The run defense – once a strength – is now a sieve.

Baker Mayfield was outstanding in the first half of the season.  Since then, he’s come crashing down to earth.  He’s throwing interceptions at critical times – including one in that disastrous fourth quarter Thursday night against Atlanta.  Through the first 8 games, his play was covering up just how awful Bowles’ defense is.  He’s not making those big plays anymore (at least not enough of them.)  It doesn’t help that the offensive line is not doing a good job protecting him.

How about special teams?  The kick coverage continues to be brutal.  I was at the game last Sunday against the Saints.  I should’ve known what was going to happen when New Orleans returned the opening kickoff past midfield.  That’s been going on all year.  I noticed on Thursday night, they were just kicking it out of the end zone and giving the Falcons the ball at the 35.  Might as well at this point.  But Chase McLaughlin?  At least someone’s good on special teams.

Let’s not forget about the guy who put this team together, Jason Licht.  Defense was a big need going into the last draft.  With his first pick, he took wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who’s been great at times and not-so-good others.  But why wasn’t the defense addressed?  If I were Licht, I would spend my entire draft on the defense (if he’s still around to oversee it.)

I get a chuckle from those saying the Bucs can still win the division if they beat the Panthers twice.  After seeing what happened this week, there isn’t a single fan I know who expects that to happen.  They’re almost better off missing the playoffs so that changes can be made.

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