The Bucs went down to Miami needing to beat the Dolphins. For all the previous weeks where wins would have made it easier to reach the playoffs, Tampa Bay instead chose to make it interesting with the NFC South again coming down to the wire. Coming in with a chance at victory despite losing six of seven games did not inspire a lot of confidence, and none was gained with what happened Sunday afternoon.

For a team with its season on the line, they looked lifeless against a team playing spoiler, falling short 20-17. Even with the loss, they still have a chance to win the division with the Panthers losing to Seahawks. That sets up a winner-takes-all Week 18 matchup. There were few things impressive about what happened at Hard Rock Stadium, but here they are.

Proving Everybody Who Follows The Bucs Right

I make this point while acknowledging the fact that four of five Pewter Reporters, me included, predicted the Bucs would win on Sunday against the Dolphins. I really wanted to believe one last time, but everyone who has watched this Tampa Bay team over the past two months has seen this coming and reality has finally hit — and hit hard.

Watching this team has been beyond frustrating, as the talent is there but the fire is not. The early-season magic has disappeared. They have not played inspired like the resilient group they were early on. The writing has been on the wall for a while, with this game being one of the last strands of hope left from what was once a sturdy rope.

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs have been slipping for months, with no one safe from criticism. Whether it is the offense, defense, or special teams, each unit is to blame. The local media following the team closely has seen it, diehard fans have seen it, and even people on the outside have questioned what is going on. With that, it is impressive just how much the Bucs displayed what kind of football team they are.

Yes, Tampa Bay can still win the NFC South next week, but does it even matter at this point?

WR Jalen McMillan

Since returning to action, Jalen McMillan has been relatively quiet despite a promising rookie year in 2024. While this game had plenty of expected bleak moments, McMillan was the bright spot. As alluded to, “J-Mac” was a key factor on Tampa Bay’s opening drive, and that it was his big 33-yard catch during the offense’s two-minute drill that put them in position to at least come away with three points.

In just the first half alone, he had five catches for 79 yards. On the day, he had seven catches for 114 yards, making it the first 100-yard game of his career.

WR Chris Godwin Jr.

Jalen McMillan was not the only Bucs wide receiver to get over 100 yards. It took until the very end of this one, but Chris Godwin Jr. eclipsed the mark with a huge 59-yard catch-and-run to begin an offensive drive with 1:50 left in the fourth quarter. It got Tampa Bay in range to score, with Baker Mayfield throwing a 4-yard touchdown to Mike Evans.

Godwin finished the game with seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown of his own, providing a key vertical element although the team ultimately came up short.

First Bucs Offensive Drive

Hours before Sunday afternoon’s game, I wrote about how it was time for offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard to learn his lesson and unleash the Bucs wide receivers. Mission accomplished on the offense’s first drive, at least. Grizzard elected to call passing plays on four of five first-down situations, with the diversified playcalling opening things up.

Bucs OC Josh Grizzard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Baker Mayfield was able to get into an early rhythm completing six of eight passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. Jalen McMillan caught three of Mayfield’s throws for 39 yards, including a key 18-yard throw on third-and-7 on a beautifully placed ball.

All the way around, it was smarter playcalling showcasing how they do not to reinvent the wheel to move the ball down the field. It just takes playing disciplined, being aware of situational football, and not being afraid to throw it. Seeing Chris Godwin Jr. cap it off with a 5-yard touchdown was the cherry on top.