This is not normal. Statistically speaking, it’s barely even possible.
Just two-thirds of the way through the NFL season, the Bucs are facing potential elimination in the NFC South today. By itself, that’s not so astounding. The Bucs could also potentially end up all alone in last place in the division if they lose to the Falcons. And if this were a one-year snapshot, that would not be unusual either.
What’s hard to grasp, and defies epic odds, is how commonplace this has all become.
No NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB team has finished in last place as frequently as Tampa Bay in the past decade. This could potentially be the seventh time the Bucs end up all alone at the bottom of the South since 2009. In two other seasons, they tied for the worst record.
Ultimately, this is a problem with ownership. And with a lack of direction.
The Bucs do not seem to operate with an organizational philosophy as much as an annual reassessment.
If the Bucs have a mission plan to develop a quality on-field product year-in and year-out, it has not been readily apparent. At least not since the days when Rich McKay was running the front office. And if the Glazer family isn’t up to the task, they need to find someone capable of being that steady, and commanding, voice.
Chances are, the Bucs will miss the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season. How hard is that? Well, 37.5 percent of NFL teams make the playoffs every year. From a mathematical perspective, all things being equal, the odds of making the playoffs at least once during any 12-year span is 99.6 percent. It takes a rare ineptness to Buc those odds.
