At this point, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are far from underdogs.
With four consecutive NFC South titles and five straight playoff appearances, the franchise has established itself as a model of consistency in an otherwise unstable division. But consistency isn’t the goal anymore; it’s advancement.
So, what exactly defines success for Tampa Bay in 2025?
First and foremost, a fifth straight division title is non-negotiable. The NFC South is improving, but the Bucs are still the standard. The Falcons have a new quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., the New Orleans Saints remain unpredictable, and the Carolina Panthers are rebuilding with youth and patience. The Bucs must assert early dominance, avoid the sluggish midseason stretches that nearly cost them playoff positioning in 2024, and put the division away before Week 18. More importantly, success this season means getting past the Divisional Round, a hurdle they’ve failed to clear since their Super Bowl run in 2020.
Last season’s postseason ended in a hard-fought loss to Washington, but the bar has shifted. Simply making the playoffs isn’t enough anymore. With the roster the Bucs have led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr., and a core of playoff-tested veterans, anything short of a trip to the NFC Championship Game will feel like falling short.
Offensively, success hinges on maintaining and building upon the momentum of 2024. Josh Grizzard, promoted to offensive coordinator, inherits a unit that returns all 11 starters, including all five offensive linemen and the new power-packing duo at running back in Rachaad White and Bucky Irving. Grizzard doesn’t need to overhaul; he needs to sustain efficiency, improve red zone scoring, and unlock more explosive plays. If the Bucs can stay in the top 10 in scoring and third-down conversions, they’ll be in every game. Defensively, success means turning young talent into consistent production.
The additions of edge rusher Haason Reddick, who will be opposite budding star Yaya Diaby, adds firepower to a Bucs pass rush that struggled to get consistent pressure. Elijah Roberts adds a breath of fresh air amongst the defensive line, upgrading from Will Gholston. Todd Bowles’ scheme remains aggressive, but this year it must be smarter with fewer blown coverages, more turnovers, and better fourth-quarter execution.
Finally, a successful 2025 season means solidifying Baker Mayfield’s role as the franchise quarterback, not just a comeback story, but as a top-10 quarterback.
The verdict? Winning the South, reaching 11+ wins, and advancing to the NFC title game would make for a successful season.