Even though things change, some things stay the same in the NFL. That’s certainly the case in the NFC South, as the Buccaneers are once again NFC South division champions after Sunday’s 9-0 win over the Panthers.
Tampa Bay’s third and most recent division championship run has been a roller coaster. After a 2-0 start, the Buccaneers suffered a mid-season slump and were just 4-7 after 11 games. But they rallied to win four straight games thanks to an offense that averaged 28.5 points per game during that span.
The Buccaneers’ winning steak was broken last week after losing a 23-13 decision to the Saints, who were also trying to win the South. But Tampa Bay bounced back Sunday by shutting out a Panthers team that has won just two games this season.
Tampa Bay’s division crown was the result of several strong individual performances, including those from quarterback Baker Mayfield, wideout Mike Evans, running back Rachaad White and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Perhaps the greatest An NFL Pro Bowl snob, Winfield has filled the stat sheet this season with three picks, five sacks and 117 tackles heading into Sunday’s game.
Owners of the fourth seed, the Buccaneers will host either the Eagles or Cowboys in the first round. Philadelphia faces the Giants in New York and the Cowboys hope to beat the Commanders in DC
