The Tampa Bay Buccaneers experienced a devastating defeat on December 14, 2023, losing 29-28 to the Atlanta Falcons after leading by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The game took place at Raymond James Stadium, marking the Buccaneers’ fifth loss in their last six matches, which leaves them with a record of 7-7 and trailing the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South standings.
Coach Todd Bowles expressed his frustration following the game, labeling the loss as “inexcusable.” He challenged his players to “look in the mirror” and reflect on their performance. Bowles emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “You don’t make excuses. You got to care enough where the s— hurts. It’s got to mean something to you. It’s more than a job. It’s your f—ing livelihood.”
The game turned dramatically in the fourth quarter. The Bucs appeared to be in control until the Falcons, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, cut the deficit to 28-26 following a 6-yard touchdown run by Bijan Robinson. An interception thrown by Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield on the subsequent drive allowed Atlanta to regain momentum.
Facing a third-and-28 in the final moments, Cousins connected with tight end Kyle Pitts for 14 yards and completed a crucial 20-yard pass to David Sills V on fourth-and-14. These plays set the stage for Zane Gonzalez‘s 43-yard field goal, sealing the game as time expired.
Bowles reiterated the responsibility of the players to execute their roles effectively. “At this point you’ve seen everything in the season. The coaches have done everything they can do. This is a player-driven team in the last four or five weeks. You’ve got to execute, and they’ve got to hold each other accountable,” he stated. He noted that the issues stemmed from a small group of players and highlighted the need for improvement, saying, “The small, select few is what’s getting us beat.”
The defeat has significant implications for the Buccaneers’ playoff aspirations. According to ESPN Analytics, their chances of winning the NFC South drop to 35% if the Panthers defeat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Conversely, those odds would rise to 76% if the Panthers lose.
In a show of leadership, Mayfield took responsibility for the loss, stating, “This one is going to haunt me. It falls on my shoulders. It’s not the defense’s fault. It’s my fault.” This sentiment underlines his commitment to the team and his determination to improve.
With wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan returning from injured reserve, the Buccaneers looked to make a strong push for the playoffs. However, as Bowles pointed out, success depends on the players’ ability to hold each other accountable and execute their game plans effectively. The team now faces a challenging path ahead as they strive to regain their footing in a competitive division.
