The Buccaneers have a fresh look and fresh quarterback heading into the 2020 season, and for the first time in over a decade there is genuine optimism surrounding this franchise and their chances of making the playoffs.
Tom Brady brings with him years of championship experience from New England, where he helped win six Super Bowls over his 20-year run with the Patriots. Now that he’s with the Bucs, all eyes will be on the three-time regular season MVP to guide Tampa Bay back to the playoffs. And according to ESPN, the odds are in their favor.
Per ESPN:
“Since 2015, the Buccaneers’ best preseason chance to make the playoffs according to FPI has been 33.1%, in 2017. This season, FPI has given them a 62.9% chance to make the playoffs, good for second in the division (Saints, 82.5%) and fifth in the NFC.”
While the high playoff odds will certainly make Bucs fans happy, it also means the pressure is on this season for a team coming off a 7-9 year. As great as Brady is, he can’t do it all by himself. The defense will need to step up in an even bigger way in 2020, especially the secondary. Fortunately, retaining key veterans like Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett will help make the rush defense strong once again.
The Bucs seem destined for the playoffs. Now, they just need to traverse the road of the regular season to get there.
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