“Important As A Measuring Stick For Confidence”
October 16th, 2025
How much do the Bucs believe in themselves?
Joe has to think confidence is sky high.
Tampa Bay has beaten four NFC teams that have winning records. That’s a huge reason the Bucs are 5-1 atop the conference.
Confidence comes from within, but Baker Mayfield seems to be a realist when it comes to big-picture confidence. Mayfield isn’t looking at the standings but knows what the Detroit Lions are and what they represent.
The Bucs play in Detroit on Monday night and how Tampa Bay plays will matter to their franchise quarterback.
“Each week is extremely important; don’t get me wrong,” Mayfield said. “But anytime you’re playing the teams that are always considered as playoff teams — the teams that are at the top of your conference — it’s important as a measuring stick for confidence. Also, how good we can execute and do the little things right against great teams — you do not have to go above and beyond, but you have to do your job and do it at a high level.”
Monday is a bit of a measuring stick. But Joe would say that’s equally true for both teams. The Lions are not the 15-win club they were a year ago, and the Bucs come in with a sizzling quarterback and the knowledge they can win at Bill Currie Ford Field.
October 16th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
At least it sounds like the Bucs will have a number 1 receiver with the progress Mike has made. That allows the 5th, 6th and 7th guys a little more room to get open. And may Otten have a good game!
October 16th, 2025 at 7:12 pm
When are the Bucs going to push the panic button for a dominant defensive end or linebacker ! Please Max Crosby or someone.
October 16th, 2025 at 7:17 pm
We’ve beaten 3 teams in the NFC with a winning record. The other two wins were the Jets and the Texans both AFC teams. Come on Joe. Lol.
Let’s make it the 4th Monday night!
October 16th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Doughboy,
Why not take a really big swing and go after Myles Garrett? He is locked up for the next several years at a king’s ransom. The Browns aren’t going anywhere and are heading for another one of their endless rebuilds. Acquiring Garrett is the defensive equivalent of Bucs signing Tom Brady for a Super Bowl push. The cost of this deal is outrageous but so is the escalation in annual QB salaries. With Baker at a discount for the rest of this year and next, it might be time to pull the trigger on Garrett for a couple of years.
October 16th, 2025 at 7:55 pm
Licht NEVER makes splash deals at the trade deadline during the season. It is not in his DNA.
October 16th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
This is another winnable game! The Buc’s need their A game. The O, the D, and the SP need to take care of the details. Execute plays. No room for mistakes. Get it done!!!!
October 16th, 2025 at 8:53 pm
Definitely a big game.
Our beat up offense vs their beat up D.
Our semi healthy D against their healthy offense.
Can’t let Goff have all day…. Have to get pressure and sacks, preferably early and often. Mix up coverages and make him think. Take away his 1st read. He’ll throw us a few.
Offensively, most worried about execution and self inflicted wounds via penalties. If we can play “clean” and everybody does their job I expect Grizz to have a good offensive gameplan in place.
October 16th, 2025 at 9:14 pm
Gipper, with all due respect, besides being too expensive and getting up there in age, I don’t think Garrett fits the character profile that JL looks for. I’d rather go after Maxx Crosby or someone else. Also, he will be 30 in December and he’s had a lot of nagging type injuries.
October 16th, 2025 at 9:34 pm
Myles Garrett???
He was the catalyst behind the Browns ditching Mayfield.
Hard. Pass.
October 16th, 2025 at 10:01 pm
The armchair GMs who learn their craft on Madden 05 really crack me up.
October 16th, 2025 at 10:14 pm
Gone gator
Would be a great time for our defense to win a game. The Lions offense is loaded.
October 16th, 2025 at 10:27 pm
Stop the run, which the Buccaneers are good at, and they can get pressure on Goff. They have to get pressure because he’s playing at an extremely high-level just like Baker.
I am not worried about the Bucs scoring on their defense. Especially with Mike back.
October 16th, 2025 at 11:33 pm
Crosby >>>>>>>> Garrett
That means Crosby is much more preferred than Garrett
Doesn’t matter, they would both break the bank.
October 17th, 2025 at 12:01 am
WOW. Steeler fans hate their defensive coach almost as Bucs fans hate THEIRS
October 17th, 2025 at 12:16 am
@Jmarkbuc
Would be awesome….and I will not be shocked if that happens.
October 17th, 2025 at 1:42 am
If the Bucs win … they are legit contenders
If the Bucs lose … they are legit contenders
Don’t have a butt hurt over reaction.
October 17th, 2025 at 3:35 am
Love the articles here but I swear Joe is drunk when writing these. Proof- reading is lame lol
October 17th, 2025 at 11:42 am
I would be very hesitant to throw any 1st round draft picks at a linebacker or defensive end. I see Micah Parsons has 2.5 sacks and 11 tackles in 5 games. Green Bay gave up a good player, though older, and two first round draft picks. It’s still early, Jerry just might have gotten the better end of that deal.
October 17th, 2025 at 11:43 am
I see Micah Parsons has 2.5 sacks and 11 tackles in 5 games. Green Bay gave up a good player, though older, and two first round draft picks. It’s still early, Jerry just might have gotten the better end of that deal.