The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not the betting favorites to win the NFC South in 2024, despite capturing the last three division titles, returning virtually everyone from a 2023 squad that advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs and adding some key pieces in free agency and the draft. The Buccaneers are more than happy to put on the underdog costumes again, but they don't actually believe that's their role.
Of course, this team has been here before. National expectations were not high for the Buccaneers in 2023, and the reasons were both obvious and at least somewhat reasonable. Though they had won the division in 2022, they finished 8-9 and were run out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round. Then Tom Brady retired and their choice to replace him (after a camp battle with Kyle Trask) was Baker Mayfield, who had been on three other NFL rosters in the past year.
A year later, the Bucs have seen Mayfield succeed and, not coincidentally, they've seen their current roster contend with the best. The Buccaneers took a tie with the Lions into the fourth quarter of their Divisional Round game in Detroit, coming close to advancing to the NFC Championship Game. Recently, Mayfield contemplated how his NFL situation has changed dramatically since he arrived in Tampa and noted that, "When I settle in, good things happen." Mayfield is now settled in, and his teammates can tell and are feeding off his confidence.
"I think because he is settled in, you see a lot more confidence in the squad and a lot more confidence in each other," said Head Coach Todd Bowles on Monday after the team's fifth practice of training camp. "The fact that we went pretty far last year – for us, not far enough – but you see some confidence and some hope. They come back maturity-wise and understanding what they have to do. We're just trying not to beat ourselves."
View photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players practicing at 2024 Training Camp on Monday, July 29th, 2024 at AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his son during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68, Guard Elijah Klein #79, Guard Avery Jones #66, Center Graham Barton #62, Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15, and Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Punter Jake Camarda #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Cody Thompson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back D.J. Williams #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 and Cornerback Chris McDonald #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht, his son, and Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 and Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tight End David Wells #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Tight End Sal Canella #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3, Running Back Rachaad White #1, and Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Helmet during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Cornerback Chris McDonald #36, Safety Christian Izien #29, Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26, Safety Rashad Wisdom #38 and Safety Marcus Banks #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23, Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Quality Control Coach Joey Fitzgerald and Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Earnest Brown #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 and Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers and Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht and Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht and Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebackers Coach George Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Cornerback Andrew Hayes #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 29, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It is quite understandable, then, that the 2024 Buccaneers are a confident bunch despite outside assessments of their chances. If anything, there are a lot fewer questions around the team than there were a year ago. Mayfield is a playoff caliber quarterback; Mike Evans and Lavonte David are not in decline; Antoine Winfield is now a bona fide star in the secondary; confidence in the kicker is higher than it's been in a decade; Tristan Wirfs handled the switch to left tackle without a hitch and Luke Goedeke is an above-average right tackle; Yaya Diaby is a better pass rusher that the team even expected; and so on.
"I think there [were] a lot of new parts last year – new quarterback, new offensive coordinator," said Wirfs. "I mean, I was going through it, you guys remember that. But I think everyone's kind of settled in. I think Baker said it the other day: He really can dig his feet in now and make a difference. So I think just the leadership that he's bringing, the confidence and experience we have all across the board. Mike Evans, HOF (Hall of Fame), it's incredible watching him come out here every day and fly around. Chris Godwin, Vita Vea, Lavonte David, Will Gholston…you've got all these leaders, incredible players, incredible people [who] come out here and show these young guys what it's like to be a pro. It's hard to see that and not want to emulate it, and everyone steps up and be the best you can be.
"I mean, we're only what, five days into training camp and it's been awesome. I'm super excited. It's great being out here with everybody. We've got a long road ahead; it's going to be fun."
