Buccaneers dealt harsh reality in latest power rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to halt their three-game skid with a gritty 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at home, to move to 7-5.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut that doesn't appear to have changed how many view Todd Bowles' team, as once again, they are struggling against the injury tide.
Bucky Irving made his long-awaited return, while Chris Godwin continues to get healthier, and Mike Evans is on track to return sooner rather than later.
For NFL.com's Eric Edholm, he has the Buccaneers all the way down at No. 17 in his latest power rankings.
“I'm not going to get crazy hyped about the Bucs snapping their three-game losing streak, because it ended in a three-point home win against a three-win club,” Edholm writes. “Tampa has gotten hot the past two Decembers; that trend might need to carry to a third year if the Bucs are to finish off the race and clinch a home playoff game.”
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Do Buccaneers need more respect?
Having them 17th in the NFL might seem a little harsh, considering the injury list, but Tampa Bay did lose four out of five games before beating Arizona.
That isn't good.
And the win over the Cardinals wasn't exactly one for the highlight reel, but nevertheless, with a hurt Baker Mayfield, the team did enough to claim win No. 7 and keep its season goal of winning the division alive.
With five very winnable games to come, two of which are against the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay is in good shape, but as far as having them as the 17th-best team in football?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat might be a little harsh.
More Buccaneers news:
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Todd Bowles offers huge injury update for forgotten Buccaneers WR
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Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield offers update on injured shoulder after Week 14 win
