The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken a significant hit in the latest NFL power rankings after their decisive 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite being atop the NFC South standings, the Buccaneers dropped seven places to eighth in the league’s power rankings, per NFL.com.

Reasons Behind the Plummet

– Injury Concerns: The Buccaneers’ star wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a broken clavicle, which will likely keep him sidelined for a couple of months. This loss will undoubtedly impact the team’s offense, particularly in the red zone where Evans has been a dominant force.

– Disappointing Performance: The Buccaneers’ offense looked stagnant against the Lions, with quarterback Baker Mayfield struggling to make plays. Mayfield rallied the troops, but three turnovers on downs in the fourth quarter sealed the team’s fate.

– Defensive Performance: Although the Buccaneers’ defense held the Lions to under 30 points, they were gashed by the Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The defense will need to step up in the absence of key players and injuries.

Impact on the Buccaneers’ Season

The Buccaneers’ power ranking drop might not reflect their current record, but it’s a clear indication that their performance didn’t live up to expectations. With a tough schedule ahead, including matchups against the New Orleans Saints and during their bye week, the Buccaneers will need to regroup and refocus to maintain their playoff hopes.

What to Expect Next

The Buccaneers will look to bounce back against the Saints and then use their bye week to assess their injuries and work on their game plan. With Mike Evans out for an extended period, the team will need to rely on other receivers to step up and fill the void. Baker Mayfield will also need to regain his form to lead the team to victories ¹.