<p>In the upcoming Monday night playoff encounter, the<strong> Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong> and the Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a compelling rematch following their Week 3 meeting. The initial game saw the Eagles secure a 25-11 victory, exposing vulnerabilities in the Buccaneers’ offense and prompting both teams to reevaluate their strategies.</p>



<p>Running back Rachaad White has emerged as a key player in the Buccaneers’ resurgence, symbolizing the team’s growth since their early-season setback. White’s stellar performance in the latter part of the season, contributing eight scrimmage touchdowns from Weeks 9-18, underscores the Buccaneers’ evolution and adaptability.</p>



<p>Star wide receiver Chris Godwin, in a recent interview on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, emphasized the team’s transformation. “We’ve evolved so much,” Godwin remarked, highlighting the Buccaneers’ ability to navigate the highs and lows of the season, identifying strengths and weaknesses along the way.</p>



<h2>Struggling Eagles Set for Monday Night Showdown</h2>



<p>Despite a mid-season losing streak, the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South with a 9-8 record, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the final weeks. Their late-season surge sets the stage for an intriguing encounter against an Eagles team that faced contrasting challenges.</p>



<p>While the Buccaneers evolved positively, the Eagles encountered difficulties in the latter part of the season, losing five of their final six games and securing the No. 5 seed in the NFC. The Eagles’ defensive struggles add an additional layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchup.</p>



<p>As both teams prepare for the Monday night game, the Buccaneers approach the rematch with the Eagles with a newfound understanding of their identity, eager to capitalize on missed opportunities from their initial encounter.</p>

Buccaneers and Eagles Prepare for Playoff Encounter

Buccaneers and Eagles Prepare for Playoff Encounter - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas


<p><strong>Baker Mayfield</strong>, despite a dinged-up knee and some soreness, appears to be ready to take the field for Thursday night’s game. The primary concern for the <strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong> as they approach their<strong> Week 8 matchup</strong> against the Buffalo Bills is the condition of their offense.</p>



<p>Tampa Bay has faced a tough stretch recently, losing three of their last four games, and their struggles have been characterized by anemic offensive performances. Their losses have seen them score 13 points or fewer, including a 16-13 defeat against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.</p>



<p>Mayfield, who finds himself starting for his fourth team in just three seasons, is no stranger to adversity in the ever-changing world of the NFL. Mayfield remains optimistic, believing that the Buccaneers can navigate through these turbulent times.</p>



<h2>Buccaneers Focus on Resilience as Mayfield Navigates Injury Concerns</h2>



<p>Mayfield shared his perspective, stating, “I think with any of those experiences you learn how to weather some of these storms, and you learn how to grow through them and handle them when certain situations come.”</p>



<p>The quarterback emphasized the importance of focusing on improving their performance, maintaining fundamental soundness, and concentrating on what they can control. Mayfield added, “For us, it’s about us playing our best ball and focusing on what we can control and that’s being fundamentally sound and doing our jobs.”</p>



<p>While the Buccaneers work on addressing their shortcomings, Mayfield’s knee injury limited him in practice. However, the injury is considered minor, similar to what NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier. He has thrown interceptions in four consecutive games, which offensive coordinator Dave Canales attributes to the team attempting to stretch the field effectively.</p>


Mayfield's Readiness Ahead of Thursday Night

Mayfield's Readiness Ahead of Thursday Night - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>In a pivotal decision as the preseason winds down, Coach Todd Bowles of the<strong> Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong> has chosen<strong> Baker Mayfield</strong> as the team’s starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 season. This announcement comes with the weighty responsibility of filling the substantial shoes left behind by none other than<strong> Tom Brady</strong> himself.</p>



<p>After being the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield has traversed through several teams, including the Browns, Rams, and Panthers, before landing with the Buccaneers. This journey ultimately led him to secure the coveted starting role, edging out 2021 second-round draft pick<strong> Kyle Trask</strong>.</p>



<p>“Baker’s our starting quarterback, Kyle’s our No. 2,”<strong> Bowles</strong> declared, acknowledging Trask’s progress while reaffirming Mayfield’s position. He continued, “We love everything Kyle has done. And he’s gotten leaps and bounds better than he was in the spring and he’s continuing to get better and we’re excited about him. But Baker’s our guy right now — experience-wise and just understanding the playbook just a little bit better. But Kyle’s on the come [up]. But we like both guys. We like where we’re at. Baker’s [No.] 1, Kyle’s [No.] 2.”</p>



<h2>Baker Mayfield’s Unwavering Confidence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers</h2>



<p>As Mayfield embarks on this new chapter, the pressure and expectations are undeniable. However, he remains steadfast in his focus and determination. “Now I’ve just got to lead like I know how, and the real thing is right around the corner,” Mayfield commented, emphasizing his readiness for the challenges of the upcoming season.</p>



<p>Mayfield’s journey to Tampa Bay has been marked by various stops. Despite the ups and downs, his confidence as a starting quarterback remains unshaken. “I expect to be the starter,” he asserted. “I know how talented I am. I know what type of leader I am. Now it’s time for the real thing. We’re about to have the real games, and everybody’s excited here.”</p>



<p>The decision to anoint Mayfield as the starting quarterback was the result of careful evaluation and consideration. General Manager Jason Licht, Coach Bowles, and Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales acknowledged the prolonged competition and recognized the need to provide Trask a fair opportunity after spending two years behind Brady and Gabbert.</p>


Baker Mayfield Named Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Starting Quarterback for 2023 Season

Baker Mayfield Named Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Starting Quarterback for 2023 Season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>The era of <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-4-best-moments-of-tom-bradys-nfl-career-20230201-SPD-3366.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> </strong>as the starting quarterback for the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers </a></strong>has come to an end. The all-time great quarterback said he was retiring from the NFL for good on February 1. This was his second straight year of retirement announcements.</p>



<p>Since Brady was going to become an unrestricted free agent again at the age of 45, Tampa Bay had to have been considering a replacement for him long before he announced his choice. To replace Brady as their starting quarterback, the Bucs will need to make a splash in free agency and/or the draft.</p>



<p>When the Buccaneers have stabilized their salary cap position without Brady, they may begin exploring free-agent options among established veterans. The club possesses nine draft picks, including the nineteenth overall pick in the first round. In light of all that, let’s take a look at the three best candidates for the Bucs’ next quarterback:</p>



<h2>Jimmy Garoppolo – free agent</h2>



<p>While Garoppolo’s attempts to take over for Brady with the Patriots were limited to a few Deflategate-related fill-in starts (along with Brissett), he has a chance to do it on a regular basis with the Buccaneers. He has nearly fully recovered from the damage to his left foot. If Trey Lance (broken ankle) and Brock Purdy both are able to play quarterback for San Francisco, the city is in for a thrilling QB fight (elbow surgery).</p>



<p>Garoppolo has had success under both Josh McDaniel and Kyle Shanahan, so he should feel at home in any system the Buccaneers play. He is also used to successfully relying on a supporting cast to achieve victory. The big issue is whether Garoppolo thinks there are other opportunities that are more alluring to him.</p>



<h2>Anthony Richardson – draft</h2>



<p>The Buccaneers snatched Trask away from Dan Mullen and the Gators. Overall, Billy Napier’s offense has made Richardson a more promising prospect. Even though Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and probably Will Levis will be selected before Richardson, the Buccaneers may have a better chance at the newest professional Gator if they choose No. 20 instead of the Seahawks.</p>



<p>If Richardson, who is 6-4 and 232 pounds, can work on his mechanics, downfield accuracy, and decision-making, he will unlock his tremendous potential as a quarterback. Since the Buccaneers fired Byron Leftwich as offensive coordinator, there is one more unknown factor in addition to Brady’s absence.</p>



<h2>Baker Mayfield – free agent</h2>



<p>Mayfield is eligible since Monken served as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator for one season (2019). Despite the disappointing outcome, Monken seemed to like many facets of Mayfield’s game and may believe he can get more out of him as a more seasoned option with an improved supporting cast.</p>



<p>This is why the Bucs chose Mayfield over Sam Darnold, Andy Dalton, and others, but the reuniting isn’t enough to make this a sure thing.</p>


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Top 3 potential quarterback successors to Tom Brady - thesportsdrops NEWS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Top 3 potential quarterback successors to Tom Brady


<p>On Wednesday, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-return-to-buccaneers-and-four-other-options-for-tom-brady-20230118-SPD-3332.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> </strong>announced his retirement from the National Football League. As a player for the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/there-was-no-respect-there-ryan-fitzpatrick-reveals-why-tom-brady-annoys-him-2769-20220916-SPD-2769.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Patriots</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong>, the GOAT provided fans with many memorable moments over the course of 23 seasons.</p>



<p>The 45-year-social old’s media video retirement announcement was his second consecutive year away from the sport of football. However, this retirement, according to Brady, is “for real” as opposed to the temporary retirement he took last year (which lasted just 40 days).</p>



<p>If this is it for Brady, he will go down in history as the greatest of all time. He leaves the league with several throwing records, including the most in Super Bowl victories, playoff victories, yards, and touchdown passes. Listed below are the four highlights of his professional career.</p>



<h2>4. First Super Bowl victory</h2>



<p>After Drew Bledsoe was injured in 2001, Brady was thrust into the starting lineup. However, at this stage in his career, he was still simply a game manager, and thus, very few people thought that the former sixth-round selection and a strong Patriots defense had a chance against the then-St. Louis Rams and the “Greatest Show on Turf.” In retrospect, it’s clear that Super Bowl XXXVI was only the first of many reminders of why it’s a bad idea to write off Brady</p>



<p>After scoring 14 unanswered points to make the score 17-17 with under a minute to play, the Rams seemed to have momentum on their side. Brady has no intention of postponing his Super Bowl party because of the extra time. The then-second-year professional displayed remarkable composure, completing five of eight throws, and setting the stage for Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal as time expired, giving the Patriots their first Super Bowl victory.</p>



<h2>3. Return to New England</h2>



<p>Every Patriots fan marked October 3, 2021, on their calendars when Brady departed New England. It was Brady’s first home game in Foxborough since his return. It was hoped that this game would allow fans to finally watch Tom Brady go up against Bill Belichick, who has been Brady’s coach for most of his career.</p>



<p>When Tom Brady made his first trip to Gillette Stadium as an opponent, New England fans got to see him one final time. During the thrilling victory, Brady set a new mark for throwing yards. With the 19-17 victory against Bill Belichick’s club, Brady joined an exclusive group of just three other quarterbacks in NFL history who had defeated each of the league’s 32 teams.</p>



<h2>2. Seventh and final Super Bowl victory</h2>



<p>Some speculated that Brady will hand over the reins to a younger star in Super Bowl LV. In any case, Brady’s game-winning effort served as a timely reminder that he was, indeed, the greatest quarterback of all time. While Mahomes struggled, the veteran quarterback was perfect, leading the team to a 31-9 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.</p>



<p>As of the 2020 season, Brady’s seven Super Bowl victories gave him more Lombardi Trophies than any NFL franchise. After 20 seasons in New England, the quarterback startled the sports world by announcing he was leaving for a new team, where he promptly won the Super Bowl</p>



<h2>1. 2016-17 Super Bowl LI</h2>



<p>By the middle of the third quarter, the Patriots were down 25 points to the Atlanta Falcons, and it seemed like Brady had shown his human side. While the signal-caller may have been brought to earth in the first half, by the time the confetti had settled, they had achieved almost mythological status.</p>



<p>Brady was flawless as he led the Patriots to a 28-28 tie with two minutes remaining in regulation. This is the best comeback by the greatest ever. Brady attained sports immortality by creating a moment that can be internationally remembered with just one simple phrase: “28-3.” This was the crowning achievement in a long series of honors, awards, and victories for Brady.</p>


Top 4 best moments of Tom Brady's NFL career

Top 4 best moments of Tom Brady's NFL career - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>After a miserable 31-14 defeat to the Cowboys on Monday night, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a></strong> and the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes for this year are officially over. This was just Brady’s fourth one-and-done performance in his 23 seasons as an NFL starting quarterback, and the loss was the second most lopsided of his career. </p>



<p>The 45-year-old told reporters he would ‘take it one day at a time’ in the wake of Monday’s defeat, being characteristically evasive. Being a free agent, this season marked Brady’s third season with the Bucs, and it very well may have been his last, either by the team’s or his own decision.</p>



<p>It’s possible that Brady may revisit his old stomping grounds in Tampa. It’s possible he’ll look for a new team to play for. He even could decide to call it quits at some point once again. In any case, what choices does he have? Let’s find out.</p>



<h2>Return to Buccaneers</h2>



<p>It’s no secret that Brady gets along well with the team’s higher-ups, especially the Glazer family, who own the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-takes-leave-from-buccaneers-until-august-20-for-personal-matters-2506-20220811-SPD-2506.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buccaneers</a></strong> and helped lure Brady away from the Patriots in 2020. Compared to other NFL locales, Tampa, Florida, must be a lot more pleasant now that he’s reached the end of his career. And he leaves behind a short but significant legacy as a Buccaneer, ending a decade of club irrelevance with an MVP-caliber championship run.</p>



<h2>Join Jets</h2>



<p>Currently, the Jets’ sole evident need is for a veteran quarterback. Meanwhile, Brady’s arrival would instantly restore respectability to a locker room that cheered Zach Wilson’s demotion that year. For the most part, what’s holding things up is whether or not the Jets would rather have a somewhat longer-term potential.</p>



<h2>Go back to Patriots</h2>



<p>Despite the general public’s disapproval, here is where Brady made his mark, and he is still respected among his peers. The Patriots’ offense may be revamped without a financial problem. Mac Jones has to move over here and regain his bearings. It would also serve as a logical stepping stone for Brady’s eventual transition into full retirement.</p>



<h2>Join Titans</h2>



<p>Prior to re-signing Ryan Tannehill, the Titans explored a free-agent deal with Brady in 2020. The departure of general manager Jon Robinson and the hiring of coach Mike Vrabel gives the quarterback a chance to return to his roots as a quarterback.</p>



<h2>Join 49ers</h2>



<p>On paper, this seems like a match made in heaven: Brady grew up in the Bay Area and has always had a soft spot for the 49ers, and his ability to make split-second decisions and read the field effectively makes him a great fit for a system designed to get the ball to its playmakers as quickly as possible. However, the team may not be able to afford to change a winning recipe only to bring together a renowned name and a legendary team.</p>


NFL: Return to Buccaneers and four other options for Tom Brady

NFL: Return to Buccaneers and four other options for Tom Brady - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>On Thursday, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/browns-new-arrival-jakeem-grant-to-miss-rest-of-season-with-torn-achilles-tendon-2502-20220810-SPD-2502.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> head coach Todd Bowles announced that quarterback <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> </strong>will be taking time away from the club to “handle some personal stuff.” Bowles added that they had addressed Brady’s absence in advance and that he would return after the preseason game on August 20 against the Tennessee Titans.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“This is something we talked about before training camp started. We allotted this time because he wanted to get in and get chemistry with the guys and go through two weeks of training camp, knowing he wasn’t going to play the first two games. </em></p><p><em>“He didn’t want to take away reps from Blaine [Gabbert] and Kyle [Trask], as well as ‘Griff’ [Ryan Griffin] going into these next two games, knowing it’s something he needs to handle. It’s a personal issue. That’s all I can tell you.”</em></p></blockquote>



<h2>Tom Brady to return for Tennessee Titans clash</h2>



<p>The 45-year-old Tom Brady has had a tough offseason. The process began in February when he declared his intention to retire. Then, in March, Brady declared his comeback to the Buccaneers.</p>



<p>And earlier this month, the league decided that the Dolphins had illegal contact with Brady on many occasions over the last couple of years, thus the club forfeited draft selections and team owner Stephen Ross was fined and suspended.</p>


Tom Brady takes leave from Buccaneers until August 20 for personal matters

Tom Brady takes leave from Buccaneers until August 20 for personal matters - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>In spite of <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-rob-gronkowski-retires-for-second-time-in-career-after-two-seasons-with-buccaneers-1700-20220622-SPD-1700.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a></strong>‘s previous 40-day hiatus, it’s reasonable to assume that he will retire again. This time it will be for good, as he has already done so once before.</p>



<p>At 45 when the 2022 season begins, Brady has said several times that his <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultimate ambition</a> is to play until he is 45 years old. When he will retire is an interesting issue, and one he appears to be struggling to answer.</p>



<p>According to <em>Variety</em>‘s interview, he hinted at his possible retirement if the Buccaneers won this year’s championship. Brady told Ramin Setoodeh that he doesn’t know when he will retire, but he did say he’s “pretty near to the conclusion” of his playing career.</p>



<h2>What Tom Brady said about his definitive retirement</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“I think that would obviously be the greatest way to end [to win one more Lombardi Trophy]. I just have a competitive fire that got the best of me. I would say it’s year to year: Could this be my last year? Absolutely. Could I change my mind? Absolutely. </em></p><p><em>“I’ve realized I don’t have five years left. I want to do it my way. I want to give it everything I got and see where I’m at. My body feels really good. I’ve had a lot of traumatic injuries over the years, but if things go really smoothly and we win, that’d be great.”</em></p><cite>Brady told <em>Variety</em></cite></blockquote>


Tampa Bay Buccaneers