A Super Bowl Prediction Lands On Tampa Bay

Last week, Joe took a poke at Jacob Robinson and Dianna Russini for a backhanded slap to the Bucs in their look at the NFC South champs for TheAthletic.com.

They wrote the Bucs are “stronger than most realize,” as if they really ran around neighborhood bars and their New York Times newsroom looking for fans’ take on the NFC South champs of the past four seasons.

However, it seems Joe might have been a little harsh. Today, Robinson explained he was asked for a hot NFL take and pointed in the direction of Bill Currie Ford down the road from the stadium on Dale Mabry Highway. “This year’s NFC winner isn’t the Eagles, Lions or Vikings. Instead, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers represent the NFC in this year’s Super Bowl.”

That sure is a hot take. Joe loves it. Robinson called it a definitely reasonable hot take. He wrote about various Bucs facts and basics, but then sought perspective from retired Bucs stud defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is now part of TheAthletic.com family.

Ndamukong Suh: “There’s no denying that luck is a big factor, but the real key is unselfishness.

“It’s not enough to have talent; players have to genuinely buy into their roles, no matter what they are. When individuals prioritize themselves, it disrupts the team’s cohesion, and you simply won’t reach your objectives. Success demands everyone playing their part.”

 

A winnable division and one of the league’s easiest schedules should again position the Buccaneers to start the postseason at home. If Godwin returns healthy, Reddick brings Pro Bowl pass rush production, and the turnover variable swings back in Tampa Bay’s favor, this team could be taking the field at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026, competing for the Super Bowl.

For those stunned, this was written by Robinson after the Tristan Wirfs injury/surgery was announced.

Joe is not convinced the Bucs are a Super Bowl contender. But expect Joe to do an about face if/when the team can find its way to a 5-3 record at the bye with Haason Reddick and Chris Godwin performing well, and SirVocea Dennis off the injury list.

That should set the Bucs up nicely for a 12-win season.