Support Us Button Widget
Culture

Get ready for some last-gasp drama, Buccaneers fans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one last shot to make it into the NFL Playoffs.

January 3, 2024 • 
Patrick Sidwell
Raymond James Stadium for a Bucs game. The players are warming up and fans are taking their seats.

Ray Jay is baying for another playoff game.

Photo by TBAYtoday

The NFL regular season is coming to a close, with just one game left for each of the league’s 32 teams. Our Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have a chance to make the playoffs, but there is a final hurdle to overcome.

After Sunday’s 23-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the race to win the NFC South — and by default, make it into the playoffs — is still alive. So, what are the scenarios?

For the Bucs, it’s simple. Win on the road against the Carolina Panthers — who sit with a league-worst 2-14 record — and a fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs is secure. A loss for Baker Mayfield and company would open the door to the Saints or Falcons — who are facing off against each other.

Head coach Todd Bowles says quarterback Mayfield will be “fine by Sunday” after suffering a rib injury in the last game, and he is expected to take the field.

Wherever you catch the game, be sure to cheers on the Bucs.

More from TBAYtoday
Two fencers face off in the full silver equipment. The one on the right is lunging toward the one on the left with a dark grey background and spooky smokey effects around.
Sports
Try out these 6 niche Olympic Sports in Tampa Bay
This could be the start of your road to the 2028 Games.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A line of sushi rolls sits on a black dish. There is white sauce across the surface, and rice rolls have filling and toppings in dark surroundings.
Food
Meet Kiwa: South Tampa’s newest sushi hotspot
The area’s foodie game is about to go up another notch.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A hand holds up a yellow and blue "Beach Blonde Ale" can from 3 Daughters Brewing up in front of a blue sky with palm trees.
Culture
Local libations: A round of Tampa Bay-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Tampa Bay nod there — these craft beers found around the Big Guava take local pride seriously.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The Selmon Expressway viaduct sits above the Hillsborough River. Tampa's skyline is behind it, and there are blue skies overhead.
City
Breaking down Tampa’s budget: Capital Improvement Projects
We’re sharing how the proposed $1.8 billion budget could be spent across the city.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A green boba drink sits on a boardwalk at John's Pass. The focus is on the green straw and clear rounded container, while the blurry background shows a wooden walkway, water, cloudy skies, and a nearby boat.
Food
Tampa Bay neighborhoods as drinks
Every drink has its own flavors and characteristics, just like neighborhoods. We paired them up.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Chefs prepare for Epic Chef behind a counter laden with fresh produce. The chefs are wearing white uniforms, and wiring surrounds the area in the shiny Epicurean Theatre — a kitchen fit for shows and productions. Counters are a mix of white, silver, and grey, and ingredients line the wall in clear containers.
Nonprofits
A cooking contest with a purpose: Feeding Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef
The three-week event celebrates local culinary excellence, and offers a chance to reflect on those less fortunate.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Screen Shot 2023-05-25 at 3.26.01 PM.png
Live
Where to find lunch for $10 or less
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 15 lunches, from Cuban sammies to broiled burgers.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Staff
A foamy iced tea sits in front of a window with curtains, the light streaming in.
Food
3 Tampa Bay tea spots
From matcha workshops to history high teas, we’ve got our tea lovers covered.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Members of Tampa's Green Team stand in a line facing the camera. They are holding gardening tools, dressed in green tshirts, and wearing hats as the sun shines down. Someone near the middle is holding a tree with a mulch bag on the ground, implying it will be planted.
Travel and Outdoors
Tampa’s Green Team is looking for new members
Help create a brighter future with the city-run program.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
The pink-colored Don CeSar hotel sits in front of the beach. The Gulf of Mexico is bright blue in the background, and two pools are by the hotel surrounded by cabanas and deckchairs. The sun is shining, casting shadows toward the west, showing it is a beautiful sunny morning.
Food
Sip and dip at these Tampa Bay area pool bars
These TBAY spots are refreshing in more than one way.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell