Bucs at the Halfway Point: A Tale of Two Teams – Which One Will We See Going Forward?

Here we are at the halfway point of the 2025 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And on paper, things look pretty good from that perch, when you factor in the torrent of injuries the Bucs have had to slog through en route to their 6-2 record.

But those injuries have clouded the picture at the moment. And that makes it harder to assess this team’s potential beyond a fifth straight NFC Division title and a mere seat at the post-season table.

As it stands, this is a tale of two teams: the healthy one that looked so promising early on, and the bruised and battered brigade that has lost some of its punch yet managed to hang onto a powerful position in the otherwise hapless NFC South.

You could reasonably argue that if the Bucs could win six of eight games with so many injuries to key players, they should be among the league’s elite when they are close to healthy in the weeks that follow. After all, less than a month ago, they sat atop the NFL’s power rankings after their 30-19 win over San Francisco in Week 6.

So that’s the question: Will they get healthy … and remain so?

The fact is, in their current black-and-blue condition, they are not the same team that started the season. And frankly, right now it’s hard to see them hanging with the NFL’s top teams, like the Colts, Chiefs, Eagles, Packers and Lions to name a few. They currently rank 19th in total offense and 16th in defense – not anywhere close to where they want to be – though they are still in the Top 10 of the Power Rankings, sitting at No. 8.

Without question, the running game, though solid with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, lacks the pop provided by Bucky Irving, out the past three weeks with a shoulder and foot injury.

The offensive line, shuffled frequently due to a string of injuries, isn’t affording quarterback Baker Mayfield quite the same protection it had early on. And Mayfield, despite his toughness and strong leadership, has been off a bit the past two games with overthrows against Detroit and New Orleans. He too could be playing through some batters and bruises.

Fortunately, the largely young wide receiving corps has stepped up to fill the gap left by injured All-Pro Mike Evans. But there’s no question that without Evans, long the linchpin of the passing game, they are not as threatening to opposing defenses.

That raises the possibility of a trade to potentially reinforce the receiving brigade. The deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m., and no doubt general manager Jason Licht has scoured the ranks of available names – regardless of the position. But as head coach Todd Bowles remarked last week, “it would depend on whether you have to rob Peter to pay Paul. And then we would have to weigh those options.”

Unless they could land a proven, experienced player who could fit into the offensive scheme seamlessly – and not have to give up a lot in the process – it doesn’t sound likely.

If there’s good news, it’s that nine games remain on the schedule, and there’s time for the Bucs to heal and regain momentum. The forceful defensive showing in New Orleans – fueled by four takeaways in a 23-3 win last Sunday – is a solid foundation on which to build in the season’s second half.

As for the first half, it was a story of dramatic comebacks orchestrated by Mayfield; the instant emergence of No. 1 pick, rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, as a legitimate NFL threat; the surprising entrance of rookie wideout Tez Johnson as a reliable, big-play presence in support of Egbuka; the defense gradually finding its footing with opportunistic play and takeaways; kicker Chase McLaughlin overcoming an horrendous start to become the king of 50-plus-yard field goals (8 for 8 this season); and the deluge of injuries.

The wave of walking wounded started in training camp when All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs went down with a knee injury and missed the entire preseason, plus the first three regular season games.

That loss came on top of injuries in 2024 that sidelined two top wide receivers – Chris Godwin (dislocated ankle) and Jalen MacMillan (neck sprain) – yet it opened the door for the sensational debut of Egbuka, whose dazzling play helped the Bucs jump to a 3-0 start before they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 31-25, who now command the NFC East at 6-2.

So began a revolving door of battered Bucs. Hopes rose with the return of star like receivers Evans and Godwin – only to be dashed with new injuries that knocked both back out. Even Egbuka missed some action with a strained hamstring, but earned recent praise from head coach Todd Bowles for playing while hurt.

Now, with any luck, the team will get future Hall of Famer Evans – out first with a hamstring pull, then with a broken collarbone – back for the post-season.

As for Godwin – or as he lately is known in print as “Godwin (fibula)” – his timetable isn’t as certain, though his return whenever it comes will be a huge lift with Evans out and defenses now keying on Egbuka. MacMillan’s return date remains hazy.

Meanwhile, signs seem to be pointing to play-making tailback Bucky Irving getting back on the field after this week’s bye, in time for the Nov. 9 home game against surprisingly tough New England, which at 6-2 leads the AFC East.

There’s still no word on offensive guard Luke Goedeke, who has been sidelined since signing his lucrative contract extension at the start of the season. Fellow Luke, offensive guard Haggard, missed last Sunday’s win against the Saints with a shoulder injury. And the defensive question mark at the moment is linebacker Hasaan Reddick’s knee sprain, though his fill-in, Anthony Nelson, stole the show with a performance that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week against New Orleans.

So where does all this leave the Bucs as they rest up and prepare for a particularly challenging start to the second half?

After New England, a road game follows on Nov. 16 against the potent, Josh Allen-powered Buffalo Bills, a half-game behind the Patriots at 5-2; and then there’s a return to Tampa to host the Los Angeles Rams, tied with Seattle for first in the NFC West at 5-2.

It’s risky to put too much weight on any one segment with more games remaining than they’ve already played. But if you’re looking for an early sign, here’s one: If the Bucs can win two of those three games, improving to 8-3, you’d have to think they are in a good place to build momentum down the stretch. If they lose two of the three, it’s by no means a disaster, but they would look more like a team headed for another division title and an early out in the playoffs.

What may make all the difference is whether they can finally get their starters healthy – and be the dominant team they looked like not that many weeks ago.