Three big questions facing the Buccaneers in the second half

The Buccaneers’ playoff hopes depend on their ability to recover and regroup.

Oct 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet is seen on the sidelines prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Imagess | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the second half of the 2025 season with plenty of talent but just as many question marks.

Injuries, defensive inconsistencies, and offensive struggles have slowed their early momentum.

If the Buccaneers want to stay competitive in the NFC playoff race, they’ll need answers to three major questions down the stretch.

Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is helped off the field after an injury against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

Can the Buccaneers finally get healthy?

Injuries have been the story of Tampa Bay’s season so far. Star wideouts Chris Godwin and Mike Evans have both missed extended time, while running back Bucky Irving has been sidelined with lingering lower-body issues. The offensive line has also battled multiple injuries, forcing the coaching staff to constantly shuffle players and adjust protections for Baker Mayfield.

With the team’s two biggest receiving threats unavailable, the Buccaneers have had to rely heavily on tight end Cade Otton and role players like Tez Johnson and Rachaad White. While those players have stepped up, the Buccaneers' offense simply hasn’t looked the same without its stars.

Head coach Todd Bowles knows that getting healthy is key to making a late playoff push. The Buccaneers have the talent to compete, but until they’re closer to full strength, every week will continue to be an uphill climb.

Sep 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington (82) makes a catch against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Will the pass defense improve?

Tampa Bay’s defense has been solid against the run but continues to struggle against the pass. The Buccaneers rank in the lower half of the league in passing yards allowed, and their secondary has given up too many explosive plays.

Antoine Winfield Jr. remains one of the bright spots on the back end, but the unit as a whole has struggled with consistency and communication. Jamel Dean leads this group and will be crucial to helping this unit improve.

Tood Bowles will need to find a way to tighten up coverage, generate more pressure up front, and create turnovers. If the Buccaneers can clean up their coverage issues, their defense has the potential to return to top-10 form.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Can Baker Mayfield lead the Bucs over the hump?

When Baker Mayfield is healthy and confident, the Buccaneers look like a playoff team. The problem is that his play has dipped over the last few weeks as injuries and inconsistency around him have taken a toll.

Mayfield has a 63% completion percentage, 1,919 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. Mayfield has shown toughness and leadership, but the offense has lacked rhythm without its top weapons in recent games. The key for the second half will be helping him regain some of that talent in order to make a deeper playoff run.

If Mayfield can rediscover his groove and elevate those around him, the Buccaneers have enough to compete deep into December. But if the offensive struggles continue, Tampa Bay risks letting a promising start slip away.

READ MORE: 5 realistic trades the Buccaneers could pursue before the deadline

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