Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball has been predicting the future since 1946. We ran a few questions about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by one, and the results were less than optimal.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, users ask yes-no questions to the ball, give it a shake and then turn it over to reveal the answer. We opted for an online version to ask the following:
Will Tampa Bay four-peat as NFC South champions?
Magic 8 Ball says: My reply is no.
We’re cutting straight to the chase with the Bucs, and it’s not promising. Tampa Bay has won three consecutive NFC South titles, which are a third of the franchise’s division crowns. In fact, the Bucs hadn’t finished first in their division in back-to-back seasons before their current run.
However, with the Falcons (-120) the favorite this year, they could be in the most danger of being knocked from their perch.
Does quarterback Baker Mayfield get benched during the season?
Magic 8 Ball says: Most likely.
Mayfield signed a three-year, $100M extension during the offseason, but the Bucs might soon have buyer’s remorse. With Tampa Bay not expected to win the division, our next question gets to the root of its problems, which apparently will be at quarterback.
For Mayfield to be benched, he must have major struggles. Even a 2-7 stretch from Weeks 3-11 last season wasn’t enough to make head coach Todd Bowles consider moving on to backup Kyle Trask. However, if Mayfield experiences a similar poor stretch this season, he might not be as fortunate, especially if Tampa Bay is looking up to Atlanta in the standings.
The Bucs play five 2023 playoff teams and the Falcons twice before their Week 11 bye. That might be the perfect time to make a switch.
Will wide receiver Mike Evans have another 1,000-yard season?
Magic 8 Ball says: Don’t count on it.
Already the only wide receiver in league history to record 1,000 yards in his first 10 NFL seasons, Evans could potentially tie Jerry Rice for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at any point of a career with another in 2024.
Evans’ pursuit of Rice’s historic streak would be one of the few things to look forward to in Tampa with Mayfield benched and the playoffs a longshot, but even that might be snapped.
Will safety Antoine Winfield Jr. be named 2024 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year?
Magic 8 Ball says: My sources say no.
Let’s get this straight: Tampa Bay is missing the playoffs, Mayfield will be benched, Evans’ streak of 1,000-yard seasons will end, and Winfield Jr. can’t even win an individual award? What does the Magic 8 Ball have against the Buccaneers?
Winfield was outstanding in his fourth NFL season, leading the league with six forced fumbles and adding three interceptions, four fumble recoveries, six sacks and 122 total tackles. He finished sixth in DPOY voting, and he might be undervalued again for the award this season.
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