It’s early, but 3-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers are off to another strong start

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to another strong start, though coach Todd Bowles understandably is playing down the significance of being 2-0 for a fourth straight season.

Despite going on to win the NFC South each of the past three years, the Bucs had to overcame midseason struggles and inconsistency — especially under Bowles in 2022 and 2023 — to finish on top of a division where they’re expected to be challenged again by the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s a new season, still have a lot of games left,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said after Sunday’s 20-16 road win over the Detroit Lions, who defeated Tampa Bay twice last season, including in the divisional round of the playoffs.

“It was a big win,” Bowles echoed. “But it’s 2-0. ... We won the first two games last year and you see what happened after that.”

Two years ago — with Tom Brady in the final season of his career, and Bowles beginning his stint as coach — the Bucs rallied to win the division with a losing record (8-9). They dropped six of seven following a 3-1 start in 2023, then went 5-1 down the stretch to repeat as division champs and make the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

Sunday’s confidence-bolstering win at Detroit, which came within one victory of reaching the Super Bowl last season, served notice that the Mayfield-led Bucs have a chance to better this year.

“There’s a lot of stuff that we can fix,” Mayfield said after Tampa Bay was outgained 463 yards to 216 and converted just two of 10 third downs against the Lions, who turned ball over twice and only scored one touchdown on seven trips inside the red zone.

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“But for us, building chemistry and building this resiliency and the culture that we want, this is a huge win,” Mayfield added, “so we have to continue to build on that.”

What’s working

The offense wasn’t nearly as efficient against Detroit as it was the previous week in a 17-point victory over Washington, but receiver Chris Godwin continues to thrive as he gets acclimated to the system installed by first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Godwin had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown — all in the first half — against the Lions. Through two games, the eighth-year pro has 15 receptions for 200 yards. With two TDs receiving, he’s already matched his total from last season.

What needs help

The offensive line had problems protecting Mayfield, allowing five sacks while playing without starting RT Luke Goedeke (concussion). The number would have been higher if not for the quarterback’s mobility and knack for escaping pressure.

Stock up

CB Zyon McCollum, who cleared the concussion protocol in time to be cleared to play against Lions, intercepted Jared Goff on the first offensive play of the game. S Christian Izien, who came off the bench in Week 1 to play cornerback after the Bucs lost three players to injury at the position, started Sunday and had an interception while filling in for injured All-Pro S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot).

Stock down

After showing signs of life with 112 yards rushing the previous week against Washington, the running game looked a lot like the listless ground attack that ranked last in the NFL each of the past two seasons. Detroit limited the Bucs to 70 yards on 23 attempts. Mayfield led the way with 34 yards on five carries, including an 11-yard TD run that put Tampa Bay ahead for good.

Injuries

There was encouraging news Monday on DT Vita Vea (knee), who left Sunday’s game in the second half and did not return.

“He’s got an MCL sprain, grade 2,” Bowles said. “Right now, he’s day to day but not ruled out” for Sunday’s game against visiting Denver.

Key number

1 — The number of red-zone touchdowns allowed by the Bucs’ defense despite the Lions making seven trips inside the Tampa Bay 20. Opponents have had six or more red-zone possessions in a game against Tampa Bay 15 times since 2000. Sunday was the only time in that stretch the defense yielded one or fewer TDs.

The Bucs host the Broncos and rookie quarterback Bo Nix on Sunday. They also faced a rookie QB in Week 1, defeating No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels and Washington. Since Bowles arrived in Tampa Bay as defensive coordinator in 2019, the Bucs are 11-5 against rookie QBs.

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