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2021 NFL Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

Prediction we missed: Worrying about the Buccaneers after losing many players to injury.

Even with a bunch of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, the Bucs are 6-1. The secondary was not considered a position of strength or depth going into the season. But the acquisitions of Richard Sherman, Pierre Desir, Dee Delaney and Rashard Robinson have been key. Cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross told ESPN, "If the group had remained young, and we were replacing young guys with young guys, I would say we could not do [this]," Ross said. "When you've got guys like Sherman, when you've got guys like Rashard, when you've got guys like Pierre -- these are veterans. They've been through some battles before. They understand how to play and what to do." -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

Bucs stars come at you in waves. The Bears were lucky enough to miss Rob Gronkowski (ribs) and Antonio Brown (ankle) on Sunday, but they still had to contend with Mike Evans (three touchdowns), Chris Godwin (111 yards, TD) and the running game (182 yards and a score) in a 38-3 Tampa Bay romp. Tom Brady didn't even play a particularly good game by his lofty standards, but the G.O.A.T. still tossed four touchdowns without an interception, becoming the first quarterback to throw 600 TD passes in NFL history. The champs are humming, with a key division matchup against the Saints on deck.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

The Tampa Bay offense will be tough to stop for any team. They do get a tough challenge against the Saints this week on the road.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

Seems QB Tom Brady, uh, overcame his fourth-down issues from 2020 against Chicago. Next up, he tries to solve New Orleans in regular season after getting decisively swept last year ... before the playoffs anyway.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

Trick or treat: What are the Bucs handing out to trick or treaters this year? Tom Brady's giving out Bitcoin, which is far better than last year's prize of TB12 protein bars. Rob Gronkowski's definitely a full-size candy bar kind of guy. And Mike Evans? He's giving away milestone footballs.

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