2023 NFL Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Young riser: S Christian Izien

Izien is an undrafted free agent rookie from Rutgers who grabbed the Buccaneers' starting nickelback role this season and ran with it. He had two interceptions in his first two regular-season games and has 27 tackles on the season (the sixth most on the team). -- Jenna Laine

The good vibes of the Bucs' 3-1 start have fizzled. They have gone backward offensively since the Week 5 bye. The run game remains MIA. The defense has played well enough in two straight games, but they've lost both at home. On the surface, Baker Mayfield's stat line of 275 passing yards and a 31-yard run on Sunday look pretty nifty. But his play, along with much of the offense, has dipped in recent outings. Is there hope for improvement in the passing game? Perhaps some, maybe in the big-play department? That said, Tampa has protected Mayfield well this season, and he hasn't been throwing balls up for grabs. What we've seen to this point just might be somewhat close to the Buccaneers' offensive ceiling.

Two straight losses has this team reeling a bit. The offense couldn't seem to get it going the past two weeks.

They're about to play four of their next five (and six of eight) on the road ... which might be a good thing given the Bucs are 1-3 in Tampa this season.

One question: Is this the real Tampa Bay?

After a surprising 2-0 start, the Buccaneers are 1-3 in their last four games, averaging 14 points per game in that span. Baker Mayfield is 23rd in the league in passer rating (81.5), his off-target percentage (15.4) is the fourth-worst in that stretch, according to TruMedia, and the running game is not helping him. Tampa Bay is last in the league, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and has only five rushing touchdowns, the fewest in the league.

It's been a talking point all season that the Bucs' offense leaves a lot to be desired. Very quietly, their defense struggled mightily with an Atlanta offense that didn't even have Bijan Robinson. Yes, they forced three red zone turnovers, but is that a sustainable model for success? If not for some Herculean plays near the goal line, Tampa loses to Atlanta in a blowout.

The Buccaneers are coming back to Earth. They have lost three of four since a 2-0 start, had a damaging loss to NFC South rival Atlanta on Sunday and this week will play at Buffalo on a short week. The Bucs weren't expected to be very good this season but a solid start led to optimism. We're probably seeing Tampa Bay's true level these past couple weeks.

Baker Mayfield is getting a little too banged up.

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