A season of historic starts and a sudden, injury-driven collapse
In short: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began their 50th season with unprecedented drama, becoming the first NFL team to win their first four games with last-minute scores. However, a brutal wave of injuries to key players like Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield eventually turned their promising momentum into a losing season.
The 2025 campaign was a year of extremes for the Buccaneers. Entering their 50th NFL year, they were the four-time reigning NFC South champions. The team ignited with a historic start, recording their first 3–0 start since 2005 and their first 5–1 start since 2021. They achieved a feat never before seen in the league: winning their first four games via game-winning scores in the final minute, and securing four victories by three or fewer points within their first five games.
This momentum was shattered by a debilitating injury list. Star wide receiver Mike Evans missed nine games due to a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle, ending his streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Although he appeared in every one of the 17 games, quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered from multiple ailments, including an illness, a knee injury, a left shoulder injury, a biceps contusion, and sprains to his PCL and MCL. Other key contributors like Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan also suffered injuries.
The physical toll contributed to a dramatic reversal of fortune. After a promising 6–2 start—their best since 2021—the team lost seven of their next eight games following their bye week. This collapse saw them drop to a 7–9 record, ultimately finishing 8–9 after a Week 18 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This marked their first losing season since 2022 and their third time missing the playoffs after a home wild card loss in a previous season. Despite the struggles, head coach Todd Bowles was retained, though several assistant coaches were dismissed.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
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