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Bucs remain confident going into this year's playoffs

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Published  January 9, 2025 7:49pm EST
Tampa
FOX 13 News

The Brief

    • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Washington Commanders in the first round of the NFL playoffs at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday at 8 p.m.
    • The Buccaneers finished the season 6-1 and earned their fifth straight playoff appearance.
    • Buccaneers players and coaches are stressing the importance of having a potent running offense this season.

TAMPA, Fla. - The Bucs will kick off the playoffs with one of the most exciting and explosive offenses in the NFL. 

They're averaging nearly 30 points a game and have a strong element to their offense in a potent ground attack needed during the season. 

"You look at how we’ve adapted – we’ve gotten better in the run game. When it really, truly matters is now, in [January] when we’ve got to run the football, when you’ve got to stop the run, and all of those things," Bucs Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen said. "Can you do it versus meaningful opponents in a playoff atmosphere? Can you go run the ball the way you’re supposed to and the way we want to?" 

READ: Tampa Bay Lightning to play outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium on Gasparilla weekend 2026

Coen described the team’s ability to run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense as "a key to success for us in this game."

The Bucs rushing attack has averaged over 180 yards per game over the last seven weeks and finished the year third overall. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) carries the ball during the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 05, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via

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Sunday will be strength versus Washington's weakness, as the Commanders have the third-worst run defense in the NFL.

"Everybody that’s involved in this thing understands that they’ve got some guys inside that we’re going to have to move and displace and not let wreck the game in ways in terms of the penetration," said Coen. "We also feel confident that we’ll be able to go out there and do what we’re supposed to do on our end, as well."

The Bucs finished the regular season going 6-1, and over those last seven games, they averaged nearly 125 more yards rushing per game over their opponents. 

READ: How to watch NFL football: Wildcard playoffs

This comes after finishing the worst ground game in the two prior seasons. 

According to Bucs Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs, having a balanced offense going into this year's playoffs adds confidence to a team that's feeling good about their chances.

"Last year, everyone knew we were going to pass the ball," Wirfs said. "They were just teeing off on us with the pass rush. Being able to slow guys down that way will be really nice."

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