Tampa Bay Buccaneers common supervisor Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles previously indicated they had been keeping receipts as analysts routinely predicted that the Atlanta Falcons would win the NFC South this season.
Licht sang considerably of a unique tune whereas talking with reporters on Wednesday.
“That is nice,” Licht stated about such forecasts whereas flashing what the JoeBucsFan web site referred to as “a broad smile.”
In line with the Buccaneers’ official quote sheet, Licht added that folks “needs to be selecting the Falcons” to complete atop the division standings after Atlanta added huge names resembling veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, pass-rusher Matthew Judon and security Justin Simmons this offseason.
Licht and his entrance workplace went in a unique path following the 2023 season, as he largely stored the band collectively for an additional run by holding onto key contributors resembling quarterback Baker Mayfield, security Antoine Winfield Jr. and wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield initially signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers in March 2023 and needed to compete for the beginning job final summer season earlier than he emerged as a Comeback Participant of the Yr Award finalist and as a playoff-winning signal-caller with Tampa Bay.
“He was very targeted final yr,” Licht stated about Mayfield’s progress. “There’s just a bit bit completely different gleam in his eye and I believe a bit of bit perhaps has to do [with the fact] that he’s a father now. As soon as once more, this isn’t saying he wasn’t mature, however he simply appears to [have] a bit of bit extra to show, which I like to see. I like when individuals say issues about him and doubt him – it energizes this whole group.”
It has been recommended that the Buccaneers bonded more with Mayfield than with future Corridor of Famer Tom Brady serving as their QB1 as a result of Mayfield “is extra one of many guys.” Licht acknowledged on Wednesday that type of optimistic group chemistry is “essential” because it pertains to the membership getting past the divisional spherical.
“It would not essentially imply you are going to win,” Licht continued, “however I can inform you that if it is the other, we’re just about a recipe for catastrophe. So, it is higher to have it the best way that it is than not, and it is one of many higher, extra cohesive teams I have been round.”
As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons because the betting favorites at -130 odds to assert the division crown for the 2024 marketing campaign. Historical past reveals Licht will have plenty to say about those that doubted his squad if Tampa Bay earns a fourth straight NFC South title underneath his watch.