5 Things We Learned About the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wild Card Weekend

Chase McLaughlin Deserves More Respect

Kickers take a lot of flack when things don't get well, but it's not often they get the respect they deserve when things go right. We're here to change that, highlighting Chase McLaughlin as the Pro Bowl-worthy kicker he is.  McLaughlin has been automatic this year. The fifth-year pro has made 29 of 31 field goals, including eight of nine from 50-plus and all 33 extra-point attempts.  It didn't come down to a last-minute kick this week, but when it does, the Bucs have an unfair advantage with McLaughlin drilling 57-yarders.

The Bucs Don't Need Mike Evans to Win

Over the past decade, Mike Evans has endeared himself to Bucs Nation, becoming one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the game. The five-time Pro Bowler has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in every one of his professional seasons, immediately developing chemistry with any quarterback throwing him the ball. Despite his unrelenting success, we learned this weekend that the Bucs don't need Evans to be at his best to win.  Arguably, the Buccaneers put together one of their most convincing wins of the season. Tampa racked up 426 yards, 307 of which came through the air, with Evans only accounting for 48.  Cade Otton, Rachaad White, and Baker Mayfield all had banner days, taking the pressure off Evans. Consequently, we can trust the Bucs to be ready for whatever the Detroit Lions have in store in the Divisional Round.

Rachaad White Can Carry the Bucs to Victory

Granted, it wasn't Rachaad White's most productive outing, but it was a reminder of just how reliable he is. The Buccaneers running back toted the ball 18 times for 72 yards on Monday, shifting possession metrics dramatically in favor of the hosts. They will need a repeat performance on Sunday to keep the potent Detroit Lions offense off the field in the Divisional Round. Monday's effort was the sixth time in seven weeks that White had at least 18 carries and the fifth time over the same stretch that he had at least 72 rushing yards. Altogether, the second-year pro is averaging 19.1 rushing attempts per game over the seven-game sample, with 71.9 yards per game. Equally as importantly, White has lost just two fumbles this season, including just one over the past two months.  White can put the Bucs on his back when needed, and he'll have an opportunity to shine against the Lions.

Opponents Can't Run Against the Bucs

We've gotten a taste of how good the Bucs rush defense could be, but we have a new appreciation for what they are capable of after Monday's decisive win. Tampa Bay limited the Eagles to just 42 rushing yards at Raymond James Stadium, tightening their already elite standard.  Philadelphia was hamstrung from the get-go. D'Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell were limited to a combined 37 yards, 17 of which came on one breakaway run from Swift. Subtracting the game-long leaves the Eagles with just 25 yards on 14 carries, or a laughable 1.8 yards per attempt.  That was the fourth time in six weeks that opponents were limited to less than 100 rushing yards and the tenth time this season. Even with a stable of rushers, the Lions could suffer a similar fate in the Divisional Round.

Chase McLaughlin Deserves More Respect

Kickers take a lot of flack when things don't get well, but it's not often they get the respect they deserve when things go right. We're here to change that, highlighting Chase McLaughlin as the Pro Bowl-worthy kicker he is.  McLaughlin has been automatic this year. The fifth-year pro has made 29 of 31 field goals, including eight of nine from 50-plus and all 33 extra-point attempts.  It didn't come down to a last-minute kick this week, but when it does, the Bucs have an unfair advantage with McLaughlin drilling 57-yarders.