News - The Buccaneers' chances of making the playoffs depend on the final game amid criticism from players.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rollercoaster season has reached a boiling point, following their seventh loss in eight games against a shorthanded Miami Dolphins team. With their playoff destiny in their hands all season, they now face a do-or-die situation in the final week. Head Coach Todd Bowles didn't mince words post-loss, directing criticism at unnamed players failing to deliver in key moments while commending the team's leadership for upholding morale. His repeated public frustrations underscore a struggling squad failing to capitalize on opportunities. Quarterback Baker Mayfield lightly backed Bowles, referencing a speech by veteran Lavonte David, yet kept details of the locker room discourse reserved. This aligns with team goals focused inward on correcting ongoing issues. As the Bucs gear up for a critical matchup against the Panthers, the narrative centers on which players rise to the occasion and who succumbs to mounting pressure. Despite injuries surfacing as a perceived reason for faltering performances, the franchise stresses the importance of character, aligning with General Manager Jason Licht's 'no assholes' policy in recruiting. With fan sentiment teetering on Head Coach Bowles' tenure, focus shifts to the result of their upcoming game. A win, combined with an Atlanta Falcons loss, could crown the Bucs as NFC South champions and secure another season for Bowles. How the players respond on the field will determine if lessons learned translate into playoff viability or if off-season changes loom large.