The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to find new ways to lose close games, falling 20–17 to the Miami Dolphins in another frustrating, self-inflicted defeat. Tampa Bay has now lost eight of its last ten games, including three straight divisional losses, all by four points or fewer. The margin remains thin, but the mistakes remain louder than a firing cannon.
Mental errors, miscommunication in the passing game, and poor situational execution stalled any chance at offensive consistency. The offense did flash late but remained flat for much of the afternoon, while the defense was repeatedly put in difficult positions. With the NFC South title still theoretically within reach, the Buccaneers instead looked like a team that had lost sight of the finish line.
Quarterback
Grade: C-
Baker Mayfield was forced to create offense more often than the scheme provided it. Pressure arrived quickly, and Miami’s pass rush recorded multiple sacks while collapsing the pocket throughout the game. Mayfield extended plays with his legs to manufacture chances downfield, but those moments came at a cost. Turnovers and negative plays erased promising drives, and the passing game never fully settled into rhythm.The effort was there. The execution was not.
Running Backs
Grade: D
This was a rough day on the ground for Tampa Bay. No Buccaneers running back rushed for more than 20 yards, and the longest run of the afternoon went for just 12 yards. Tampa Bay never established a physical reminder that forced Miami to adjust, leaving the offense one-dimensional and predictable. Without much push up front or explosive cuts that lead to the second level, the run game offered little spark and zero big chunk plays.
Wide Receivers
Grade: C-
Jalen McMillan was the clear standout, leading the team in receiving yards and consistently finding space when plays broke down. He provided the most reliable option in the passing game and capitalized on his opportunities.Emeka Egbuka, however, was largely absent from the flow of the offense and got his first touch of the ball in the third quarter in the form of a run play. His stat line reflected limited involvement, and Tampa Bay never consistently featured him in the offense. The unit had moments, but not enough sustained impact for anything other than a C- grade.
Tight Ends
Grade: D+
The tight end group struggled to influence the game. Routes underneath failed to move the chains consistently, and blocking support was uneven at best. While there were a few positive snaps, like Otton boxing out a player for a medium gain, there was nothing that really swung the game in their favor. The position group never became a meaningful part of the offensive plan.
Offensive Line
Final Grade: C-
Miami’s defense won too many individual matchups up front, putting the heat on BakerMayfield. Mayfield absorbed multiple sacks and frequent pressure, forcing him to extend plays and improvise rather than operate on schedule. While there were stretches of decent protection, the lack of consistency up front directly contributed to stalled drives and turnovers. This was not a complete collapse, but it was far from reliable for a team with postseason aspirations.
Defense
Grade: D+
The defense did enough to keep the game close, but failed to deliver in key moments and made very few game-defining plays, if any at all. Chunk plays through the air, struggles on third down, and a lack of impact from the linebacker group allowed Miami to control tempo when it mattered most. Without a timely takeaway or a momentum-shifting stop late, the unit once again finished a game reacting rather than dictating. Ewers was smiling fromear to ear all game. The Buccaneers’ defense has been getting outworked every week this season, and this week was no different than any other in their past six or so games.
Special Teams
Grade: D
Special teams mistakes continued for Tampa Bay. Returns allowed past midfield consistently gave Miami short fields, and the blocked field goal earlier in the game erased three points that would have sent this contest to overtime, or possibly changed its entire trajectory. In a three-point loss, every margin matters, and field position from special teams can either make or break a team.
Coaching
Grade: FThis loss starts at the top. The Buccaneers looked flat, disorganized, and undisciplined for much of the afternoon. Miscommunication, poor situational awareness, and a lack of urgency defined a game that Tampa Bay needed badly.Close losses are no longer a coincidence. They are a pattern, and patterns fall squarely on coaching. Bowles and company are in as hot water now as they have been all season.
Final Thoughts
The Buccaneers are not getting blown out; they do enough to beat themselves. Every phase of the team contributed to another narrow loss, and the inability to clean up mental mistakes continues to overshadow any flashes of talent on the roster. With the NFC South still within reach, Tampa Bay remains technically alive, but performances like this make it harder to believe they’re truly competing for it. Something must change; this team looks like it is ready to make its season walk the plank.