Bucs get crushed, Baker gets hurt. So how was your Sunday? So, who stunk worse? The offense? The defense? The coaching staff? Talk amongst yourselves. Up to this point, Tampa Bay's midseason malaise was a little frustrating and a tad disappointing. But it was also somewhat understandable, considering how many injuries the Bucs have endured and how challenging the schedule was. The 34-7 loss to the Rams on Sunday night was something completely different. It was equal parts humiliating and pathetic. The defense looked like a JV team against Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford, and Tampa Bay's receivers seemed incapable of getting even one step of separation on defensive backs. Oh, and the offensive line's contribution was getting Baker Mayfield's left (non-throwing) shoulder banged up. Look, the Rams may be the best team in the NFL, so there's no shame in losing that game. But this was not a competitive effort, and it means the Bucs have lost four of their last five games. On the plus side, it was not Tampa Bay's most lopsided loss in prime time. They once trailed Atlanta 56-0 before losing 56-14 in a Thursday night game in 2014. And if you want an optimistic omen, they got beat 38-3 by the Saints in 2020, three months before winning the Super Bowl. The only saving grace is Tampa Bay's final five opponents have a combined record of 21-34. Play of the game Cade Otton bobbling a pass just long enough for Cobie Durant to rip the ball out of his hands and return it 50 yards for a touchdown is really the only highlight you need to see. It was the perfect combo of blunder and comedy, which perfectly sums up the night. Game ball You're joking, right? Keep an eye on The beginning of the end for Mayfield in Cleveland was when he hurt his left shoulder in 2021. He played through the injury, and the Browns finished 8-9 after making the playoffs the year before. Let's hope that's not a cautionary tale. NFC South update Who would have imagined it? After six consecutive seasons of double-digit losses, the Panthers are a win away from taking over the division lead in late November. Of course, the odds are not in Carolina's favor. They play at San Francisco Monday night, and the 49ers are 7 ½ point favorites. But just the idea that Dave Canales has them playing meaningful games this late in the season is pretty remarkable. Up next> After playing four of the last five games on the road and facing four playoff contenders, the Bucs finally get a breather next week. At least, that's the hope. The Cardinals have lost eight of their last nine games. John Romano, Tampa Bay Times, published 24 November 2025