3 things the Buccaneers desperately hope happens during their bye week
With Week 9 off, the theme for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is rest, reset, and relax before starting the second half of its season.
They'll need it, too. Coming out of the bye week Tampa Bay gets games against the Patriots, Bills, and Rams -- matchups that could wildly swing the NFC Playoff Picture one way or another.
With that being said, there are a few things that hold plenty of importance to Tampa Bay's season going forward. Here are three things Tampa Bay desperately needs to happen in Week 9 while they stay home.
The teams they need to lose, lose
Obviously, Tampa Bay will have no control over how the schedule plays out in Week 9, but they can hope.
The big game to watch is the Patriots and Falcons. If Atlanta defeats New England, it will add credibility to their win over the Bills, and put them on watch as a team that could threaten the Buccaneers in 2025. If Atlanta loses, they will likely be buried to far to come back this season.
The Panthers-Packers showdown presents a dilemna for Tampa Bay, but at the end of the day, the Buccaneers will benefit to see either of these teams lose. The Packers losing would give Tampa Bay at least partial ownership of the top seed, while a Panthers loss would again, likely bury the Panthers for this season. If Carolina wins, they'd be 5-4, one win behind Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers still have two chances to beat them late in the season.
Bucs' injured stars gets healthier
The Buccaneers would love to get a few players healthier while on bye, particularly their receiving corps. Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, and Haason Reddick are all dealing with injuries, and it's unclear when they'll return, but they are all expected to come back at some point this season.
While they might not all be back in Week 10, having a week off should hopefully speed up their recovery time, at least by a little bit. Plus, Emeka Egbuka, who was also banged up, will have a week to get healthier as well.
Jason Licht gets involved in the trade market
The Buccaneers could certainly benefit from making a couple of trades at the deadline. Particularly for an edge rusher or a wide receiver.
There are teams with players who might be available, but in a few cases, it might depend on how they do in Week 9. For example, a Bengals win would place Cincinnati at 4-5, and in enough contention that they likely would not consider trading Trey Hendrickson. If the Bengals lose, they'd be 3-6, and might be willing to move the star edge rusher.
Similarly, the Raiders might be willing to trade star receiver Jakobi Myers for the right price. Once again, it might depend on if Las Vegas loses this week at home against the Jaguars.
Ultimately, Tampa Bay just needs a couple teams to lose and consider selling off pieces next week.
Robert Kraft Supports Kid Rock's All-American Halftime Show with Turning Point USA, Declares Strong Message for America
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has publicly supported Kid Rock’s All-American Halftime Show in partnership with Turning Point USA, praising the event for its patriotic tone and clear message of American values. With tickets sold out within hours and a crowd of passionate fans chanting slogans like "Hold the Line, Skip the Bunny," Kraft highlighted how the event resonates with the current cultural climate and the importance of freedom and individuality in America.
“I’m fully behind Kid Rock’s All-American Halftime Show,” Kraft said in a statement. “It’s a celebration of what makes America great — our love for music, our appreciation for freedom, and our unwavering support for values that unite us as a country. This event, along with Turning Point USA’s involvement, is exactly the kind of positive, patriotic message that America needs right now.”
The All-American Halftime Show, which is set to be a major spectacle, has sparked significant excitement among fans, especially those who feel that traditional American values are being overlooked in mainstream entertainment. The event's growing popularity has led to a wave of support, as crowds flocked to buy tickets, eager to be part of the celebration of freedom and independence.
Kraft, who is known for his strong opinions on various cultural issues, emphasized that the show represents more than just a performance. “It’s a message. A loud and clear message to the NFL and to everyone watching that America is choosing guitar over political correctness, passion over censorship, and freedom over division,” he said.
The chant, "Hold the Line, Skip the Bunny," was widely understood to be a direct response to the cultural and political debates currently unfolding in the country, especially in relation to the entertainment industry. The phrase symbolizes a rallying cry for those who want to preserve traditional American values in the face of changing trends in media and entertainment.
“Events like this remind us of the power of music, unity, and standing up for what you believe in,” Kraft continued. “It’s not about divisiveness; it’s about bringing people together under a shared love for our country.”
As the countdown to the All-American Halftime Show continues, Kid Rock and Turning Point USA are gearing up to deliver a performance that promises to stir up conversation, inspire patriotism, and send a powerful message to the NFL and beyond. Kraft’s endorsement reflects the growing movement of Americans who are eager to reclaim their cultural space and stand strong for the principles they believe in.
