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Are the Bucs Back in the Playoff Race? A Ball-Hawking Defense Has Them Climbing at 3-5
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- Are the Bucs Back in the Playoff Race? A Ball-Hawking Defense Has Them Climbing at 3-5
Tampa Bay started 0-4 and sat at 1-5, and plenty of people had written the season off. Two straight wins later, the Buccaneers are 3-5 and back in the NFC South race , a half-game behind first-place Carolina. The defense has been the biggest reason, and it has been taking the ball away.
The Bucs have 12 interceptions this season, and four came in Sunday's 16-0 shutout of Atlanta. Pro Football Network's model gives them a 56 percent chance to make the playoffs, which FOX Sports' Greg Auman noted is higher than other models but "shows what is fully in play for them if they play well in final nine games."
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How the Bucs' defense is creating turnovers
Oct 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) makes an interception against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Alex Anzalone led the way against the Falcons with two interceptions and a 93.3 overall grade, allowing one catch for 5 yards on four targets, according to PFF. Cornerbacks Jacob Parrish (91.6) and Zyon McCollum (86.3) added a pick apiece, and Atlanta caught just 38.1% of its targets in coverage. Anzalone now has three interceptions this season, and Parrish and McCollum each have two.
The turnovers have taken pressure off an offense that just won without a single completion . Tampa Bay ran for a franchise-record 324 yards against Atlanta, and Chase McLaughlin is 19 of 19 on field goals. The Bucs have allowed 151 points, among the fewest in the NFC, and a team that runs well, kicks well and wins the turnover battle can climb fast in a soft division.
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The test Sunday night is a big one. Caleb Williams hasn't thrown an interception in three games since calling out critics of his hamstring, going 76 of 103 for 860 yards, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler . The Bears also added Jeffery Simmons, who gives the run game a problem up front.
Tampa Bay has a bye after that game, so a win in Chicago would send the Bucs into the break at 4-5 with a 2-0 division record and real momentum. A loss would still leave them close in the NFC South, but it would make the second half a lot more stressful. Either way, the defense is the reason the question is worth asking again.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
