The last week has felt like two for the Buccaneers, who had their 28-24 comeback win over the Jets in Week 17 overshadowed by the Antonio Brown mess that ensued in the following days.
With an 18-0 run in the second half of last Sunday’s game, Tampa Bay earned its 12th win of the season, which matched a franchise record that was set all the way back in 2002. Of course, that 2002 team went on to win three more games in the playoffs to bring the franchise its first-ever Lombardi Trophy. So, while the 2021 Bucs have a chance to beat that 12-win mark on Sunday with a win over the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium, doing so may not be as big of a deal if the team can’t go on another playoff run and repeat as Super Bowl champions.