Buccaneers GM embracing 'part of our culture' amid predictions

General manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles are among noteworthy members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have clapped back amid unflattering predictions regarding the club for a second consecutive offseason. 

Licht expanded on his mindset during a recent appearance on Tampa Bay sports radio station WDAE. 

"It’s part of our culture now, part of our DNA of being overlooked," Licht explained, according to the JoeBucsFan website. "I think it’s great and I think we’ll respond to it." 

It was roughly 12 months ago when many football analysts began forecasting that the 2023 Buccaneers would struggle to notch wins following the retirement of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. 

Baker Mayfield ultimately replaced Brady atop Tampa Bay's depth chart and became a local hero who helped the club claim the division title and earn a home playoff victory. 

Mike Sando of The Athletic noted on Wednesday that re-signing Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans last month were significant parts of Licht keeping the band together for another run. 

However, the Atlanta Falcons became media darlings in March after they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. 

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as the betting favorites to win the NFC South for the upcoming season at -130 odds. At that same time, Tampa Bay was at +300 odds.

"Of course, there are some positions that may be a little bit more higher priority, and I think everybody kind of knows what those are," Licht added during the radio segment about the club's draft approach. "But, like you said, we could line up and play right now. And I think we’d be better than what we were last year already. But you don’t want to handicap yourself knowing that you are going to force yourself to take a certain position, so I don’t think we’re going to do that." 

For a piece published on Tuesday, Mike Clay of ESPN predicted that the 2024 Buccaneers will record roughly "7.7" victories. 

History suggests that Clay may hear from Licht next winter if Tampa Bay again exceeds expectations en route to participating in the postseason tournament.