GM Jason Licht explains where the Buccaneers' motivation came from in 2023

"Tom leaving and us transitioning with Baker - who is a fiery, competitive leader in his own right because of the way he plays - I think it's been a good recipe here and especially with all of the doubters that we had since thinking that when Tom left, we were doing to sink to the bottom," Licht said.  "I think that has been part of the DNA of this football team, trying to prove everybody wrong.  So, it's been a great recipe here, and I hope it continues." 

Licht also mentioned how young players like Antoine Winfield, Jr. and Tristan Wirfs having so much early success has created a mindset of them not really knowing anything other than competing for division titles.  He also talked about how that bled into the rest of the young players and shaped the mentality inside the locker room, along with also having players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Lavonte David, all of whom went through part of the franchise's down stretch from 2008 through 2019. 

It's clear that the Bucs thrived last season when everyone was incredibly down on them.  Mayfield had a career season and made the Pro Bowl.  The Bucs turned it on and claimed their third straight division title and fourth straight playoff berth.  And they proved in the playoffs that they belonged with a thorough whipping of the Eagles after experts and fans scoffed at them winning their division at 9-8. 

Now, pundits are already putting division rivals ahead of the Bucs again.  Vegas odds have the Falcons at -130 at 9.5 wins and the Bucs at -130 for 7.5, basically even with the Saints. 

And that's exactly what Licht, Mayfield, the Buccaneers, and their fans want to hear.