3 NFL playoff teams who won't return to the postseason in 2023

3 NFL playoff teams who won’t return to the postseason in 2023

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 14: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up before a play during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

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Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The falloff for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the span of two seasons was dramatic. In 2021, the team finished second in the league in points scored (511) and quarterback Tom Brady led a team that totaled 61 offensive touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests. This past season, the team fell to 25th in the NFL with 313 points and just 31 offensive TDs with Brady still at the controls.

Now Brady is retired and running back Leonard Fournette, tight end Cameron Brate and left tackle Donovan Smith were all released (the latter is now with the Chiefs). Guard Shaq Mason was traded to the Texans. That’s a lot of talent no longer with the team.

Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich has been replaced by former Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach Dave Canales. There’s an ongoing quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask that could be season-long. The Bucs still have their share of playmakers on defense but a year ago, this looked like a frustrated unit as the season unfolded.

Keep in mind that if you include last year’s home playoff setback to the Cowboys, this team lost 10 games in 2022. Things may be even worse this fall given the current state of Todd Bowles’ club.

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