The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ fate was sealed in Week 5 when journeyman wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge broke free down the middle for a 46-yard walk-off touchdown, giving the Atlanta Falcons a dramatic 36-30 overtime win. The Bucs’ secondary struggled long before this moment, perhaps even before the NFC South showdown started, as Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins dismantled Tampa Bay’s defense with a franchise-record 509 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
The real unraveling for Tampa Bay’s defensive backfield may have begun in Week 1 when All-Pro free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. injured his foot in a win over the Washington Commanders. The injury sidelined him for a fourth straight game in the loss to the Falcons, and his absence was glaring when Hodge caught the game-winner. Hodge ran past the entire Bucs secondary, beating cornerback Zyon McCollum, then outpacing safeties Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather, and cornerback Jamel Dean.
Merriweather had replaced starting strong safety Jordan Whitehead, who left the game with a groin injury, while Izien has been filling in for Winfield.
The Buccaneers’ season could hinge on how quickly Winfield recovers during the 10-day gap before their Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Winfield’s absence has been particularly felt after signing a record-breaking 4-year, $84.1 million contract extension in May 2024, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. According to Pro Football Focus, he entered the 2024 season as the league’s top safety, excelling in both run defense and pass rush.
With their secondary depleted, the Buccaneers might need to seek help fast, possibly from free-agent Patrick Peterson, a three-time All-Pro safety. Though primarily a cornerback, the 34-year-old could step in at either safety spot in a pinch, which might be crucial for the Bucs right now.
