Eagles’ Next Test: Undefeated Buccaneers Ride Baker Mayfield’s Revival Into Philly Showdown
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Eagles Fans, Meet Your Next Opponent
Three weeks in, the Philadelphia Eagles remain unbeaten. But this week brings a new test: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also 3-0 and suddenly the talk of the NFL thanks to the surprising revival of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
While the Eagles still have plenty of room to improve—the offense hasn’t fully hit its stride, and the defense has shown cracks—national media are showering Tampa with praise. So, what exactly are they saying about our next opponent?
Bucs Being Framed as “Super Bowl Contenders”
Some NFL analysts are already declaring it outright: “The Bucs aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.”
Currently ranked No. 3 in league power rankings, behind only the Eagles and Bills, Tampa Bay is suddenly being labeled a true NFC contender.
Here’s what makes it more impressive:
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Their offensive line has been completely reshuffled. Rookie Graham Barton is playing out of position at left tackle.
Key receivers are missing: no Chris Godwin, no Jalen McMillan, and Mike Evans tweaked his hamstring.
And yet, they’ve still won three straight nail-biters—all decided on the final possession.
That kind of resilience is what’s fueling the hype.
Baker Mayfield – From Journeyman to Leader
Once dismissed as a journeyman quarterback, Baker Mayfield is now being painted as the emotional heartbeat of Tampa Bay.
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Clutch Factor: Each of the Bucs’ three wins has come down to the final drive—and Mayfield has delivered every time.
Composure Under Fire: With a patched-up offensive line and depleted weapons, he’s remained cool, adjusting on the fly.
New Reputation: Media aren’t just saying he’s “filling Brady’s shoes”—they’re calling him the soul of the team.
For Eagles fans, this sets up a fascinating battle: can our pass rush force Baker back into the erratic QB he’s often been in the past?
Depth as a Secret Weapon
Much of Tampa’s survival credit goes to GM Jason Licht, who built a deep and balanced roster. That depth is saving them right now.
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Backup linemen like Ben Bredeson, Elijah Klein, and Luke Haggard have held the line—barely.
The defense still leans on veterans like Lavonte David, Vita Vea, and Antoine Winfield Jr.
And here’s the kicker: All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs could return this week—just in time for the Eagles matchup.
The Eagles as Tampa’s Measuring Stick
In Tampa, this Week 4 clash is being billed as their “measuring stick game.”
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Both teams are 3-0.
Both sit atop the NFC power rankings.
And both understand playoff seeding starts now—even in September.
For the Bucs, beating Philadelphia would validate their early-season hype. For the Eagles, it’s a chance to remind the league why we’re the standard in the NFC.
From an Eagles Fan’s View
Let’s keep it real, Eagles Nation:
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We haven’t played our best football yet.
But when it counts, this team knows how to finish games.
The talent gap between Philly and Tampa is still wide.
Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and the best offensive line in football will present challenges Baker hasn’t seen this season. And if he thinks he can scramble freely, wait until Haason Reddick, Jalen Carter, and Josh Sweat are in his face.
Final Word: Bring It On
The Buccaneers may be undefeated. Baker Mayfield may be enjoying a renaissance. But the Eagles aren’t just another test—they are the true measuring stick of the NFC.
Week 4 will show the difference between a team riding momentum and a team built for championships.
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