TAMPA, Fla. -- Entering Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in prime position to push toward their first playoff berth since 2007. But after a lethargic performance in all three phases of the game, the Buccaneers are going to need a lot of help.
The Bucs remain confident headed into the final three games of the season, but they squandered a major opportunity by losing 24-17.
Tampa Bay (6-7) is two games behind both the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings for the final two playoff spots in the NFC.