The Bucs almost pulled off the win against the Falcons in Week 5. But a controversial call and some shaky defensive plays cost them the game in the OT. It happens. Now sitting at 3-2, they’re still holding second in their division with a shot to extend that record against the Saints. But there are a couple of hurdles. An ex-Tampa player casting doubt on Baker Mayfield’s abilities and, of course, Hurricane Milton.

Bucs’ communications team announced: “In advance of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall, the Buccaneers will depart Tampa on Tuesday morning.” So, they’ll be relocating operations to the New Orleans area for the rest of the week. All media availabilities will be conducted virtually starting Wednesday. With Baker under scrutiny and a storm shaking things up, the Bucs are facing some real challenges, on and off the field.

For starters, the weather isn’t doing them any favors. Milton’s throwing a serious curveball, and the Bucs are adjusting fast. With the Saints up next, the early move isn’t just about football; it’s about safety, as Milton’s strengthening into a Category 4 hurricane has forced the team to rethink everything. Traveling this early? A smart play to keep the team out of harm’s way.

This hurricane’s no joke. The Bucs aren’t taking any chances after Milton’s rapid intensification, and who can blame them? It’s the same team that saw Baker Mayfield and his wife evacuate ahead of Hurricane Helene just last month. Thankfully, they escaped without damage. Now, with Milton’s sights set on Florida, the Bucs are looking to avoid disaster twice, relocating operations to the Big Easy.

It’s a page out of the Saints’ playbook, considering how they had to adapt during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Saints, of course, know all too well what a hurricane can do to a team and a city. And that too for an entire season! But the Superdome became a shelter for the community.

Fast forward to now, Tampa Bay is hoping for less damage as they’re prepared to play it safe. All eyes are on Milton. But some would be on Baker Mayfield, especially after ex-Bucs’ RB LeSean McCoy put his performances under a critical lens.

Baker Mayfield: The ‘inconsistent’ hero of Tampa!

This guy is trying to shake off those pesky doubts critics have about him every time he steps under center for Tampa. I mean, some folks are still holding onto his past performances like a defensive back clutching an interception. Can you blame them? But after a rocky start, Mayfield’s slowly showing us glimpses of that potential he had coming out of college.

Take the recent Thursday Night Football matchup against the Falcons, for example. Baker lit it up in the first half, completing 12 out of 15 passes for 131 yards and tossing three touchdowns. He looked like a quarterback ready to lead his team to victory.

But then, the second half hit, and it was like watching a team run a prevent defense—too passive. The QB couldn’t muster over 50 passing yards and the Bucs ended up losing 36-30 in overtime. Tough pill to swallow!

And that’s what McCoy pointed out, bluntly stating, “I never really did trust Baker.” Ouch! Sure, Mayfield’s numbers are pretty solid this season—11 touchdowns and a 137.5 passer rating—but can he keep this up?

It’s tough to shake off that “inconsistent” label, especially when you hear people like McCoy say, “He hasn’t been consistent enough for me… a couple of games? A cool season? 9-8 to barely get into the playoffs?” It makes you wonder if he can ever earn that trust.

As the Bucs gear up for their next game against the Saints, the pressure is on. Can Baker prove he’s the leader they need? To be honest, he needs to keep believing he is a SB winner this season and maybe that’ll help him pick up pace and manifest the Lombardi, eventually..