The Buccaneers' 2024 season followed the same pattern as the year before, with a 3-1 start, a midseason lull and a sprint to the finish line that resulted in an NFC South title. In this case, the Bucs set franchise records with a fourth straight division crown and a fifth straight playoff appearance, becoming the only team in the NFC to qualify for the postseason every year from 2020-24. Baker Mayfield, who got a new long-term contract in the offseason, was even better in his second season at the Bucs' helm, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, setting team records with a 106.8 passer rating and a 71.4% completion rate and finishing in the top five in the NFL in most passing categories. The offense weathered a season-ending injury to Chris Godwin in Week Seven that interrupted what was on course to be his best season yet, plus a length absence by Mike Evans. Under the guidance of new Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, the Bucs rushing attack engineered a stunning turnaround from last in the league the previous two seasons to fourth in 2024. Fourth-round draft pick Bucky Irving led the way with 1,122 rushing yards and a team-record 5.4 yards per carry with a string of explosive plays. In his 13th season, linebacker Lavonte David continued to lead the defense, amassing 122 tackles and 5.5 sacks. After taking a four-game losing streak into their Week 11 bye, the Buccaneers went on a post-bye run reminiscent of the 2020 Super Bowl year, winning six of their last seven and suffering just one two-point loss in Dallas. The Bucs secured the division title in the final weekend with a 27-19 win over the Saints with rookies Irving and Jalen McMillan scoring touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The first round of the playoffs brought a visit from the Washington Commanders and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, who had lost at Raymond James Stadium in Week One. A crucial turnover in the fourth quarter led to Washington's go-ahead touchdown, but the Bucs tied the game at 20-20 with five minutes to play. Unfortunately, the visitors countered with their own field goal drive to win the game as time expired.
