​TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: David Walker #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a sack against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images I’ve done Top Performers recaps for quite a while — since 2020 in fact. Good year to start!Since then, we’ve seen the longest stretch of sustained success this millennium for the Buccaneers, and as such a lot more good than bad to write about. We got a Super Bowl, multiple playoff wins, 5 straight playoff appearances, 4 NFC South titles. Plenty of debates can be had about the value of the latter accomplishment given the state of every team residing within the division, but wins are still wins, and we all would’ve happily taken such results through the dearth of the 2010s. It was a dark time, and when such a time must be alluded to in the year of our lord 2026, there’s plenty of reason for concern. On Sunday, the Buccaneers floundered to their first 0-3 start since 2014, as they saw themselves overwhelmed by a relentless Minnesota Vikings defense in a 23-16 defeat. The score remained within reach all game, but it never really felt obtainable — one of the more agonizing types of defeat.The offense remained completely inoperable, setting an all-time franchise worst in third-down offense by converting only twice on 17 attempts. It was a bottom-5 performance by any team thus far in offensive EPA, as Baker Mayfield and Co. could muster only 243 total yards while permitting 6 sacks. The defense actually played very well, arguably shutting down the Vikings even more thoroughly. However, it was all for naught as they could only do so much against short fields generated by the offense’s mistakes. Special teams allowed the deciding score in the form of an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown — Minnesota’s first in 10 years. Given how solid the unit has been on kickoff returns and coverage, it was a frustrating gaffe during a stretch of games where nothing is going Tampa’s way.Needless to say, we’re on the precipice of massive change. Most fans know that’s been brewing for awhile, but there’s only been three teams in the last 30 years to make the playoffs after starting 0-3. You don’t need a calculator to figure out the length of those odds. In his post-game presser, Todd Bowles remarked that the “funny thing” is that the team is only 1 game out of first place — y’know on account of the other 3 teams sucking butt at 1-2. I can’t really find the funniness in being the worst team in the worst division in football, but maybe Todd just has a different sense of humor than I. Maybe he knows his ill-fated time as head coach of this franchise is almost up, at long last. However, we’ve reached the point where I personally will need to see it to believe it. Nevertheless, let’s highlight some top performers quickly and move onto the next one. Green Bay awaits.Offensive