Is the Buccaneers 2-0 start real? One analyst believes it to be

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of just 10 teams that are undefeated through two weeks of the early NFL season. Sadly, the late Mercury Morris isn't around to root for their demise to keep the 1972 Dolphins as the lone undefeated team, but there are others around to be critical of them.

ESPN put out a piece where they got each of their assigned beat writers to discuss the trends of each team and how real their season has been. Jenna Laine answered the question of whether or not the Bucs' 2-0 start is real or not by endorsing the team she covers.

Laine writes, "This is the third straight year the Bucs have started 2-0 under Todd Bowles, something no other team has done since 2023. The issue has been the midseason lulls following their hot starts. In 2024, the Bucs started 3-1 and then proceeded to drop five of six games before winning six of seven in the end. In 2023, they started 3-1, dropped six of seven and then won five of six. Last year, their losing coincided with the loss of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. In 2025, they've started the season 2-0 without Godwin, Jalen McMillan and All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, and now they've lost Calijah Kancey for the year. Assuming they stay healthy in other position groups, their play should elevate by midseason -- not decline."

The Bucs will have many more hurdles to jump over in the coming weeks as the injuries continue to stack up. The offensive line is down three starters, the wide receiver room is down two, and the defense is down their breakout defensive lineman, Calijah Kancey.

If they can get to 3-0 with all of that going against them, they are well beyond the scope of being doubted and are a real contender in the NFC.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Is the Bucs 2-0 start real? One analyst believes it to be