NFL Tales of the Week – Week 12 Edition (11-25-25)
By: Tyrone Montgomery Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: Jayne Oncea-Imagn
Injuries Have Cost The Bucs A Super Bowl Run
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered this season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, but a wave of devastating injuries has effectively derailed those hopes before the campaign could truly take shape. Last year, Tampa Bay looked like a team on the rise, showcasing a promising young core and dynamic offensive potential. However, the gruesome injury to Chris Godwin late last season planted the first seeds of concern. Although he has returned to the lineup, he has not regained the explosiveness or reliability that once made him one of the league’s most dangerous receivers.
The Buccaneers attempted to reload by drafting Emeka Egbuka, a talented new weapon who was expected to complement Mike Evans. But with Evans now sidelined as well, Egbuka has been forced into a role far larger than anticipated. The offense has struggled to maintain balance, especially with standout running back Bucky Irving missing significant time due to injury. His absence has removed the stability and versatility that once defined Tampa Bay’s ground attack. Adding to the team’s misfortune, quarterback Baker Mayfield has also gotten banged up too, leaving the offense without its leader at the most critical position. With nearly every major offensive weapon compromised, the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl window has effectively closed for the season already as the momentum just isn’t there as they are in need of a fresh start.
Why the Bengals Should Throw In The Towel
The Cincinnati Bengals should resist the urge to bring back Joe Burrow this season, even though he has returned as a full participant in practice. Burrow suffered yet another serious injury early in the year, and the Bengals’ decision not to officially shut him down leaves the door open for a risky return. With the team sitting at 3–8, their postseason hopes are virtually nonexistent. There is simply no logical reason to rush their franchise quarterback back into action under these circumstances or to even bring him back at all this season. Burrow has already developed a concerning reputation for being injury prone. Every additional hit he takes increases the likelihood of another setback, one that could jeopardize not only this season but the future of the franchise.
The Bengals have invested too much in Burrow to let short-term emotion override long-term strategy. Adding to the argument, Joe Flacco has been performing as if he’s rediscovered his prime form. His surprising level of play gives Cincinnati stability at quarterback without putting their cornerstone player at risk. It also presents a unique narrative opportunity, a farewell tour for a seasoned veteran who may be playing his final NFL snaps. Allowing Flacco to finish the season while the Bengals quietly slide toward a top draft pick is both practical and strategic. Sitting Burrow now protects the team’s future and preserves its most valuable asset.
