TAMPA, Fla. — The Buccaneers gathered around coach Todd Bowles for his postgame speech in the locker room after a 23-3 victory over the Saints on Sunday, waiting and hoping for the good news every player wants to hear heading into a bye week.

“I said I’d give you guys the whole week off if you won,” Bowles said. “Well, you’ve got the whole week off.”

The players roared in celebration and veteran Lavonte David started singing: “We’ve got the week. We’ve got the week.”

The Bucs have needed a week of rest for a while. They’re getting it at the right time and are sitting in a good place.

The four-time defending NFC South champions are 6-2. Baker Mayfield has played at an MVP level despite a slew of injuries around him. The defense has stepped up its performance.

Now, Tampa Bay gets some t

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