Bucs Leader Reveals Super Bowl Confidence

Lavonte David described his emotions after last season's loss to the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round as "heartbreaking". He thought the Buccaneers had the horses to get to the Super Bowl again.

It didn't happen.

Speaking on a podcast Monday, David spoke loud and proud about the way his club performed last season. He thought the title was right there for the Bucs to take.

"It was real hard," David said. "I felt like we had the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl this last season. You know I feel like we had the guys. I feel like we were in the [right] place. I feel like we were motivated, but things just didn't go our way."

David said if Tampa Bay was going to get over the hump, they have to learn from the mistakes they made against Washington and treat it as a learning experience.

"A lot of things that we could have done better, and I feel like once you learn from those things you get seasoned and you feel like you can take it to the next step," David said.

It was a game the Bucs should have won. They were ahead by four with 12 minutes to play, at home. They muffed a center exchange and quarterback Baker Mayfield lost a fumble deep in Tampa Bay territory. The Commanders, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, scored on the ensuing drive to take the lead. Washington got the ball back after a Tampa Bay field goal tied the game. 

The Commanders then kicked a walk-off field goal to advance to the next round against the Detroit Lions, and send the Buccaneers and David home holding their heads.

"I feel like we're even more motivated now," David said. "I feel like we can get over that next step."