The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter their Week 10 bye with a 3-6 record, but their improved defense and the state of the NFC South have kept their playoff hopes alive. That combination earned Tampa Bay a C in USA TODAY Sports' midseason NFL report card.

In his November 12 evaluation of all 32 teams, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz assessed each franchise based on its performance relative to roster talent and preseason expectations.

Middlehurst-Schwartz credited head coach Todd Bowles for turning around Tampa Bay's defense, which leads the NFL in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed. However, he questioned whether offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has found an effective way to use Baker Mayfield after the quarterback returned from a right thumb injury.

Those offensive concerns were evident in Tampa Bay's 27-24 loss to Chicago. The Buccaneers forced five turnovers, including four interceptions of Caleb Williams, but managed just three net points off those takeaways. Mayfield completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards and threw two interceptions, including a 67-yard pick-six.

Despite those struggles, USA TODAY identified Tampa Bay as a team capable of taking control of the NFC South. The entire division received C grades, with Carolina, Atlanta and New Orleans joining the Buccaneers.

The assessment reflects the gap between Tampa Bay's defensive improvement and its inability to consistently capitalize on offensive opportunities. The Buccaneers have eight games left to improve their record, with Robinson's passing attack under pressure to produce more than it has through the first half of the season.