TAMPA, Fla. — It's been a week since the NFL released this year's Pro Bowl rosters, and one name that was not on the list has led to many current and former players talking about it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has recorded six forced fumbles, six sacks, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. But that was not enough to be named a Pro Bowler.
"I can only control what I do on the field and then after that, you know, everybody can have their own opinions," Winfield said after Wednesday's practice. "I know what I'm capable of, I know what I bring to the table. So, I'm happy."
On Wednesday morning, the NFLPA unveiled its 2023 Players’ All-Pro First Team, and Winfield Jr. was once again snubbed.
His father took to social media and demanded there be a revote to include Winfield on the Pro Bowl roster. Nothing has changed – and most likely won't – but Winfield Jr. will remain as an alternative.
Winfield said he appreciates the support he received from his family, teammates and other media personnel.
As he walked up to the podium to speak to the media, Winfield showed off an item that was awarded to him – a belt.
NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" presented "The Belt" award to the best defensive back in the NFL this year and they named Winfield as the winner.
"It's cool to see my name out there," he said. "I'm happy with my stats, I'm happy where I'm at."
Winfield's stellar season is one of the main reasons why Tampa Bay's defense has been playing at a high level recently, propelling the team into the playoffs.
But the 25-year-old said the job isn't done yet as he and the Bucs turn their attention to their wild card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The two teams last met in Week 3 when Philadelphia beat Tampa Bay 25-11, and Winfield Jr. says the Super Bowl LVII finalists are still one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
"We got to stop the run [because] they gashed us during that first game. They run their offense the same way. It's going to be a good challenge for us."
One thing that may work in the Bucs' favor is that the Eagles have had a rough stretch towards the end of the season.
Philadelphia has lost five of their last six games and finished the year with an 11-6 record to claim the fifth seed in the NFC. Whereas Tampa Bay seemed to have put things together having won five of their last six.
Now, momentum might be on the Bucs' side, especially with playing at home.
"It was ups and downs during the season but we pulled through and we made it to this point," Winfield said. "Everybody's excited because we got an opportunity to go out there and perform."
Tampa Bay going up against Philadelphia in the postseason is just the latest edition of the unique rivalry between the two teams, much of which has ended with a smile from Bucs players and fans.
In the 2002 NFC Championship, former Tampa Bay cornerback Rondé Barber helped seal a 27-10 win after he intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown to help his team reach the Super Bowl, which they would then go on to be eventual champions.
Then in the 2021 Wild Card round, Tom Brady took care of business against a young Jalen Hurts and helped the Bucs win 31-15.
This will be the first time the two sides meet in the playoffs since that game three years ago, and Tampa Bay will look to walk away with a smile once again.
PREDICTION
This game will be a lot closer than the last time the two teams played against each other very early in the season. The Bucs have finally found their identity offensively under Dave Canales, whereas the Eagles just can't seem to get out of their funk. However, the away team's defensive line will make it hard for Tampa Bay to have an efficient run game, which means Baker Mayfield may have a long day of throwing the ball to a suspect Eagles secondary.
And on the other side of the ball, the defense can handle their business if they can limit Philadelphia's run game. With Jalen Hurts having a finger injury and his top two receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith facing their own injuries as well, it might relieve some pressure off the defense. Score: Philadelphia wins 21-17.
Be sure to watch The Blitz at 8:30 a.m. every Sunday only on 10 Tampa Bay as Sports Director Evan Closky and Sports Anchor David Schiele give you full Bucs coverage leading up to each game.