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It's the day after all the games have been played, and that means the Power Rankings are back in town. Last week the Bucs didn't really move up on any boards despite winning, but after beating the Falcons the Bucs seem to have gained some respect from national writers.
SB Nation (11th, up from 15th):
I said last week a good barometer of this team would be how they did against the defending division champs. The result? A 16-13 victory. For the second season in a row, they look for real.
The Bucs are 2-1 despite only two TD passes, four INTs in three games.
National Football Post (11th, up from 15th):
Don't forget about the Bucs in the NFC South. They can run the ball and we like Josh Freeman when the offense needs to make a play.
Pro Football Talk (9th, up from 15th):
Eight years after one of the most memorable Monday night games ever, the Colts return to Tampa for something that likely will be far less compelling.
CBS Sport - Pete Prisco (15th, up from 18th):
Beating the Falcons serves notice to the NFC South that they will be a factor in the division race. Getting LaGarrette Blount going has really helped.
Fox Sports - Brian Billick (11th, up from 13th):
Showed resiliency and toughness in a sloppy showing by both teams. LeGarrette Blount gives this team a physical toughness they can build on. I was impressed with 36-year-old CB Ronde Barber; he isn't showing any signs of slowing down with age.