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[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 1 Opening Odds: Buccaneers at Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are opening their season Sunday at Atlanta against the Falcons. This matchup will pin two of the NFC South division’s Top 2 teams and depending on who you ask the division champion will be either of these two hitting the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. So what are the oddsmakers thinking of the regular season opener between the Bucs and the Falcons?

Per FanDuel, Tampa Bay is a 2.5-point favorite in Atlanta for the first week of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Bucs -2.5
Point total: 47.5
Moneyline: Bucs -132, Falcons +112

The Buccaneers are coming off their fourth straight division title after posting a 10-7 record in 2024. Atlanta finished in second place, two games behind Tampa Bay. Both teams made improvements this past offseason and will look to better each other and be a game up early on following the opening week of 2025.

The game between the Bucs and Falcons is scheduled for Sunday with kickoff set for 1:00 PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...egular-season-opening-odds-buccaneers-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers extend OT Goedeke

The Buccaneers made the pivotal move of extending stalwart right tackle Luke Goedeke on a four-year deal Tuesday.

Originally reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the NFL Network provided additional details of it being $90 million over 4 years — a $22.5 million APY with $50 million guaranteed.

Bucs have agreed to a four year extension with T Luke Goedeke.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 2, 2025

Goedeke, who was slated for free agency next year, receives the third-highest deal for a right tackle in all of football, and it’s become well-deserved. Originally entering the league as a second-round pick from Central Michigan in 2022, the Bucs initially planned for him to replace Ali Marpet at left guard but that backfired immensely when Goedeke was one of the worst in the league. An end-of-season move back to his original right tackle position yielded much more encouraging results, and he’s ascended to one of the NFL’s best in that timeframe.

The 26-year-old is now poised to be in Tampa Bay through the 2029 season, which aligns with All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Wirfs, also 26, just signed an extension last August that made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid offensive linemen. Arguably a top-2 overall tackle tandem, the Bucs have created excellent protection for quarterback Baker Mayfield as he looks to continue his career-best stretch of play.

As a whole, the Bucs’ offensive line is all under contract for multiple seasons. Cody Mauch’s rookie deal runs through 2027, Graham Barton’s through 2028 (2029 if the fifth-year option is excercised), and Ben Bredeson through 2028.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers-news/65127/buccaneers-extend-ot-goedeke

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers release their first depth chart of the 2025 regular season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled their official Week One depth chart Tuesday—highlighted by rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka immediately earning a starting spot in his debut season.

Offense sees veteran Mike Evans leading at wide receiver, joined by Ryan Miller. However, due to Chris Godwin’s continued rehab and Jalen McMillan’s preseason neck injury, Egbuka is poised to start alongside Evans, with Tez Johnson also listed among the top options. In the trenches, with left tackle Tristan Wirfs likely missing the opener, Ben Chukwuma will serve as the swing tackle while second-year lineman Elijah Klein will also be ready to go. The offensive line core remains intact, featuring Barton, Bredeson, Mauch, and others.

On defense, inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis earns a starting nod for the first time, while safety Tykee Smith partners with Antoine Winfield, Jr. It’ll also be the debut of new Bucs outside linebacker Haason Reddick.

Special teams see Riley Dixon named punter, with Chase McLaughlin handling placekicking and kickoffs. Emeka Egbuka also joins the special teams group as a designated returner alongside Rachaad White. However, it’ll be Kameron Johnson as the designated punt returner while also serving as a kickoff returner with running back Sean Tucker.

With key skill-position injuries and rookies stepping up, Tampa Bay’s depth chart sets an intriguing tone for Week One.

Check out the full depth chart below via Buccaneers.com. (Rookies marked with *.)

OFFENSE

WR: Mike Evans, Ryan Miller

WR: Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson

LT: Tristan Wirfs, Charlie Heck

LG: Ben Bredeson, Elijah Klein

C: Graham Barton

RG: Cody Mauch

RT: Luke Goedeke, Benjamin Chukwuma *

WR: Emeka Egbuka *, Tez Johnson *

TE: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Devin Culp

QB: Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater

RB: Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Josh Williams *

DEFENSE

DL: Calijah Kancey

NT: Vita Vea, Greg Gaines

DL: Logan Hall, Elijah Roberts *

OLB: Yaya Diaby, Chris Braswell, Markees Watts

ILB: SirVocea Dennis, John Bullock *

ILB: Lavonte David, Deion Jones

OLB: Haason Reddick, Anthony Nelson

CB: Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison *, Kindle Vildor

CB: Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish *, Josh Hayes

S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Christian Izien, Rashad Wisdom

S: Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather

SPECIALISTS

P: Riley Dixon

PK: Chase McLaughlin

KO: Chase McLaughlin

H: Riley Dixon

LS: Evan Deckers

PR: Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson *, Emeka Egbuka *, Rachaad White

KR: Sean Tucker, Josh Williams, Emeka Egbuka *

KR: Kameron Johnson, Rachaad White, Tez Johnson *

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eason-depth-chart-emeka-egbuka-haason-reddick

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs announce team captains for the 2025 season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially announced their team captains for the upcoming season, confirming a leadership core steeped in experience and consistency.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, and inside linebacker Lavonte David once again head the captain list. All three will don the gold “C” patch, signifying that each has served as a team captain for five or more seasons. Evans’ selection marks his ninth year as a captain, while David continues his extraordinary run of leadership, now reaching a 12-year streak.

Joining them are left tackle Tristan Wirfs, defensive lineman Vita Vea, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., all of whom have also held captain roles for at least three seasons, providing vital continuity across the roster.

Head coach Todd Bowles praised the selections as a reflection of stability and respect within the locker room—including a blend of long-tenured icons and emerging seasoned leaders—setting a strong tone as the Buccaneers embark on their 50th NFL season.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eason-baker-mayfield-lavonte-david-mike-evans

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Reacts Survey: 2025 Regular Season Kickoff

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Buccaneers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/65124/buccaneers-reacts-survey-nfl-regular-season-kickoff

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Davy Jones’ Locker: Buccaneers vs Falcons Q&A with The Falcoholic

With the Buccaneers just days away from opening up their season in Atlanta against the division rival Falcons, they will be looking for some revenge after being swept last year. Both teams would love nothing more than to start off the 2025 season on the right note. To help break down this Falcons team, we spoke with Saivion Mixson of The Falcoholic to give us a closer look at this macthup.

1. We are now entering the first full season with Michael Penix Jr at the helm for Atlanta. What are the expectations for him this season and how confident are you in his potential as a franchise quarterback?​

“There are going to be growing pains. There’s no way around it. He’s a gunslinger, so he’s going to spray some throws, force a few into traffic, and make a couple of “rookie” decisions. That’s natural for a guy with just three starts under his belt who’s still adjusting to NFL speed.

But make no mistake: the kid is special. His arm talent is already top 10 in the league, and his feel for throws outside the numbers is elite. He’s got the juice to hit explosive plays downfield and the athleticism to avoid negative ones. This season, I expect the usual peaks and valleys of a young quarterback, but his ceiling as a franchise QB is limitless. “

2. The Falcons had the Bucs number last season, sweeping the season series. From Atlanta’s perspective, what went right in those games to come out victorious?​

“Last year, Kirk Cousins was surgical against Tampa. According to NFL Pro, he posted his two best games of the season versus the Bucs, generating 0.41 and 0.37 EPA per dropback. Elite numbers when you consider that MVP candidate Lamar Jackson led the league at 0.29.

That’s exactly why Cousins was brought in: to deliver in big games like those. But as the season wore on, the consistency disappeared, and Atlanta needed a quarterback who could create more on his own. That opened the door for Penix, and now this matchup looks a whole lot different. “

3. What was the Falcons biggest need this offseason? Do you think it was properly addressed?​

“The biggest need was easy: pass rush. Atlanta simply wasn’t affecting quarterbacks enough, and they went out and swung big. Landing Jalon Walker in the draft and adding James Pearce Jr. gives them two blue-chip pieces to build around.

Now, whether it was ‘properly’ addressed is where it gets tricky. I’m never a fan of giving up first-round picks unless you’re already in a Super Bowl window. But I get it, this front office is betting on itself. If it works, it could transform the defense overnight. If it doesn’t, Terry Fontenot won’t be around to feel the consequences. “

4. When looking at this matchup, what do you think is the biggest X factor in this game and why?​

“The X-factor is right tackle Elijah Wilkinson against this Buccaneers pass rush. If Wilkinson can hold up on the edge, it changes everything. Last season, the Bucs were 0-3 in games where they blitzed under 25%, including both losses to Atlanta.

If Penix gets time and the Falcons can keep Bowles’ pressure packages in check, Atlanta has a real shot to control this one.“

5. The Bucs are currently favored in the game by a very small margin. What is your score prediction for this one?​

“Everything says to take Tampa. They’ve owned the South for four straight years, and they’re built to make it five.

But at some point, the torch has to pass, and I think Sunday is that moment. Give me the Falcons, 27-23, in a statement win. “

The games are always exciting when these two teams meet, and we’ll see what Sunday has in store for this matchup. Thanks so much to Saivion for doing this!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...-buccaneers-vs-falcons-qa-with-the-falcoholic

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Zyon McCollum earns contract extension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that the team has signed cornerback Zyon McCollum to a multi-year contract extension.

McCollum has appeared in 47 career games, with 29 starts, since being selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round (No. 157 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has also appeared in all four of Tampa Bay’s postseason contests over that span. To date, McCollum has recorded 163 career tackles, 27 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

McCollum has decreased his completion percentage allowed and his passer rating when targeted across each of his three seasons played, culminating in career-best marks in 2024 with a 58.4% completion rate allowed and an 85.7 passer rating allowed. Last season, McCollum also posted career highs in tackles (82), passes defensed (17) and interceptions (2). During the 2024 season, his 17 passes defensed tied for the third-most in the NFL.

“Zyon has developed into an every-down starter for us and continues to elevate his game each year,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “His athleticism, paired with his ability to limit opposing receivers, gives us a dependable and dynamic defender in the secondary. We are excited to keep an ascending player like Zyon in Tampa as we continue building around a young, talented core.”

Despite defending the third-most pass attempts in the NFL in 2024 (101 targets), according to Next Gen Stats, McCollum ranked fifth in lowest completion percentage when targeted (58.4%) and ninth in lowest opponent passer rating allowed (85.7). Per Pro Football Focus metrics, among cornerbacks with at least 1,000 snaps played in 2024, McCollum was the seventh-highest rated cornerback in the NFL in 2024.

A native of Galveston, Texas, McCollum played collegiately at Sam Houston State (2017-21), where he appeared in 56 career games and earned First-Team All-Conference honors three times (All-Southland 2018, 2020; All-Western Athletic Conference 2021).

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...aneers-zyon-mccollum-earns-contract-extension

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers at Falcons: Bold prediction and staff picks for Week 1

As the Buccaneers are set to open their season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons this week, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and a bold prediction for Tampa Bay’s kickoff to their 50th season in franchise history.

---

Bold Prediction​

The rookie shines in his regular season debut

Quarterback Baker Mayfield will have a new offensive weapon this season in rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The former Ohio State product has wowed everyone during training camp and preseason. His crisp route running and sure hands will be something that will present a problem for the Falcons secondary as the focus will always shift to veteran wide receiver Mike Evans — which will naturally open things up everywhere else on the field. Look for Egbuka to break the 100-yard receiving mark and catch one touchdown.

---

2025 Week 1 Staff Picks​

Gil Arcia: Bucs 30, Falcons 21
Mike Kiwak: Bucs 27, Falcons 24
Evan Wanish: Bucs 26, Falcons 23
Will Walsh: Bucs 24, Falcons 23

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...er-mayfield-staff-picks-nfl-week-1-mike-evans

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

SB Nation reacts: Bucs fans confident in the team’s direction

Buccaneers fans are excited for the upcoming season for many reasons. With the return of several names throughout both sides of the ball along with several new exciting faces, the Tampa Bay fanbase sees potential promise for the upcoming 2025 regular season.

This week, fans were asked if they were confident in the team’s direction ahead of the 2025 season. 93-percent of the fanbase feel they are heading in the right direction.

In a main SB Nation Reacts polling, fans cross the league were asked which teams would win their respective divisions.

In the NFC South, where the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints reside along with the Buccaneers, more then 3/4 of the fans who voted feel the Bucs will win the division.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers season kicks off this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. If they get off on the right foot with lots good play centered around the new supporting class, the immediate future could be very bright for the Bucs.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...fident-in-the-teams-direction-atlanta-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Week 1 Top Performers at Atlanta Falcons

In common Week 1 fashion, both the Buccaneers and Falcons needed to shake off the off-season rust, and it could’ve been either team’s game as they traded blows.

However, Tampa Bay emerged victorious in a critical division road game with some late heroics and a little bit of luck as the Bucs defeated Atlanta 23-20 Sunday.

The Bucs got some critical contributions from several fresh faces, some rookies and some veterans, as they overall showed more good than bad. They didn’t get absolutely shredded by Michael Penix, Jr., who was making just his fourth start, and they again stuffed the run at an elite level as they’ve consistently done under Todd Bowles.

Let’s give some season-opening shoutouts as we exhale and recollect for next week and Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans.

Offensive Top Performer: WR Emeka Egbuka​

Though plenty of people got caught doing the shocked Pikachu face after Tampa selected Egbuka 19th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s proven to be the smartest move GM Jason Licht could’ve possibly made given Chris Godwin’s recovery and Jalen McMillan’s neck injury.

Arguably the cleanest receiver evaluation in the entire draft, Egbuka came in with elite production (Ohio State’s all-time receptions leader) and character, and he’s earned nothing but praise from everyone in the building. He proved it was well-deserved Sunday by scoring two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with barely a minute remaining in the game.

EMEKA EGBUKA. THE ROOKIE. AGAIN.

TBvsATL on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/pLyQEvaSG4

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

He finished as the team’s receiving leader on a day where QB Baker Mayfield (and new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard) clearly needed to get up to speed and Mike Evans faced plenty of bracketed coverage — Egbuka caught 4 passes for 67 yards and the scores. The future seems to be shining bright for No. 2.

Finally, the offensive line needs props. It came out just before kickoff that the Bucs opted for a completely new starting configuration. Center Graham Barton kicked out to left tackle(!!), Ben Bredeson went from left guard to center, and newly signed Mike Jordan started at left guard. This was a risky gambit when everyone just assumed Charlie Heck would take over for Tristan Wirfs at left tackle. However, it worked out as Baker got sacked only once and largely had the time he needed for most of the game. We’ll see how it works against a much better Houston front, but early returns were encouraging.

Defensive Top Performer: EDGE Haason Reddick​

When Egbuka got picked, most originally assumed that selection would go toward pass-rushing reinforcements. While the team did address that later on via Day 3 picks David Walker (who unfortunately tore his ACL in training camp) and Elijah Roberts, brass made it clear they trusted in their only major outside free agent signing — edge rusher Haason Reddick.

The near 31-year-old had a tumultuous 2024 with the New York Jets that saw him barely play, so he was a bit of an unknown commodity. It’s just one game against a compromised Atlanta offensive line starting its third-string tackle, but Reddick looked quite good.

He recorded multiple pressures and the team’s only sack, which came at a vital time. With the Falcons threatening for the first time in the red zone, Reddick sacked Penix Jr. on third down to force a field goal attempt. Frequently, the Bucs would need to resort to blitzing in those situations the last couple seasons given the lack of proven 1-on-1 winners. If Reddick can do that consistently, the Bucs’ defense will be much better off for it.

First sack for @Haason7Reddick as a Buccaneer

: #TBvsATL on FOX pic.twitter.com/CbIVyhHbik

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025

Zyon McCollum, who received a healthy contract extension just a few days ago, played very well. He totaled 10 tackles and nearly had two interceptions while helping to limit top Atlanta target Drake London to just 55 yards on 8 catches. He got dinged up with an apparent arm injury late in the game but came back in to finish. He was much improved last year, so further development and fully assuming CB1 duties would be a huge win.

Finally, Antoine Winfield Jr. needs recognition. Injured most of last season, Winfield looks much refreshed, and he made his presence felt with 4 total tackles and an incredible pass breakup on Atlanta’s final drive that would’ve put the Falcons within Tampa’s 5-yard line at the least had it been completed.

Special Teams Top Performer: PR Kam Johnson​

As massively disappointing as Chase McLaughlin’s very-bad-no-good day was, other elements of the special teams stepped up to create some pivotal advantages.

One such play came from second-year player Kam Johnson. Widely considered a long-shot for the roster because of injuries that cost him most of last year and almost all of preseason, Johnson snuck onto the squad thanks to his special teams juice — which he readily put on display Sunday.

Johnson logged a 54-yard punt return, which marked the team’s longest in nearly 10 years since Bobby Rainey returned one 58 yards in October 2015. By comparison, the biggest one Tampa got last year was…17 yards. The return positioned the Bucs for a crucial touchdown.

Kam Johnson with a big punt return of 53-yards to set the offense up with good field position

: @Buccaneers

pic.twitter.com/8leaSFk2gT

— SleeperBucs (@SleeperTBBUCS) September 7, 2025

Riley Dixon, also making his Bucs debut, looked to stabilize the team’s punter woes and did so very well. He punted four times and averaged 51.3 yards, including a long of 62 and two that pinned Atlanta inside their 20. If he can continue that standard, the Bucs will be in much better shape than all of 2024.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eers-week-1-top-performers-at-atlanta-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 2 Opening Odds: Buccaneers at Texans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the season with a 23-20 win against the Falcons in Atlanta. It wasn’t pretty as the Bucs struggled offensively for most of the game. Fortunately, after a shaky beginning, the Buccaneers defense did settle down and held Michael Penix, Jr. and the Atlanta offense in check for most of the game.

But how do the oddsmakers feel about Tampa Bay’s next matchup in Houston against the Texans? Per FanDuel, Houston is a 2.5-point favorite in Atlanta for the first week of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Texans -2.5
Point total: 44.5
Moneyline: Bucs +108, Texans -126

Like the Buccaneers offense, Houston has also struggled offensively against the Rams in Los Angeles. At the time of this writing, the Texans haven’t even broken the 200-yard mark offensively in L.A. and they are in the 4th quarter with 12 minutes left to play. It’s a trend across the league where we are seeing offensive struggles throughout the NFL with several teams unable to get into a consistent rhythm offensively.

Will that continue into Week 2? Next week’s game between the Bucs and Texans is scheduled for Monday night with kickoff set for 7:00 PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...week-2-opening-odds-buccaneers-texans-falcons

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

The Day After: Buccaneers vs Falcons Week 1 Reactions

The Buccaneers opening game is in the books and they were able to come out victorious against the Atlanta Falcons in a back and forth, wild contest. Tampa Bay escaped Atlanta with a 23-20 win which was in doubt at times, but the Bucs proved that they are ready to fight until the very end.

Let’s take a look at what social media had to say about the Bucs revenge over the Falcons.

An O-Line Surprise​

About 20 minutes before kickoff, it was announced that the Bucs were completely revamping their offensive line, moving Graham Barto from center to left tackle, Ben Bredeson from guard to center and starting newly elevated guard Michael Jordan. The move came as a shock to many, as it was not something that was announced or even rumored that the Bucs might be doing, but it worked out quite well.

.@Buccaneers @AtlantaFalcons @grahambarton53 moved from center to LT; Bredesen moved to center; Jordan played LG…The Big Juggle produced Big results. Amazing coaching and efforts. Game Balls Please to all 3. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/QiACHO0RQU

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 8, 2025

Emeka Egbuka has Arrived​

Bucs rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka certainly made his mark in his NFL debut on Sunday, catching the first Bucs touchdown of the season and the first of his career but then he also grabbed the game winning touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield with just 59 seconds left in the game. Egbuka ended the game with four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Picking a wide receiver with the 19th overall pick doesn’t look so bad now.

Emeka Egbuka was one of the safest WR prospects I have ever scouted.

There was no world where he was going to be anything less than good.

Being this awesome already just speaks volumes about how high he can climb.pic.twitter.com/eR9d31DeFd

— Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) September 7, 2025

A Strong First Impression from Reddick​

The Bucs went into the 2025 offseason looking to upgrade their pass rush and they decided to address the position by signing veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick to a one year deal. Tampa Bay is hoping Reddick can provide a spark to their four man pass rush and get to the QB a lot this season. His first game with the team was certainly a solid start.

In his @Buccaneers debut, Haason Reddick led the team with 7 QB pressures and a 22.6% pressure rate. His 7 pressures were tied for the fifth-most in the NFL in Week 1, and his 22.6% pressure rate was the second-highest mark by any defender with 30+ pass rushes.#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/jmVAQgVEtO

— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) September 8, 2025

Antoine Winfield Jr: Game Saver​

After the Bucs had re-taken the lead from Atlanta, the Falcons threatened again and this time it was almost a disaster for Tampa Bay. Atlanta had gotten into field goal range to tie the game but with a few extra seconds left, they took some shots to try and score a touchdown. Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr found receiver Casey Washington all alone… until Antoine Winfield Jr had something to say about it. Winfield knocked the ball out of Washington’s hands, breaking up what would have in all likelihood been the game winning touchdown and left a sour taste in the Bucs mouths.

Winfield Jr is back healthy and better than ever.

This punch out by Antoine Winfield Jr. was the difference in the game. pic.twitter.com/f1UnxLFmQV

— All-22 (@All22_PFF) September 7, 2025

Tampa Bay is 1-0 for the fifth straight season and are undefeated in week one in the Todd Bowles era. They have also started 2-0 four straight times so let’s hope they are able to do that yet again next week in Houston.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-after-buccaneers-vs-falcons-week-1-reactions

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Report: Buccaneers Restructure Jamel Dean’s Contract

The Buccaneers have had some contract news today concerning cornerback Jamel Dean. Originally, Dean was scheduled to be a free agent after the 2026 season, now that is not the case. Josh Queipo of Pewter Report first broke the news.

Pewter Report's @josh_queipo has learned that the #Bucs have restructured the contract of CB Jamel Dean with Dean taking a pay cut in exchange for being a free agent in 2026.

— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 8, 2025

So, it is essentially a tradeoff. The Bucs get Dean at a lower number in 2025 in exchange for Dean being able to hit the free agent market after this season instead of waiting another year. For Tampa Bay, they potentially don’t have to cut Dean if they don’t want to and for Dean, he has a chance to get paid early.

Dean could end up being one of the top corners available on the free agent market and could end up getting paid good money on a long-term deal. This also allows him to hit the market when he is 29 years old, rather than when he is 30.

The former third round pick has been an up and down player for Tampa Bay. Dean was a part of the “grave diggers” secondary that played a huge role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl run. He even played well enough to earn a second contract a few years ago, but now with the team just selecting two corners in this past draft and re-signing Zyon McCollum, the writing appears to be on the wall for Jamel Dean’s future with the Buccaneers.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...t-buccaneers-restructure-jamel-deans-contract

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Reacts Survey: Week 2

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Buccaneers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/65259/buccaneers-reacts-survey-week-2

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Kam Johnson Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

The NFL announced Wednesday that Buccaneers returner Kameron Johnson received NFC special teams player of the week honors for his role in Tampa Bay’s Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Johnson produced a game-flipping 54-yard punt return, which easily stood as the longest punt return of the week by 31 yards. It was also the Buccaneers’ longest punt return in nearly 10 years, nearly matching Bobby Rainey’s 58-yard return against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 of 2015. Fittingly, Johnson becomes the first non-kicker/punter for the Buccaneers to earn the award since Rainey performed that feat.

The return came at a critical moment, with the score tied at 10 with less than 10 minutes in the third quarter. The return positioned the Bucs at the Atlanta 32 and led to a score via a Bucky Irving maximum effort touchdown reception.

Johnson, who is the only player from Div-II Barton College to ever make an NFL roster, also added good work as a gunner, downing a Riley Dixon punt inside the 20.

Kam Johnson with a big punt return of 53-yards to set the offense up with good field position

: @Buccaneers

pic.twitter.com/8leaSFk2gT

— SleeperBucs (@SleeperTBBUCS) September 7, 2025

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...on-named-nfc-special-teams-player-of-the-week

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Week 1 Game Recap: Late game heroics carry Buccaneers past Falcons

First Quarter:​

Sunday featured a nightmarish start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans. The Falcons walked down the field effortlessly on their first drive scoring on a short throw to Bijan Robinson that featured a substantial amount of open field running after the catch and unfortunate memories of Tampa Bay’s 2024 defense. In life sometimes you get punched in the mouth. The good news? Tampa Bay’s offense had an opportunity to respond. The bad news? Their response— Three plays and a punt. 7-0, Falcons.

Second Quarter:​

The Buccaneers’ offense began quarter number two with the ball, following a rare moment of coaching aggression from Todd Bowles. Backed up in their own end Todd Bowles decided to leave his offense on the field for a fourth down and one. Bowles’ trust in Baker Mayfield and his offense was rewarded as Mayfield found Mike Evans for their first connection of the season. That connection led the Buccaneers’ offense down the field for their first score of the season, a Chase McLaughlin field goal. 7-3, Falcons.

Atlanta, in an effort to match Tampa Bay’s aggressiveness decided their next drive would hinge on a fourth down conversion. Unfortunately, for Atlanta, they made the decision to run at Vita Vea. Atlanta’s turnover on downs set the Buccaneers up with good field position and their offense took full advantage— Touchdown pass number one for number six on the season, touchdown catch number one for number two in his career. Mayfield to Egbuka, a combination Buccaneers’ fans hope to see forge much more of the same as the season continues. 10-7, Buccaneers.

A dropped interception by Zyon McCollum on the Falcons’ ensuing drive would leave the ball in Atlanta’s possession and give them a shot at three points. Younghoe Koo delivered and the Falcons tied the game— 10-10.

Third Quarter:​

The Buccaneers started the second half with the ball and disorganization. Sloppy play is always a large portion of the discussion when the topic is week one football and the Buccaneers will surely have a place in that discussion. Following a completed catch that was actually incomplete, the Buccaneers attempted to get on the ball quickly to prevent an Atlanta challenge. Tampa’s offense was unable to get a play called at the line of scrimmage, forcing them to use a timeout. Tampa Bay’s timeout was self-sabotaging because it gave Raheem Morris enough to time to toss his challenge flag. Following a very quick review, the pass was ruled incomplete. Allowing the Falcons to use Tampa Bay’s timeout to negate their gained yardage is poor, however, letting mistake pile up is worse. Third down and three became third down and eight, the Buccaneers failed to convert, which led to Chase McLaughlin jogging on the field. McLaughlin, as reliable a player as the Buccaneers have had over the past few seasons, fell victim to the week one sloppiness as well, missing a field goal.

Atlanta’s next drive ended in fireworks— For Tampa Bay. Kam Johnson, a coaches favorite for a while now, grabbed Bradley Pinion’s punt and ran it back for 54 yards. Johnson’s field-flipping play helped snag momentum for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s offense capped off the drive with their second touchdown of the season, Baker Mayfield to Bucky Irving. 17-10, Buccaneers.

Haason Reddick’s first sack as a Buccaneer came on the Falcons’ next drive— A redzone trip that ended in three points, after Reddick’s third down stop. 17-13, Buccaneers.

Fourth Quarter:​

Missed throws from Baker Mayfield highlighted the early parts of the fourth quarter. Deep shots to Mike Evans, Cade Otton, and then Sterling Shepard all missing the mark kept the game a one-score contest. At 17-13, the Buccaneers’ defense was given a chance to cement themselves as the team’s backbone in the manner they were during Todd Bowles’ early years in Tampa. The defense reminded Buccaneers fans, on a nearly 20-play drive, they are not. Michael Penix Jr. took his offense down the field with his arm and his legs and put a fourth quarter dagger in Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers— A dagger Baker Mayfield would remove moments later.

Emeka Egbuka, in his first game as a Buccaneer, immediately validated his worth, draft position, and preseason hype. As a rookie in his first game, he scored the team’s game-winning touchdown. Becoming the team’s first and only wide receiver in franchise history to start his career with a multi-touchdown game. With the sloppy play continuing, Chase McLaughlin did not convert the extra point. The Falcons, again, marched down the field— Through the Bucs’ defense like they were not there.

The Buccaneers were on the bad end of some tough calls, bad penalties and frustrating mistakes. Relief finally came for the Bucs’ fans on the games second-to-last snap. Younghoe Koo with a chance to send the game to overtime, sent his kick wide right. Bucs win, 23-20.

For more Bucs coverage check us out here:

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Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...rry-buccaneers-past-falcons-week-1-game-recap

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers at Falcons: 2025 NFL Week 1 Open Thread, Staff Picks, and Inactives

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are away this week in Atlanta to open the season against the Falcons.

Tampa Bay will be without offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs as he is still recovering from knee surgery earlier this summer. Wide receiver Chris Godwin is obviously still not cleared to play and defensive backs Christian Izien and Benjamin Morrison will be out as well. You can see the rest of the inactives here.

Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM EST. Enjoy each other’s company in the comments section!

Staff Picks​

Gil Arcia: Bucs 30, Falcons 21
Mike Kiwak: Bucs 27, Falcons 24
Evan Wanish: Bucs 26, Falcons 23
Will Walsh: Bucs 24, Falcons 23

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/game-day...-week-1-open-thread-staff-picks-and-inactives

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers at Falcons inactives for the 2025 season opener

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in Atlanta this week as they kick off their 50th season against the Falcons. There are high hopes, and perhaps even higher expectations, for the Bucs this season and a fast start to the season against a division rival can solidify that notion.

But they’ll have to do so without some key contributors and big names.

Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss today’s game against the Falcons because he’s still recovering from arthroscopic right‑knee surgery this summer. Coach Todd Bowles confirmed he won’t play in Week 1 as he works toward regaining full football conditioning.

Veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin will sit out today’s season opener against the Falcons due to his ongoing recovery from a surgically repaired dislocated ankle sustained in Week 7 of the 2024 season. He remained on the injury report and has officially been ruled out.

Tampa Bay will also be without defensive backs Christian Izien and Benjamin Morrison. This week, Bowles hinted at a specific approach the team would be taking in the secondary to help fill the roles Izien and Morrison would have had on the defense.

However, the big question mark coming into this game was whether or not defensive tackle Vita Vea would play. He will in fact be active and play in today’s matchup.

The full list of inactives for both teams are posted below.

Inactives for #TBvsATL pic.twitter.com/JMlrd9FEpe

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025

Darnell Mooney is inactive for today's game

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 7, 2025

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...on-opener-tristan-wirfs-vita-vea-chris-godwin

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Davy Jones Locker: Buccaneers vs Texans Q&A with Battle Red Blog

The Buccaneers continue on the road this week, this time in Houston on Monday night football. Tampa Bay is 1-0 and are looking for their fifth straight 2-0 start to the season meanwhile the Texans are looking for a bounce back game after their opening week loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

To preview the game, we sat down with Scott Barzilla of Battle Red Blog to break down things from a Texans perspective. Let’s get into it.

1. The Texans suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams last week. It was a game in which they didn’t score a touchdown. What went wrong in that game?​

“The biggest story from this game was the inability of the Texans passing game to get going. Christian Kirk was out and that left C.J. Stroud without a reliable second target. However, most of the attention throughout the offseason was on the offensive line. The Texans went from 5th in offensive line salary to 26th in one offseason. The working theory was that they would find a way to do more with less by simplifying the blocking scheme, asking Stroud to get the ball out quicker, and allowing Stroud to change the play and/or protection schemes at the line. Stroud generally did well with pressure in this game, but the 41 percent pressure rate is likely unsustainable. Left guard Ed Ingram was out the first week and that caused them to shuffle almost the entire line. If he is able to play we will likely see some improvement, but he is questionable at this point.”

2. There has been a lot of talk about the Texans offensive line struggling dating back to last year. They allowed three sacks this past Sunday. How confident are you in this offensive line?​

“I’m not. You don’t cut the amount of money you spend on a unit nearly in half and somehow expect improvement. I was generally on board with trading Laremy Tunsil. He was officially the highest paid player on the 2024 Texans and his production didn’t match the cost. Whether he was committing yet another false start or simply not run blocking with the kind of ferocious nature you want, I felt like moving on was the right move. That being said, the expectation is that you would roll that savings into legitimate starters at the other spots. Laken Tomlinson was technically a starter last season, but he wasn’t a highly rated one. Ed Ingram lost his job in Minnesota in the middle of the season. Jake Andrews was a career backup in New England. Cam Robinson was good in Jacksonville, but he didn’t perform well once he moved to Minnesota last season.

That was the extent of their additions in free agency. Aireontae Ersery is a good looking young tackle, but he is a rookie. Cobbling together that group (along with Tytus Howard) into one functioning unit would be a jedi mind trick. The hope is that once everyone on the offense is healthy they can move the ball with quick decisions from Stroud. I think that’s a possibility, but this will never be a good line the way it is currently constructed.“

3. The last time the Bucs faced C.J. Stroud, he embarrassed them as a rookie by leading a game winning touchdown drive in just seconds. What has changed the most from Stroud’s rookie season to the type of QB Stroud is now?​

“The pressure rates were insane last season and the 41 percent rate from week one was one of the highest in the league. Stroud has been better at using his legs to gain positive yards on some busted plays, but no quarterback is going to be at his best with that level of pressure. I think what has happened to Stroud is a combination of factors. The league always adjusts to you once they get solid tape on you. I think that has definitely happened. However, he seemed reluctant to take check downs last season and simply held onto the ball in hopes of a big play developing downfield. Early returns from training camp indicate that he should be better in that regard. Combine that with the use of his legs and it could offset the issues with the line. If we are being honest, he likely never will be on the level of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson. When you take out those top five or six quarterbacks then he probably fits comfortably in that next group. What is that worth in terms of a contract? Knowing the NFL it probably gets him 60 million a season.”

4. When looking at this game, what is your X-factor matchup that may go a long way in deciding the game?​

“I noticed that the Bucs corners had good grades from week one. I think the biggest matchup will be whoever matches up with Nico Collins. Collins only got five targets in week one and I can’t imagine that happening again on Monday night. If I were betting I’m guessing the number will be closer to ten. Will Collins be able to get those chunk plays that he has done the last two seasons or will he be relegated to stuff around the line of scrimmage. I imagine they will try a screen or two with him to see if they can get him going that way. If the Buc corners are able to contain him and limit him to four or five catches and no chunk plays it could be another long day for the Texans offense.”

5. Currently the Texans are a slight home favorite. What is your score prediction for this one?​

“I’d personally stay away from this game in terms of the spread. I generally don’t have a good feel for teams early in the season, so I don’t know if week one was a case of the Texans just playing a very good football team or if the offensive issues are that glaring. If I were to place a wager on the game I would probably bet the under. The over/under is set at 42.5 which seems like a lofty number considering neither of these teams looked good offensively in week one. if you put a gun to my head I’d go with the Texans on the money line, but I think it is pretty close game. I would have probably set the line closer to one than 2.5. It seems cliche, but the team that wins the turnover battle wins the game.”

Thanks so much to Scott for doing this!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-buccaneers-vs-texans-qa-with-battle-red-blog

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

How to win, how to lose: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans Week 2 game preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers snagged a win on the NFL’s opening Sunday. The importance of the victory cannot be understated as every other NFC South team, in contrast, lost their debut contest. Tampa, at 1-0 with a divisional win, has a game-and-a-half lead on their competition and has ensured that Atlanta will not have a direct tie-breaker over Tampa Bay come season’s end.

With week two knocking on the door, the Buccaneers need to reset and recalibrate. The Bucs have a rare opportunity to impress, with the nation’s eyes on the them— How can Tampa Bay reach 2-0?

“If you run the ball, you control the clock. If you control the clock, you usually control the game.”

-Tiki Barber

How can the Buccaneers win?​

Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans will be suiting up for a bit of a homecoming this week, but it will be another budding superstar whose 2025 season must blossom. Although he did punch the ball across the goal line a week ago, Bucky Irving struggled in his season debut. Irving, who averaged 5.4 yards per carry and 66 yards per game in 2024, managed a meager 37 yards on 2.6 yards per rush in week one— Not good numbers.

When the Buccaneers lost Liam Coen in the offseason, multiple sirens were sounding from all angles. A major aspect of fans’ concerns was tied to Liam Coen’s ability to jumpstart the team’s rushing attack. Coen did have the benefit of Bucky Irving, an asset previous play callers were not provided. Should Irving continue to struggle while Coen’s new lead back Travis Etienne Jr. looks like a brand-new player (143 yards, 8.9 per carry– in week one), unrest will set in quickly and a chicken or the egg debate may ensue. It would behoove the Buccaneers greatly to stomp the life out of that concept before it becomes a narrative— A big game for Bucky Irving and the Bucs’ rushing attack will be the team’s first step towards securing a second consecutive road victory.

“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see.”

-Winston Churchill

How can the Buccaneers lose?​

Allow history to repeat itself. The Tampa Bay Bucs’ defense has been in a downward spiral for a good bit of time. Amongst a fairly substantial batch of defensive disappointments, it’s arguable none stand out more than the group’s homely performance on November 5, 2023.

That day, Tampa Bay— in the middle of a three game losing streak— entered a matchup against a rookie quarterback who was about to rise into house-hold name status, on the back of Todd Bowles.

C.J. Stroud, who had thrown nine touchdowns in the season’s seven previous games, tossed a career-high (to this day) five touchdown passes. Stroud has since become a franchise quarterback and earned his rank in that category in the opinion of most, however, he has never come close to recapturing the magic of his performance against Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense that day. Not only were his five touchdowns a personal best, Stroud only has one other career game with more than two (three). Fans that day also witnessed 470 C.J. Stroud yards, he has zero 400-yard games since.

While Stroud stacked those yards and touchdowns throughout the game it was the mic drop-manner in which he closed out the game that intensifyed fans’ anger towards Todd Bowles that Sunday. Baker Mayfield, doing his part and then some, found Cade Otton in the end zone with 46 seconds remaining. With a 37-33 lead, Todd Bowles’ unit took the field. 40 seconds later, the score was 39-37, Texans– A metaphorical dunk on Todd Bowles and his defense.

Following a somewhat up and down week one, Bowles cannot allow C.J. Stroud– who has not been that player since that day, nearly two years ago– to little-brother his crew again.

For more Bucs coverage check us out here:

@Will_Walsh_NFL(X)

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Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...caneers-at-houston-texans-week-2-game-preview