RSS Bucs Team Notes

[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:

@Will_Walsh_NFL(X)

@Bucs_Nation(X)

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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)

@Bucs_Nation(X)

@Will_Walsh_NFL(YouTube)

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

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers at Texans: Predictions and staff picks for Week 2

As the Buccaneers get set to take on the Texans in Houston on Monday night, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and predictions for Tampa Bay’s big Week 2 matchup under the lights.

Check it all out below.

---

Predictions​

Gil Arcia: Baker bakes

Baker Mayfield was a bit shaky in Week 1 in Atlanta. And even with that, he still orchestrated a game-winning drive to beat the Falcons. Tampa Bay’s signal caller didn’t impress on the stat sheet despite his three touchdown passes, but he’ll be the talk of the night when it’s all said and done. I’ll predict a bit more than Mike below. Look for Mayfield to at least match his touchdown throws from last week and flirt with the 350-yard passing mark.

Will Walsh: Todd Bowles avenges… Himself.

Two seasons ago, Todd Bowles was absolutely taken to task by C.J. Stroud. The then rookie handled Bowles’ unit to the tune 470 yards and five touchdown passes en route to a 39-37 victory. C.J. Stroud has been a quality player but he has not shown that level of brilliance since. Week one was an iffy performance for Tampa’s defense and for Todd Bowles Monday Night Football can be his stage. He has the chance to make a statement. Get pass rush, force turnovers, and make sure the team’s defense is the catalyst for a 2-0 start— Not just along for the ride.

Evan Wanish: The Galveston boys show out

This Monday night will be a homecoming for two Bucs. Wide Receiver Mike Evans cornerback Zyon McCollum both are from Galveston, Texas which is close to Houston.

I think the homecoming will be a sweet one as Mike Evans catches his first touchdown of the year and Zyon McCollum finally catches his first interception of the season in a Bucs victory.

Mike Kiwak: Baker gets back on track

While the Buccaneers don’t make it out of Atlanta 1-0 without Baker Mayfield’s clutch play and 3 touchdown passes, it’s also fair to say that he put together a shaky 2025 debut. He completed only 53.1% of his passes for just 167 yards (5.2 yards per attempt), and he often looked hurried and erratic — which in turn led to several turnover-worthy plays he got lucky on. However, Mayfield also didn’t play in the preseason, so we’ll see if a closely contested NFC South romp was enough to shake off the rust. I say it does as Mayfield completes at least 60% of his passes for 275+ yards and at least two touchdowns against Houston.

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Week 2 Staff Picks​

Gil Arcia (1-0): Bucs 31, Texans 17
Mike Kiwak (1-0): Bucs 24, Texans 21
Evan Wanish (1-0): Bucs 20, Texans 17
Will Walsh (1-0): Bucs 22, Texans 12

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-week-2-baker-mayfield-todd-bowles-mike-evans

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Week 2 Top Performers at Houston Texans

How is anyone supposed to go to sleep after a thriller like that?

Nothing about it came easy, but the Buccaneers displayed elite resilience for a second straight week as they overcame injuries and horrendous special teams play to skate past the Houston Texans, 20-19, in the final seconds to start 2-0.

Tampa became the first franchise since, ironically, the Houston Texans (2010-14) to start five straight seasons at 2-0. And the victory also marked the Bucs’ first-ever win visiting Houston since they became the Texans. On top of it all, the Bucs won in primetime for the first time since Christmas night 2022 — they were 0-6 between then and Monday.

While they received a glut of gutty performances across the board, here are some guys who stood out above the rest.

Offensive Top Performer: QB Baker Mayfield​

How could it be anyone else?

Two games this year, two fourth-quarter comebacks within 2 minutes remaining. Two wins.

Describe Mayfield anyway you’d like — dude, gamer, dawg, maniac, aggressor — but there’s one word he’s personified above all else since arriving in Tampa: winner.

Mayfield dealt with offensive line injuries against an elite pass rush, taking 4 sacks and many more pressures as the makeshift front tried with all its might to endure the losses of Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke. Mayfield himself even appeared to be banged up before the persistent loudmouth Chauncey Gardner-Johnson decided to shoot his gob off and immediately trigger Mayfield’s “You wanna f**king go or what, tough guy?” complex.

The rest was history.

Baker Mayfield got injured but then remembered he has to trash talk pic.twitter.com/BdWQiXY3xF

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) September 16, 2025

Some critical vintage Mayfield scrambles, including a do-or-die play on 4th and 10 on the final drive, paired with trust in his playmakers like Bucky Irving and Mike Evans (5 catches, 56 yards) hustled the Bucs into position for Rachaad White’s walk-in TD.

Mayfield went 7-of-9 for 63 yards on the final drive along with the 15-yard run. He finished 25-of-38 for 215 passing yards and 2 TDs and no turnovers. Just a completely stupendous performance when the Bucs needed him most.

LOOK AT BAKER MAYFIELD pic.twitter.com/4lO9OX1JnL

— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) September 16, 2025

We also need to recognize both Irving and White.

With a besieged pass-blocking operation, the team needed a good running game, and they both delivered. Irving averaged a healthy 4.2 yards per carry, touting the rock 17 times for 71 yards and contributing 6 catches for 50 yards, with his uncanny tackle-breaking ability making major gains on the final drive. White proved his worth as a top-tier complementary back with 10 carries of his own for 65 yards and the game-winning score.

born too late to explore the world, born too early to explore space, born just in time to watch Bucky Irving play footballpic.twitter.com/fMUtSmS4OH

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 16, 2025

Defensive Top Performer: S Tykee Smith​

Both weeks, the Bucs’ defense allowed opening-drive touchdowns and heart-wrenching late scores, but really tightened up during the in-between. And to be fair to them, they got put in a very unenviable position multiple times by the special teams unit.

One player who looked a lot more comfortable this week was Tykee Smith, who’s making the full-time transition from nickel to safety. After some up-and-down moments against Atlanta, both he and Bowles seemed to have a better idea of how to deploy him, and the results spoke for themselves — a team-leading 6 total tackles (2 for loss), a sack, and a pass defensed as he flew around the field.

#Bucs S Tykee Smith came in on a blitz, bulldozed RB Dare Ogunbowale, and sacked C.J. Stroud. pic.twitter.com/9iqqR1HPLY https://t.co/68fn0CAjPE

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 16, 2025

Between him and Antoine Winfield Jr., who again looked like his former self and posted 4 tackles, the Bucs did an excellent job capping the Texans’ passing attack. C.J. Stroud completed just 13-of-24 passes for 207 yards and 1 TD that was frankly indefensible.

Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean did well in coverage, too, as did rookie Jacob Parrish, so through two weeks the secondary is looking MUCH better. Second-rounder Ben Morrison even got sprinkled in a little.

And after Calijah Kancey got hurt, who stepped up on the defense line? Did anyone have Greg Gaines on their bingo card?

The backup nose tackle collected a clean sack and got after Stroud multiple times as he got forced into more snaps than usual. Huge meet-the-moment game for him.

Greg Gaines JANTANDO nessa noite!#TBxHOU ao vivo na @ESPNBrasil pic.twitter.com/xeENnn3l8P

— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) September 16, 2025

Special Teams Top Performer: Gunner Kaevon Merriweather​

I was strongly tempted to just write “no one” here. Let’s not beat around the cattle pen, this unit should’ve cost the team a win.

Chase McLaughlin missed his third kick of the season (two field goals, one extra point) in contests where every point mattered. As good as he’s been the last two years, that is inexcusable and will lead to increased scrutiny if he can’t turn it around fast. After how badly this team struggled with punters in 2024, I doubt Todd Bowles’s patience will be particularly forgiving.

Riley Dixon punted well again, averaging a huge 50.6 yards per kick, but he has a slow setup and the Texans nearly blocked him twice early in the game. Rather than learning from that, Dixon continued his process and ST coordinator Thomas McGaughey failed to note it. Disaster then struck with a block that luckily the defense mitigated with only a field goal allowed. That simply cannot happen.

But the real egregious problem lay with the coverage. Texans returner Jaylen Noel feasted on this unit all night long, as he racked up a whopping 145 return yards, including the 53-yard return that set the Texans up for their late go-ahead touchdown.

That cannot happen.

We’re giving Merriweather some recognition here because he tackled both the Texans player who recovered the blocked kick as well as Noel on the punt return. Two touchdown-saving plays made an impact. The backup safety should serve as a model for everyone else on the unit, which has a short week to have some serious conversations and conjure some solutions.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...neers-week-2-top-performers-at-houston-texans

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Calijah Kancey will reportedly miss the rest of 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey will miss the rest of the 2025 season after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle during their Week 2 win over the Houston Texans. Multiple outlets are reporting the unfortunate news citing sources.

Kancey exited after about 15 snaps and did not return as the injury occurred in the second quarter of the game. An MRI confirmed the tear, and surgery has been scheduled for Friday.

Head coach Todd Bowles had initially expressed concern, noting that Kancey was in a sling and that there was a chance the injury was serious. With the diagnosis confirmed, the Bucs plan to place him on injured reserve.

Tampa Bay will rely on veteran Greg Gaines and rookie Elijah Roberts to help fill the void on the defensive line. Kancey, drafted 19th overall in 2023, had shown promise, but this injury represents a big setback for both him and the Buccaneers’ defensive front as expectations were high for the young defensive tackle and the rest of the Bowles-led defense.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-kancey-will-reportedly-miss-the-rest-of-2025

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Reacts Survey Week 3

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/65322/buccaneers-reacts-survey-week-3

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Notes and stats from the Bucs 20-19 win over the Texans

– Tampa Bay clinched a 20-19 win over the Houston Texans in Week 2, improving to 2-0 on the season. Head Coach Todd Bowles is now a perfect 8-0 over Weeks 1-2 since taking over in 2022 – the best record in the NFL during that span. Monday’s win was Tampa Bay’s first ever win in the city of Houston (Texans and Oilers).

– The Buccaneers are just the sixth team to start 2-0 in at least five straight seasons since the 1970 merger, joining the Bears (1984-91), Dolphins (1994-99), Broncos (2013-18), Texans (2010-14), Cowboys (1975-79).

– Per StatsPerform, the Buccaneers are the first team to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter in back-to-back games, with both games coming on the road, since the 1999 Miami Dolphins (Oct. 10-Oct. 17).

– The 2025 Buccaneers are just the fifth team since the 1970 merger to win each of its first two games of a season after trailing in the final two minutes of regulation in both games.

– The Buccaneers remain in sole possession of the NFC South division. Dating back to the start of the 2021 season, Tampa Bay has held at least a share of the NFC South lead in 60 of the last 74 weeks, winning four consecutive division titles during that span (2021-24).

– Baker Mayfield led a game-winning drive for the second consecutive game, surpassed the 25,000 career passing yard milestone on Monday and moved into the top five in franchise history in passing touchdowns (74). He finished 25-of-38 for 215 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions, earning a 98.0 passer rating.

– With his second multi-touchdown performance in as many games, Mayfield overtook Josh Freeman (23) for the third-most games in franchise history with 2+ passing touchdowns, trailing Jameis Winston (37) and Tom Brady (31).

MOST PASSING TOUCHDOWNS – TEAM HISTORY

Rank Player Passing TDs

1. Jameis Winston 121

2. Tom Brady 108

3. Josh Freeman 80

4. Vinny Testaverde 77

5. Baker Mayfield 74

– From the time he arrived in Tampa Bay in 2023, Mayfieldleads the NFL in touchdown passes.

MOST PASSING TOUCHDOWNS SINCE THE START OF THE 2023 SEASON

Rank Player (Team) Pass TDs

1. Baker Mayfield (TB) 74

2. Jared Goff (DET) 73

3. Lamar Jackson (BAL) 71

– Emeka Egbuka continued his historic start to his rookie season, tacking on another touchdown reception, his third of the season. His three touchdown receptions through two career games are the most in franchise history. Additionally, Egbuka is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown receptions in 2025.

MOST RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS – 2025 SEASON

Rank Player (Team) Receiving TDs

1t. Emeka Egbuka (TB) 3

1t. Rome Odunze (CHI) 3

1t. Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) 3

4. Many Players Tied 2

– Rachaad White took 10 carries for 65 yards (6.5) and the game-winning score on Monday. His 6.5 yards per rush was his fourth-highest average in a game with 10-or-more carries. With his touchdown, White tied Leonard Fournette and Reggie Cobb (22) for the seventh-most touchdowns from scrimmage by a running back in franchise history.

– Ryan Miller was on the receiving end of the team’s first touchdown of the game, catching a 20-yard pass from Mayfield to record his third career receiving touchdown. Miller’s three receiving touchdowns are tied for the second-most by an undrafted player for Tampa Bay in their first 14 career games played, trailing only Tim Wright (four).

– Mike Evans led the team in receiving with five receptions for 56 yards. He surpassed Irving Fryar (12,785) for the 22nd-most receiving yards in NFL history.

– Bucky Irving amassed 121 yards from scrimmage to lead the team. He rushed 17 times for 71 yards (4.2 avg.) and brought in six receptions for 50 yards. His six games with 100+ yards from scrimmage are the most among all members of the 2024 draft class. Irving also leads the draft class in total yards from scrimmage (1,680), rushing yards (1,230) and rushing touchdowns (eight).

– As a team, the Buccaneers rushed for over 100 yards for the league-leading 10th consecutive game. Dating back to the start of the 2024 season, Tampa Bay’s 16 100-yard rushing games are the fourth-most in the NFL.

MOST 100-YARD RUSHING GAMES DATING BACK TO THE START OF THE 2024 SEASON

Rank Team Games

1. Philadelphia Eagles 18

2t. Baltimore Ravens 17

2t. Detroit Lions 17

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16

5t. Buffalo Bills 15

5t. Green Bay Packers 15

– Tampa Bay’s rush defense held its opponent to under 100 rushing yards for the 64th time since Todd Bowles took over the defense in 2019 – the most-such occurrences during that span.

MOST GAMES HOLDING OPPONENTS UNDER 100 RUSHING YARDS – SINCE 2019

Rank Team Games

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 64

2. Baltimore Ravens 57

3. Tennessee Titans 56

4. San Francisco 49ers 52

5. New England Patriots 51

– Through Week 2, Bowles’ defense ranks fourth in fewest opponent yards per rush (3.3 avg.) and sixth in total rush defense (76.5 opponent rush yards per game).

– The Buccaneers allowed conversions on just 2-of-9 third-down opportunities for Houston. Tampa Bay currently ranks tied for seventh in the NFL in defensive third-down conversion percentage (33.3%). The Buccaneers have allowed opponents to score a touchdown on just 1-of-4 red zone drives this season – tied for the best mark in the NFL.

– Lavonte David played his 200th career regular season game, becoming the third player in team history to do so for Tampa Bay joining Rondé Barber (241) and Derrick Brooks (224). The 14-year veteran split a sack with rookie DL Elijah Roberts to lift his career total to 39.5. It marked the first half-sack of Roberts’ career.

– Greg Gaines dropped C.J. Stroud for an 8-yard loss picking up his first sack of the season and bringing his career total to 13.5.

– Tykee Smith recorded his first career sack, taking down Stroud for a nine-yard loss. He also recorded his first career game with multiple tackles for loss and led the team in total tackles (six). Smith is 1-of-3 defensive backs this season with six-or-more tackles, a sack and multiple tackles for loss in a game (Brian Branch, Kam Curl).

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eers-20-19-win-over-the-texans-baker-mayfield

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers announce OL moves as Mauch, Goedeke hit IR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed offensive lineman Dan Feeney off of the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills, and promoted offensive lineman Luke Haggard from the team’s own practice squad to the active roster. The club also signed offensive lineman Sua Opeta to the practice squad.

In addition, the Buccaneers placed tackle Luke Goedeke and guard Cody Mauch on Injured Reserve.

Feeney (6-4, 310) has appeared in 120 career games, making 65 starts, between the Los Angeles Chargers (2017-20), New York Jets (2021-22), Chicago Bears (2023) and Minnesota Vikings (2024). Primarily an interior lineman, Feeney has made 42 starts and logged over 2,700 career snaps at guard, to go with 21 starts and over 1,500 career snaps at center. He originally entered the league as a third-round selection (No. 71 overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 NFL draft, after which he received PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017) recognition. He played collegiately at Indiana University (2012–16), starting 46 games over five seasons. He was a two-time First-Team All-American (2015–16) and a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten (2015–16) honoree. The Orland Park, Illinois, native will wear No. 65 for Tampa Bay.

Haggard (6-7, 305) has spent the last two seasons on Tampa Bay’s practice squad after originally signing with the team as a college free agent on May 12, 2023. He played collegiately at Indiana University (2020–22) after transferring from Santa Rosa Junior College (2018–19). At Indiana, Haggard started 26-of-29 career games, playing primarily at left tackle. He received All-Big Ten honorable mention in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons in which he started every game at left tackle and anchored a Hoosiers offensive line that produced back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He was named Indiana’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2020. The Petaluma, California, native wears No. 72 for Tampa Bay.

Opeta (6-4, 305) rejoins the Buccaneers after being among the team’s final roster cuts out of the 2025 training camp. He originally signed with Tampa Bay on March 18, 2024, and spent the 2024 season on Injured Reserve after suffering a knee injury during training camp. Previously, Opeta played four seasons (2020–23) with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he appeared in 38 games and made 10 starts. In his career, Opeta has split time between the two guard positions, logging 496 snaps at left guard and 452 snaps at right guard. He originally entered the NFL as a college free agent with the Eagles in 2019. The Bountiful, Utah, native played collegiately at Weber State (2015-18), appearing in 50 career games for the Wildcats. He earned first-team All-Big Sky honors in 2017 and 2018, and was named a second-team All-American in 2018. He will wear No. 76 for Tampa Bay.

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...s-cody-mauch-luke-goedeke-hit-injured-reserve

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

How to win, how to lose: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New York Jets Week 3 game preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-0, they’ve paid a steep price to stack those two wins but they are stacked. On Sunday, what’s in Tampa’s way of 3-0? An 0-2 Jets team. The Jets have had two extremely different contests to date. In week one, the NYJ looked alive for the first time in years. Without a throwback performance by Aaron Rodgers the team likely walks away with a win. Last week, the Jets looked like the Jets. Aaron Glenn’s group was trounced by the Buffalo Bills, 30-10. Tampa Bay’s matchup with the Jets is set to be different than either contest so far simply because there will be no Justin Fields– Tyrod Taylor is scheduled to take the reins. Based on Fields’ week two showing, Taylor may actually be an upgrade. The Bucs’ side of the coin features their first home game of the season, a game in which Tampa will be donning new uniforms and will likely feel pressure to put fourth a good display— How can Tampa Bay reach 3-0?

“You play ball against yourself, your opponent is your potential.”

-Bobby Knight

How can the Buccaneers win?​

The Buccaneers need to do one thing to defeat the Jets this Sunday– Avoid playing down to their competition. The Tampa Bay Bucs are by far the better and more talented team. This current versions of the New York Jets is not in the same class when it comes to roster, coaching experience, or team-wide expectations. For the Buccaneers, a loss to the Jets would be more than disappointing it would be indicative of them taking a team lightly— Not bringing their ‘A’ game.

The Jets’ roster is not nearly as barren as it has been in past seasons and the 2025 edition of the J-E-T-S is a team that has garnered optimism recently. Offensively, Garrett Wilson has proven himself to be a quality wide receiver and Breece Hall looks like he may be back closer to his pre-injury form. On defense, the Jets’ front seven has inconsistencies, but jumbled in those inconsistencies the team does have skill. Against a mixed-up medley of an offensive line, like the Bucs are currently working with, they can game-wreck. Mike Evans, who has just 107 yards on the season so far, will find himself in his third consecutive tough matchup of the year. A.J. Terrell Jr., Derek Stingley Jr., and now Sauce Gardner.

Even still, the Jets at their best cannot match Tampa Bay at their peak. The Bucs are the more talented and experienced team by a landslide. They simply must play up to their own potential and a 3-0 start is assured.

“An injury is not just a process of recovery, it’s a process of discovery.”

-Conor McGregor

How can the Buccaneers lose?​

Offensive line injuries. The Buccaneers have found themselves in the unfortunate (all too familiar) position of dealing with major injuries. Tampa Bay’s 2025 plague of injuries has wiped its way through the team’s offensive line, ravaging the group down to spare parts.

What would have been viewed at as a strength heading into the season has easily become one of the Buccaneers’ largest liabilities. When the season began with Tristan Wirfs MIA, Tampa immediately shuffled their starting five to find a new formula, which for two games has largely worked. The team’s solution was unorthodox, moving a center out to left tackle, their guard in to center, and playing a new addition at left guard. The football Gods, if ever such a being(s) existed must’ve been dissatisfied with the Bucs’ ability to mask an injury to their star left tackle so well— Smiting them even further.

In their gritty win over the Texans, Tampa Bay lost starting right guard Cody Mauch to a season-ending injury, while also having to place their other star tackle Luke Goedeke on injured reserve. Goedeke left last Monday’s game early on and his absence became apparent very quickly. After hot start, the Buccaneers’ offense bogged down and Baker Mayfield found himself under immense pressure with greater and greater regularity— That was with Cody Mauch in the lineup.

This week will be a different animal for the Bucs’ offense. The entire right side of their offensive line is gone, their entire left side is misaligned, and the New York Jets despite the NFL meme they may represent in some circles have legitimate talent in their front seven. The Buccaneers need to focus on winning this week, 3-0 would be an elite benchmark for their season to start off with, however, a priority for this game must absolutely be ensuring that Baker Mayfield survives. After looking like he was already feeling it a bit in last week’s game, he is likely to have a miserable day dealing with intense amounts of pass-rush in any obvious passing situations. How can the Bucs counteract this? Get out to early lead, rely on your run game, avoid third-and-long, and utilize the quick passing game to make sure that Baker Mayfield isn’t standing the pocket waiting to be run over by Jets’ defenders. The Jets most direct path to winning is by destroying Tampa’s decimated o-line, therefore it also represents the Buccaneers’ quickest route to 2-1.

For more Bucs coverage check us out here:

@Will_Walsh_NFL(X)

@Bucs_Nation(X)

@Will_Walsh_NFL(YouTube)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...ccaneers-vs-new-york-jets-week-3-game-preview

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs RT Luke Goedeke to be placed on IR with foot injury

The Buccaneers offensive line is taking another huge hit while still feeling the absence of star left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Per Bucs beat writer Greg Auman, recently-extended right tackle Luke Goedeke is being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.

Against the Texans on Monday Night Football, Goedeke tried to play through the injury but ultimately left the game after just 12 plays. Now, he’ll miss the next four games at minimum.

Bucs tackle Luke Goedeke's foot injury is significant enough that he's going on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four games. Tried to play through injury Monday night and had to leave the game after 12 plays.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 18, 2025

While Goedeke is sidelined, the Bucs will turn to Charlie Heck and likely Graham Barton to be the team’s left and right tackles. Which one plays which will be determined this week, but Heck looked good in place of Goedeke on Monday night.

With their second starting tackle sidelined, it’s likely the Bucs look outward to sign a body off the street, as well. Luckily, the Bucs have a nice 2-0 start to lean on as they try and navigate the next month without one of their best blockers.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...e-goedeke-to-be-placed-on-ir-with-foot-injury

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers vs. Jets: Predictions and staff picks for Week 3

As the Buccaneers get set to take on the Jets at home on Sunday, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and predictions for Tampa Bay’s big Week 3 home matchup while donning the 1976 uniforms.

Check it all out below.

---

Predictions​

Offense

Baker Mayfield put the game on his back this past Monday night in Houston, especially in the 4th quarter. But Mayfield didn’t use just his arm to get the Tampa Bay offense in position to win the game in the closing minute, he had one big scramble on 4th down that kept the drive alive which eventually resulted in the game-winning touchdown. So this week, with injuries across the offensive line, look for the Bucs to keep the Jets defense off balance with an impressive run game that will include at least 150 team rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Defense

Linebacker Lavonte David is playing at an incredibly high level. If you sit back and truly analyze his play just two games into this season, you will see that the 35-year-old is setting he tone for how the rest of the season is going to go. The 14-year veteran recorded a half sack and a near interception just off his hands in Houston this past week. There’s something brewing early on for this ageless wonder, so lets put David down for a sack and a forced fumble against New York this week.

---

Week 3 Staff Picks​

Gil Arcia (2-0): Bucs 33, Jets 14
Mike Kiwak (2-0): Bucs 17, Jets 10
Evan Wanish (2-0): Bucs 20, Jets 17
Will Walsh (2-0): Bucs 23, Jets 15

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...neers-jets-predictions-staff-picks-nfl-week-3

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 3 Opening Odds: Buccaneers vs. Jets

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have opened the season with a 2-0 start after a big win in Houston against the Texans. It wasn’t pretty as the Bucs struggled offensively in the second half. However, after shaky play from the offensive line, the Buccaneers overcame their struggles in the closing seconds with a game-winning touchdown drive lead by the heroics of Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving.

But how do the oddsmakers feel about Tampa Bay’s next matchup at home against the Jets? Per FanDuel, Tampa Bay is a 6.5-point favorite for Week 3 of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Buccaneers -6.5
Point total: 44.5
Moneyline: Bucs -320, Jets +260

Tampa Bay’s struggles will hopefully end next week at home. The game will feature the 1976 jerseys, which were the team’s inaugural look then as they celebrate their 50th season. That’s great from an optics perspective. But the game is won on the field and on the scoreboard. Offensively, they may still have some challenges they need to overcome against a lesser opponent.

Next week’s game between the Bucs and Jets is scheduled for Sunday with kickoff set for 1:00 PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...3-opening-odds-buccaneers-jets-baker-mayfield

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Week 3 Top Performers vs. New York Jets

Fittingly donning the creamsicle throwbacks, the Bucs almost harkened back to the “Yuccs” but managed yet another last-minute victory, 29-27, over the New York Jets Sunday.

A dominant three quarters gave way to a perilous final frame during the team’s home-opener and 50th anniversary celebration, as the Buccaneers took their foot off the gas way too early and gave up their three-score lead on two straight Tyrod Taylor-led drives and a blocked field goal return for a touchdown. But Baker Mayfield, who played very well once more, led his third-straight 2-minute scoring drive to rise above the various obstacles that plagued the day.

Despite highly questionable officiating, poor play from the makeshift offensive line, and even more injuries, Tampa rallied to record its first 3-o start in 20 years.

While the resilience has been special for this group so far, harder challenges are coming soon and hopefully they’ll continue to tighten the screws. Let’s do some shoutouts.

Offensive Top Performer: WR Emeka Egbuka​

Mayfield obviously gets his deserved flowers for his continued clutch play, but the game would’ve been made so much harder for him if Emeka Egbuka wasn’t already a bonafide stud.

A fractured front five and Mike Evans getting his annual hamstring injury could’ve put this offense in completely dire straits, but Egbuka served as a focal point for the third consecutive game and made multiple critical plays en route to leading the team — and the entire game — in receiving (6 catches for 85 yards).

ARE YOU KIDDING ME, EMEKA?!

: #NYJvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/LLd5MQSXTy

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 21, 2025

Beyond his insane one-handed grab over one of the league’s best in Sauce Gardner, Egbuka moved the chains several times as he played through a hip/groin injury on a short week (it could be strongly argued he had another great catch during the 2-minute drill that went inexplicably unreviewed). If Evans misses multiple weeks, as is likely the case now, Egbuka becomes the de facto No. 1 even if Godwin comes back soon since the latter will need time to ramp up. He’s showing he’s ready for the challenge early on.

Of course, Mayfield played mistake-free football and marched the team downfield in crunchtime once again. Now getting the moniker “Two Minute” Mayfield, that probably has off-field implications he would dispute, but on the field I’m sure he’ll happily accept it. Mayfield finished 19-of-29 for 233 yards, a touchdown, and more clutch scrambles that totaled 44 yards on 4 carries.

BAKER FRICKIN' MAYFIELD, MAN

: #NYJvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/EyrNjdQAk3

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 21, 2025

Sterling Shepard also needs praise. The veteran has been reliable all season, and he stepped up after Evans got hurt, including the final 24-yard reception that set the Bucs up for the win. He finished with 4 catches for 80 yards, and the 32-year-old will keep getting his number called in the weeks ahead.

Defensive Top Performer: CB Jamel Dean​

The Bucs’ defense played very well for three quarters before completely emptying the tank in the fourth quarter, which obviously cannot happen, but it wouldn’t be right to ignore what they did well.

First and foremost, they forced turnovers!

Two turnover-free weeks continued a drought from the previous season and forced the expectation of perfection for the offense, but Week 3 brought two huge plays that resulted in 10 much-needed points for the Bucs. A sack-fumble led to a field goal, but it was Jamel Dean jumping a target to Garrett Wilson and housing it before halftime that gave the Bucs a cushion.

DON'T MAKE A SCENE IT'S JUST DEAN

: #NYJvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/bxVvJICuOo

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 21, 2025

Dean got a second interception in the second half that got reversed on yet another questionable ref penalty, as he overall played very well for the second straight week. This may be his final year in Tampa after his paycut, but he’s making it count.

Other members of the secondary kept the heat up as well. Rookie Jacob Parrish is proving to be a major steal as a third-round pick, as he helped cap Wilson (10 catches but only 81 yards) and showcased his explosiveness as a run defender and blitzer. He logged 5 total tackles and his first career sack.

Antoine Winfield, Jr. kept up his torrid start with three tackles, a sack, and the forced fumble. The combination of him, Parrish, and Tykee Smith gives Todd Bowles a devious number of ways to affect the quarterback from the nickel position. The secondary play in the box contributed largely to Tampa’s 4 sacks and many pressures on the day.

What a blitz from Antoine Winfield Jr!!
pic.twitter.com/IzCbMMw1IO

— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) September 21, 2025

Special Teams Top Performer: K Chase McLaughlin​

We needed to see a bounce-back week from the entire special teams unit, and that partially happened.

Chase McLaughlin, after endangering the team with missed kicks in both of the first two games, responded by hitting 5 of 6 field goals, including the game-winner as time expired. And as previously mentioned, the miss was not his fault as the blocker got over the line completely untouched.

Chase McLaughlin with the 36-yard game winner after another crazy ending. Phew…

: @NFL

pic.twitter.com/kr2R6WpqLp

— SleeperBucs (@SleeperTBBUCS) September 21, 2025

While his rebound proved to be pivotal, the rest of the unit continued to struggle.

The Bucs clearly decided to have punter Riley Dixon change how he operates after the blocked punt and huge allowed return last week, as he set up faster and went for more hangtime. The result, unfortunately, was several poor kicks that put the defense in tougher positions. He averaged just 40.5 yards per kick. Hopefully they just let him do what makes him successful moving forward and just, you know, block and tackle better for him.

And it goes without saying that permitting a blocked field kick that would’ve iced the game is completely unacceptable. These issues need to be sorted out fast.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...aneers-week-3-top-performers-vs-new-york-jets