RSS Bucs Team Notes

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Notes and stats from the Buccaneers 38-35 win over the Seahawks

– The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 38-35 on Sunday to move to 4-1 on the season. Tampa bay started 4-1 or better for the sixth time in franchise history (1979, 1997, 2002, 2005, 2021,2025).

– According to the Associated Press, the Buccaneers are the first team in NFL history with four wins by three-or-fewer points in their first five games of season.

– Tampa Bay remains in first place in the NFC South and has held at least a share of first place in 63 of the last 77 weeks.

– The Buccaneers 426 yards of offense on Sunday marked their most in a game this season and their most since Week 17, 2024 (551 yards vs. Carolina). After scoring 38 points on Sunday, the Buccaneers currently rank sixth in the NFL through Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET games with 135 points scored on the season in their first year under new Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard.

– Baker Mayfield completed 29-of-33 passes (87.9%) for 379 yards and two touchdowns, with zero interceptions, earning a 134.7 passer rating. His 87.9 completion percentage was the highest by any quarterback in a game this season, and the second highest of his career behind only his 90.5 completion percentage (19-of-21) on 9/19/21 vs. Houston as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

– Through Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET games, Mayfield ranks tied for third in passing touchdowns (10), fourth in passing yards (1,283), fourth in touchdown-to-interception ratio (10.0) and ninth in passer rating (104.4).

– Mayfield is 1-of-4 players since the 1970 merger with 375+ passing yards and a completion percentage above 85.0% in the same game, joining Tom Brady (10/18/09), Lamar Jackson (10/11/21) and Justin Herbert (9/24/23). Only Mayfield, Brady and Jackson have done so while averaging over 10.0 yards per pass attempt. Per CBS, Mayfield is the first quarterback in NFL history with 375+ passing yards and fewer than five incompletions in a regular season game.

– Sunday’s game marked the first in NFL history in which opposing quarterbacks each recorded 325+ passing yards and completed over 80 percent of their passes.

– Egbuka, a Tacoma, Washington, native notched a career-best 163 yards on seven receptions, with one touchdown. Egbuka’s five touchdown receptions through five career games are tied for the eighth-most since the 1970 merger and are the most ever by a Buccaneers player.

– The rookie wide receiver went over 100 yards receiving for the second consecutive game. Egbuka became the sixth wide receiver since 2020 to record back-to-back 100-yard receiving performances, joining Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Thomas Jr.

– Egbuka is the first player in NFL history with 25+ receptions, 400+ receiving yards and five-or-more receiving touchdowns in his first five career games. He also became 1-of-4 players over the last 50 years with 20+ receptions, 300+ receiving yards and 5+ receiving touchdowns through five career games, joining Ja’Marr Chase (2021), Roy Williams (2004) and Randy Moss (1998).

– Egbuka’s 163 yards receiving are the most by a rookie in a single game this season. Since the start of last season, Malik Nabers in Week 17 of the 2024 season (171 yards) is the only rookie with more in a single game. Egbuka owns three of the top 5 receiving performances so far in 2025 among rookies.

– With 25 receptions, 445 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns on the season, Egbuka now owns the franchise record in each category for the most by a player through their first five career games.

– Egbuka is the third rookie in Bucs history with 150 receiving yards in a game, joining Mark Carrier in 1987 (212) and Mike Evans in 2014 (209).

– Rachaad White totaled 71 yards from scrimmage (41 rushing, 30 receiving), tallying his second and third rushing touchdowns of the season. With 24 career touchdowns from scrimmage, White surpassed Leonard Fournette and Reggie Cobb (22) for the seventh-most, and tied Cadillac Williams for the sixth-most, scrimmage touchdowns by a running back in franchise history.

– With four receptions for 81 yards in today’s game, Cade Otton matched his second-highest regular season receiving total in a single game, trailing only his career high 100 receiving yards on 10/21/24 vs. Baltimore.

– Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson had his biggest day since joining the Buccaneers, making four receptions for 59 yards.

– Sunday’s game marked just the third in Buccaneers history where multiple rookie wide receivers each had 50+ receiving yards (10/31/10 vs. Arizona, Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams, and 12/6/87 vs. New Orleans, Mark Carrier and Bruce Hill).

– The Buccaneers defense held the Seahawks without a point in the opening quarter.
Entering Sunday, Seattle’s offense was tied for third in the NFL with 35 first quarter points scored so far in 2025. Dating back to 2023, the Buccaneers are now 10-1 in games in which they have not allowed a first quarter point.

– Lavonte David finished tied for the team lead with nine tackles, including one for loss, in addition to bringing in the game-sealing interception. Among active players, David ranks tied for second in tackles for loss (173), trailing only Calais Campbell (191). He now leads all active linebackers in interceptions, with 14, surpassing Bobby Wagner (13).

– Tykee Smith recorded his first career fumble recovery, adding six tackles and two passes defensed. He now has four career games with multiple passes defensed.

– Chase McLaughlin converted 3-of-3 field goal attempts on Sunday, including the 39-yard game-winner, and is now 11 of his last 12 on field goal attempts, including two game winners.. Through Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET games, McLaughlin ranks second in points scored (47) and third in total field goals made (12).

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...om-the-buccaneers-38-35-win-over-the-seahawks

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 6 Opening Odds: Buccaneers vs. 49ers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the season with a 4-1 record after a big win out on the west coast against the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn’t pretty as the Bucs struggled defensively in the second half, allowing Sam Donald and the Seahawks offense beat them consistently in the final two quarters before finally winning it in the final seconds. Tampa Bay will look to put together a more consistent four quarters of football next week when they host the San Francisco 49ers.

So how do the oddsmakers feel about Tampa Bay’s next matchup? Per FanDuel, Tampa Bay is a 3-point favorite for Week 6 of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Bucs -3
Point total: 47.5
Moneyline: Bucs -156, 49ers +132

Tampa Bay has had several playing big time football offensively this season like quarterback Baker Mayfield and rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. They’ll look to continue their stellar offensive play against a San Francisco defense that is about average in yards given up but holding opponents to under 20 points per game.

Next week’s game between the Bucs and 49ers is scheduled for Sunday with kickoff set for 4:25 PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-buccaneers-49ers-baker-mayfield-emeka-egbuka

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Week 5 Game Recap: David snags clutch interception, Mayfield does it again; Bucs win

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on a cross-country road trip to take on the Seattle Seahawks in a showdown between two 3-1 teams.

First Quarter:​

First up, Baker Mayfield and Tampa’s offense. The Buccaneers, minus a few critical pieces, took Seattle’s defense to task early. Their opening drive walked Seattle back to their own goal line— A good drive that ultimately stalled and netted just a short field goal. 3-0, Bucs.

Sam Darnold and Seattle’s offense did their best Buccaneer impersonation on the following drive. They darted down the field and wound up with a fourth down field goal attempt, one difference, their kick was no good.

Second Quarter:​

Tampa’s second drive, eerily resembled their first— Down the field the team went, out of the end zone they stayed. A second Chase McLaughlin field goal stretched Tampa’s lead to six. 6-0, Buccaneers.

Tampa was still leading by six as the first half rounded into its final seven minutes. The Seahawks, trying to catch the Buccaneers off guard, got caught with their pants down. Seattle brought in Jalen Milroe for a ‘Taysom Hill-esque’ wildcat rep. The thought was there, however, the execution was not. Milroe, on an option pitch, delivered an inaccurate ball which wound up on the ground and in the hands of Tykee Smith. With good field position, Tampa Bay’s offense cashed in their defense’s turnover with their first touchdown of the game— Slotted in a rare starting role, due to Bucky Irving’s injury, Rachaad White took a toss left side and followed Cade Otton and Tristan Wirfs across the goal line for six. 13-0, Tampa Bay.

Seattle faced a second down and 10 just shy of midfield at the two-minute warning. The Buccaneers rolled out a bit of a prevent style defense, hanging back, avoiding blitzing, and playing passive which in turn made Sam Darnold look like Dan Marino. Darnold toyed with Todd Bowles’ defense like a man in his prime throwing jabs against a battered, bruised elder who couldn’t defend himself. With minimal effort and even less resistance, The Seahawks’ offense scored for the first time in the game— Sam Darnold to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 13-7, Buccaneers.

Third Quarter:​

Tampa’s defense played the last drive of the first half terribly, in execution and approach— Half number two’s opening sequence kind of looked like a instant replay. Sam Darnold, gifted momentum at the conclusion of the first half, clutched that momentum tight to his chest and he escorted his team right back into the end zone. Tampa’s defense began the game with ferocity, but found a way to transition that ferocity into a malaise of lethargy— 14-13, Seahawks.

The Buccaneers’ offense, stepping on the field for the first time since scoring a touchdown that gave the team a 13-0 lead, immediately went back to offense-ing at a high level. Baker Mayfield used all the remaining tools in his arsenal, finding everyone from Tez Johnson, to Rachaad White and Sterling Shepard, before finishing the drive with his newest starring actor Emeka Egbuka. A two-point conversion, also tossed Egbuka’s way gave the Buccaneers a 21-14 lead.

Seattle, still rolling off the momentum gained late in the game’s first half, took Todd Bowles’ defense back to the woodshed and beat on them some more. Darnold, going deep to his Ohio State star, set up another easy short-yardage touchdown and the Seahawks climbed their way back to even ground— 21-21.

Never fear Bucs’ fans, Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka are here! With a touchdown and a two-point conversion already on the board for the duo, Mayfield ripped a 57-yard third-down strike to his rookie standout. The duo’s deep connection led to an easy walk-in touchdown for Rachaad White, his second of the contest. 28-21, Buccaneers.

Fourth Quarter:​

Sunday’s last 15 minutes kicked off with an almost turnover for Tampa Bay. Antoine Winfield Jr. came away with a tip-ball interception that got called back with an off-the-ball illegal contact penalty. Tampa’s defense instantly went back to being crush cars for the Seahawks’ offense as Sam Darnold and co. just romped their way back into the end zone for another game-evening touchdown, 28-28.

The game clock ticked into its final seven minutes with Tampa’s defense back on the field and all but screaming “uncle!” Sam Darnold, who looked more like ‘Slinging’ Sammy Baugh on Sunday, threw his fourth touchdown pass against an underwhelming, disappointing, and seemingly bewildered Bucs’ defense. 35-28, Seattle.

Trailing and needing points in the closing minutes, is nothing new to Baker Mayfield and the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their offense’s elite execution in those moments is nothing new either. Baker Mayfield has made late-game scores a habit for Tampa in 2025 and Sunday would be no different. Mayfield found Sterling Shepard standing alone in the end zone for a touchdown— 35-35.

As if they had been waiting for a clutch moment to rise up and conquer all who oppose them, Tampa Bay’s defense finally emerge from the dark cloud that had been cast over them. Pressure from Antoine Winfield Jr. forced a bad pass into the waiting arms of the Buccaneers’ most ageless legend— Lavonte David. A game-winning interception to set up a walk-off field goal by Chase McLaughlin. Buccaneers win, 38-35.

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Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-interception-mayfield-does-it-again-bucs-win

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Reacts Survey: Week 6

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/65724/buccaneers-reacts-survey-week-6

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week: Baker Mayfield

The National Football League today announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was named a FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week for Week 5. He joins Josh Allen as the only quarterbacks to be named FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Week in each of the past three seasons.

In Tampa Bay’s, 38-35, win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, Mayfield led his fourth game-winning drive and his fourth fourth-quarter comeback of the season to tie Tampa Bay for the NFL’s best record through Week 5. He completed 29-of-33 passes (87.9%) for 379 and two touchdowns, with zero interceptions, earning a 134.7 passer rating. His completion percentage and his 11.5 passing yards per attempt each led the NFL in Week 5, in addition to Mayfield finishing second in passing yards, fourth in passer rating and fourth in passing first downs (17). Among all Buccaneers quarterbacks with 30+ attempts in a game, Mayfield’s 87.9 completion percentage established a new single-game high, while also being the highest mark recorded by any quarterback this season. No player in league history has ever bettered Mayfield’s completion percentage and yards per attempt in the same game with 30+ attempts.

Mayfield’s performance on Sunday marked the first regular season occurrence in NFL history in which a player threw for 375+ yards and had fewer than five incompletions, with only Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner accomplishing this in a playoff game. He is 1-of-3 quarterbacks this season with 350+ passing yards, multiple passing touchdowns and zero interceptions in a win (Josh Allen – Week 1, Matthew Stafford – Week 4).

On the season, Mayfield ranks tied for third in touchdown passes (10), fourth in passing yards (1,283), fourth in touchdown-to-interception ratio (10.0) and ninth in passer rating (104.4). Since his arrival in 2023, Mayfield is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes (79) and ranks second in passing yards (9,827) and sixth in passer rating (101.2), while leading Tampa Bay to consecutive NFC South division titles.

The former No. 1 overall pick has now earned 16 weekly awards in his career, including four FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week selections.

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...f-the-week-baker-mayfield-buccaneers-seahawks

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Banged-up Bucs injury updates: Final Week 5 injury report and inactive players vs. Seahawks

The Buccaneers are sitting pretty at 3-1 heading into Week 5, but the injury report is a mess. Mike Evans and Bucky Irving are both out for this week and projected to be out for longer, and neither was able to practice at all in the week leading up to the Seahawks matchup, and they were joined by CB Jamel Dean, DB Christian Izien and CB Benjamin Morrison.

Baker Mayfield, LaVonte David, Chris Godwin, and Tristan Wirfs, among many others, also appeared on this week’s injury report but are not designated out for today’s game.

Full Buccaneers injury report and game designations, Week 5​

• CB Jamel Dean (hip) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• WR Mike Evans (hamstring) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• NT Greg Gaines (pectoral) – DNP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• DB Christian Izien (quad) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• QB Baker Mayfield (knee/biceps) – DNP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• WR Sterling Shepard (foot) – DNP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• S Tykee Smith (ankle) – DNP (Wed.), LP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• LB Lavonte David (knee) – LP (Wed.), LP (Thurs.), LP (Friday)
• DL Logan Hall (groin) – LP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• OLB Haason Reddick (neck/stinger) – LP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• T Tristan Wirfs (knee) – LP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• WR Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) – FP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• T Charlie Heck (knee) – FP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• CB Zyon McCollum (thumb) – FP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)

Full Seahawks injury report and game designations, Week 5​

• T Josh Jones (ankle) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• DE Demarcus Lawrence (quad) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• S Julian Love (hamstring) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) – DNP (Wed.), DNP (Thurs.), DNP (Friday) Game Status: Out
• S Nick Emmanwori (ankle) – FP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• WR Cody White (shoulder) – FP (Wed.), FP (Thurs.), FP (Friday)
• DT Byron Murphy (back) – LP (Friday)

Buccaneers inactive players vs. Seahawks​

No surprises here! The inactive players for Sunday’s game are the guys who were designated as OUT on Friday: Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Jamel Dean, Christian Izien, and Benjamin Morrison.

Inactives for #TBvsSEA pic.twitter.com/3U4wc044Ni

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 5, 2025

Seahawks inactive players vs. Buccaneers​

For the Seahawks, DeMarcus Lawrence, Julian Love, Devon Witherspoon, Jared Ivey, Josh Jones, Cody White, and Nick Kallerup will be inactive in Week 5 vs. the Bucs.

Today’s @Seahawks inactives: pic.twitter.com/rB9BbUACax

— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) October 5, 2025

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...irving-mike-evans-baker-mayfield-chris-godwin

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Mayfield makes early case for MVP — do the stats back it up?

Up until the fourth quarter, everything came up roses for the Buccaneers against the New York Jets in the waning hours of summer.

They forced their first defensive turnovers of the season, including a pick-six, and cruised to a 23-6 lead through three frames, seemingly poised to finally net an “easy” victory after two nail-biters against the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans.

Well, the situation changed very quickly.

Two scoring drives by the Tyrod Taylor-led Jets — interjected only by a Chase McLaughlin field goal — cut the lead to a single score, 26-20, with less than 4 minutes remaining. Baker Mayfield, efficient throughout the day but clearly limited by the team’s several injuries to the offensive line and receivers, went to work on another drive that included more of his now-vintage Houdini acts (including a 33-yard scramble), positioning the team to go up 9 with roughly 2 minutes left.

BAKER FRICKIN' MAYFIELD, MAN

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

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

Then the improbable struck, with the Jets breaking through for a clean kick block and touchdown return that instantly put the Bucs down 1 instead of up 9.

No. 6 quietly watched the sequence from the sidelines, helmet still on and hands on his hips. His reply?

“Two timeouts, field goal,” he noted, following up in the huddle, “What a time to be alive.”

What followed did not stray from what he did the two weeks prior or just last week against the Seattle Seahawks: he put the team on his back.

Two completions, 48 yards, and a non-chalant knee to put McLaughlin in the perfect spot for the game-winner.

Three wins and zero losses, and at that point the buzz started growing — and no, it wasn’t the celebratory avocado tequila, not everyone is Tom Brady. The Bucs might be pretty good, and Mayfield might be a little more than pretty good.

---

Alright, evocative anecdote that sets the scene, check! Next up, the FACTS.

Baker Mayfield is having an MVP-caliber start to the 2025 season. He and the Bucs are 4-1 and he’s the major reason why (along with rookie star Emeka Egbuka, of course). His start is comparing favorably to recent MVP winners through five games, and there is no reason to believe he can’t keep it going.

Thus far, Mayfield has completed 112 of 172 passes (65.1%) for 1,283 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He’s averaging 7.5 yards per attempt and has added 144 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Here’s how that compares to recent MVP winners through five games:

• Patrick Mahomes (2022 MVP): 126 of 189 (66.7%), 1,398 passing yards, 15 TDs, 2 INTs, 7.4 YPA, plus 92 rushing yards
• Lamar Jackson (2023 MVP): 100 of 143 (69.9%), 1,030 passing yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 7.2 YPA, plus 265 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs
• Josh Allen (2024 MVP): 79 of 131 (60.3%), 945 passing yards, 8 TDs, 0 INTs, 7.2 YPA, plus 130 rushing yards.

An MVP award is not determined through 5 games, we all know that, but starting fast statistically absolutely helps, in addition to creating those signature “moments” that Mayfield already possesses several of. His 4 fourth-quarter comebacks are easily the highest in the league currently, and four comebacks in the first five games has never been achieved before, according to available data. He’s halfway to tying the all-time single-season record of 8, co-held by Matthew Stafford (2016) and Kirk Cousins (2022).

WHAT. A. THROW.

According to @NextGenStats, Baker's game-winning TD pass to Emeka was the most improbable completion of the game at 24.9% pic.twitter.com/ysjeWZ2W5C

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 13, 2025

Mayfield’s completion percentage is slightly lower than both Jackson’s and Mahomes’s MVP campaigns at this point but much higher than Allen’s, and his TD-to-INT ratio (10:1) is excellent compared to Jackson (4:2) and approaches Mahomes’s (15:2), and it’s currently tied for the best this year.

And while Mayfield doesn’t match Jackson’s rushing production (who ever does?), his passing yardage (1,283) falls between Jackson (1,030) and Mahomes (1,398), showing he’s on a similar trajectory in terms of offensive production. Even then, Mayfield’s scrambling ability has been paramount to the team performing well in clutch situations, as he touts one of the highest rates of converting scrambles into first downs. Among quarterbacks with at least 10 scrambles, Baker is second-best with a 68.6% conversion rate (11 for 16).

To make comparisons to the current season and other top passers, Mayfield is more than holding his own.

He ranks 10th among qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per dropback (0.278) through five weeks, and his total EPA of 47.83 on 172 dropbacks puts him well into the top third of signal callers. Comparatively, Jackson leads all quarterbacks with 0.535 EPA per dropback, followed by Jared Goff (0.469) and Jordan Love (0.432).

He’s also outperforming several established stars in this metric, including Patrick Mahomes (0.183), Kyler Murray (0.174), Jalen Hurts (0.138), and Justin Herbert (0.100). And what also needs to be accounted for is the context.

Mayfield has done all of this while enduring injuries to his supporting cast right from the get-go. Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs both missed the first three games, and Godwin is gone again; Mike Evans hurt his hamstring in Week 3; Bucky Irving got hurt in Week 4; offensive linemen Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch are both on IR. These are high-level starters we’re talking about.

Some metrics tied to those absences:

• Mayfield faces the highest pressure rate (5.3%) among the top 10 EPA quarterbacks, significantly higher than the next closest names (Jackson and Prescott at 4.6%). Tampa’s receivers also have the second-lowest catch rate at 67.9% (only Stafford’s receivers are worse at 68.2%).
• When it comes to red zone opportunities, Mayfield’s receivers convert just 27.3% of targets into touchdowns, ranking 8th among the top 10.

That’s just on the offensive side of the ball, as the defense has been near-equally battered by misfortune and has struggled several times in key situations despite being average overall. And there’s also special teams, where the Bucs have the 30th-worst EPA (-14.46) of any team in the league and have put the Bucs’ offense and defense in disadvantageous predicaments many times in just five weeks.

That all serves to illustrate that Mayfield has needed to be near-perfect to navigate the Bucs onto the right side of these results — and he has.

some reasons for baker mayfield's improvement this season:
– better under pressure: sack rate when pressured has gone from 26% to 13%
– more aggressive: ADoT has gone from 7.1 to 8.3 as he keeps finding egbuka downfield
– productive scrambler: leads the league in EPA on scrambles… https://t.co/pFLfI5kjyl pic.twitter.com/qmuPFb4CzC

— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) October 9, 2025

And not only has Mayfield needed to produce, but it’s also about how he’s produced. Last year, he and offensive coordinator Liam Coen formed one of the most dynamic duos in the league (4,500 yards, 41 TDs for Mayfield, career-highs), so much so that Coen became the second straight Bucs OC to get a head coaching job after one season. The offense, leveraging a bevy of weapons, operated through a dominant rushing attack and robust screen game that didn’t necessarily minimize Mayfield but definitely made the system easier to operate and allowed him to operate at his apex.

Well, it’s a drastically different story in 2025. Now accounting for the aforementioned limitations and first-time playcaller Josh Grizzard (who’s doing well but not Coen well), the Bucs are running less efficiently (injuries have contributed largely to this) and throwing less-efficient screens but are chucking the rock downfield better. Like way better. Here’s a look at the data:

Buccaneers Screen Pass Efficiency:

• 2024: 91.2% completion rate, 7.6 yards per attempt, 5 TDs, 1 INT, 0.327 EPA per play
• 2025: 100% completion rate, 7.3 yards per attempt, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 0.321 EPA per play

Buccaneers Deep Ball Efficiency (20+ yards):

• 2024: 39.3% completion rate, 11.1 yards per attempt, 7 TDs, 3 INTs, 0.485 EPA per play
• 2025: 41.4% completion rate, 14.9 yards per attempt, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, 0.936 EPA per play

The team’s deep ball EPA per play has nearly doubled this year, and Mayfield has eliminated interceptions on deep throws (he’s gotten a little lucky here) while maintaining a high touchdown rate. Grizzard and Mayfield are also putting receivers in spots to create after the catch on these throws, as they’ve already eclipsed their 2024 deep ball YAC (82 YAC in 2024 vs. 120 YAC in 2025).

For multiple years, people pondered how Dave Canales and Coen “fixed” Baker Mayfield. Not to minimize their roles in his progression, but it’s maybe time to acknowledge Mayfield’s capability of performing at a high level independent of any one playcaller.

---

The season is long, as we’re barely a quarter of the way through it.

A lot can, and will, change between now and January, but it’s impossible to deny how good the Bucs have looked and how well Mayfield has played to get them into their current standing. If history is any indicator, Mayfield will be in position to keep racking up personal stats while leading a playoff contender — crucial for any MVP candidate.

Since the NFL incorporated a 14-team playoff system, 25 teams have started the season 4-1 and 23 of them — 92.0% — made the playoffs. The only two that didn’t both came in 2021, as the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers finished 8-9 and 9-8, respectively.

Factor in that Mayfield has done this all with his trademark moxie, leading his team with charisma and being entertaining as hell while doing so, and we’re witnessing something truly special in Bucs history. MVP or not, the 30-year-old deserves all the hype around him right now.

Not bad for someone playing scout team defensive end a few years ago.

#Bucs WR Sterling Shepard discusses QB Baker Mayfield not being afraid to bite back and how his energy feeds the rest of the team. pic.twitter.com/D2T9LZi0Ha

— PewterReport (@PewterReport) October 8, 2025

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...es-early-case-for-mvp-do-the-stats-back-it-up

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

How to make sure Bucs Nation shows up in your Google search

As many of you are likely aware, Google searches are … different these days.

The good news is Google is offering a solution for folks who like to get their news from specific sources. If you want to help Bucs Nation — while also streamlining all your Google searches — there is now a way.

Simply click on this link and add Bucs Nation as one of your “Source preferences.” That’s all there is to it!

Back in August, the tech giant debuted a feature called “Preferred Sources.” It’s a way for Google to prominently feature the results from websites you trust, like Baltimore Beatdown:

“With the launch of Preferred Sources in the U.S. and India, you can select your favorite sources and stay up to date on the latest content from the sites you follow and subscribe to — whether that’s your favorite sports blog or a local news outlet. …

When you select your preferred sources, you’ll start to see more of their articles prominently displayed within Top Stories, when those sources have published fresh and relevant content for your search.“

As some of you might know, AI searches are hurting outlets around the world and in all spaces. We’ve worked hard at Bucs Nation to build a brand you can trust and rely on for Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage. Our goal is to serve you, the fans.

If you’re a fan of our work and want to get the best Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage possible, this is an excellent win-win to improve your Google searches while helping Bucs Nation out.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/65748/how-to-make-sure-bucs-nation-shows-up-in-your-google-search

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks Week 5: Game information, open thread

It’s a clash of the 3-1 teams when the Buccaneers face off with the Seahawks on Sunday in very loud Lumen Field. Here’s everything you need to know to watch, stream, listen to, or bet on the game. Share your predictions and discuss the matchup with your fellow fans in the comment section.

Buccaneers vs. Seahawks TV information​

Date: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025

Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

Channel: FOX

Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA

Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins (sideline)

Referee: Craig Wrolstad

Radio: 97.9 FM WXTB, or stream on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers app

TV Coverage Map (via 506Sports.com)​

CBS SINGLE

Tampa Bay @ Seattle (LATE)

Online Streaming​

Paramount Plus | NFL+

Odds​

The Seahawks are favorites at home this week against the Bucs (-3.5 Seattle/+3.5 Buccaneers)

Over/under: 44.5

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...stream-announcers-odds-discussion-predictions

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers vs. 49ers: Predictions and staff picks for Week 6

As the Buccaneers get set to take on the 49ers at home on Sunday, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and predictions for Tampa Bay’s big Week 6 home matchup.

Check it all out below.

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Predictions​

Offense

Tampa Bay’s offense is ranked 11th in the NFL this season as they are now going the be facing a San Francisco defense that has not allowed much scoring against them (just under 20 points per game). But Baker Mayfield and the rest of the offense have found ways to put points up on the board, enough to pull games out late. This may not be the Buccaneers day. However, they will find a way to put up at least 27 points against a Top-10 scoring defense.

Defense

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers offense has not been able to put up much scoring this season. Yet, Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and the San Francisco offense has managed to put up nearly 300 passing yards per game on average this season. Look for the Tampa Bay defense to step up big time Sunday as they hold the 49ers to a shade over 200 yards through the air.

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Week 6 Staff Picks​

Gil Arcia (5-0): Bucs 29, 49ers 20
Mike Kiwak (4-1): Bucs 28, 49ers 27
Evan Wanish (5-0): 49ers 26, Bucs 21
Will Walsh (5-0): 49ers 29, Bucs 22

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...eers-49ers-predictions-staff-picks-nfl-week-6

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFL Week 7 Opening Odds: Buccaneers at Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the season with a 5-1 record after a big win at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Tampa Bay was finally able to close things out in a victory formation for the first time this season after their 30-19 victory. Tampa Bay will look to put together another four quarters of winning football next week when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions on Monday Night Football.

So how do the oddsmakers feel about Tampa Bay’s next matchup? Per FanDuel, Tampa Bay is a 5.5-point underdog for Week 7 of the 2025 regular season.

Point spread: Lions -5.5
Point total: 53.5
Moneyline: Bucs +198, Lions -240

The Lions had a tough time against the Chiefs in Kansas City on Sunday night. They will look to bounce back against the Buccaneers at home, making the task for Tampa Bay more challenging.

Next week’s game between the Bucs and Lions is scheduled for Monday with kickoff set for 7PM ET.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers-odds/65817/nfl-week-7-opening-odds-buccaneers-lions

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Week 6 Top Performers vs. San Francisco 49ers

In a 2025 season peppered with game-changing injuries across the league, the Buccaneers continue to handle theirs with arguably the most resilience of anyone.

After suffering two more brutal losses in the form of rookie star Emeka Egbuka and starting right guard Luke Haggard, the Bucs soldiered forward on the back of their MVP-contender QB as they bested the equally decimated San Francisco 49ers, 30-19, on Sunday. The victory broke a four-game losing streak to the ‘9ers and marked the first one since 2018.

At some point, the injury luck either has to turn or Tampa finally gets tripped up by it, but for now the team is a sterling 5-1 — matching a franchise-best start for the first time since 2021 and sixth time ever. Baker Mayfield continues to play with unrivaled fire, and he actually received some defensive support this week in the form of splash plays that led to the Bucs getting their first win of the year by more than one score.

Let’s do some shoutouts!

Offensive Top Performer: QB Baker Mayfield​

Mayfield’s gameday resume is becoming filled to the brim with MVP moments, and Sunday was no exception.

An uncharacteristically shaky first quarter quickly gave way to more high-quality plays that we’ve come to expect from No. 6 — delivering a strike to Kameron Johnson with a free rusher bearing down on him, yet another improbable scramble in a series of escapes that seem to get more and more ludicrous, and another deep bomb to a streaking Tez Johnson.

BEAST MODE BAKER

SFvsTB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Bb1mV8ktZu

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025

Despite being down his top 4 receivers now, two starting offensive linemen AND the next two backups, and his top running back, Mayfield keeps delivering with what’s been afforded to him. That’s the definition of an MVP.

Speaking of replacements, Kam Johnson!

Prior to Sunday, Johnson was a career special teamer. In two seasons, he garnered 10 targets and no catches, but on Sunday he led the team in receiving. His first career catch and touchdown served as part of a 4/64/1 stat line that was absolutely critical to the team’s success. Not bad for the first-ever NFL product from Barton College in North Carolina.

Tez Johnson may be the size of a cub, but he has the heart of a lion — and he leaps like one, too. The supposedly 143-pound receiver (according to Mayfield) came up with his second big Sunday in row, making a highlight reel grab for a 45-yard touchdown. The two Johnsons will be pivotal for the team’s passing success in the short term while it waits for Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Egbuka to heal up.

Full extension

SFvsTB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Mc5d2819EU

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025

Rachaad White put together another strong performance in relief of Bucky Irving. On 20 touches, White totaled 86 yards (65 rushing, 21 receiving) and another touchdown. He’s earned a steady piece of the pie once again even when Irving returns. Sean Tucker also showed positively after a total dud one week ago, carrying 6 times for 25 yards and a score.

Defensive Top Performer: CB Jamel Dean​

Unlike last week, the Bucs defense decided to show up on Sunday and, who would’ve guessed, they were better off for it! The Mac Jones-led offense got its yards, as Kyle Shanahan often does against Todd Bowles, but splash plays and clutch stops made the difference.

Out of multiple standouts, Jamel Dean earned his flowers.

He fought off a hip ailment that cost him last week, which was much-needed given injuries to running mates Zyon McCollum and Ben Morrison. Dean responded by logging his first career sack, a forced fumble, and his second interception of the year on a late-game fourth down. He’s drawn the ire of fans many times over the last couple years, with some of that undeserved — he’s a good football player, it’s the staying healthy that’s the frustrating part. He’s been excellent in 2025 though, and hopefully that continues.

DON'T MAKE A SCENE. IT'S JUST DEAN.

: #SFvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/kjc796w9vr

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 12, 2025

And who made another critical impact for the second week in a row? Lavonte David, unsurprisingly. After corraling the game-sealing interception against the Seahawks, David came storming in for a sack on a key third down to keep the 49ers out of field goal range. He added 6 total tackles as well.

The one-and-only Lavonte David

: #SFvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/8jRwFQhram

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 12, 2025

The pass rush as a whole did much better, collecting a season-high 6 sacks — their highest total since last year’s Week 4 matchup against the Eagles. Pretty much everyone on the line chipped in but YaYa Diaby led the pack with 2 sacks, continuing his very solid campaign.

Jacob Parrish rebounded from his first true “welcome to the NFL” experience to total 7 tackles and a big third-down pass breakup deep in the red zone, all while again bouncing between outside corner and nickelback.

Special Teams Top Performer: P Riley Dixon​

A full game of good punting is indeed possible.

The punt coverage could’ve been better, but Riley Dixon did his job very well throughout the day and contributed largely to the Bucs winning the field position battle throughout the day. He pinned all three of his kicks inside the 20, with two inside the 10, and averaged a healthy 55.3 yards per punt. Between Sunday and the week before, Dixon seems to be regaining his confidence and delivering more consistency. Given how horrible the unit’s been overall, this is more than welcome.

Chase McLaughlin made the game harder than it needed to be when he missed a late field goal attempt. The miss broke his hot streak that followed his early week struggles, but he made good on it when he hit a 45-yarder with less than 2 minutes remaining to make it a two-score game, effectively sealing the deal.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...-week-6-top-performers-vs-san-francisco-49ers

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

NFC Playoff Picture: Tampa Bay Buccaneers are number 1

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers went into the game Sunday tied for the top spot in the NFC. With Tampa’s win, they are not the first-place team in the National Football Conference.

In the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers won on Sunday to stick two games behind the Bucs. The Atlanta Falcons play on Monday night again the Buffalo Bills and the New Orleans Saints lost.

All the results aren’t in yet — the Detroit Lions play on Sunday night along with the Falcons Monday — but no matter what happens in those games, Tampa Bay is going to top the standings heading into Week 7. Tampa Bay’s NFC record will be better than Detroit’s to keep the Buccaneers in front. Detroit and Tampa Bay play each other on October 20th.

NFC Playoff Picture during Week 6​

The Eagles lost for the second straight week to go from first place to fourth place in the conference.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
2. San Francisco 49ers (4-2, win over SEA, 4-1 NFC)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2, 3-1 NFC)
4. Green Bay Packers (3-1-1)
5. Seattle Seahawks (4-2, loss to SF, 1-1 NFCW, 2-2 NFC)
6. Detroit Lions (4-2, 1-1 NFC)
7. Los Angeles Rams (4-2, 0-1 NFCW, 0-2 NFC)
8. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
9. Washington Commanders (3-2)
10. Carolina Panthers (3-3)
11. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
12. Chicago Bears (2-2)
13. Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)
14. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
15. New York Giants (2-4)
16. New Orleans Saints (1-5)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...off-picture-tampa-bay-buccaneers-are-number-1

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Bucs CB Jamel Dean earns Week 6 honors for his performance against 49ers

The National Football League today announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 6.

In Tampa Bay’s 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6, Dean recorded an interception, a sack, a forced fumble, four tackles (one for loss), a pass defensed and a quarterback hit. He became the first cornerback to record each an interception, sack and forced fumble in a single game since Week 7 of the 2024 season (Cobie Durant) and was the first NFC defender at any position to accomplish that feat in 2025. Dean’s sack in Week 6 marked the first of his NFL career.

The Auburn product currently leads the team, and ranks tied for fifth in the NFL, with two interceptions this season and among all defenders with 15+ targets this season, Dean’s 20.8 passer rating when targeted is the best mark in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. Additionally, his 42.1% completion rate allowed when targeted is tied for the second-lowest among all qualified players, while his 1.4 average yards of separation per target is tied with Pat Surtain II for the second-best mark in the NFL, trailing only Sauce Gardner (1.3).

The Buccaneers are off to a 5-1 start in 2025, matching the best record in the NFL and the team’s best start in franchise history.

Dean becomes the second Tampa Bay player to win a player of the week award this season joining Kameron Johnson, who was named the Week 1 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, in addition to wide receiver Emeka Egbuka earning September Rookie of the Month honors. He becomes the first Tampa Bay cornerback to win the award since Pro Football Hall of Famer Rondé Barber (2012), who claimed the recognition eight times during his storied career.

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...week-6-honors-performance-san-francisco-49ers

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Reacts Survey Week 7

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/65836/buccaneers-reacts-survey-week-7

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Mike Evans returns to practice as the Buccaneers prepare for the Lions on Monday Night Football

Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report has been full of names this whole season. At least it feels that way. And still, they carry a 5-1 record and sit atop the conference despite injuries to key players for each game so far in 2025.

Heading into Monday Night Football against Detroit, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers revealed yet another stacked injury report on Thursday. Linebacker Lavonte David (knee/rib), running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), wide receiver Chris Godwin, Jr. (fibula), wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), guard Luke Haggard (shoulder), running back Josh Williams (concussion), and punter Riley Dixon (personal reasons) all were listed as Did Not Participate in practice.

On a brighter note, veteran receiver Mike Evans made his first appearance back from a hamstring injury, practicing on a limited basis. Meanwhile, cornerback Zyon McCollum (thumb) and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) both returned to full participation.

The Buccaneers will have a tough challenge against the Lions as Detroit looks to bounce back from a tough loss in Kansas City last week. Evans’ limited return offers hope, but depth and health will be critical as Tampa Bay seeks to improve on its 5–1 record.

Week 7 Injury Report – Tampa Bay @Buccaneers at Detroit Lions (10/16/25): https://t.co/x53yfa3gyE#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/rmLmfhWQh1

— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) October 16, 2025

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...repare-for-the-lions-on-monday-night-football

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Notes and stats from the Buccaneers 30-19 win over the 49ers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 30-19, to move to 5-1 on the year. It marks the sixth time in franchise history that the Buccaneers have started 5-1 (1979, 1997, 2002, 2005, 2021). Through Sunday’s 4:00 p.m. ET slate of games, the Buccaneers sit atop the NFC standings as the only 5-1 team (Detroit could match). Since Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye last year, the Buccaneers are 11-2 in the regular season (.846) – the best record in the NFL over that span (Detroit could match). Dating back to the 2021 season, the Buccaneers have now held at least a share of the NFC South lead for 64 of the last 78 weeks.

– The Buccaneers produced 352 net yards of offense across 50 offensive plays on Sunday, averaging 7.0 yards per play after averaging 7.3 against the Seahawks in Week 5. As of Sunday’s 4:00 p.m. ET slate of games, the Buccaneers are the only team in the NFL to record consecutive games averaging at least 7.0 yards per play.

– Tampa Bay surpassed 100 rushing yards as a team for the fifth time this season – tied with four other teams for the most such occurrences this year.

– QB Baker Mayfield completed 17-of-23 passes (73.9%) for 256 yards and two touchdown passes compared to zero interceptions for a 139.0 passer rating. Over the last two weeks, Mayfield has completed 82.1% of his passes – highest mark among any quarterback over that span (Jared Goff could also meet this figure, pending Sunday Night Football). His 137.7 passer rating over the last two weeks also leads all such quarterbacks (again pending Jared Goff). During this two-game stretch, Mayfield has posted consecutive performances of averaging at least 11.0 yards per attempt – the only such span by any quarterback this season.

– Mayfield became just the ninth quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 82% of his passes while averaging at least 11 yards per attempt across multiple games within a single season, joining Jared Goff (2024, twice), Brock Purdy (2023), Ryan Tannehill (2015), Alex Smith (2012) and Peyton Manning (2008), Kurt Warner (1999), Rob Johnson (1997) and Ken Anderson (1974).

Through Sunday’s 4:00 p.m. ET slate of games, Mayfield’sranks among NFL leaders:

• T-2nd in touchdown passes (12)
• 4th in touchdown-to-interception ratio (12.0)
• 4th in passing yards (1,539)
• 6th in passer rating (108.5)

– Mayfield has three touchdown passes of 40 yards or more – the most by any quarterback in the NFL this season.

– Mayfield also recorded a 15-yard scramble on a third-and-14 in the third quarter, generating 27 yards after contact as he avoided a sack in the backfield. Per Next Gen Stats,Mayfield had just a 3.7% chance of picking up the first down via run at the onset of the play. The Buccaneers scored two plays later.

– RB Rachaad White contributed a season-high 86 yards from scrimmage in the form of 17 carries for 65 yards with one touchdown and three receptions for 21 yards. With his touchdown run, White surpassed Cadillac Williams (24) for the sixth-most, and tied Errict Rhett for the fifth-most, touchdowns from scrimmage by a running back in franchise history. In Sunday’s contest, White also surpassed Leonard Fournette (178) for the fifth-most receptions by a running back/fullback in team history.

– RB Sean Tucker added 25 rushing yards on six carries (4.2 avg.) and one touchdown. His rushing score marked the third of his career.

– WR Kameron Johnson, who entered the game with zero career receptions, finished as Tampa Bay’s leading receiver, bringing in four catches for 64 receiving yards with one touchdown. Johnson’s first career reception came on a 34-yard touchdown score from Baker Mayfield.

– WR Tez Johnson also logged his first career touchdown reception in Sunday’s win, bringing in a 45-yard score from Baker Mayfield.

– Sunday’s game marks the second time this season in which multiple Buccaneers have recorded their first career regular season touchdown reception (also, Week 1 vs. Atlanta, Bucky Irving and Emeka Egbuka). It marks the first non-Week 1 occurrence since the 2012 season whenDoug Martin and Erik Lorig accomplished the feat in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.

– The Buccaneers lead the NFL in touchdown receptions by rookies (six) this season, as well as since the start of last season (14). Since the start of the 2023 season, they’re tied for first (17).

– WR Sterling Shepard added two receptions for 51 yards, including a 36-yarder – his longest catch as a member of the Buccaneers.

– TE Cade Otton finished with a season-high five receptions for 51 yards. His five catches represent his most since Week 10 of the 2024 season, also against the 49ers. After totaling 34 receiving yards across the first four weeks of the season, Otton has contributed 132 yards in Weeks 5-6.

– Tampa Bay recorded 6.0 sacks on Sunday – its most in a game since Week 4 of the 2024 season against Philadelphia (6.0). The Buccaneers recorded a sack on 15.4% of dropbacks on Sunday, their third-highest total in a game since the start of the 2024 season. Tampa Bay recorded 3.0 sacks in the first quarter – its most in the first quarter of any contest since Week 12 of the 2014 season against Chicago (3.0).

– The Buccaneers held the 49ers to 67 rushing yards on Sunday – the fewest they’ve allowed to an opponent this season, and the fewest that the 49ers have produced in a single game this season. San Francisco averaged 3.0 yards per carry.

– OLB Yaya Diaby led the way for the Buccaneers with 2.0 sacks, posting his second career game with multiple sacks. Both of his career performances with at least 2.0 sacks have come against the San Francisco 49ers, with the previous occurring in Week 11 of the 2023 season.

– CB Jamel Dean recorded his first career sack in Sunday’s contest, dropping Mac Jones for an 8-yard loss. Dean also intercepted Jones later in the game to record his second interception of the year, which ties for his most in a single season in his career.

– LB Lavonte David also recorded a sack of Mac Jones, part of his day that included six tackles. With his sack, he increased his season sack total to 2.5 and his career sack total to 41.5 – the sixth-most in franchise history.

– NT Vita Vea was awarded a half sack on the day, tying him with Jason Pierre-Paul and Brad Culpepper (33.0) for the ninth most sacks in franchise history.

– Per Next Gen Stats, Vea generated five quarterback pressures while facing double-teams on 69.7% of dropbacks. Despite the double-teams, Vea still generated two pressures and 0.5 sacks when doubled. With Vea on the field, the Bucs allowed only 36 yards on 14 rushes between the tackles (2.6 yards per carry).

– Haason Reddick, C.J. Brewer, and Elijah Roberts were also credited with half sacks on Sunday.

– CB Kindle Vildor recorded his first interception as a member of the Buccaneers, picking off Mac Jones in the first quarter. It represented his second career interception and first since 2022. Vildor’s interception gave Tampa Bay the ball on the San Francisco 12-yard line, and the Buccaneers scored two plays later. Vildor finished with three tackles, two passes defensed, and the interception.

– S Tykee Smith contributed his team-leading seventh pass defensed of the season, adding six tackles. His seven passes defensed are tied for fifth in the NFL through Sunday’s 4 p.m. games.

– LB SirVocea Dennis recorded his team-leading fifth tackle for loss on the year, adding seven tackles. Lavonte David and Yaya Diaby are also tied for the team lead in TFL’s.

– S Antoine Winfield Jr. led Tampa Bay with nine tackles.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...win-over-the-49ers-baker-mayfield-tez-johnson

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Week 6 Game Recap: Buccaneers look like a title contender in convincing win over 49ers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the field against the San Francisco 49ers in week six. This battle of the bays was between two 4-1 teams, both navigating a fair share of injuries and both sporting quarterbacks who have been on hot streaks. Sunday’s game began with Tampa Bay and Baker Mayfield on offense.

First Quarter:​

Tampa’s offense was first to touch the ball and also first to punt the ball away. The Buccaneers’ defense decided they’d be the unit to strike first when Kindle Vildor, filling in for the many injured Buccaneer corners, step forward and hauled in a Mac Jones pass for an interception. Vildor proceeded to take what appeared to be a clear pick six and leave it as just an interception, as he fell to the ground (uncontacted) multiple times. Three slips that could have been a four-point swing, instead led to a Rachaad White touchdown run. 7-0, Bucs.

Following a field goal on the 49ers’ second drive, Tampa Bay’s offense hopped back into action. Their hop meant Riley Dixon would get another chance to hop as well— Three drives and two punts for the Bucs’ offense.

Second Quarter:​

Still trailing by four the 49ers began quarter number two with a second down and long following a recovered strip sack by Jamel Dean. Long yardage proved to be no issue for Mac Jones a catch-and-run first down to Kendrick Bourne and then a Christian McCaffrey touchdown shortly after to transition the Buccaneers’ lead into a deficit. 10-7, 49ers.

With little to nothing to show for their offensive drives to this point, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ offense took the field and finally took off. Their seven points prior, came off of excellent field position gifted to them by Kindle Vildor. Otherwise their drives had all been concluded with Riley Dixon, rather than Chase McLaughlin. Mid-way through the second quarter, Baker Mayfield finally put up some Riley Dixon-opposition taking Tampa Bay down the field for their first long scoring drive of the afternoon. Sean Tucker’s first touchdown of the season capped the possession off and returned the lead to Tampa Bay. 14-10, Bucs.

San Francisco added another three points to the scoreboard before Mayfield’s bunch saw the field again. A Rachaad White rush and reception rapidly got Tampa Bay across midfield and Baker Mayfield got the Buccaneers into the end zone. Not sure if anyone had Mayfield to Johnson on their Bingo card but it was the infallible duo of Baker Mayfield and Kam Johnson that waltzed Tampa’s offense into the end zone for their third touchdown of the half. A failed two-point conversion would leave the Buccaneers at 20—20-13, Tampa Bay.

With under a minute and three timeouts, Mac Jones and Demarcus Robinson migrated the 49ers’ offense back into Tampa Bay territory to add a last-second field goal.

Third Quarter:​

The San Francisco 49ers started the game’s second half with the ball and another gashing drive. Kyle Shanahan versus Todd Bowles has served up body blows on both sides, but the 49ers’ opening drive of the third quarter was workman like. Taking bits, pieces, and chunks at will. Moving without any resistance, until an offensive pass interference penalty sputtered the drive into a second down and 20, ultimately stalling San Francisco into another short field goal. 20-19, Bucs.

Tampa Bay’s next drive revealed yet another wide receiver injury. As if the position couldn’t be any more ravaged, Emeka Egbuka —one of the brightest bright spots the Buccaneers have had in 2025— showed up as doubtful with a hamstring injury. No Evans, no Godwin, no Egbuka, never a doubt. Tampa was saddled with a third down and 15 and Baker Mayfield put on his cape. Mayfield, trapped in the pocket by two defenders, broke free of contain, broke another two tackles, ran through a defender, and stretched the ball across the sticks for a first down. If the cape’s on why not have superman moment. Without a receiver most NFL fans could name, Mayfield’s refusal to fail showed itself again. Launching a rocket shot to his other rookie wide out Tez Johnson. Johnson with a textbook example of a diving snag, followed by some gymnastic, and the Bucs took a 27-19 lead.

Fourth Quarter:​

Sunday’s final 15 was kicked off with drive-stopping Lavonte David sack of Mac Jones and then a bad kick by Chase McLaughlin— No good, Tampa’s lead remains eight. Taking the good field position of the of McLaughlin’s miss, the 49ers drove the field into field goal range of their own. Opting to bypass that field goal attempt, Kyle Shanahan was resigned to helplessly watching his quarterback toss up his second interception of the game— Jamel Dean’s second of the season.

5:43 on the clock and Baker Mayfield under center— Rest easy Bucs’ fans. Mayfield drove the Buccaneers down the field draining the clock to the two-minute warning and setting up Chase McLaughlin for redemption. The kick was good, as was Tampa’s performance, as will be tomorrow’s victory Monday.

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-bay-buccaneers-game-information/65798/week-6-game-recap

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers vs. 49ers: 2025 NFL Week 6 Open Thread, Staff Picks, and Inactives

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are home this week as they are set to play the San Francisco 49ers.

Tampa Bay will be without Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Bucky Irving this week. Defensively, they won’t have the services of cornerback Zyon McCollum. You can see the rest of the inactives here.

Kickoff is set for 4:25 PM EST. Enjoy each other’s company in the comments section!

Staff game picks and score predictions​

Gil Arcia (5-0): Bucs 29, 49ers 20
Mike Kiwak (4-1): Bucs 28, 49ers 27
Evan Wanish (5-0): 49ers 26, Bucs 21
Will Walsh (5-0): 49ers 29, Bucs 22

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/game-day...-nfl-week-6-open-thread-staff-picks-inactives

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

SB Nation reacts: NFL fans feel Buccaneers best team in the NFC

Buccaneers fans are excited for their 5-1 team for good reason. The team has faced adversity all season long with injuries on both sides of the ball and multiple victories in the closing seconds of games thus far. Collectively, this has been the best Bucs team we’ve seen on the field in quite some time. And so far this season fans across the NFL agree with that statement.

This week, fans were asked what who is the best team in the NFC. Your Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the poll confidently, with 48-percent of NFL fans saying the Bucs were the best team in the conference.

In a separate poll here on Bucs Nation, Tampa Bay fans were asked how confident they were that their team was heading in the right direction.

94-percent of Bucs fans felt the team, at 5-1, are heading in the right direction.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to improve to 6-1 with a win over the Lions in Detroit on Monday night. If they can pull that off, these poll numbers could go up.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/65856/nfl-fan-survey-results-nfc-standings-predictions