Latest news with #Buccaneers'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield A Top 10 QB?
Is Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield A Top 10 QB? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is enjoying the best football of his career since moving to the NFC South. He was on the scrap heap, and forced his way into the Buccaneers' starting role and hasn't looked back. Coming off a career year in 2024, when Mayfield threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, some are still waiting for the regression they predicted a year ago. Such has been Mayfield's form, and the current construction of the Buccaneers roster, ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum has the Bucs in the thick of the NFC race, while also having some glowing words for Baker. "I put them right up there with Detroit, Philly, Washington and the Rams, Tannenbaum said on "First Take." "If we just look at how Baker Mayfield has played in Tampa, there's a reason Liam Coen is a head coach. Baker Mayfield has worked his way back into the top 10 conversation." There is no denying that Tampa Bay in 2025 isn't on the outside looking in at the big boy table; it has itself a seat. With an offense considered one of the best in football, along with an improved defense, the Buccaneers should be winning the division and making it to the playoffs for the third straight year under Mayfield. Exactly what his numbers will look like, we can roughly guess, but those don't matter. What is going on is a deep playoff run. It's a deep playoff run or nothing, and that is part and parcel of having a well-rounded roster and a top 10 quarterback leading it. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Offensive Uncertainty Headlines Buccaneers' Training Camp Storylines
Offensive Uncertainty Headlines Buccaneers' Training Camp Storylines originally appeared on Athlon Sports. All offseason, the buzz around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has largely been driven by the offense and the weapons Baker Mayfield has at his disposal. A stud run game, solid offensive line and pass-catchers who are the envy of the league, the Buccaneers will have no shortage of chances to put up points regularly in 2025. But there are some questions that have to be answered over the duration of training camp for head coach Todd Bowles and his coaching staff. Who steps in for injured tackle Tristan Wirfs, and how "healthy" will Chris Godwin be? For ESPN's Jenna Laine, that is the Buccaneers' biggest storyline of the offseason. "How much will injuries to All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin affect quarterback Baker Mayfield?" Laine writes. "The Bucs invested a first-round draft pick in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, allowing them to be patient with Godwin's rehabilitation. "But Wirfs' injury creates more uncertainty, as they have a new swing tackle in Charlie Heck after Justin Skule departed in free agency. Training camp should give Mayfield a chance to work through life without two crucial members of the offense." Godwin's progression from his ankle injury is less of a concern than Wirfs due to the Bucs' other receivers in Mike Evans, Egbuka, Jalen McMillian and tight end Cade Otton. Left tackle, though, behind Wirfs, doesn't look pretty; however, it does present the opportunity for someone to step up, with Heck expected to be the player to get first crack at the starting job. The offense is going to be the reason the Buccaneers make the playoffs and go on a deep run, but only if it is a well-oiled machine and with the injury to Wirfs and the uncertain nature of Godwin's return, things might not be as smooth as many think. But training camp could go a long way in alleviating those fears. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buccaneers' Josh Grizzard Embracing 'Pressure' In 2025
Buccaneers' Josh Grizzard Embracing 'Pressure' In 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard has the task of keeping this high-octane offense rolling in 2025. Taking over from Liam Coen, who is now the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Grizzard has to maintain the offensive standards set last season, which is a high bar to reach considering the Bucs were one of the best offenses in football. Plus, he now has Emeka Egbuka in the ranks as well, giving Baker Mayfield an embarrassment of riches out wide. But for Grizzard, who was speaking on "The Ronde Barder Show," he is embracing the pressure. "I think in the NFL, every year there's pressure. But at the end of the day, pressure is a privilege." Grizzard said. "It's something that, if there's not expectations, then why are we doing it? It's not like we're defending a Super Bowl Championship here, so we have such room to grow, and having the continuity of the staff and the players, there's definitely pressure involved with it but I think that's the fun part about it. Seeing how we, myself is going to react to the pressure." With Mayfield coming off his best-ever season in 2024, Mike Evans looking to break the record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and the Buccaneers having a genuine shot at winning the NFC, that is a lot on Grizzard's plate. Additionally, he has never called a game before, as the coordinator has already been honing his skills in minicamp, which is another factor to consider. Still, many are bullish on Tampa Bay this season, given the sheer amount of attacking weapons, plus the expected improvement defensively. If it can all come together, the Buccaneers are going to be a formidable outfit in 2025. And in truth, given the talent on the roster, it has to come together, and that level of pressure is something Grizzard will have to deal with in his first year as a coordinator. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' David Walker walks out of his rookie season with a confirmed torn ACL
David Walker walks out of the season: Image via X The Tampa Bay Buccaneers irked fans by waiting until the 4th round of the NFL draft last season to find a pass rusher, but when they did, it was a real catch. Central Arkansas product David Walker might be an undersized player with average speed, but his stats flabbergasted the Buccaneers' leadership. A 191 tackles and 31 sacks backed by his stupendous performance during the Senior Bowl confirmed his seat in the Buccaneers' locker room. The rookie had a lot to prove to the fans, to the team that kept faith in him throughout. But before he could even lace up his shoes for that, an abrupt injury got in the way, and it came out worse than you thought. David Walker ended his rookie season before it started The NFL did a brutal job of postponing the dream of a 25-year-old when it meant the most. Walker looked impressive in the camp and was on a mission to clinch a spot on the 53-man roster. Sure, it wouldn't be a cakewalk. But with proper training and hard reps, Walker had the potential to achieve that speed and the other tools to carve a path to professionalism. But now, he will have to wait for a season to sail smoothly. On Friday's practice, Walker was seen crunching his legs in pain. It turned out he had torn his ACL. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo However, the severity of the injury remained unknown until an official confirmation was made on Monday, July 28th, dashing the hopes of many fans and veterans. ' The Bucs suffered their first unfortunate season-ending injury during training camp as the team lost rookie outside linebacker David Walker to a torn ACL ,' Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds spilled. ' Walker suffered a knee injury at the very end of Friday's practice during a two-minute drill.' The 6'2 will undergo surgery shortly. What does David Walker's injury mean for the Buccaneers' preseason drive? Walker has shown tremendous potential in the Buccaneers' linebacker room. His injury definitely came as a shock to Todd Bowles and the rest of the team, but not as a threat at all. The Bucs likely planned to kick-start their season with Haason Reddick and YaYa Diaby, while Walker butted heads with Anthony Nelson and Chris Braswell for the playing time. Walker's walkout means a drop in their depth chart, especially after how they received back-to-back injury news. Tod Bowles didn't get his QB, Michael Pratt, to camp yet. " He has a lower back injury, and he is week-to-week, " stated Bowles. " So, we do not know when his return will be, but he is still sore back there.'' However, the Bucs are clearly striving for greatness in the season with or without their rookie pass rusher, David Walker, or other injured guns on the line. Also read: Buffalo Bills look to end Super Bowl drought in 2025 but Kansas City Chiefs remain key threat | NFL News - Times of India Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
‘My blood is red, my skin is black': Orlando Pirates lose another youth product
Orlando Pirates youth product Azola Tshobeni shared a heartfelt message with the club ahead of his move to Chippa United. ADVERTISEMENT The 23-year-old midfielder came from the Buccaneers' development ranks, but failed to break into the first team. Having spent time with JDR Stars on loan, Tshobeni will now play for the Chilli Boys this coming season. In his message, the departing Orlandi Pirates midfielder thanked the club for nurturing him. 'This club took me in as a young boy, nurtured me, and helped shape me into who I am today – not just as a player, but as a person, both on and off the pitch. For that, I will be forever grateful. 'To the Club, the Chairman, the incredible supporters, all the coaches-from development to the first team – and, most of all, to my teammates, who I've had the privilege of sharing a locker room with for all these years, I can't thank you enough. You've all been a part of this journey, and I'll carry those moments with me forever. ADVERTISEMENT Orlando Pirates youth product joins Chippa 'It's been an honour to represent one of the biggest clubs on the continent for so long, especially at such a young age. I'm proud of what we've achieved together, and I know my family shares that pride. 'But as much as this chapter has meant to me, it's time for me to embrace new challenges and see the full extent of the potential I know I have. 'My blood is Red, my skin is black, and my bones are white. Thank you for everything.' Another Orlando Pirates youth product who recently left is Mohau Nkota. The 20-year-old made a surprise move to Saudi Arabia earlier this month. ADVERTISEMENT Who should Pirates buy next? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
