Bucs Nation
When you’re playing the best of the best, you cannot give them freebies.
Sadly, the Buccaneers did just that against the Philadelphia Eagles, as multiple miscues led to opponent points even though it’s very arguable the Bucs outplayed them overall in a 31-25 loss Sunday.
Continued special teams blunders and the first offensive turnovers of the season highlighted the defeat, as Tampa’s unbeaten bubble got burst despite valiant efforts on both offense and defense.
As frustrating as it was, the Bucs will need to turn around quickly as they travel to the other side of the country to face a daunting Seattle Seahawks squad. Let’s quickly recap some top performers and focus ahead.
It’s been a rough go of it for the offense in large part to a never-ending stream of injuries, primarily on the offensive line but at receiver as well.
Well, Bucky Irving has still produced at a strong clip and contributed hugely to the team’s near comeback attempt, leading all players in rushing yards (63), receiving yards (102), and overall yards from scrimmage (165) to along with a 72-yard touchdown reception. This marked the first time the Bucs ever had a player record at least 50 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in a single game.
Yes, he did “fumble” — if the officiating higher-ups still have the backbone to call it that. That was not ideal, but I really struggle with faulting Bucky when it seemed so far from a sure thing. Eventually, some of these calls need to go Tampa’s way this season, right?
Emeka Egbuka continued to flash, and he did so this time operating as the team’s de facto No. 1 receiver. He responded to the challenge with 4 catches for 101 yards and another touchdown, bringing his season total up to 4 already (tied for third in the league). He faced a stiff test on 1-on-1 assignments with Quinyon Mitchell, who’s a stud, but the fact that he could free himself up on other coverages continues to show his advanced development. His 77-yard score was the longest by any Buccaneers rookie ever.
Otherwise, we need to salute two returning pillars: Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin.
If the Bucs want to be seriously competitive and complete their quest for a fifth straight division crown, they need their stalwarts back, and Sunday marked a huge step in the right direction. Wirfs, in particular, desperately needed to return to stabilize a broken offensive line, and while the unit still struggled, Wirfs played well and should be back to his dominant self sooner rather than later.
Godwin also needed to shake off the rust after breaking his leg almost a year ago, and that showed, as he got 10 targets but reeled in only 3 catches for 26 yards. But still, getting him back ahead of schedule and conditioning him into football shape will pay huge dividends — he’s simply too good of a player and too much of...
