Battle Red Blog
It’s finally week two of the NFL season and the Texans are playing in prime time. This one is yet another matchup of two teams that hope to be playing in the postseason in January of 2026. We managed to catch up with Evan Wanish of** Bucs Nation** to get his take on the Bucs and the matchup with the Texans. The conversation began with a look back at week one.
Battle Red Blog: The Bucs won a hard fought 23-20 game against the Falcons on Sunday. Was there anything from the game that surprised you? What are your biggest positive and negative takeaways from that game?
Evan Wanish: The biggest surprise was actually one that almost cost the Bucs the game. Kicker Chase McLaughlin missing a field goal earlier in the game and then missing the extra point that would’ve put the Bucs up by 4. I’m not overly concerned about the reliable McLaughlin, but it’s something to monitor.
As far as a positive, Emeka Egbuka’s emergence in this one was exciting. He had one heck of a rookie debut with two touchdowns, the second being the game winner. The rookie made a great first impression.
BRB: Baker Mayfield is obviously one of the biggest comeback stories in the recent history of the league. In his couple of seasons in Tampa, what have you seen from him that has been different than his time in Cleveland and Carolina?
EW: I honestly think the biggest difference in Baker now vs back then is the situation he is in. Tampa has put the pieces around him and made sure he feels appreciated. Mayfield finally has the confidence back that he had in college. He’s got that swagger back and when he’s playing with confidence, that’s when he’s at his best.
BRB: Who are some guys that the pundits don’t focus on that will be huge factors in this Monday night game on both sides of the ball?
EW: On offense, Rachaad White has seen a reduced role with the rise of Bucky Irving, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do damage. Bucs will use White on mostly passing downs as he is a solid pass catcher as well as pass blocker. White may not play as much as he did in previous years, but he’s still a productive player.
On defense, I’d say Calijah Kancey. He was quietly one of the better interior defensive lineman in the NFL last season and actually led the team in sacks in 2024. He has the chance to be a real special player and might be able to take advantage of a struggling Houston offensive line.
BRB: The Bucs have been the class of the NFC South for the last couple of years. Who do you see as the Bucs biggest competition in the division this year? On another note, who do Bucs fans enjoy beating the most in the NFC South?
4. I still view the Falcons as the biggest threat to the Bucs...
