September 3, 2025 • 29 mins
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick off their 2025 NFL season with a divisional clash against the Atlanta Falcons, aiming for a historic fifth straight NFC South title. With Baker Mayfield coming off a career-best season and first-round pick Emeka Egbuka stepping into a starting role, the Buccaneers’ offense remains one of the most dangerous in the league. However, injuries to Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Tristan Wirfs mean Tampa Bay’s depth will be tested immediately against a Falcons squad led by young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Defensively, the Buccaneers are looking to unleash newcomer Haason Reddick to boost their edge rush and pressure Penix, while veterans like Vita Vea and Lavonte David anchor the unit. Special teams strategy also shifts with new kickoff rules, putting more emphasis on field position. With key roster updates, depth chart surprises, and Luke Goedeke’s massive extension, Tampa Bay enters Week One ready to prove they are still the team to beat in the NFC South.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
M on today's show, Football is back Baby, as Baker
Mayfield and the Bucks look to take down the Falcons
as they hope to win their fifth consecutive NFC South title.
Do they have what it takes? I'll discuss next on
this edition of the Box Report down Set and then
(00:30):
then then then then well, hello, endo, welcome into this
(00:58):
edition of the Box Report, part of The Report podcast network.
I'm so glad you decided to join me today. As always,
this podcast is free and available on all the major platforms.
My name is Dan Holmy. You can find me on Twitter.
It's at dan Caps twenty eight. You can find the
Bucks Report online It's at boxreport dot com. And the
(01:21):
best way that you can help grow this show is
to subscribe or follow the Bus Report on Apple, Spotify,
or wherever you find your podcast. Give it a five
star rating, leave some comments, and to tell your friends
I sure would appreciate it. The Bucks Report podcast is
also simulcast on the Bucks Minute Cast, so let's dive
(01:42):
into it. As Bocks football is getting ready to kick
off on Sunday. It's going to be Baker Mayfield than
the Bucks as they look to take on the Atlanta
Falcons and right away optimism. If you're not hyped right
now for the start of the football sea and well
you better check your pulse as this is the most
(02:04):
exciting time of the year and the Bucks looking to
do big things right, win the NFC South for the
fifth straight season, doing the unthinkable thing. And you know,
up to recently, this team didn't get any love, like
you know, the Bucks were good and you know they
got lucky, but it's not sustainable. And now even the critics,
(02:26):
even the critics, are starting to come around in the
Bucks favor. And I think that the Buccaneers, they thrive
in the environment of the underdogs. So let them. Let's
the Bucks feel like they don't have a chance of
winning it this season and see this team thrive and
right out of the gate, they are facing some pretty
(02:47):
big setbacks. We know Tristan Wurps is out, we know
Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Rishad White, that they already have
some pieces stacked against them. That this team is going
to have to dig deep if they in fact want
to do the unthinkable thing. And when their fifth straight
(03:07):
NFC self title. So let's dive into it. What's the
latest with your favorite team and mine the Buccaneers to
set the stage here. The Bucks, Well, the Bucks are
back Sunday afternoon. They're going to be playing at the
Mercedes Bend Stadium in Atlanta and on Fox. If you're
not able to attend locally there and you know that
(03:30):
there is a lot at steak, you know that the Falcons,
I think, at least on paper, are going to try
to take a step forward with their young new quarterback
and Pennis Junior. And you know, if you remember last season,
the Buccaneers had a hard time against the Falcons. So
I think that this is going to be a good
(03:51):
litmus test. This is going to be a good measuring
stick for this team to see ultimately what they have
in the tank. The question is Baker Mayfield not getting
any preseason snaps? Was that the right thing? If we
listened to a lot of the other podcasts and some
of the insiders, you listen to Rick Stroud, he kind
(04:12):
of flip flopped and he said in the last half
that were his last take there that he wished that
Baker Mayfield would have got some reps in. And James
Yarco on Lockdown Bucks said the same thing that he
thought that was a disservice to Baker Mayfield not getting
any preseason reps. But if you ask me, you know,
(04:33):
and I'm kind of out on an island here, I
like it. I like the fact that we didn't put
Baker at risk. He was able to get some work
in in those joint practices. So I think an ideal situation.
And if you kind of want to see that exemplify,
take a look at Jalen McMillan getting injured in a
game that held little significance. But that's rather here nor there.
(04:55):
They're kicking out the twenty twenty five season and now
Tampa Bay is chasing history here looking for their fifth
straight NFC crown. Wouldn't that be something if they're able
to do it. And you know, a really early take
as I record this in early September, is yeah, I mean,
are there certain things that could derail it? Of course,
(05:18):
if Baker Mayfield got injured and it's Teddy in there.
I mean, I think that if Bridgewater could win you
a game or two, that would be huge. But we're
hoping it doesn't come to that. And you know, if
they're able to do it, that would be quite something
that's a run only New Orleans has flirted with in
this division, winning four in a row in seventeen through
(05:40):
twenty twenty, so that'd be quite something. But the twist
is here. Last year, the Falcons actually swept the Buccaneers
head to head, yeah, both games, So as much as
the Bucks finished on top, Atlanta proved they could go
toe to toe. So expect for it to be live
in the first game of the regular season. And you know,
(06:01):
the NFL season is a short season and there's not
a whole lot of opportunity or there. You can't risk
going through a losing streak. So the Buccaneers need to
hit the Falcons with both barrels, and that's how they're
going to have to approach every game. As I think
that some of the teams are on the NFC South
(06:21):
are going to be taking a step forward, the Buccaneers
have to be prepared. So let's talk about the top
storyline the offense. So let's start with the obvious. In
order to win these games, your offense has to be ready,
and the Bucks had one of the best offenses in
(06:42):
all of football last year, third in total yards, fourth
and points. Only team in the top five in both
rushing and passing, and this team continues to do great
things with Baker Mayfield at the helm and taking a
look at what he did, Baker Mayfield threw for four
(07:04):
five hundred yards forty one touchdowns. That's MVP level stuff
right there. And the crazy part is this unit comes
back mostly intact. The Bucks even added firepower first round
or wide out a Mecca, Agbuka, another rookie, and Tesz
Johnson plus veteran pieces. So you take a look at
(07:25):
the Bucks. You know, a Mecca, Hey, I'm already drinking
the creamsicle kool aid on him. I think that this
is going to be the guy, and we're going to
need to see a Mecca, Egbuka play a huge role
as it's going to be Evans and then it's going
to be Egbuka. Those are the guys. Listen out of
the frying pan into the fire. But if you listen
to Baker Mayfield, he's already got the stuff. Amecca has
(07:49):
already got the stuff. That is why the Buccaneers went
out and selected him in the draft, even though there
were a lot of people that thought they should go
in a different direction. But and it is a big butt.
They won't be at full strength on Sunday. Tristan Wurf's
not expected to play. Godwin still rehabbing Jalen McMillan out
(08:10):
long term with a neck injury, So this is not,
you know, the Bucks the way we had them sketched out.
For the most part, I think that we all knew
that Chris Godwin was not going to be in the
mix at least to start this season, but we did
expect to have McMillan in there. And Tristan Worf's was
(08:30):
a curveball thrown at the Bucks now, so right away,
Charlie Heck slides into left tackle and Agbuka as a rookie,
is getting thrown straight into the fire. This is going
to be his moment to just you know, make him
a well known player in the NFL. That I think
that there's probably a lot of people that aren't too
(08:52):
familiar with a guy with a name that was hard
to say at first, a Mecca Agbuka, some people Amika Iguki.
I mean I heard it all to start out there
that this is going to be a household name, not
only with Tampa fans, but I think with the NFL
at large. Now The good news is Tampa Bay is
still deep. You know. That's the good thing is that
(09:13):
they had an abundance of wealth at the wide receiver
position and also at the running back position. Some people said, well,
what you know they have too many players. Well, we
know that injuries are a thing in the NFL season.
So the good thing is is that the Bucks armed
up and they have some good options. So, like I said,
(09:33):
the good news the Bucks are deep. Baker's proven he
can win with different receivers. We saw that last year
in Kansas City when Evans got to in McMillan. All
this time, he still moved the ball. But you don't
want to test the depth this early in the season.
But it doesn't really matter, does it. It is what
(09:53):
it is, and this is the best that the Bucks have,
and you know, you take a look at it, it
could be a lot worse. It could have been a
lot worse. That We remember that Baker Mayfield had that
hand contusion, which you know, right off the bat didn't
sound too serious, but it was serious enough for the
Bucks to go out and acquire Teddy Bridgewater that they
(10:16):
showed Kyle Trask the door and they pushed all their
chips in in what is perceived the best option as
a backup. So that's the position that the Bucks are in,
you know, and it's you know, not a whole lot
different than a lot of other teams around the NFL
that go through the same thing. But the Buccaneers will
be put to test in a hurry to see how
(10:37):
this young talent can fare. But you know, they still
got a lot of veterans in place. I expect this
team to hit the ground running and I am excited
for football to be back. All right, So coming up
here after the break, we'll talk about can the pass
rush get pass penix? I'll discuss straight ahead, all right,
(11:05):
Welcome back into this edition of the Bucks Report podcast,
part of the Bucks Report podcast network also simulcast on
the Bucks Minute Cast. So let's dive into it is
that the Bucks are going to be facing a different
QB this time around. We remember last season it was
Cousins in there that the Falcons weren't afraid of picking
(11:28):
up the snow globe and shaking it all around to
get a different look. As that is a team that
I think is desperately trying to get back in the
mix and try to prove a lot of the insiders
wrong as well. So let's dive into that in the
next segment here talking about can the pass rush get
to Penis? Atlanta isn't rolling with Kirk Cousins anymore. He
(11:50):
was the guy, remember you know that was going to
be the guy that made all the difference in the
world for the Falcons. As it turns out, it worked
pretty well against the Bucks. But all things considered, they
pushed their chips in on Michael Penix Junior, the rookie
they drafted eighth overall, lefty quarterback, big arm. That's the mobility.
(12:10):
And remember Cousins, who's not exactly mobile, through for over
seven hundred yards in two games against Tampa last year.
So again, it's not going to be an easy thing, right,
And I don't think that anyone really thought that Atlanta
was going to be an easy opponent, but I think
with Pennix in the mix, I think it is not
(12:31):
going to be an easy out for the Bucks. So
now the Bucks are going to have to get more
home with the pass rush. They tied for sixth in
sacks last season with forty six, but most of that
came from the interior. Vita Veaklaijah can see monsters, monsters
(12:52):
out there, but the edge, that's where they wanted more juice,
and that's why they went out and addressed it. At
least ostensibly. Hassan Reddick double digit sacks four straight years.
That's why he's here, make no mistake about it, to
disrupt plays like this. And then yeah, you've got guys
(13:14):
like yah Ya Diyabi who showed flashes but needs to
finish more. If Tampa can pressure Pennis with just four guys,
that opens everything up. If not, the secondary might be
in for a long day. And you know, I think
that the Buccaneers are definitely going to you know, have
(13:36):
to pour over the film, and you know the film
isn't you know, actually going to help them too much
in that regard, just because of Pennis in there that
you know, I think that they're probably going to adjust
the falcons, that is, but we don't want to have
the Bucks, you know, face the same fate as they
did last year, and we're going to need to see
the players step up. You know. Hassan Reddick, you know,
(13:59):
in particular, that's why they brought him in here. Do
your work, and that's what we're hoping for all Right,
let's next pivot to his special teams and kickoff changes,
because oftentimes that's what it comes down to. How many
times have you seen a Bucks game? How many times
have you seen an NFL game where it's the guys
(14:21):
like Chase McLoughlin. You know what he did for the
Bucks last year with you know, games won by field
goal or an extra point, those kind of things that
it's not about all you know, Baker Mayfield and you
know the Bucks. You know, it's also about guys like
Chase McLoughlin for example, and Riley Dixon. Those guys can
(14:42):
also be game changers as well. And you know, it
was a bit of a turnstyle before Chase McLoughlin, but
I'm glad that they took care of that position and
also Riley Dixon as well. That I feel confident, you know, oftentimes,
and I've seen that with different teams throughout the years,
whether it's the Buccaneers or any teams that you know,
(15:03):
they they didn't have any faith that you know, they're
going to get a field goal, that the guy's kicking left,
he's kicking right, that he just can't do it. I'm confident.
Nine times out of ten and Dard near ten times
out of ten when Chase is out there. So the
NFL changed the kickoff rules again. Last year. Tampa Bay
barely felt the impact. They still had a ton of touchbacks.
(15:25):
But now the rule tweak basically forces more returns. And
you know what, the Bucks aren't hiding at Chase McLoughlin's
handling kickoffs instead of punch Riley Dixon, which tells you
they're going to be covering more kicks. So that third
phase of the game, right coverage units, tackling in space.
This is where you can win or lose field positions.
(15:48):
So now you take a look at the new special
teams coordinator. He likes guys, says he's confident. We'll see
Sunday if the confidence pays off the interesting things, you know,
Like I say, oftentimes, when it comes to those kind
of things and rule changes, sometimes it's not just a
plug and play. Sometimes there is a bit of a
(16:09):
learning curve. We hope that the Buccaneers are prepared. Next,
we're going to talk about the NFC South check. So
the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one four straight,
but but Atlanta is breathing down their neck, the Saints
unproven quarterback situation, Carolina still waiting for Bryce Young to
(16:34):
fully pop. But the one thing that I want to
make abundantly clear here is complacency and underestimating your opponent. Well,
that can be deadly. I think that the Buccaneers, you know,
they're not prone to do that, as they are a
team that plays with a chip squarely on their shoulders,
as they are always the underdogs. And that whole thing
(16:57):
is being fed by Baker Mayfield, who is also a
guy that has a chip on his shoulder. As you know,
he I still think things wants to prove to the
NFL that he is still the quarterback that we have
seen from last year. That you know, he was a
bit of a journeyman that jump top skipped and jumped
around the NFL, but he solidified his place within the Buccaneers.
(17:19):
So I think that the Buccaneers need to to not
underestimate their opponents. That there are teams like the Saints, Carolina,
these kind of guys, or these kind of teams rather
that want to play spoiler for the Bucks. So really,
Week one is going to be a litmus test. Like
I said, Atlanta's got weapons and Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts,
(17:40):
Pennis throwing it around. Plus they invested heavy in the
pass rush with Walker and Pearce Junior. But the Bucks
are still the champs until someone takes it from them.
But this game could be a preview of how tight
this division really is. And you know, it's one of
(18:01):
the things that when we observed through the preseason, and
you know, there were some cuts made, there was a
lot of questions about why this player and that player
was cut. We talked about the quarterback position. Why the
Buccaneers pushed all their chips in on Teddy Bridgewater as
the backup over the unproven commodity and Kyle Trask. You're
starting to see why now is that teams around the
(18:23):
NFC South they armed up right in a lot of ways,
and I think they want to address the situation in
the room, and that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that
they don't want to have the Buccaneers just sailing away
with it one other year and they're getting it done.
You know under Todd Bowles, another guy that you got
to think as a chip on his shoulder that every
(18:43):
year he's on the hot seat. He's on the hot seat.
Is this going to be it for Todd Bowles? That
I think that has served the Bucks rather well year
over year over year. But like I say, the Buccaneers
do not want to underestimate their opponents. And it all
starts and weak against Atlanta on Sunday. All right, So
(19:04):
coming up here after the break, we'll talk about Baker
on receiver injuries and how he's still pretty happy with
the receiver room. I'll discuss straight ahead. All right, Welcome
back into this edition of the Bucks Report, part of
(19:25):
the Bucks Report podcast simulcast on the Bucks Minute cast feed.
So let's welcome back in here and talk about Baker
Mayfield and his comfort level with the receivers. As you know,
a quarterback, you like to have as many weapons at
your disposal as possible. Right, It's advantageous that you know,
if this guy's not working, you can go to option
(19:47):
A or B. And the Bucks for so many years
had the best one two punch in Evans and Godwin
still do. But we know that Godwin's a bit out
and you know, even down the depth chart, we saw
Jail and Nick Millan just really take it to the
next level last season, right because Godwin got injured that
he needed to step forward and take on a bigger role.
(20:08):
So now that's kind of the lay of the land there,
right that, plus you added a Mecca at BUKA and
you go down the depth chart there that we're really
going to need to see the big guys perform. But
how through it all Baker Mayfield feels confident. So let's
dive into that in the next segment here and talk
about the offense. Baker Mayfield talked this week about the
(20:29):
injuries and called it, oddly enough, the silver lining and
why is that, Well, he said that sounds weird. I mean,
first of all, before I get into it, that sounds weird.
Silver lining is losing Godwin and Nick Millan. But here's
the point. Last year, when guys went down, others stepped up,
Sterling Shepherd, even rookies excuse me, Ryan Miller, and even
(20:50):
rookies like Cam Johnson got some reps. So you ultimately
got a chance to see, you know what some of
these depth guys have in the tank. So now, yeah,
it stinks not to have god in week one, but
those other guys aren't deer in the headlights either. They've
played meaningful snaps already and albeit you know preseason snaps.
You take a look at Ibuka going to be shiny
(21:12):
new toy tes Johnson's that shifty playmaker who can create
after the catch. But Baker trusts the whole room and
that's not something that you oftentimes. Hear right that oftentimes,
and you know the quarterback before Tom Brady had his
favorites and if you drop the ball, chances are he's
not going to go back to you right away. You
(21:33):
even saw that with Evans at certain points with Brady there.
So I think that you know, when you take a
look at Baker Mayfield, he's got a lot of weapons
at his disposal, and the fact that he has trust,
he has trust that these players can deliver, I think
is going to bode well for the team this season.
And look, he's right, that's what makes this spoord great.
(21:55):
You've got to elevate who's ever out there, and that
is what theccaneers are going to have to do. It's
the next man up. I mean, would the Bucks prefer
to be Godwin out there? Would they prefer to have
mc millan out there? Of course? But it is what
it is, and it's a good thing that they have
the needed depth. All right, let's next pivot to and
talk week one depth chart on offense a mecca Agbuka
(22:19):
is starting right away. Bucky Irving listed as RB one
over Rashad White of course tight ends unchanged Kate Atten
still tight end number one. Now that's an interesting battle
as well. You know that it's not even a battle
anymore with Bucky Irving as he is the clear running
back number one. It is a change over last year.
(22:39):
But when Buki was given his opportunity last season and
what we saw from him in the preseason, there's no
mistake in it. You know, Rashad White is good, but
for me, it's a clear cut Bucky Irving. He has
more of those violent, you know jumps. He can find
holes a lot easier than Rashad White can that. But
at the end of the day, like I said, it's
an abundance of having Bucky and Rashad White is good.
(23:02):
Now the O line a total cap, but that's Worf's out.
Charlie Heck steps in and Benjamin Chuck wooma untrafted rookie,
could be a swing option now. Defensively, Servace Dennis gets
his first Week one start at inside linebacker. Tike Smith
takes over at strong safety, and of course Hassan Reddick
(23:23):
opposite yah Ya Diabi on the edge, specialist Raley Dixon
at punter, Chase McLoughlin doing kickoffs and field goals, Cameron
Johnson at punt returner, though don't be shocked if teded
Johnson sneaks in there as well. It's a deeper roster,
young with a blend of vets and rookies, and once
Worfs and Godwin are back, even scarier. So you know,
(23:46):
the thing of it is for the Bucks if they
can at least, you know, whether the storm right out
of the gate, this team is only going to get better.
At some point, Godwin's going to be back, Worf's is
going to be back. McMillan is a bit further out.
I don't know exactly what he's going to be back,
but you know, I think, like I said, if the
Buccaneers can weather the storm through the first you know,
(24:08):
few to handful games there, I think that they're going
to be in a better position. The other big news
surrounding the Buccaneers is Luke Gadeki extension right tackle Luke
Kadeki just signed a four year, ninety million dollar extension
fifty million dollars guaranteed, and look, I think it's safe
to say he earned it. Came in as second round pick,
(24:30):
struggle that guard his rookie year, moved back to his
natural right tackle spot, and Boom flourished, putting your aces
in their places. And I think ultimately what has seen
Luke Gadeki take his career to the next level. He
and Werfs. That's one of the best tackle duos in football.
And the chemistry between those twos, it's real. Gadeki even said, hey,
(24:53):
we talked about playing ten plus years together. I think
the Bucks are all in right. I mean, if you
got to good one two punch, why not go with it.
That is the type of continuity the Bucks one up front,
and that's how you protect Baker. That's how you keep
the run game rolling. And the one thing to circle
back to there is if Baker Mayfield feels safe out there,
(25:17):
if he doesn't feel under a duress, that is going
to give him the ability to kind of wait it
out and wait for the perfect play to develop. Again,
what do we know about Baker? He is a bit
prone to having happy feet. But when Werf's is back
and having Gadeki in the mix, that is going to
let Baker Mayfield play that much more confidently. All right,
(25:37):
So final thoughts, you're closing out Bucks versus Falcons, division rivals,
young quarterbacks versus experience one pass rush versus protection depth
being tested right away. Now, this isn't just Week one. Now,
this feels like a tone setter for the NFC South race.
(25:58):
If the Bucks can you know, right while what's wrong
and what I'm saying is wrong. Here is how the
Bucks struggled against the Falcons last season. If they can change,
if they can change the momentum, and I think they're
going to be able to do that by picking up
a big win to start the season and against a
team they struggled with last year. It could definitely cause
(26:19):
that positivity momentum snowball to start growing here because if
Tampa wins, they keep the crown tight on their head.
If Atlanta wins, suddenly the division looks wide open and
you start questioning the Bucks, like are the Bucks going
to take a step forward? Are they going to take
a step back or are they going to maintain Either way,
it is going to be a wild ride for the
(26:43):
Bucks this season. And you know, again, it's going to
put this team to test right out of the gate,
being that they are missing some of their key pieces.
I do think they have what it takes to whether
the storm. And the one thing I like about Jason
Light is he has the ability to see down the
football field a bit. He's not so caught up in
the here and now that if he didn't do that,
(27:05):
I think that the Buccaneers would have went into the
season and it would have been Baker and it would
have been Kyle Trask. What makes Jason Light really great
in his job is he's like, hm, I don't trust
that so much. I want to have a bit more stability.
And it's interesting when you talk about Teddy Bridgewater, a
guy who hasn't played in quite a while. You know,
(27:26):
he is a guy that has been a bit of
a journeyman if you will, that the faith is there,
and they saw enough in the preseason to say that's
the guy to cut Kyle Trask. Lewis, who was supposed
to be the answer, never really was the answer what
was supposed to be the answer. So it's going to
be a test Bucks fans to see how this team
(27:47):
is going to fare in Game one. Like I said there,
it is going to be a tone setter. And also
the Buccaneers are in a good position to kind of
evaluate their future that Godwin is out of the mix,
and you know it was going to be Jalen McMillan
and a Mecca ag Buka. I think two pillars, two
big building blocks of the future. I guess you could
(28:08):
say for the Bucks in yours to come, but it
is it is. It's going to be this young talent
that's stepping up. And I think that you're starting to
see Baker Mayfield fully entrenched right in this team, and
I think that the team trusts him, and like I've
said on the show, in a lot of ways, I
think that they actually have flourished and played that much
(28:30):
better under Baker than they even did under the Goat,
you know, because I think that there's he's He's got
the relatability factor I think Baker Mayfield has and I
think that ultimately that is why you see have seen
this team play so well. Again, know what that was
a'n on your Bengal card when Baker came here. Most
people they're like what are they doing with Baker Man?
(28:50):
There were so many options and you pick Baker Mayfield.
As it has turned out, he has been the perfect
fit for this team. I think we need to see
the young guy step up. I think we need to
have the veterans show the way and I think if
the Bucks can do that, they can pick up game
number one. I think they can lock down the fifth
straight NFC self title. All Right, once again, I want
(29:12):
to thank you for joining me on this edition of
the Bucks Report podcast, your go to weekly source covering
your favorite team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minute Cast, and
let's hope they can do it. Let's hope the Buccaneers
can find a way to pick up a big dub
in the first game of the regular season. I'll talk
(29:33):
to you guys again next time.
M on today's show, Football is back Baby, as Baker
Mayfield and the Bucks look to take down the Falcons
as they hope to win their fifth consecutive NFC South title.
Do they have what it takes? I'll discuss next on
this edition of the Box Report down Set and then
(00:30):
then then then then well, hello, endo, welcome into this
(00:58):
edition of the Box Report, part of The Report podcast network.
I'm so glad you decided to join me today. As always,
this podcast is free and available on all the major platforms.
My name is Dan Holmy. You can find me on Twitter.
It's at dan Caps twenty eight. You can find the
Bucks Report online It's at boxreport dot com. And the
(01:21):
best way that you can help grow this show is
to subscribe or follow the Bus Report on Apple, Spotify,
or wherever you find your podcast. Give it a five
star rating, leave some comments, and to tell your friends
I sure would appreciate it. The Bucks Report podcast is
also simulcast on the Bucks Minute Cast, so let's dive
(01:42):
into it. As Bocks football is getting ready to kick
off on Sunday. It's going to be Baker Mayfield than
the Bucks as they look to take on the Atlanta
Falcons and right away optimism. If you're not hyped right
now for the start of the football sea and well
you better check your pulse as this is the most
(02:04):
exciting time of the year and the Bucks looking to
do big things right, win the NFC South for the
fifth straight season, doing the unthinkable thing. And you know,
up to recently, this team didn't get any love, like
you know, the Bucks were good and you know they
got lucky, but it's not sustainable. And now even the critics,
(02:26):
even the critics, are starting to come around in the
Bucks favor. And I think that the Buccaneers, they thrive
in the environment of the underdogs. So let them. Let's
the Bucks feel like they don't have a chance of
winning it this season and see this team thrive and
right out of the gate, they are facing some pretty
(02:47):
big setbacks. We know Tristan Wurps is out, we know
Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Rishad White, that they already have
some pieces stacked against them. That this team is going
to have to dig deep if they in fact want
to do the unthinkable thing. And when their fifth straight
(03:07):
NFC self title. So let's dive into it. What's the
latest with your favorite team and mine the Buccaneers to
set the stage here. The Bucks, Well, the Bucks are
back Sunday afternoon. They're going to be playing at the
Mercedes Bend Stadium in Atlanta and on Fox. If you're
not able to attend locally there and you know that
(03:30):
there is a lot at steak, you know that the Falcons,
I think, at least on paper, are going to try
to take a step forward with their young new quarterback
and Pennis Junior. And you know, if you remember last season,
the Buccaneers had a hard time against the Falcons. So
I think that this is going to be a good
(03:51):
litmus test. This is going to be a good measuring
stick for this team to see ultimately what they have
in the tank. The question is Baker Mayfield not getting
any preseason snaps? Was that the right thing? If we
listened to a lot of the other podcasts and some
of the insiders, you listen to Rick Stroud, he kind
(04:12):
of flip flopped and he said in the last half
that were his last take there that he wished that
Baker Mayfield would have got some reps in. And James
Yarco on Lockdown Bucks said the same thing that he
thought that was a disservice to Baker Mayfield not getting
any preseason reps. But if you ask me, you know,
(04:33):
and I'm kind of out on an island here, I
like it. I like the fact that we didn't put
Baker at risk. He was able to get some work
in in those joint practices. So I think an ideal situation.
And if you kind of want to see that exemplify,
take a look at Jalen McMillan getting injured in a
game that held little significance. But that's rather here nor there.
(04:55):
They're kicking out the twenty twenty five season and now
Tampa Bay is chasing history here looking for their fifth
straight NFC crown. Wouldn't that be something if they're able
to do it. And you know, a really early take
as I record this in early September, is yeah, I mean,
are there certain things that could derail it? Of course,
(05:18):
if Baker Mayfield got injured and it's Teddy in there.
I mean, I think that if Bridgewater could win you
a game or two, that would be huge. But we're
hoping it doesn't come to that. And you know, if
they're able to do it, that would be quite something
that's a run only New Orleans has flirted with in
this division, winning four in a row in seventeen through
(05:40):
twenty twenty, so that'd be quite something. But the twist
is here. Last year, the Falcons actually swept the Buccaneers
head to head, yeah, both games, So as much as
the Bucks finished on top, Atlanta proved they could go
toe to toe. So expect for it to be live
in the first game of the regular season. And you know,
(06:01):
the NFL season is a short season and there's not
a whole lot of opportunity or there. You can't risk
going through a losing streak. So the Buccaneers need to
hit the Falcons with both barrels, and that's how they're
going to have to approach every game. As I think
that some of the teams are on the NFC South
(06:21):
are going to be taking a step forward, the Buccaneers
have to be prepared. So let's talk about the top
storyline the offense. So let's start with the obvious. In
order to win these games, your offense has to be ready,
and the Bucks had one of the best offenses in
(06:42):
all of football last year, third in total yards, fourth
and points. Only team in the top five in both
rushing and passing, and this team continues to do great
things with Baker Mayfield at the helm and taking a
look at what he did, Baker Mayfield threw for four
(07:04):
five hundred yards forty one touchdowns. That's MVP level stuff
right there. And the crazy part is this unit comes
back mostly intact. The Bucks even added firepower first round
or wide out a Mecca, Agbuka, another rookie, and Tesz
Johnson plus veteran pieces. So you take a look at
(07:25):
the Bucks. You know, a Mecca, Hey, I'm already drinking
the creamsicle kool aid on him. I think that this
is going to be the guy, and we're going to
need to see a Mecca, Egbuka play a huge role
as it's going to be Evans and then it's going
to be Egbuka. Those are the guys. Listen out of
the frying pan into the fire. But if you listen
to Baker Mayfield, he's already got the stuff. Amecca has
(07:49):
already got the stuff. That is why the Buccaneers went
out and selected him in the draft, even though there
were a lot of people that thought they should go
in a different direction. But and it is a big butt.
They won't be at full strength on Sunday. Tristan Wurf's
not expected to play. Godwin still rehabbing Jalen McMillan out
(08:10):
long term with a neck injury, So this is not,
you know, the Bucks the way we had them sketched out.
For the most part, I think that we all knew
that Chris Godwin was not going to be in the
mix at least to start this season, but we did
expect to have McMillan in there. And Tristan Worf's was
(08:30):
a curveball thrown at the Bucks now, so right away,
Charlie Heck slides into left tackle and Agbuka as a rookie,
is getting thrown straight into the fire. This is going
to be his moment to just you know, make him
a well known player in the NFL. That I think
that there's probably a lot of people that aren't too
(08:52):
familiar with a guy with a name that was hard
to say at first, a Mecca Agbuka, some people Amika Iguki.
I mean I heard it all to start out there
that this is going to be a household name, not
only with Tampa fans, but I think with the NFL
at large. Now The good news is Tampa Bay is
still deep. You know. That's the good thing is that
(09:13):
they had an abundance of wealth at the wide receiver
position and also at the running back position. Some people said, well,
what you know they have too many players. Well, we
know that injuries are a thing in the NFL season.
So the good thing is is that the Bucks armed
up and they have some good options. So, like I said,
(09:33):
the good news the Bucks are deep. Baker's proven he
can win with different receivers. We saw that last year
in Kansas City when Evans got to in McMillan. All
this time, he still moved the ball. But you don't
want to test the depth this early in the season.
But it doesn't really matter, does it. It is what
(09:53):
it is, and this is the best that the Bucks have,
and you know, you take a look at it, it
could be a lot worse. It could have been a
lot worse. That We remember that Baker Mayfield had that
hand contusion, which you know, right off the bat didn't
sound too serious, but it was serious enough for the
Bucks to go out and acquire Teddy Bridgewater that they
(10:16):
showed Kyle Trask the door and they pushed all their
chips in in what is perceived the best option as
a backup. So that's the position that the Bucks are in,
you know, and it's you know, not a whole lot
different than a lot of other teams around the NFL
that go through the same thing. But the Buccaneers will
be put to test in a hurry to see how
(10:37):
this young talent can fare. But you know, they still
got a lot of veterans in place. I expect this
team to hit the ground running and I am excited
for football to be back. All right, So coming up
here after the break, we'll talk about can the pass
rush get pass penix? I'll discuss straight ahead, all right,
(11:05):
Welcome back into this edition of the Bucks Report podcast,
part of the Bucks Report podcast network also simulcast on
the Bucks Minute Cast. So let's dive into it is
that the Bucks are going to be facing a different
QB this time around. We remember last season it was
Cousins in there that the Falcons weren't afraid of picking
(11:28):
up the snow globe and shaking it all around to
get a different look. As that is a team that
I think is desperately trying to get back in the
mix and try to prove a lot of the insiders
wrong as well. So let's dive into that in the
next segment here talking about can the pass rush get
to Penis? Atlanta isn't rolling with Kirk Cousins anymore. He
(11:50):
was the guy, remember you know that was going to
be the guy that made all the difference in the
world for the Falcons. As it turns out, it worked
pretty well against the Bucks. But all things considered, they
pushed their chips in on Michael Penix Junior, the rookie
they drafted eighth overall, lefty quarterback, big arm. That's the mobility.
(12:10):
And remember Cousins, who's not exactly mobile, through for over
seven hundred yards in two games against Tampa last year.
So again, it's not going to be an easy thing, right,
And I don't think that anyone really thought that Atlanta
was going to be an easy opponent, but I think
with Pennix in the mix, I think it is not
(12:31):
going to be an easy out for the Bucks. So
now the Bucks are going to have to get more
home with the pass rush. They tied for sixth in
sacks last season with forty six, but most of that
came from the interior. Vita Veaklaijah can see monsters, monsters
(12:52):
out there, but the edge, that's where they wanted more juice,
and that's why they went out and addressed it. At
least ostensibly. Hassan Reddick double digit sacks four straight years.
That's why he's here, make no mistake about it, to
disrupt plays like this. And then yeah, you've got guys
(13:14):
like yah Ya Diyabi who showed flashes but needs to
finish more. If Tampa can pressure Pennis with just four guys,
that opens everything up. If not, the secondary might be
in for a long day. And you know, I think
that the Buccaneers are definitely going to you know, have
(13:36):
to pour over the film, and you know the film
isn't you know, actually going to help them too much
in that regard, just because of Pennis in there that
you know, I think that they're probably going to adjust
the falcons, that is, but we don't want to have
the Bucks, you know, face the same fate as they
did last year, and we're going to need to see
the players step up. You know. Hassan Reddick, you know,
(13:59):
in particular, that's why they brought him in here. Do
your work, and that's what we're hoping for all Right,
let's next pivot to his special teams and kickoff changes,
because oftentimes that's what it comes down to. How many
times have you seen a Bucks game? How many times
have you seen an NFL game where it's the guys
(14:21):
like Chase McLoughlin. You know what he did for the
Bucks last year with you know, games won by field
goal or an extra point, those kind of things that
it's not about all you know, Baker Mayfield and you
know the Bucks. You know, it's also about guys like
Chase McLoughlin for example, and Riley Dixon. Those guys can
(14:42):
also be game changers as well. And you know, it
was a bit of a turnstyle before Chase McLoughlin, but
I'm glad that they took care of that position and
also Riley Dixon as well. That I feel confident, you know, oftentimes,
and I've seen that with different teams throughout the years,
whether it's the Buccaneers or any teams that you know,
(15:03):
they they didn't have any faith that you know, they're
going to get a field goal, that the guy's kicking left,
he's kicking right, that he just can't do it. I'm confident.
Nine times out of ten and Dard near ten times
out of ten when Chase is out there. So the
NFL changed the kickoff rules again. Last year. Tampa Bay
barely felt the impact. They still had a ton of touchbacks.
(15:25):
But now the rule tweak basically forces more returns. And
you know what, the Bucks aren't hiding at Chase McLoughlin's
handling kickoffs instead of punch Riley Dixon, which tells you
they're going to be covering more kicks. So that third
phase of the game, right coverage units, tackling in space.
This is where you can win or lose field positions.
(15:48):
So now you take a look at the new special
teams coordinator. He likes guys, says he's confident. We'll see
Sunday if the confidence pays off the interesting things, you know,
Like I say, oftentimes, when it comes to those kind
of things and rule changes, sometimes it's not just a
plug and play. Sometimes there is a bit of a
(16:09):
learning curve. We hope that the Buccaneers are prepared. Next,
we're going to talk about the NFC South check. So
the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one four straight,
but but Atlanta is breathing down their neck, the Saints
unproven quarterback situation, Carolina still waiting for Bryce Young to
(16:34):
fully pop. But the one thing that I want to
make abundantly clear here is complacency and underestimating your opponent. Well,
that can be deadly. I think that the Buccaneers, you know,
they're not prone to do that, as they are a
team that plays with a chip squarely on their shoulders,
as they are always the underdogs. And that whole thing
(16:57):
is being fed by Baker Mayfield, who is also a
guy that has a chip on his shoulder. As you know,
he I still think things wants to prove to the
NFL that he is still the quarterback that we have
seen from last year. That you know, he was a
bit of a journeyman that jump top skipped and jumped
around the NFL, but he solidified his place within the Buccaneers.
(17:19):
So I think that the Buccaneers need to to not
underestimate their opponents. That there are teams like the Saints, Carolina,
these kind of guys, or these kind of teams rather
that want to play spoiler for the Bucks. So really,
Week one is going to be a litmus test. Like
I said, Atlanta's got weapons and Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts,
(17:40):
Pennis throwing it around. Plus they invested heavy in the
pass rush with Walker and Pearce Junior. But the Bucks
are still the champs until someone takes it from them.
But this game could be a preview of how tight
this division really is. And you know, it's one of
(18:01):
the things that when we observed through the preseason, and
you know, there were some cuts made, there was a
lot of questions about why this player and that player
was cut. We talked about the quarterback position. Why the
Buccaneers pushed all their chips in on Teddy Bridgewater as
the backup over the unproven commodity and Kyle Trask. You're
starting to see why now is that teams around the
(18:23):
NFC South they armed up right in a lot of ways,
and I think they want to address the situation in
the room, and that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that
they don't want to have the Buccaneers just sailing away
with it one other year and they're getting it done.
You know under Todd Bowles, another guy that you got
to think as a chip on his shoulder that every
(18:43):
year he's on the hot seat. He's on the hot seat.
Is this going to be it for Todd Bowles? That
I think that has served the Bucks rather well year
over year over year. But like I say, the Buccaneers
do not want to underestimate their opponents. And it all
starts and weak against Atlanta on Sunday. All right, So
(19:04):
coming up here after the break, we'll talk about Baker
on receiver injuries and how he's still pretty happy with
the receiver room. I'll discuss straight ahead. All right, Welcome
back into this edition of the Bucks Report, part of
(19:25):
the Bucks Report podcast simulcast on the Bucks Minute cast feed.
So let's welcome back in here and talk about Baker
Mayfield and his comfort level with the receivers. As you know,
a quarterback, you like to have as many weapons at
your disposal as possible. Right, It's advantageous that you know,
if this guy's not working, you can go to option
(19:47):
A or B. And the Bucks for so many years
had the best one two punch in Evans and Godwin
still do. But we know that Godwin's a bit out
and you know, even down the depth chart, we saw
Jail and Nick Millan just really take it to the
next level last season, right because Godwin got injured that
he needed to step forward and take on a bigger role.
(20:08):
So now that's kind of the lay of the land there,
right that, plus you added a Mecca at BUKA and
you go down the depth chart there that we're really
going to need to see the big guys perform. But
how through it all Baker Mayfield feels confident. So let's
dive into that in the next segment here and talk
about the offense. Baker Mayfield talked this week about the
(20:29):
injuries and called it, oddly enough, the silver lining and
why is that, Well, he said that sounds weird. I mean,
first of all, before I get into it, that sounds weird.
Silver lining is losing Godwin and Nick Millan. But here's
the point. Last year, when guys went down, others stepped up,
Sterling Shepherd, even rookies excuse me, Ryan Miller, and even
(20:50):
rookies like Cam Johnson got some reps. So you ultimately
got a chance to see, you know what some of
these depth guys have in the tank. So now, yeah,
it stinks not to have god in week one, but
those other guys aren't deer in the headlights either. They've
played meaningful snaps already and albeit you know preseason snaps.
You take a look at Ibuka going to be shiny
(21:12):
new toy tes Johnson's that shifty playmaker who can create
after the catch. But Baker trusts the whole room and
that's not something that you oftentimes. Hear right that oftentimes,
and you know the quarterback before Tom Brady had his
favorites and if you drop the ball, chances are he's
not going to go back to you right away. You
(21:33):
even saw that with Evans at certain points with Brady there.
So I think that you know, when you take a
look at Baker Mayfield, he's got a lot of weapons
at his disposal, and the fact that he has trust,
he has trust that these players can deliver, I think
is going to bode well for the team this season.
And look, he's right, that's what makes this spoord great.
(21:55):
You've got to elevate who's ever out there, and that
is what theccaneers are going to have to do. It's
the next man up. I mean, would the Bucks prefer
to be Godwin out there? Would they prefer to have
mc millan out there? Of course? But it is what
it is, and it's a good thing that they have
the needed depth. All right, let's next pivot to and
talk week one depth chart on offense a mecca Agbuka
(22:19):
is starting right away. Bucky Irving listed as RB one
over Rashad White of course tight ends unchanged Kate Atten
still tight end number one. Now that's an interesting battle
as well. You know that it's not even a battle
anymore with Bucky Irving as he is the clear running
back number one. It is a change over last year.
(22:39):
But when Buki was given his opportunity last season and
what we saw from him in the preseason, there's no
mistake in it. You know, Rashad White is good, but
for me, it's a clear cut Bucky Irving. He has
more of those violent, you know jumps. He can find
holes a lot easier than Rashad White can that. But
at the end of the day, like I said, it's
an abundance of having Bucky and Rashad White is good.
(23:02):
Now the O line a total cap, but that's Worf's out.
Charlie Heck steps in and Benjamin Chuck wooma untrafted rookie,
could be a swing option now. Defensively, Servace Dennis gets
his first Week one start at inside linebacker. Tike Smith
takes over at strong safety, and of course Hassan Reddick
(23:23):
opposite yah Ya Diabi on the edge, specialist Raley Dixon
at punter, Chase McLoughlin doing kickoffs and field goals, Cameron
Johnson at punt returner, though don't be shocked if teded
Johnson sneaks in there as well. It's a deeper roster,
young with a blend of vets and rookies, and once
Worfs and Godwin are back, even scarier. So you know,
(23:46):
the thing of it is for the Bucks if they
can at least, you know, whether the storm right out
of the gate, this team is only going to get better.
At some point, Godwin's going to be back, Worf's is
going to be back. McMillan is a bit further out.
I don't know exactly what he's going to be back,
but you know, I think, like I said, if the
Buccaneers can weather the storm through the first you know,
(24:08):
few to handful games there, I think that they're going
to be in a better position. The other big news
surrounding the Buccaneers is Luke Gadeki extension right tackle Luke
Kadeki just signed a four year, ninety million dollar extension
fifty million dollars guaranteed, and look, I think it's safe
to say he earned it. Came in as second round pick,
(24:30):
struggle that guard his rookie year, moved back to his
natural right tackle spot, and Boom flourished, putting your aces
in their places. And I think ultimately what has seen
Luke Gadeki take his career to the next level. He
and Werfs. That's one of the best tackle duos in football.
And the chemistry between those twos, it's real. Gadeki even said, hey,
(24:53):
we talked about playing ten plus years together. I think
the Bucks are all in right. I mean, if you
got to good one two punch, why not go with it.
That is the type of continuity the Bucks one up front,
and that's how you protect Baker. That's how you keep
the run game rolling. And the one thing to circle
back to there is if Baker Mayfield feels safe out there,
(25:17):
if he doesn't feel under a duress, that is going
to give him the ability to kind of wait it
out and wait for the perfect play to develop. Again,
what do we know about Baker? He is a bit
prone to having happy feet. But when Werf's is back
and having Gadeki in the mix, that is going to
let Baker Mayfield play that much more confidently. All right,
(25:37):
So final thoughts, you're closing out Bucks versus Falcons, division rivals,
young quarterbacks versus experience one pass rush versus protection depth
being tested right away. Now, this isn't just Week one. Now,
this feels like a tone setter for the NFC South race.
(25:58):
If the Bucks can you know, right while what's wrong
and what I'm saying is wrong. Here is how the
Bucks struggled against the Falcons last season. If they can change,
if they can change the momentum, and I think they're
going to be able to do that by picking up
a big win to start the season and against a
team they struggled with last year. It could definitely cause
(26:19):
that positivity momentum snowball to start growing here because if
Tampa wins, they keep the crown tight on their head.
If Atlanta wins, suddenly the division looks wide open and
you start questioning the Bucks, like are the Bucks going
to take a step forward? Are they going to take
a step back or are they going to maintain Either way,
it is going to be a wild ride for the
(26:43):
Bucks this season. And you know, again, it's going to
put this team to test right out of the gate,
being that they are missing some of their key pieces.
I do think they have what it takes to whether
the storm. And the one thing I like about Jason
Light is he has the ability to see down the
football field a bit. He's not so caught up in
the here and now that if he didn't do that,
(27:05):
I think that the Buccaneers would have went into the
season and it would have been Baker and it would
have been Kyle Trask. What makes Jason Light really great
in his job is he's like, hm, I don't trust
that so much. I want to have a bit more stability.
And it's interesting when you talk about Teddy Bridgewater, a
guy who hasn't played in quite a while. You know,
(27:26):
he is a guy that has been a bit of
a journeyman if you will, that the faith is there,
and they saw enough in the preseason to say that's
the guy to cut Kyle Trask. Lewis, who was supposed
to be the answer, never really was the answer what
was supposed to be the answer. So it's going to
be a test Bucks fans to see how this team
(27:47):
is going to fare in Game one. Like I said there,
it is going to be a tone setter. And also
the Buccaneers are in a good position to kind of
evaluate their future that Godwin is out of the mix,
and you know it was going to be Jalen McMillan
and a Mecca ag Buka. I think two pillars, two
big building blocks of the future. I guess you could
(28:08):
say for the Bucks in yours to come, but it
is it is. It's going to be this young talent
that's stepping up. And I think that you're starting to
see Baker Mayfield fully entrenched right in this team, and
I think that the team trusts him, and like I've
said on the show, in a lot of ways, I
think that they actually have flourished and played that much
(28:30):
better under Baker than they even did under the Goat,
you know, because I think that there's he's He's got
the relatability factor I think Baker Mayfield has and I
think that ultimately that is why you see have seen
this team play so well. Again, know what that was
a'n on your Bengal card when Baker came here. Most
people they're like what are they doing with Baker Man?
(28:50):
There were so many options and you pick Baker Mayfield.
As it has turned out, he has been the perfect
fit for this team. I think we need to see
the young guy step up. I think we need to
have the veterans show the way and I think if
the Bucks can do that, they can pick up game
number one. I think they can lock down the fifth
straight NFC self title. All Right, once again, I want
(29:12):
to thank you for joining me on this edition of
the Bucks Report podcast, your go to weekly source covering
your favorite team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minute Cast, and
let's hope they can do it. Let's hope the Buccaneers
can find a way to pick up a big dub
in the first game of the regular season. I'll talk
(29:33):
to you guys again next time.
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Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.