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BY IRA KAUFMAN
What a way to kick off your 50th season.
When I used the word “bizarre” to describe the final moments of Sunday’s jittery 23-20 victory in Atlanta, Todd Bowles didn’t disagree.
There was a whirlpool of emotions as officials kept ruling in favor of the home team when the Falcons drove 91 yards for the go-ahead score, taking nearly nine minutes off the clock.
Still, Baker Mayfield had enough time to deliver the game-winning march, capped by a 25-yard TD strike to stud rookie Emeka Egbuka with only 59 seconds remaining. Tampa Bay’s celebration became muted when normally reliable kicker Chase McLaughlin, who had missed a 44-yard FG try earlier, went wide left on the extra point.
Now the Falcons needed only a FG to send the game to overtime, but Younghoe Koe misfired from 44 yards out to seal a wild victory that included an offensive line shakeup by the visitors.
It was sweet revenge against a team that swept Tampa Bay last season and had won four of the last five matchups against an NFC South rival.
“Division game, big-time win,” said Mike Evans. “We were looking forward to this one.” [read more]
Safety Antoine Winfield buckles up preparing for battle Sunday.
The last two minutes of today’s win in Atlanta was so stunning and thrilling, it’s easy to forget perhaps the play of the game happened with 11 seconds left and it was performed by All-Pro Bucs safety Antoine Winfield. [read more]
Mike Evans celebrates with Emeka Egbuka after the rookie caught a 25-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that proved to be the winning play.
There was a lot of talk on the Buccaneers Radio Network after the game about the play of Bucs rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka and how he was able to help deliver a win with two touchdowns and lead the Bucs in receiving despite his inexperience. [read more]
There is so much mystery to Joe surrounding the Bucs’ decision to bench projected starting left tackle Charlie Heck, moving Graham Barton from center to left tackle, move Ben Bredeson to center and plugging in Michael Jordan the football player at left guard. [read more]
Emeka Egbuka’s 25-yard touchdown catch from Baker Mayfield turned out to be the winning play for the Bucs. That play, Mayfield said, was brewing for some time in the second half. [read more]
UPDATED: On the Buccaneers Radio Network just now (12:37 p.m.), Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht said Graham Barton will start at left tackle and Ben Bredeson will start at center today in Atlanta. [read more]
Yes, Vita Vea is active today. And he will play in the season-opener today at Atlanta.
Vea was slowed this week by a foot injury. But he practiced Friday and is good enough to go today.
Others watching the game in street clothes are WR Chris Godwin, RB Josh Williams, CB Benjamin Morrison, CB Kindle Vildor, DB Christian Izien, T Tristan Wirfs and TE Devin Culp.
Mike Evans is a Hall of Fame receiver still in his prime.
Just look at how Evans performed once he returned from injury last season. One could argue he was the most productive receiver in the league with 48 catches in those final seven games. [read more]
Unknown stenographer from BSPN expects a Haason Reddick breakout.
If Bucs outside linebacker/edge rusher Haason Reddick wants to prove to the world how 2024 was a fluke for his career, today is the day to do it. [read more]
Opening day is here! 
