Buccaneers have one big issue after beating Seahawks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to find ways to win football games. Although the path they've taken to earn those results has been different each week, the Bucs have given themselves the opportunity to win the game in the final moments each time.
And thanks to the stellar play of their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, they've managed to do exactly that in four out of their first five games of 2025.
Despite the team's early season success, though, there are still some issues that need to be sorted out. The injuries, of course, have been a huge disadvantage for the Buccaneers. Additionally, all phases of their special teams operations have been a complete disaster in almost every game.
Still, that doesn't sum up the extent of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' issues thus far.
Following the Bucs' thrilling 38-35 victory over the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday, there were plenty of positives to take away. But there was also one glaring issue that reared it's ugly head and almost cost them the game — the lack of pressure on Seattle's quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Darnold had what felt like all day to throw all game long out of a clean pocket, and for Tampa Bay's defense, which was without two of their top outside cornerbacks in Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, that lack of pressure put a ton of pressure on the back end of the Buccaneers' defense. Seattle put 35 points on the board because of it.
Despite the undisputed talent of players like Yaya Diaby and Haason Reddick, the Bucs didn't record a single sack in the game.
It's worth noting that some of the Buccaneers' issues cross over on the venn diagram, as injuries have played a role in the Buccaneers' lack of pass rush. Losing Calijah Kancey so early in the season was a major hit to the Buccaneers' pass rush, as Kancey's presence alongside Vita Vea inside draws a lot of attention and ultimately frees up opportunities for the likes of Diaby and Reddick.
But even without Kancey, players of that caliber should be making more of an impact.
As it stands currently, the Buccaneers rank 23rd in the NFL in sacks this season with 10. For context, Atlanta, Green Bay and Pittsburgh all have more despite playing just four games compared to the Bucs' five. Not only that, but Tampa Bay's leader in that category is 347-pound DT Vita Vea, who has two. The team's 35-year-old ILB, Lavonte David, is second on the team with 1.5.
Bucs edge rushers need to step up
Diaby and Reddick each have just a single sack through the Buccaneers' first five games of 2025, which is tied with numerous defensive backs on the roster, including Tykee Smith, Antoine Winfield Jr., and their 5'10", 198-pound rookie nickel corner, Jacob Parrish.
Both Diaby and Reddick are also tied with Parrish in the TFL department, with each player having 3 on the year so far.
Considering the significance of the injuries the Buccaneers have dealt with so far in 2025, a 4-1 record is quite remarkable. That being said, the team needs to not only generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but get them on the ground, too.
Something has to change
Although generating pressure can come in many forms, there's no question that the Buccaneers need more from their two starting edge rushers. If those guys are unable to start making some serious progress in that area, then Todd Bowles will not have the luxury of rushing the passer with four. That would naturally take resources away from the middle and back levels of his defense, ultimately limiting the effectiveness of his scheme overall.
If the team is unable to produce more sacks, not only will they need to consider bolstering their pass rush through trade, but they will face an uphill battle when it comes to reaching their goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at year's end.
Jared Goff Reveals What Running Back Pass Play Was Called
The Detroit Lions installed the play involving running back David Montgomery tossing the football during the week of preparation for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Appearing on 97.1 The Ticket Tuesday morning, quarterback Jared Goff revealed what the play was called and when it was installed in the game plan.
Montgomery's play was called "Purple Rumble."
The veteran signal-caller said there was no special meaning behind the call and believed it was the idea of head coach Dan Campbell.
"No, it's just the way that play, there's nothing special. Those are actually just words that we use that just combine to make that play happen," said Goff. "But yeah, no, nothing special there. It's something that was the brainchild of Dan (Campbell), I believe early in the week, and it came to life."
Goff admitted, when asked if the team will install unique or trick plays during game week and then run it on Sunday, "Yeah. Every week."
Studs and Duds: Lions RB David Montgomery Shines
The weekend was special for Detroit's talented running back, as he was able to play in front of friends and family. His sister was involved in a serious automobile accident 18 months ago that left her paralyzed from the neck down.
To see her and other supporters was very meaningful to the veteran running back.
Montgomery shared, via the team's social media channel, "It was super, super meaningful. You know, my sister hadn't seen me play in person since her accident. To be able to kinda get her here. I really appreciate the Cincinnati Bengals helping making sure that she got on the field. I think that was special. And I appreciate them for that. You know, it was a very special moment for me."
Montgomery was a former high school quarterback, so to be able to toss a pass in his hometown also provided added meaning.
“Super, super meaningful," said Montgomery. "To be able to come back home where it all started for me, being able to kind of show my arm where it all started for me, I think it was a special moment.”
Detroit's fifth-year head coach praised Montgomery in his postgame address to the media, including using a rare expletive expressed in public.
“He lays it on the line on Sundays. He lays it on the line at practice," said Campbell. “David is that guy. Heartbeat guy. He’ll do whatever it takes. He’ll stick his face up there in protection; he’ll run the dirty runs. He will run down field to make a block for a teammate in the pass game. “He’s all fu****g team. Excuse my language.”
