Buccaneers' Todd Bowles gives honest thoughts on season so far
It hasn't exactly been smooth all the way through, but it would be hard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to complain about being 6-2 going into their bye week in Week 9.
The Bucs have a comfortable two-game lead in the NFC South, and that lead could only grow larger over the weekend as each other team in the division faces a tough opponent. Additionally, they've beaten two strong teams in the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks so far, proving they can hang with top competition.
That being said, of course, there is always room to improve. Head coach Todd Bowles knows that, and given how many injuries the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been suffering, he's welcoming this bye week as a week to recharge — but he also knows there is work to be done before the Bucs get going again.
Bowles was asked how he felt about the Buccaneers' season overall so far after the team's win over the New Orleans Saints, and he made sure to measure both his praise for what the team has done and his desire to improve down this final stretch.
Todd Bowles speaks on Buccaneers' season so far
"I feel good. We played tough, we’re 6-2, we can do a lot of things better, obviously. We [have] to work on fundamentals [and] we [have] to self-scout as coaches," Bowles said. "We [have] to make sure we do not forget the fundamental part of it, they [have] to make sure they continue to take care of their bodies. Our confidence is tough, and our confidence is strong, but we have a long way to go. We understand that it is going to be a big second half when we come back, so we [have] to be ready."
The Buccaneers do have a few things to clean up. The team is 28th in the league in yards per rush (3.8) and 24th in third-down conversion percentage (36.27%). They've also mightily struggled on offense in general over the past two weeks — per SumerSports, the Bucs are 30th in offensive EPA (-0.287) and 31st in yards per game (3.8) among all teams in Week 7 and Week 8, a significant slowdown from where they were toward the beginning of the year.
That being said, there's still plenty for Bowles to be happy about. The Bucs are currently third in the NFL in sacks with 25, and the team is currently fourth in turnover differential (+7) after grabbing four turnovers against the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay's rookie class has also been excellent, with players like wideout Emeka Egbuka, cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish and defensive tackle Elijah Roberts, among others, producing for the team.
There's still plenty to work on, but the Buccaneers have fielded a competitive squad, and their record shows it. They'll rest up this week before getting ready to face off against the red-hot New England Patriots at home in Week 10.
Quay Walker’s Classy Gesture After Packers’ Victory Over Steelers Stuns the NFL
In a league often defined by raw aggression, fierce rivalries, and emotional displays, Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker has just reminded the world of the true essence of sportsmanship. After leading his team to a hard-fought victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 28, Walker made a move that transcended the game itself, showing the NFL a moment of pure class and respect that will likely be remembered for years to come.
A Moment of Unmatched Sportsmanship
The game’s third quarter featured a brutal collision between Walker and Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, which left the latter on the field, clearly shaken. The hit was hard, but it was deemed clean. However, the impact it had on both players was undeniable. While the Packers were celebrating their victory in the locker room, Walker’s mind was elsewhere — on Freiermuth’s well-being.
Without hesitation, Walker bypassed the usual postgame festivities and made his way to the hospital. No cameras, no media, no PR crew — just a player showing the true meaning of empathy. He drove straight to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, where Freiermuth was being treated for his injuries, and entered the hospital still in his Packers hoodie and muddy pants, holding his helmet under one arm.
A Heartfelt Conversation
Inside the hospital room, Walker approached Freiermuth, who was recovering from the collision. According to a nurse who witnessed the exchange, Walker immediately apologized, telling the Steelers tight end that he respected him as one of the toughest competitors in the league. The two shook hands, with Freiermuth reportedly responding, “It’s part of the game — but it means a lot that you came.”
The moment was private, yet powerful, with no cameras to capture the raw humanity of it all. Before leaving, Walker shared a message that would go viral in the coming hours: “We hit hard on the field — but we heal off it.” These words resonated deeply with fans, players, and coaches alike, sparking a nationwide conversation on what truly matters in sports.
Fans and Players Praise Walker's Gesture
The clip of Walker visiting Freiermuth outside the hospital quickly spread across social media, and fans couldn’t help but applaud the linebacker’s gesture. Hashtags like #RespectQuayWalker and #NFLBrotherhood began trending, with fans from all corners of the league — even from rival teams — showing admiration for his act of kindness.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “That’s the kind of sportsmanship the league needs to highlight — Quay Walker showed heart, not just power.” Another fan added, “He didn’t have to go. He didn’t do it for cameras. That’s real.”
Walker’s actions didn’t go unnoticed by his peers, either. NFL stars like Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and TJ Watt all shared the video with words of admiration. Parsons, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, tweeted, “Different jersey, same brotherhood. Much respect, Quay.”
Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned the moment in a Monday briefing, calling it a model example of the league's values of sportsmanship and respect.
Redemption and Growth for Quay Walker
For Walker, this moment marked a powerful chapter in his personal growth. The linebacker had previously faced criticism for emotional outbursts and poor decisions, including an ejection for shoving a staff member during his rookie season. However, this act showed a level of maturity and leadership that was once in question.
Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur praised Walker’s development, saying, “He’s learning that leadership doesn’t just happen between the whistles — it happens when you show character off the field.” Team President Ed Policy also remarked privately that Walker’s actions reflected “the best of Green Bay — humility, accountability, and respect.”
A Legacy Beyond the Scoreboard
Back in Green Bay, fans rallied behind their linebacker, showing pride not only for the victory on the field but for the class and compassion Walker displayed. A GoFundMe campaign was quickly started to support children’s hospitals in both Green Bay and Pittsburgh, inspired by Walker’s heartfelt visit.
This moment transcended the scoreboard and exemplified the true spirit of football — a reminder that greatness isn’t just measured in tackles, touchdowns, or championships, but in the way athletes treat each other off the field. As Walker’s words “We hit hard on the field — but we heal off it” continue to circulate, they serve as a powerful reminder that, at its core, football is about respect, brotherhood, and the shared humanity of all involved.
In a world that too often celebrates conflict, Quay Walker’s simple act of kindness gave the NFL a refreshing reminder of what sports can truly be about.
