Emeka Egbuka warns Buccaneers 'can't wait for adversity' amid offensive struggles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka has a message to the locker room after the 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles - don't wait to start fast.
With the Eagles bursting out of the starting gate and holding a 24-6 lead at halftime, it was only then that the Buccaneers woke up, released the handbrake, and started playing. And wouldn't you know it, good things happened.
But the comeback fell short as the Buccaneers left themselves too much to do in such a short space of time, and Egbuka knows the team can't wait to be punched in the mouth before they get rolling.
“We just can't come out like that,” Egbuka said. “We can't have the block kick, can't let them drive down, and offense can't go three and out or whatever we did. We need to be able to execute better and not have to wait for some adversity to strike before we want to get ourselves back in the game. We got to come out fast and start fast.”
More: Buccaneers urged to take 'accountability' for poor Eagles loss
When will Mike Evans return from injury?
Having not completed the game against the New York Jets due to a hamstring injury, Evans, as expected, was out against the Eagles.
It is expected that the veteran receiver will miss multiple weeks with his injury, and given his age and the fact that he had a hamstring injury last season, too, maybe Tampa will take a cautious approach to his return timeline.
The Buccaneers appeared to be fine without him in the second half against the Eagles, with Egbuka stepping up, along with Bucky Irving, so don't expect to see Evans for a little while just yet.
Former Texans pro personnel assistant director and senior personnel advisor passes away at age 82
Former executive and coach Bobby Grier, son of Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, has passed away at the age of 82
Former executive and coach Bobby Grier, a man who dedicated a big chunk of his life to football and played a significant role in drafting the greatest quarterback of all-time, has passed away at 82 years of age. Beyond what he accomplished in this sport, Grier had a profound influence on those closest to him.
His son Chris Grier is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins, and the two spent many years working closely together. Bobby had served as a consultant for the organization since 2017, so the news obviously affected many within the franchise. The Dolphins announced his passing and offered their condolences to the Grier family on Monday morning.
Grier spent about two decades with the New England Patriots, operating as a scout, offensive backfield coach and running game coordinator before transitioning to an executive role in 1993. He was vice president of player personnel when the team selected future seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Grier extensively scouted the Michigan graduate before his departure from the Pats.
He then committed the next 16 years of his career to the Houston Texans, working as associate director of pro scouting and senior personnel advisor. The expansion franchise gradually found its way during this time, clinching three AFC South crowns and winning two playoff games. Bobby Grier then reunited with Chris Grier, who started as an intern with the Patriots in 1994.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Grier’s journey came full circle when he reunited with his son, Chris Grier. Chris had begun his own NFL career as an intern with the New England Patriots in 1994, following in his father’s footsteps. Their reunion symbolized not only a personal milestone but also the generational legacy of football leadership and dedication. Bobby Grier’s influence extended beyond the field, shaping the careers of those around him and leaving a lasting imprint on the organizations he served. His story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the deep familial ties that often run through the heart of professional sports.
He got to watch his son helm a front office, as the Dolphins advanced to the postseason in consecutive campaigns (2022-23) for the first time in more than 20 years. Miami's GM is not the only one to follow a similar path as his father. His younger brother Mike Grier, a longtime NHL forward, is currently the GM of the San Jose Sharks.
They will do their best to honor Bobby Grier's legacy moving forward. And the NFL will surely have their own tribute in mind.
