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USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Is 2025 the last ride for a pair of Tampa Bay Buccaneers legends?
Every era eventually ends. Even the most beloved, dependable, and decorated players must eventually step off the field. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2025 may mark the final season for two franchise cornerstones: linebacker Lavonte David and wide receiver Mike Evans. And if it is, the significance won't be lost on a team trying to chase one more championship, and a fan base that's grown up with both. David and Evans represent not only sustained excellence but also the bridge between eras. Lavonte David, drafted in 2012, endured the worst of the Bucs' wilderness years, playing through losing seasons, coaching changes, and roster overhauls. He stayed. He produced. And when the Super Bowl finally came in 2020, no one on that roster deserved it more. Evans arrived in 2014, a top-10 pick with big expectations and even bigger plays. Since then, he's done nothing but break records, post 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and redefine what it means to be consistent in the NFL and to be a Buccaneer. Like David, he stayed when he could've left. And like David, he's more than just stats; he's a tone-setter. But the clock is ticking. David re-signed this offseason on another one-year deal, his third consecutive. At age 35, he remains productive, but David's days as the every-down anchor are nearing their end. He's hinted before that he wants to retire a Buc, and he's also said he'll know when the time is right. This could be it. Evans, 31, is still elite, but not immune to reality. His current contract keeps him in Tampa through 2025, but with cap challenges looming and younger weapons emerging (like rookie Emeka Egbuka), the Bucs could be looking at a changing of the guard. Evans has said he wants to finish his career in red and pewter. If Evans were to secure a 12th straight 1,000 yard season and break Jerry Rice's record, could be deem it the perfect ride off into the sunset of his hall of fame career? The Bucs owe them everything: one more title push, one more chance at glory, and the respect of a proper sendoff. Because when it's over, it's over. And Tampa may never see another duo like this again.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Ouaddou demanding set-piece efficiency from Pirates, says Mabasa
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has given an insight into how new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is trying to improve the club's performance in set pieces ahead of the new season. 'Coach Ouaddou is trying to improve the areas where we lacked last season,' Mabasa said. 'The biggest thing I have noticed about the coach is he is very demanding, [and] he loves his players at the same time.' Ouaddou joined the Buccaneers in the off season, taking over from Jose Riveiro, and was in charge of the preseason camp in Spain. Mabasa said the Moroccan's priority is getting the team better at defending set pieces. 'He is also encouraging and similar to coach Jose. There is not a lot the coach is trying to change, just the way we defend our set pieces and how we deal with our transition too. 𝐀 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 Orlando Pirates players participated in a successful media drive in our 2025/26 kit, followed by an exclusive pre-screening of the upcoming documentary #GiantsonDStv Don't miss the official broadcast this Sunday, 27 July at 21:00 on… — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 'We lost the Caf Champions League [semifinal] because of the set play. We went to Pyramids, and we conceded three goals from set pieces and we were out of the tournament. 'It's funny, actually, how we lost the Champions League on a set piece, yet in the country we were the best in terms of defending that. There are a lot of things we have to take into consideration this season.' The Buccaneers bought several new players ahead of the new season. Mabasa has been impressed with how quickly they have adjusted and said their preseason camp in Spain helped bond the signings with their new teammates and Bucs' philosophy. 'The trip to Spain allowed us to integrate them [the new players] away from all the noise in the country. 'You look at [Sipho] Mbule, for example, and his performances in the friendly games; you look at [Oswin] Appollis too. Now it's just for them to come back home and do it here.' Pirates start their MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3pm). MTN8 fixtures Saturday: Sunday:
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bucs' Jalen McMillan says Antoine Winfield Jr. is 'everywhere' after day 1 of camp
The Bucs sorely missed Antoine Winfield Jr. last season during the Bucs' rollercoaster of a 2024 season. While they won the NFC South, they did so while dealing with an injury bug that bit the team time and again, specifically their All-Pro safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. Jalen McMillan spoke to the media on Wednesday after the Bucs' first practice. He told Fox Sports' Greg Auman that Winfield Jr. was in midseason form based on what he saw during the session. Auman shared that McMillan talked about Winfield Jr., saying, 'Tweeze is everywhere. He's a ninja on the field. . .' Antoine Winfield Jr. picked off two passes on Wednesday, including the first pass of the training camp from Baker Mayfield. Winfield Jr. and his play style were recognized by the team last offseason when he earned a contract extension from them, worth four years and $84 million. While he didn't get a chance to prove his value last season, it seems he is poised to do just that during the upcoming season if he can remain healthy for the Bucs.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
AI makes game-by-game predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 season
AI is one of the most controversial tools in the world right now, due to its complex abilities and the way it interacts with all of us. We wanted to find a fun way to use it, though, as training camp gets underway for the Bucs. We asked Grok, the AI created and used on the social media platform X, to predict the Bucs' 2025 season on a game-by-game basis. The Bucs' season in 2025 is going to be a big one in a variety of ways. Both Lavonte David and Mike Evans could be playing their final seasons in pewter as the team looks to secure a second Super Bowl for both men. There is also added pressure on several coaches, such as Todd Bowles, who received an extension, and Josh Grizzard, who was promoted to offensive coordinator. The defense also needs to bounce back in a big way in 2025 after they had a rather forgettable 2024 season. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, if you ask Grok, it paints a picture that Bucs fans will enjoy looking at. Regular Season Predictions
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Bucs' wide receiver battle heats up behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin ahead of 2025 NFL season
Bucs' 2025 offense will depend on who steps up behind Evans and Godwin (Image via: Getty Images) Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been the cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense, but the real intrigue lies behind them. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, a heated battle for the remaining wide receiver spots is taking shape at training camp and it's one worth watching. Tampa Bay's depth chart faces a shake-up begins behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin under Josh Grizzard The Buccaneers know what they have in Evans and Godwin. Evans is fresh off his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, an NFL record, and Godwin is fully recovered from an ankle injury that limited him last year. With new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard calling plays for the first time, the team's receiving depth will be more critical than ever. The front office made sure to add firepower in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting former Ohio State standout Emeka Egbuka in the first round. Known for his polished route-running and quick separation, Egbuka is expected to be the go-to slot receiver. He's already turning heads during offseason workouts. Highlight: Tom Brady Throws to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Tez Johnson and rising contenders fuel intense WR fight in Tampa Bay Seventh-round pick Tez Johnson also joins the fray, adding speed and special teams value. But the competition doesn't stop there. Jalen McMillan, who impressed in 2024 while filling in for the injured Godwin, is pushing hard for a bigger role. Third-year player Trey Palmer and seasoned veteran Sterling Shepard bring experience and chemistry, making it a crowded and competitive room. Bucs insider Brianna Dix summed it up best: 'The first two spots on the depth chart are entrenched with incumbents Mike Evans and Godwin, but the spots behind the dynamic duo are open for the taking.' All eyes on Josh Grizzard as Bucs' WR depth could make or break 2025 season For Josh Grizzard, this is both a blessing and a challenge. With Tampa Bay's offense undergoing a fresh transformation, he'll need to identify the right supporting cast quickly. Depth will be vital across an 18-week season, and wide receiver remains one of the Bucs' deepest units. Also Read: Stefon Diggs injury update: Patriots WR recovery timeline ahead of 2025 NFL season opener This fierce wide receiver competition could end up being the deciding factor in how explosive Tampa Bay's offense becomes in 2025. And with playoff hopes on the line, Grizzard and the Bucs won't be taking any chances. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
