Sports
Buccaneers Edge Seahawks 38-35 Behind Mayfield’s Historic Night, Egbuka’s Record Performance
Published
1 year agoon
By
Willie DavidTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held off the Seattle Seahawks in a 38-35 shootout Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, improving to 4-1 on the season. The win marks the sixth time in franchise history that Tampa Bay has started 4-1 or better (1979, 1997, 2002, 2005, 2021, 2025).
According to the Associated Press, the Buccaneers are the first team in NFL history to win four games by three points or fewer in their first five games of a season. Tampa Bay remains in first place in the NFC South, holding at least a share of that position in 63 of the past 77 weeks.
Offensive Explosion Behind Mayfield and Egbuka
The Buccaneers’ 426 yards of offense were their highest this season and most since Week 17, 2024 (551 vs. Carolina). Quarterback Baker Mayfield led the charge, completing 29 of 33 passes (87.9%) for 379 yards and two touchdowns, earning a 134.7 passer rating. His 87.9% completion rate was the best by any quarterback this season and the second-best of his career.
Through five weeks, Mayfield ranks among the league’s elite—tied for third in passing touchdowns (10), fourth in yards (1,283), and ninth in passer rating (104.4).
Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, a Tacoma, Washington native, delivered another spectacular performance with seven receptions for a career-best 163 yards and one touchdown. Egbuka’s five touchdowns in his first five career games are the most by any Buccaneers player in franchise history.
Egbuka also became the first player in NFL history with 25+ receptions, 400+ receiving yards, and five or more touchdowns in his first five games. His 163-yard outing is the most by an NFL rookie this season.
Supporting Cast Delivers
Running back Rachaad White contributed 71 total yards (41 rushing, 30 receiving) and scored two rushing touchdowns, giving him 24 career touchdowns from scrimmage—tied for sixth-most by a running back in team history.
Tight end Cade Otton added 81 receiving yards, while rookie receiver Tez Johnson posted four catches for 59 yards, marking just the third time in team history that multiple rookie receivers each recorded 50+ yards in a single game.
On defense, Lavonte David finished tied for the team lead with nine tackles, including one for loss, and sealed the win with a game-ending interception. David now leads all active linebackers with 14 career interceptions. Safety Tykee Smith recorded his first career fumble recovery, adding six tackles and two pass breakups.
Kicker Chase McLaughlin remained clutch, converting 3-of-3 field goal attempts, including the 39-yard game-winner. He ranks second in points scored (47) and third in total field goals made (12) through Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET games.
What’s Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers look to carry their momentum into Week 6 as they prepare for another key NFC matchup. With Baker Mayfield playing at an MVP-caliber level and Egbuka emerging as a top rookie target, Tampa Bay’s balanced offense and resilient defense continue to make them early contenders in the NFC.
J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships
Published
11 hours agoon
October 22, 2026By
FNN SPORTSThe fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.
Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.
Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.
Eligibility and Scholarships
Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.
The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.
After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.
On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction
Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.
The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.
Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.
Program Draws International Interest
The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.
Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Published
16 hours agoon
October 22, 2026By
FNN SPORTSOrlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Exercise Team Options on Jase Richardson, Tristan Da Silva
Published
17 hours agoon
October 22, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMagic Keep Jase Richardson, Tristan da Silva Under Contract Through 2027-28
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have exercised their third-year team option on guard Jase Richardson and fourth-year team option on forward Tristan da Silva, keeping both players under contract through the 2027-28 season.
President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced the moves. Financial terms were not disclosed, per team policy.
Richardson builds on rookie season
Richardson appeared in 54 games during his rookie season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.9 minutes per game, according to the team.
He scored in double figures seven times, including a career-high 20 points against Washington on Jan. 6. He also scored six points in his lone playoff appearance.
Before joining Orlando, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists during his freshman season at Michigan State in 2024-25. He shot 41.2% from 3-point range and earned third-team All-Big Ten and conference all-freshman honors while helping the Spartans reach the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
Richardson wears No. 11.
Da Silva provides scoring and shooting
Da Silva played in 77 games, including 34 starts, last season. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.7 minutes per game, shooting 37.4% from 3-point range and 88.4% from the free-throw line.
He scored in double figures 38 times and reached 20 points five times, including a career-high 26 against Washington on March 12. In seven playoff appearances, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Orlando selected da Silva with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Through two seasons, he has appeared in 151 regular-season games, including 72 starts, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
The Germany native played four seasons at Colorado, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022-23 and second-team recognition in 2023-24. He wears No. 23.
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