Sports
Buccaneers Edge Seahawks 38-35 Behind Mayfield’s Historic Night, Egbuka’s Record Performance
Published
12 months 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
Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games
Published
1 day agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSNew affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.
The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.
“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.
$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs
The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.
The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.
Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.
Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7
The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.
Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.
“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.
Merchandise Deals Start at $15
The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.
Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.
SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation
The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.
According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.
Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans
Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.
“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles Backs Jalon Daniels Ahead of First NFL Start Against Packers
Published
2 days agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in quarterback Jalon Daniels after Wednesday’s practice, emphasizing preparation, improved pass protection and accountability as the team seeks its first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers.
Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start, with Tampa Bay trying to avoid an 0-4 start. Bowles said the quarterback’s responsibility is to execute the offense while his teammates and coaches fulfill their own assignments.
“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said. “Everybody has to do their job.”
Daniels’ preparation and decision-making take priority
Bowles said film study and mental preparation will be central to Daniels’ readiness. He encouraged the quarterback to trust his experience and avoid trying to do too much.
The coaching staff is evaluating which elements of the game plan Daniels handles most comfortably. Bowles said veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield’s experience allows him to manage more checks, audibles and offensive adjustments.
“We’ve just got to make sure Jalon is comfortable with the things we give him,” Bowles said.
Although Daniels can extend plays outside the pocket, Bowles said his intelligence and pocket performance earned him a place on the roster.
“His intelligence and his pocket play is what got him on the team,” he said.
Bowles also dismissed the suggestion that entering the season with Daniels as the backup quarterback was a risk.
“He earned it, and he beat [the others] out fair and square,” Bowles said.
Pass protection needs improvement
Bowles said correcting pass protection requires contributions from both the offensive line and running backs. He identified communication, fundamentals and footwork as areas needing attention.
“The communication has got to be better,” he said.
Bowles confirmed that the team has adjusted aspects of its practice routine but declined to explain the changes.
He also said the coaching staff has discussed increasing running back Sean Tucker’s involvement.
“He definitely needs to run the ball a little bit more,” Bowles said.
Diaby, Bain among injury concerns
Bowles expressed optimism about outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is dealing with a calf injury, while saying outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s status remains uncertain.
“Yaya, we think, will be okay,” Bowles said. “Rueben, we’re still trying to decide, and we’ll see at the end of the week where he is.”
Bowles said Bain’s shoulder remains a concern.
Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches sustained a foot injury during stretching before putting on his uniform, according to Bowles.
Linebacker Josiah Trotter participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. Bowles said he would have a better assessment after Thursday’s practice in shoulder pads.
Packers present an explosive offensive challenge
Bowles praised Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s accuracy and command of the offense. He also highlighted tight end Tucker Kraft and the speed of receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.
“Then, [Love] puts the ball on a dime,” Bowles said. “He knows how to get rid of it, and he understands the offense very well.”
Potential changes along Green Bay’s offensive line will require adjustments, Bowles said, but Tampa Bay’s defenders must remain focused on their assignments and technique.
Defense shows progress
Bowles said Tampa Bay’s defense performed significantly better against Minnesota than it did during the first two weeks.
He praised defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s leadership, energy and tenacity, and said linebacker Alex Anzalone played well against the Vikings.
Outside linebacker David Walker has earned additional defensive snaps, Bowles said. The coaching staff also is working to expand safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s role.
“We haven’t put in everything to access all his talents, and we’re working on that right now,” Bowles said.
Veteran leadership essential to a turnaround
Bowles described Sunday’s game as critical and said overcoming a difficult start requires mental toughness, veteran leadership and unity.
“You have some veterans that step up, and you stay the course and you stay together and you don’t point fingers,” he said. “Those are the teams that come out of it.”
Central Florida News
USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green
Published
3 days agoon
September 29, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.
Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.
That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.
D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.
Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.
Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.
USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.
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