Home NFL Captain’s Table – Walk the Plank: Buccaneers Over Falcons

Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield / via buccaneers.com

Captain’s Table – Walk the Plank: Buccaneers Over Falcons

September 7, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-20 to start the season 1-0. That can only mean it’s time for Carter Brantley’s “Captain’s Table/Walk the Plank” column. Enjoy, and Raise The Flags!

Captain’s Table

Emeka Egbuka!

My oh my what a start for the rookie sensation. He was outstanding on Sunday, hauling in those 2 tuddies and making some wonderful plays throughout the game. I may have been puzzled by the pick at first, but the early returns on the 1st rounder are really impressive.

Baker Mayfield!

He made some DOT throws against those Dirtybirds, a couple for TDs and a bunch to that guy Mike Evans (a Bucs wideout who’s pretty good, in case you’ve never heard of him). He also continued to show a tremendous ability to see and take advantage of running lanes when they’re available.

SirVocea Dennis (2nd Half)!

SVD looked very motivated in the 2nd half and played as well as anyone defensively in that time frame, with some key stops and big-time plays for the 1st year starter entering his 3rd overall NFL season.

Antoine Winfield Jr.!

That pass breakup 1000% saved the Bucs’ booty. He needs to play better than the 2024 AWJ if this defense wants to avoid being a doormat again this season.

Walk The Plank

Todd Bowles’ Timeout Management!

Calling a timeout to give the officials more time to potentially review a Tez Johnson catch was inexcusably bad. I don’t care if he was listening to someone upstairs, he’s the head coach, it falls on him.

Baker Mayfield!

He was good, but he also made some stupid risky throws. Duality of man type of game for Mayfield, sort of emblematic of him as a player. If he can clean up his turnovers, he would be one of the best QBs in football.

SirVocea Dennis (1st Half)!

Phew. He was rough to start this game. Missed tackles, poor angles taken, just rough stuff to begin Dennis’ career as ILB2.

Chase McLaughlin!

All the drama at the end of the game could’ve been avoided had McLaughlin actually made that got damn extra point. Not to mention the stupid 40+ yard field goal he missed earlier in the game. Brutal game for the usually steady vet.

Buccaneers’ Running Game!

Looked borderline like the brutal Byron Leftwich days. Luckily Atlanta couldn’t run the ball to save their lives either, but if the Bucs want to be successful this season this is a trend that can’t continue. The offensive line reconfiguration probably contributed to it, taking Barton away from the middle seemed to make it really difficult for them to get going, so hopefully it’ll correct itself when Wirfs returns.

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