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Tag: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Dear Carolina, you’re welcome: Falcons end season with a 19-17 win over Saints

    The Atlanta Falcons were in the driver’s seat on Sunday, January 4. 

    The scenario was simple: beat the New Orleans Saints, and the Carolina Panthers were in the playoffs. Lose, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would get the playoff bid. Beat the New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta would have their longest winning streak of the season (four). Lose, and the momentum that was building will be done, and another seven-win season will be in the books.

    Falcons ended the season with a 19-17 victory and a sweep of their hated rivals.

    Dear Carolina, you’re welcome.

    With five minutes remaining in the game, Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough took off running into Falcons territory. He had been playing a good game up to that point and was a threat on the ground and through the air. His next pass, however, became his team’s downfall. The pass was intercepted by Falcons defensive back Dee Alford and returned 59 yards into Saints territory. Zane Gonzalez’s 48-yard field goal with just under three minutes remaining in the game put Atlanta ahead by nine points. Game over.

    The Falcons defeated the Saints 24-10 on November 23. During that game, Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, a serious candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year, passed for 243 yards with an interception while being sacked five times. Atlanta will finish the 2025 season among the top three teams in sacks and set a new franchise record with 55 sacks following a second-quarter sack by defensive back Dee Alford. But it was the Saints’ defense that got things started.

    The New Orleans Saints (above) came into Sunday’s game in Atlanta on a four-game winning streak.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    New Orleans entered the game in Atlanta on a four-game winning streak, and a significant part of that success has been attributed to their defense. New Orleans defensive end Carl Granderson made an immediate impact on Sunday, sacking Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and picking off one of his passes during the first quarter. 

    Offense was a different story as the Saints got off to a much slower start than their defense. New Orleans was without its leading receiver, Chris Olave, and starting running back, Alvin Kamara. Both players have played well in Atlanta throughout their time with the Saints. The Falcons, however, had their top receiver, Drake London, back in the fold. Cousins found London in the back of the end zone for the first touchdown of the game to help give Atlanta a 7-0 lead with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. The 15-yard touchdown reception was London’s seventh of the season. 

    The Atlanta Falcons hosted the New Orleans Saints in the final home game and regular season game of the season.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The second successful Falcons offensive drive was an eight-play, 31-yard drive that included a couple of spectacular runs by Bijan Robinson. Those runs put Atlanta in position for a 40-yard field goal from kicker Zane Gonzalez and a 10-0 advantage. 

    Robinson only needed 237 yards to set a new National Football League single-season record for yardage from scrimmage. In just his third season, Robinson had already set a Falcons franchise record a week earlier. 

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Saints got on the board with 5 minutes remaining in the first half when Shough scored a touchdown on a bootleg run from the 15-yard line. The extra point from Charlie Smyth made the score 10-7. 

    With two minutes remaining in the first half, the Saints’ offense failed to engineer a final scoring drive and put the ball back in the hands of Cousins and the Falcons with 45 seconds on the clock. Atlanta went into the half with the same score on the board.

    The third quarter began with the Falcons forcing a Saints punt following a sack by Pearce, Jr. The rookie has 9.5 sacks this season to go along with 5.5 sacks by his fellow rookie Jalon Walker. The pair has more than lived up to the expectations that were placed on them during the offseason and preseason. 

    Scoring was minimal during the game. Atlanta took a 13-7 lead on a 51-yard field goal by Zane Gonazelz early in the third quarter and a 16-10 lead when Gonzalez made a 38-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. 

    New Orleans managed to pull together another scoring drive with just over a minute to play in the game. Their onside kick attempt was not as successful.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • Division on the line: Panthers great Jonathan Stewart previews Panthers at Bucs :: WRALSportsFan.com

    By Chris Lea, WRAL-TV Sports anchor/reporter

    Tampa, Fla. — The Carolina Panthers can clinch a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2017 this weekend in a couple of different scenarios. Oddly enough, there’s a scenario where the outcome of their game versus Tampa Bay doesn’t really matter if the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints.

    The best scenario is in their hands. Just a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would suffice and give Carolina the NFC South Division title and a playoff berth.

    The Panthers visit the Buccaneers today at 4:30 p.m. in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium, where Carolina is 12-12 versus Tampa Bay all-time. If the Panthers were to clinch and go to the NFL Playoffs, this could be a return to form, according to all-time franchise leading rusher Jonathan Stewart.

    “There’s a lot of good football being played right now (in Charlotte),” Stewart said.

    Stewart was drafted to the Panthers in 2008 and spent 10 seasons in Charlotte, where he still resides. He’s seen the ups and downs as a player and as one of the team’s biggest supporters now in retirement. Stewart was also there in 2013 as a young Cam Newton helped led Carolina to a division title and a playoff berth for the first time in Newton’s career. From there, the Panthers won the division in 2014 and 2015, the first time the NFC South Divisional title went to one team in three consecutive seasons. Stewart believes that a playoff berth for this year’s team could end up barring a similar outcome.

    “This offseason, it sets (the franchise) up for guys that want to be here,” Stewart told WRAL. “It sets them up to tell the differences of what’s the ‘Carolina Way’, what’s the DNA, what’s the standard.”

    To get there, the Panthers must first make it to the playoffs. Here are some of the keys to a Carolina Panthers victory tonight, according to Stewart.

    Offensive Keys:

    • Converting third downs
    • Scoring over 20 points
    • Having a balanced rushing attack

    What J-Stew says: “You have to convert on third downs. Part of converting on third downs is converting on first downs. You can not have the three-and-outs, you can’t have the slow starts, you can not settle for field goals. Your defense is playing lights out, they’re playing as good as any defense is playing, so you have to help them out.”

    Defensive Keys:

    • Make Baker Mayfield uncomfortable
    • Take the run away/make Tampa one-dimensional
    • Get off the field on 3rd down

    What J-Stew says: “The Buccaneers are getting healthy and all it takes is for Baker (Mayfield) to feel good about his options. What Tampa has done a bad job of is putting everything on Mayfield’s shoulders or making him have to do too much. Take the run away, make them one-dimensional. I think (Tampa) could’ve leaned into the run more the last time they played.”

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  • A Week 18 With No Stakes – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles

    Scheduling 16 Division matchups for the final week of the regular season continues to fight the league. With only TWO of the fourteen playoff positions up for grabs which will be decided between the Ravens/Steelers Sunday night game as well as Panthers/Buccaneers (with some help from Atlanta) Sunday afternoon.

    The Eagles will come into Sunday almost locked into the 3 Seed, but with a little bit of scoreboard help happening at the same time they play Washington could see them leap into the 2 Seed. A Lions win over the Bears would give the Eagles a need to compete against the Commanders, a team out for revenge from just two weeks ago.

    A Vengeful Rematch 

    The decision to go for 2 points, putting the Eagles up 19 points late into the 4th quarter was the right decision. The Eagles had already missed two field goals, taking 6 points off the board of what ended as a 29-18 game. 

    The ever so clueless Dan Quinn, who hasn’t learned from his time in Atlanta. Part of the comical 28-3 Falcons Super Bowl loss. Or multiple years as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, giving up 48 points to a 7th seed Packers team in his last game on the sideline for “Americas team.” 

    Upset over the Eagles decision to go for 2, Quinn stated “If that’s how they want to get down, we’ll see them again in two weeks.” Feels very threatening for a Week 18 division opponent matchup. Which leads to the question.

    Did Dan Quinn forget that the Eagles clinched the NFC East title with their Week 16 victory at Northwest Stadium?

    The Commanders season was realistically over by their Bye Week(if not earlier) Sitting at 3-8, losing their franchise QB for weeks at a time, rushing him back from numerous injuries just to be sidelined again feels like something a desperate team would do. 

    Add in injuries to Tyler Biadasz, Marcus Mariota, Laremy Tunsil, Sam Cosmi, Trey Amos, amongst plenty of players like Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Austin Ekeler. The #1 thing the Commanders should be playing for on Sunday is draft position. 

    7th overall is a great place to be for a team that was only 22 points from punching their ticket to a Super Bowl less than 12 months ago. 

    If 17th year Josh Johnson is able to lead the Commanders to a nothingburger victory against Tanner McKee and what we should expect to be most of the Eagles backup & reserve players. Then I guess we can give Dan Quinn & Co. Their flowers of “only beating an Eagles backup QB” 2 years running.  

    Tags: Atlanta Falcons Austin Ekeler Baltimore Ravens Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys Dan Quinn Detroit Lions Eagles Laremy Tunsil Marcus Mariota Marshon Lattimore NFL Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers Sam Cosmi Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trey Amos Tyler Biadasz Washington Commanders Zach Ertz

    Categorized: Eagles

    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • What’s the NFL playoff picture after Week 17? Who’s in and who’s out?

    (CNN) — It’s been a long 2025 NFL season so far with twists, turns, shocking injuries, surprising contenders and disappointing years from preseason favorites.

    As we come off another intriguing week of action across the league and approach the end of the season, the playoff picture is becoming more and more clear.

    With just one week of the NFL regular season left, who’s in, who’s out and who still has a shot at making a postseason run for a spot in Super Bowl LX and a chance to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

    Who’s in?

    (All teams listed by current seeding in each conference)

    AFC

    1. Denver Broncos (13-3, 1st AFC West): The Broncos already qualified for the postseason but still beat the Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs 20-13 on Friday. A win against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mile High in Week 18 will earn Denver top seed status in the AFC.

    2. New England Patriots (13-3, 1st AFC East): New England will be lurking should Denver fail to wrap up the conference and the Pats will play the Miami Dolphins to close out the season.

    3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, 1st AFC South): The Jags are also still in the running for the first-round bye after beating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. They now host the Tennessee Titans in Week 18.

    5. Houston Texans (11-5, 2nd AFC South): Houston’s sensational defense has fired the franchise into the postseason for a third straight year. The team confirmed its place in the playoffs with a 20-16 win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.

    6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, 2nd AFC West): The Chargers will be happy to have already locked up a postseason spot as they face a motivated Denver squad in the final week of the regular season.

    7. Buffalo Bills (11-5, 2nd AFC East): After losing in dramatic circumstances against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bills close out the year with a home game against the Jets having already secured their berth in the playoffs.

    Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker hits Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High on December 21. Credit: Ron Chenoy / Imagn via CNN Newsource

    NFC

    1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 1st NFC West): After missing the playoffs in the last two campaigns, the Seahawks are back in the postseason and tightened their grip on the No. 1 seed after beating the Carolina Panthers 27-10 in Week 17. Seattle now faces the San Francisco 49ers in its last regular season game.

    2. Chicago Bears (11-5, 1st NFC North): Da Bears haven’t made the postseason since 2020, so some celebration in the Windy City is merited, but Chicago has only made the playoffs twice since 2010 – and lost in the wild card round both times. After spending so many years in the proverbial wilderness, the team won’t be content with just making it. The Bears take on the Detroit Lions in Week 18.

    3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, 1st NFC East): The defending Super Bowl champions are back in the postseason to defend their title, but with hopes of a first-round bye now over, Philly may look to rest players ahead of a game against the Washington Commanders in Week 18.

    5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4, 2nd NFC West): After missing the postseason last year, the Niners are back and looking dangerous. Starting QB Brock Purdy is back and playing incredibly as they host the Seahawks in Week 18 with the No. 1 seed in the conference at stake.

    6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5, 3rd NFC West): The Rams round out an incredible NFC West, which has three teams in the playoffs. Los Angeles, though, suffered a surprise defeat against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 and closes out the regular season with a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

    7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, 2nd NFC North): The Pack lost to Baltimore in Week 17 but still secured the NFC seventh seed heading into the playoffs. Off the back of three straight defeats, Green Bay heads to Minnesota in Week 18 to take on the eliminated Vikings.

    San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles with the ball in Monday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn via CNN Newsource

    Who’s still got a chance?

    AFC

    4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7, 1st AFC North): The Steelers only had to beat the Cleveland Browns on the road last Sunday to secure their place in the playoffs, but blew the opportunity after losing 13-6. Pittsburgh now faces a winner-takes-all clash against its bitter rival, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 18. Pittsburgh currently has a 40% chance of making the playoffs, according to the NFL.

    9. Baltimore Ravens (8-8, 2nd AFC North): The Ravens had Super Bowl aspirations before the year kicked off with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry, but it all seemed to fall apart with Jackson missing significant time due to injury. But results went their way on Week 17 and they beat the Packers 41-24. It all means that the NFL says the Ravens now have a 60% chance of reaching the postseason still.

    NFC

    4. Carolina Panthers (8-8, 1st NFC South): Carolina is still sitting first in its division despite losing to the Seahawks in Week 17. The Panthers still have a chance of reaching the postseason as they face a win-or-go-home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. The NFL says Carolina has a 72% chance of making it to the playoffs.

    11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9, 2nd NFC South): The Bucs lost to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 and now everything hangs on the final game of the regular season against the Panthers. We’ll see what happens but the NFL gives Tampa Bay just a 28% chance of progressing.

    Who’s out?

    AFC

    8. Indianapolis Colts (8-8, 3rd AFC South)

    10. Miami Dolphins (7-9, 3rd AFC East)

    11. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10, 3rd AFC North)

    12. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10, 3rd AFC West)

    13. Cleveland Browns (4-12, 4th AFC North)

    14. Tennessee Titans (3-13, 4th AFC South)

    15. New York Jets (3-13, 4th AFC East)

    16. Las Vegas Raiders (2-14, 4th AFC West)

    NFC

    8. Minnesota Vikings (8-8, 3rd NFC North)

    9. Detroit Lions (8-8, 4th NFC North)

    10. Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1, 2nd NFC East)

    12. Atlanta Falcons (7-9, 3rd NFC South)

    13. New Orleans Saints (6-10, 4th NFC South)

    14. Washington Commanders (4-12, 3rd NFC East)

    15. Arizona Cardinals (3-13, 4th NFC West)

    16. New York Giants (3-13, 4th NFC East)

    Patrick Sung, Ben Church and CNN

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  • Falcons upset Rams on Monday Night Football. It was a big help for the Panthers’ playoff push

    The Carolina Panthers were given one more possible road to the playoffs on Monday.

    The Atlanta Falcons upet the Los Angeles Rams, 27-24, on Monday Night Football in Atlanta. The Falcons jumped out to a 21-0 lead by halftime, but the Rams clawed their way back in the second half, eventually tying the game late in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Puka Nacua.

    The Falcons on the ensuing drive set up kicker Zane Gonzales for the game winning field goal with less than 30 seconds left. The Rams were unable to drive down the field to tie the game, sealing the game for Atlanta.

    How does this affect the Panthers’ playoff hopes?

    The Panthers now have two possible roads to win the NFC South and secure the final playoff spot in the NFC.

    The easiest of the two paths for the Panthers is to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Bucs two weeks earlier at home 23-20. The win would give Carolina not only a season-sweep of the Bucs, but a two-game advantage over Tampa with no games remaining, securing the division.

    Carolina nearly secured the division in Week 17. The Buccaneers dropped their matchup against the Miami Dolphins, 20-17, but Carolina sputtered and lost to the Seahawks, 27-10, setting up the chaotic playoff scenario.

    The second scenario requires help from a division rival.

    If the Panthers lose on Saturday, they would need the Falcons to defeat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. If that were to happen, the Panthers would win the division.

    While all three teams would have a 8-9 record if the second scenario plays out, Carolina would hold the tie-breaker over Tampa and Atlanta due to a head-to-head records against each other.

    Here is how the head-to-head records would shake out if scenario two happens:

    • Panthers: 3-1 vs. Bucs and Falcons.
    • Bucs: 2-2 vs. Panthers and Falcons.
    • Falcons: 1-3 vs. Panthers and Bucs.

    The Panthers kick off against the Bucs at 4:30 on Saturday, while the Falcons kick off against the Saints at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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  • NFL announces date, kickoff time for Panthers vs. Buccaneers for NFC South title

    The Carolina Panthers (8-8) will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) for the NFC South division crown at Raymond James Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

    The NFL announced the full slate of dates and times for its Week 18 schedule on Sunday. All 16 finale games had open-ended scheduling throughout the year, so the NFL could put its highest-stakes matchups on highlighted broadcasts to end the regular season.

    The season finale in Tampa Bay will air on ESPN nationally (ABC locally).

    The Panthers and Buccaneers have been on a collision course throughout the second half of the season. Tampa Bay, the reigning four-time division champion, has been on a free fall (losing seven of the last eight games), while Carolina has scrapped its way to a respectable .500 mark.

    Carolina Panthers Jalen Coker braces for contact as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Benjamin Morrison makes the stop in a Dec. 21, 2025 game at Bank of America Stadium.
    Carolina Panthers Jalen Coker braces for contact as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Benjamin Morrison makes the stop in a Dec. 21, 2025 game at Bank of America Stadium. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@charlotteobserver.com

    The Panthers bested the Buccaneers, 23-20, in Week 16, and Carolina will look to close out a sweep on the road just two weeks later. A win or tie for Carolina would land them a division title, something that has eluded the Panthers since their last NFC South crown in 2015.

    The Panthers — who lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 27-10, at Bank of America Stadium in Week 17 — haven’t been to the playoffs since 2017. A Week 18 win would clinch the first playoff berth and division title under owners David and Nicole Tepper.

    Related Stories from Raleigh News & Observer

    Mike Kaye

    The Charlotte Observer

    Mike Kaye writes about the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. He also co-hosts “Processing Blue: A Panthers Podcast” for The Observer. Kaye’s work in columns/analysis and sports feature writing has been honored by the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). His reporting has also received recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. Support my work with a digital subscription

    Mike Kaye

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  • Two is the Magic Number for Falcons

    The number of the week for the Atlanta Falcons is two. 

    Two: There are two more games remaining in the 2025 campaign, which has been an up-and-down season for the Falcons (6-9). As of late, it has been on the upswing despite the season ending with an eighth straight missed playoff berth. That said, there is still something to play for if you’re in the Falcons locker room or part of the Falcons fan base.

    The Falcons will host the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. This is the first and only Monday Night Football game of the season for Atlanta, and it’s a quality chance for the Falcons to continue to play spoiler. The Rams (11-4) are currently a game behind the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) in the NFC West. A loss in Atlanta could force the Rams to begin their playoff run on the road instead of as a top seed in the NFC. 

    Two: Atlanta has won two games in a row after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Both of those victories have been on the road. 

    Two: The Falcons have two games remaining in the season, and both are at home in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

    Two: Those two games will be an opportunity for the Falcons, 2-4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season, to get to .500 on their home turf. A 4-4 home record might not be a big deal for most teams, but considering the season the Falcons are having, a .500 home record and a four-game win streak to close the season is a significant achievement. 

    Two: In both of those victories, tight end Kyle Pitts caught touchdown passes. It’s four total touchdowns in all, but they occurred in consecutive games, hence the number two. Pitts has reached the 80 reception mark and has a chance to get past 1,000 yards receiving for the second time in his career. He currently has 854 yards. His first 1,000-yard season took place nearly five years ago during his rookie season when he was catching passes from Matt Ryan.  

    Two: Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (1,415 yards, 8 TDs, 4 INTS) has thrown two or more touchdowns in consecutive games for the first time this season. 

    Two: Bijan Robinson has only scored two or more touchdowns in a game once this year. That was against the Carolina Panthers on November 16, and he scored two touchdowns. Robinson, despite having only scored six touchdowns this season, has over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He is the third Falcon to do so in a single season. 

    Two: Atlanta is two games behind the Carolina Panthers (8-7) in the NFC South standings. 

    Two: That doesn’t matter, though. The Panthers have defeated the Falcons twice this season. Carolina defeated Atlanta 30-0 on September 21 in Charlotte and again in Atlanta, 30-27.

    Two: Falcons receiver Drake London hasn’t scored a touchdown in the last two games. 

    Donnell Suggs

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  • What will it take for the Falcons to make the playoffs? Wins, ways, and a miracle

    The Atlanta Falcons are back home after defeating the New Orleans Saints 24-10 on the road on Sunday. The victory may have only been the Falcons’ first in five weeks, but it has some significance. The win reignited the discussion over what it would take to make the playoffs, at the very least.

    At 4-7, the road to the playoffs in the NFC is going to take a lot of winning by Atlanta and a lot of losing by several teams. Before we go over the teams that the Falcons have to pass to make the playoffs, and what it will take to get that accomplished, the Falcons will need to win their final six games of the season.

    The Falcons are back on the road against the New York Jets (2-9 overall) on Sunday. A loss to the Jets would render this entire breakdown moot. The Falcons cannot afford to lose any of their remaining games. The seven losses are more than any of the teams that are in Atlanta’s way of getting a wild card spot have. Those teams are the following: the Detroit Lions (7-4), Green Bay Packers (7-3-1), Seattle Seahawks (8-3), San Francisco 49ers (8-4), and the Carolina Panthers (6-6 following a loss at San Francisco on Monday night. The Panthers hold a tiebreaker over the Falcons after sweeping them this season.

    Following the Jets game, the Falcons will return home to host the Seahawks, who are a game behind the L.A. Rams (9-2 overall) in the NFC West on Sunday, Dec. 7. Atlanta will host the Rams and NFL MVP candidate and former University of Georgia Bulldogs star quarterback Matthew Stafford (30 touchdowns and two interceptions this season) next month in the last Monday Night Football game of the year on Dec. 29. Both games can be described as the toughest of the season for Atlanta.

    Atlanta will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Dec. 11, and a loss to Tampa will end the season, even if the Falcons win every other game they play from this point forward. The season-opening loss to Tampa has Atlanta in a position to not lose to the Buccaneers again or be swept by two teams in the NFC South (Carolina).

    The Falcons have games against the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday, Dec. 21, and the Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to close the regular season on Jan. 4. Neither will matter if the winning doesn’t continue. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-3), Chicago Bears (8-3), Bucs, and Rams are leading their respective divisions and won’t be out of the playoff picture without a free fall of some sort.

    The Falcons are not done with the 2025 season, but it will take a lot of winning and a miracle.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • Matthew Stafford adds 3 more touchdowns to league-leading total as Rams demolish Buccaneers

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    The Los Angeles Rams and MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford just keep winning, as they took down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-7 on “Sunday Night Football.”

    The Rams have won six straight games and continue to lead the NFC West with a 9-2 record. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers fell to 6-5, tying them with the Carolina Panthers for the NFC South lead.

    This game was as lopsided as it gets for a primetime matchup between playoff hopefuls, and much of that had to do with how confident and poised Stafford has been in his 17th NFL season.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Sofi Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

    Stafford added three more touchdown passes to his league-leading total, giving him 30 on the year with only two interceptions. And the man who has enjoyed a resurgence in his own right, Davante Adams, continued to be his go-to target in the red zone.

    Adams secured two touchdowns for the Rams, including the game’s opening score that capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive with a beautifully thrown fade from Stafford.

    BAKER MAYFIELD HAS ALWAYS VIEWED MATTHEW STAFFORD AS A “TOP 3 OR 5” QB

    Then, after Baker Mayfield threw a pick-six on the following drive for the Buccaneers, Stafford came right back out to start the second quarter with a five-yard strike to tight end Colby Parkinson, blowing the game open at 21-0.

    Needing a touchdown, Mayfield found Tez Johnson for a 14-yard score on the ensuing drive to cut into the Rams’ lead. But Stafford needed only four plays to go 65 yards and connect with Adams again, this time on a perfect 24-yard touch pass.

    Adams finished the game with 62 yards on five catches, while Puka Nacua led Los Angeles with 97 yards on seven receptions.

    During the Buccaneers’ touchdown drive, Mayfield scrambled for seven yards on third-and-6, lowering his shoulder into two Rams defenders to move the chains. It proved costly for the aggressive signal-caller, as he suffered a left shoulder injury that eventually forced him out of the game.

    Davante Adams secures touchdown

    Davante Adams of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown pass against Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

    The injury appeared to bother Mayfield when he tried to heave a Hail Mary at the end of the first half. He went down on one knee with his left arm motionless before eventually heading to the locker room.

    When Tampa Bay came out for the second half, backup Teddy Bridgewater took over for the injured Mayfield, who was ruled out and stood on the sideline in street clothes. It’s unclear what exactly Mayfield is dealing with, but given his history of playing through injuries, this is clearly something he couldn’t power through — and it could be cause for concern moving forward.

    Bridgewater was unable to mount a comeback as the Buccaneers struggled against a dominant Rams defense. Bridgewater went 8-for-15 for 62 yards and took two sacks, while Mayfield was 9-of-19 for 41 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, one coming on that Hail Mary attempt.

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    As a team, the Buccaneers managed just 193 yards of offense to the Rams’ 333, but that’s been the story of late for this surging Los Angeles squad.

    At 9-2, the Rams hold the best record in the NFC, proving they are a legitimate force heading into the final stretch of the 2025 regular season.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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  • The Eagles Tiebreaker Spree – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles

    After a gutsy defensive performance against one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The Eagles have improved to 8-2 on the season despite their own offensive struggles.

    And while they were winning an NFC best 8 games through 11 weeks, they’ve successfully collected tiebreakers against 4 of 6 current playoff teams. 

    The Tiebreakers

    Starting 4-0 was the best result for the Eagles to start the season strong. Giving Dallas a Week 1 loss helped jumpstart the lead they have on the NFC East, which currently sits at 3.5 games with only 7 weeks left in the season. There’s an opportunity to have the division wrapped up before December even starts. But before the Eagles can worry about an early notch into their season, they have to get through another round of Dallas Week.

    Following the Week 1 celebration of Super Bowl LIX and kicking off the NFL season 1-0. The Eagles pulled together wins against the Los Angeles Rams(8-2), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4). Both teams who currently lead their divisions, and sit at 2nd and 4th in the early NFC playoff seeding. Even the Packers still sit at 2nd in their division at 6-3-1. One of Philadelphia’s defensive showings, managing to hold Green Bay to 7 points. 

    With teams like the Seahawks(7-3), 49ers(7-4)and Panthers(6-5) breathing down their respective divisions throats, it won’t take much for the standings to completely flip. Much like they did for Detroit Sunday night. 

    Coming into SNF in Philadelphia, Detroit could’ve claimed 1st in their division, and 2nd in the NFC with a win over the Eagles. But after 5 attempts on 4th down that resulted in 0 conversions. The Lions fell to 6-4 after a 16-9 loss to the Eagles. Going from 3rd in the NFC, and leading the NFC North. To 3rd in the NFC North, and down to 8th in the NFC. Sitting right outside the playoff bubble. 

    One More To Go

    The Eagles will play one more team in the NFC during Week 13 that they could claim an important playoff tiebreaker over. The 7-3, NFC North leading Chicago Bears. A win over the Bears would give the Eagles an advantage against the majority of NFC playoff teams while their schedule gets lighter down the stretch against the Commanders (3-8) and the Raiders (2-8). 

    But first, they’ll have to go through Dallas (again.)

    Go Birds. 

    Tags: Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys Detroit Lions Eagles Green Bay Packers Los Angeles Rams NFC NFC East NFC North NFL Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Categorized: Eagles

    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • Atlanta Falcons’ lack of fourth-quarter scoring can’t continue

    The Atlanta Falcons came into Sunday‘s game against the Carolina Panthers ( now 6-5 overall) three games under .500, quite a distance from first-place Tampa Bay, whom the Falcons had already lost to in week one, and on a four-game losing streak. Believe it or not, things have gotten worse.

    The Falcons, now 3-7 overall, managed to score just six points in the fourth quarter against the Panthers, resulting in a 30-27 loss. Three of these points came courtesy of a clutch 52-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez late in regulation. 

    This season, Atlanta is averaging 5.3 points per game during the 10 fourth quarters they have played. With the exception of the 10 points Atlanta scored against the Minnesota Vikings in week two, they haven’t reached the double-figure mark in a fourth quarter this season. Let’s get into the numbers:

    The Falcons scored seven points against Tampa in a week-one loss, no points in the fourth quarter at Carolina in a 30-point loss in week three, and just three points against the Washington Commanders in a 34-27 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta was ahead 31-16 after three quarters and only managed a field goal the rest of the way.

    In a week six win over the Buffalo Bills, the Falcons scored only three points in the fourth quarter, marking the last game they would win for the next five weeks. Atlanta did not score in the fourth quarter of their 20-10 loss at San Francisco in week seven. 

    The fourth-quarter scoring picked up a bit when the Falcons scored nine points against New England in a one-point loss on the road, and eight points in an overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, Germany, last week.

    The Atlanta Falcons are averaging 5.3 points per game in the fourth quarter this season. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The first game of the two meetings with the New Orleans Saints, the last-place team in the NFC South and one of the worst in the National Football League, will take place in two weeks on Nov. 23 at the Caesars Superdome (4:25 p.m. kickoff). Fourth-quarter scoring might not be needed to defeat the struggling Saints (2-8 overall), 

    The team’s saving grace this season, despite the play on the opening drives to start the game and to start the second half on Sunday, has been the Falcons’ defense. On Carolina’s second drive of the game, the Falcons forced a punt following a sack by rookie corner Billy Bowman, Jr. That sack almost knocked Young out of the game as he was slow to get back on his feet afterward. Young had started nine of the Panthers’ 10 games this season.

    This team should be able to score more points in the fourth quarter. Falcons receiver Drake London went over 100 yards receiving with his fifth reception of the first half on Sunday. Bijan Robinson had over 90 yards rushing at halftime of the loss to Carolina. It has been the second half of games that have been the issue this season. 

    The Saints game is followed by a trip to New Jersey to play the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 30. The opportunity for the Falcons to make the playoffs might be dwindling, but getting back to .500 is a realistic possibility. That, however, will start with scoring in the fourth quarter.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • Eagles Vs Lions – In The Thick Of The Playoff Race – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles

    After the Eagles barely made it out with a victory in Green Bay Monday Night. It was time to start preparing for another PrimeTime spotlight against the Eagles 3rd NFC North opponent of the year. 

    The Detroit Lions

    Sundays match against Detroit will be the 2nd time the Sirianni/Hurts led Eagles will play the Campbell/Goff Lions. Previously, the Eagles won both matchups that took place at Ford Field. Winning 44-6 in 2021, and 38-35 in 2023. 

    And while this matchup won’t have nearly as much excitement as the NFC Championship Game that could have been last year. The winner and loser of this game could see a huge impact on playoff seeding within the next 5-6 Weeks.

    The Cluttered NFC Race

    Luckily for the Eagles. The NFC East is the only division that isn’t filled with multiple contenders, or teams just outside the wildcard bubble. Like the 49ers(6-4), Panthers(5-5) & Vikings(4-5). However, with two games left against NFC North opponents. The Eagles will be able to pull ahead in the division, and from the rest of the NFC. 

    Already having victories against the Rams(7-2), Buccaneers(6-3) and Packers(5-3-1) currently gives the Eagles the head to head tiebreaker against the current 5th, 4th and 7th seed in the NFC playoff race. While the odds of the Eagles dropping into a wildcard spot are low with a 4 game lead on the NFC East race. It has happened before. Being able to chain together wins during the toughest stretches of the schedule will help the Eagles lock up the division race as fast as possible, while still being in the thick of it for the Bye Week, or as much home field advantage as possible in the playoffs.

    Schedule Down The Stretch

    Following the Lions this weekend, the Eagles will see a total of three more teams in the current playoff picture, including:

    • 6-3 Bears (Week 13)
    • 7-3 Chargers (Week 15)
    • 6-3 Bills (Week 17)

    There will also be a gutsy game against the 3-5-1 Cowboys, who for some reason decided to be buyers at the deadline. Acquiring Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.

    With some more breathing room between playoff opponents, the Eagles will also see the following teams who’s season is approaching an ugly finish:

    • 2-7 Raiders (Week 15)
    • 3-7 Commanders (Week 16 & 18) 

    Both teams will most likely be playing for a top 5-10 pick come December. The wins might not matter that late for the Eagles depending how the rest of this “gauntlet” unfolds.

    With an impressive 7-2 run to start the season. How many wins will it take to clinch the NFC East?

    Tags: Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Dan Campbell Detroit Lions Eagles Green Bay Packers Jalen Hurts Jared Goff Las Vegas Raiders Logan Wilson Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Minnesota Vikings NFC NFC East NFC North NFL Nick Sirianni Philadelphia Eagles Quinnen Williams San Francisco 49ers Tampa Bay Buccaneers Washington Commanders

    Categorized: Eagles

    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • Former NFL player Doug Martin died in Oakland police custody, officials say

    Officials with the Oakland Police Department said a man who died while in police custody over the weekend has been identified as former NFL running back Doug Martin.

    In a statement Monday, police confirmed Martin died following a reported break-in at a home on Ettrick Street shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday. Police said Martin was involved in the break-in and when officers attempted to detain him, a brief struggle occurred.

    Martin became unresponsive after being taken into custody, police said. Paramedics responded to the scene and rendered aid.

    Police said Martin was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

    “Since Saturday, OPD has been in contact with Martin’s family. The family has requested privacy as they grieve this tragic loss,” Oakland police said in a statement.

    In a statement on behalf of the family, Athletes First and CEO Brian Murphy said Martin’s parents had called local authorities for medical assistance for Martin. 

    “Following recent media reports about Doug’s untimely passing, the family wishes to clarify the circumstances. Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway,” Murphy said.

    Martin, 36, was born in Oakland and grew up in Stockton, where he attended Saint Mary’s High School. A standout at Boise State, Martin was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 31st pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

    In the NFL, Martin played five seasons with Tampa Bay, being named to the Pro Bowl twice. Martin finished his professional career with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018.

    “From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise,” the team said in a statement, noting he was honored as one of the top 50 Buccaneers of all time.

    “The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Doug’s family at this time,” the Raiders said in a statement.

    Mayor Barbara Lee said in a statement Monday, “We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones, and my office has reached out to Mr. Martin’s family. They have asked for privacy during this time.”

    Police said the officers who were involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.

    The incident is being investigated by the department’s homicide unit and internal affairs, along with the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

    Tim Fang

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  • Falcons will need repeat performance from secondary to beat Niners on Monday night

    The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Buffalo Bills, 24-14, on Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of more than 70,000 fans. Atlanta last hosted Buffalo on October 1, 2017, and the Falcons lost that game. After Monday’s game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris called the victory “a big-time team win” and was “well-fought by the guys.”

    Currently on a two-game win streak, the Falcons will have to travel to the West Coast in order to extend that streak of success. Up next: the San Francisco 49ers.

    The 49ers are tied at the top spot in the NFC West at 4-2, tied with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, who each have the same overall record. The Falcons and 49ers have something in common: they both have lost to Tampa Bay. The 49ers are coming into the Sunday Night Football matchup with the Falcons following a 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To ref 

    During the first half of the victory over Buffalo, the Falcons’ defense sacked Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen twice. The Falcons’ front four kept pressure on Allen the entire game, and several of his pass attempts were thrown under duress. Falcons defensive back Dee Alford intercepted an Allen pass, one of the quarterback’s two interceptions. 

    The Falcons’ defensive front line gets all the praise a day after the smoke has cleared. Still, the secondary’s play allowed Ruke Orhorhoro, David Onyemata, and James Pearce, Jr. to help hold Allen to just 42 rushing yards to go along with his underwhelming passing night (15-26 for 180 yards and two touchdowns). According to Morris, the return of veteran corner A.J. Terrell, Jr. was also an assist.

    “AJ coming back this week was awesome,” Morris said after the game. “He’s one of our leaders in the back end. “We had a couple of penalties down the field, but those things will happen when you’re fighting throughout the play.”

    Morris said, along with Terrell and Alford, veteran corner Mike Hughes was among the players who made “big plays” during the game.

    “I really like how those guys went out there and fought. I think they all made big plays at different times throughout the game against one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League, if not the best,” Morris said. 

    Falcons quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., now nine starts into his NFL career, said he wanted to credit the defense for securing the victory. When asked about the play of the secondary, Penix, Jr. said the play was “really good!”

    “Midway through the week, I heard [coach] say the defense was going to play a lot of man, and they did that, and those guys were up for the challenge,” said Penix (20-32 for 250 yards and a touchdown). “They played great football and allowed our defensive line to get sacks and stuff like that because Josh [Allen] had to hold the ball whenever people weren’t open down the field.”

    “We definitely couldn’t have won that game without what they did on that side of the ball,” Penix said.

    49ers quarterback Mac Jones was intercepted twice during his team’s loss to Tampa last week. The Falcons’ secondary has intercepted passes during all of their victories this season.

    Atlanta will need Penix, Robinson, the defensive line, and smart coaching decisions to win the game at San Francisco on Sunday night. They will also need the secondary to be as stellar, if not better, than it was on Monday night against the Bills. 

    “It was a big-time team win,” Morris said.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • A Blown Chance To Get Back In The Saddle. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    You’d think the Eagles would’ve taken things personally after coming up short to the Denver Broncos at home. Losing 21-17 in Week 5. A short week that would see their second NFC East match of the season, against a 1-4 Giants squad that just struggled to keep a close game against the New Orleans Saints. The opportunity to go 5-1 was right in front of them.

    And then disaster struck. 

    Injuries On Injuries On Injuries 

    Jalen Carter was held out of Thursdays game as a precaution. An unfortunate pre-game loss but it shouldn’t have been as detrimental to the team as it was. Hopefully the Week 7 injury report comes with good news for his availability against Minnesota. 

    Add on top of that a Quinyon Mitchell hamstring injury held him out for the remainder of the game (we’re still waiting on an update for Week 7). 

    With Landon Dickerson finally being given much needed time off to recover from a plethora of injuries. The Eagles aren’t looking as healthy as they did for last seasons run.

    Another Week Of Sloppy Offense

    The Eagles can’t seem to pick which quarter they struggle the most in. From 3 points in the 2nd half of week 1. 7 points in the first half against the Rams, and only 7 points in the 2nd half against the Buccaneers and Broncos. The Eagles were shutout against the Giants and were picked off the first time in the 4th quarter of Week 6.

    If the Eagles plan on winning more games, they’ll need to get the offense in a more consistent rhythm that is able to score more than 17 points against some of the best (and worst) defenses. 

    A Weekend Of Successful Hate Watches.

    While the Eagles dropped an important division game against a bottom feeder Giants team. That didn’t stop more teams in the NFC from also having very unfortunate ends to their Week 6 matches.

    • The Cowboys fell to 2-3-1 as Rico Dowdle stacked up 239 total yards against his former team. 
    • The 49ers(4-2)lost their 2nd game to the Buccaneers(5-1), but both teams racked up more injuries, including Fred Warner & Emeka Egbuka. 
    • The unstoppable Lions were held to only 17 points to a Chiefs team that started the year 0-2. 
    • The Bears struggled to take down the Commanders, but a late 4th Quarter fumble gave the Bears the opportunity to come out on top. 

    After a very long week being disappointed in an Eagles loss. They still finish Week 6 atop the NFC East with a 1 game lead on the Commanders. 

    Perhaps things aren’t that bad after all?

    The post A Blown Chance To Get Back In The Saddle. appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka gets brutal update from sports doctor

    Throughout the first five weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka break out as an immediate star. From day one, he has been an elite playmaker within the team’s high-powered offense.

    Unfortunately, in Week 6, Egbuka suffered an injury.

    During the game, Egbuka went out due to a hamstring injury. As fans wait for a firm timeline for his return, there is concern that the news won’t be good. The Buccaneers have already dealt to injuries at wide receiver for both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

    Read more: Browns’ Kevin Stefanski Sends Clear Shedeur Sanders Message

    With that being said, a notable sports doctor has weighed in on the situation in a post on social media. His opinion will not make Tampa Bay fans very happy.

    Jesse Morse, who has become a very popular sports figure on X, shared that he doesn’t see Egbuka returning to the field anytime soon.

    “The earliest I expect Emeka Egbuka to return is Week 10,” Morse wrote.

    Losing Egbuka for any period of time will be difficult for the Buccaneers to recover from. Missing him for at least two more games would be extremely bad news. Over the next two weeks, Tampa Bay will be facing the Detroit Lions on the road and the New Orleans Saints on the road as well.

    So far this season in his rookie year, Egbuka has put up big-time numbers. He has racked up 27 receptions for 469 yards and five touchdowns. Very few rookie wideouts are able to make that kind of an impact.

    Thankfully, Morse’s possible return date would see him return to the field in Week 10 against the New England Patriots. However, the earliest return date does not mean the most likely. Egbuka could miss more than two games by the sound of his opinion.

    Read more: Eagles’ Trade Rumors Receive Major Update From NFL Insider

    Nothing is set in stone at this point in time. Until an official timeline is released, it’s just guesswork. Hopefully, the reality of the situation is not as bad as Morse believes it to be from seeing the injury.

    Expect to hear more news about Egbuka in the near future. For now, it sounds like the Buccaneers will have to do without him for the near future as he works his way back from the injury.

    For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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  • Buccaneers dealt troubling Chris Godwin injury news

    Chris Godwin’s 2024 NFL campaign was cut short by a gruesome season-ending ankle dislocation in Week 7.

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver suffered serious ligament damage and underwent surgery this past spring, and he returned to action in Week 4, taking the field for the Buccaneers’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

    The 29-year-old pass-catcher also played in this past Sunday’s Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, the veteran wide receiver appeared to suffer an injury setback this past weekend.

    Godwin appeared on the Buccaneers’ Wednesday injury report with a fibula injury, notching a did not participate designation for the practice session. He was absent from practice yet again on Thursday.

    With two consecutive DNPs, Godwin’s status for Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers could be in serious jeopardy.

    Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring), wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) and running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) were also absent, according to team insider Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

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    More Football: Chiefs’ Andy Reid Breaks Silence on Chris Jones Controversy

    Godwin was one of the NFL’s leading wide receivers before suffering his season-ending ankle injury in 2024, reeling in 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns through seven games. He struggled to produce in each of his two appearances this season, catching three passes for 26 yards in both games.

    With Godwin and Evans out, quarterback Baker Mayfield has found his new favorite target in rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka. The No. 19 overall pick out of Ohio State has 25 catches for 445 yards and five touchdowns in his first five NFL appearances.

    More Football: Jalen Hurts Makes His Opinion of Giants QB Jaxson Dart Extremely Clear

    Despite their long list of injury issues, the Buccaneers are 4-1 to start the 2025 season. This past weekend, the NFC South leaders notched a 38-35 road game victory over the Seahawks.

    The Buccaneers’ Week 6 matchup against the 49ers will kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET in Tampa Bay.

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  • Eagles 2025 Quarter Season Check In  – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    With the TNF game over between the NFC West powerhouses of the LA Rams and SF 49ers. It’s time to check in on the Eagles. Now that we’re entering Week 5, with 25% of the season over with and how the team is shaping up before we get to the Week 9 Trade Deadline.

    So Far So Flawless

    The Eagles are one of two teams entering Week 5 undefeated. Will the week end with the Bills and Eagles at 5-0? One step closer to securing their divisions as quickly as possible?

    Starting 4-0 marks the 3rd time in 5 years that the Sirianni/Hurts era Eagles have come out of the gate strong. But will they sustain this quality of inconsistent play through 13 more games? They’ve started slow before with a 2-2 start that resulted in an 12-1 end to the season. Now that they’re through the “gauntlet” of this year, maybe the team will start to figure things out for 4 full quarters.

    Injuries Piling Up

    After the Rams game, the Eagles placed three players on injured reserve. Including Nolan Smith and Jakorian Bennett. And with Ogbo Okoronkwo expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn triceps during the Buccaneers game, the Eagles defense is slowly getting depleted. Add on that Dallas Goedert continues to intermittently miss practice and the Offensive Line starts to get banged up. It might be a long year ahead. 

    Approaching The Deadline

    With the trade deadline set for November 4th. The Eagles have one month to make any serious additions to the roster before it’s too late. 

    And with 10 picks coming up in the 2026 draft (7 in the first 4 rounds) the Eagles will have plenty of capital to make their final rounds of roster moves if they wish to remain a contender through 2025.

    We’ll see what the Eagles bring to a dip in their strength of schedule. With their next 4 opponents having a combined record of 6-10 (DEN, MIN, NYGx2) when we get to the mid season checkpoint. 

    Go Birds. 

    Tags: Buffalo Bills Dallas Goedert Eagles Jakorian Bennett Jalen Hurts Los Angeles Rams NFC West Nolan Smith Ogbo Okoronkwo Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Categorized: Eagles

    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • Holding On In the Heat – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Tampa, Florida — No shade? No Sweat. With all of their stars on the field — the Eagles may have finally slayed the dragon at Raymond James Stadium — beating the Bucs and former Eagle Haason Reddick. In 105-degree heat — the Eagles jumped out to a 24–3 lead in the first half thanks in part to a Sydney Brown return on a blocked a punt twenty-one yards for a touchdown. The Eagles also added two red-zone shovel-passes from Hurts to Dallas Goedart as well as a sweep from Saquon Barkley in the third quarter on a perfectly executed Tush-Push fake.

    For a team with one of the most difficult early-season schedules in NFL — has now started 4–0 for the 3rd time in Nick Sirianni’s tenure. The last NFL team which started 4–0 and not made the NFL playoffs was the 2016 Denver Broncos.

    A promising start nearly turned into another last-minute Buccaneers comeback in the fourth quarter as two seventy-plus yard pass plays to Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka helped to being the home team within 31–23. In the last five minutes of the game — the Eagles made three big plays to help to secure the win — turning Tampa Bay back on multiple drives. A scrambling Baker Mayfield forced a ball into the endzone that was intercepted by rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell with five minutes left. Then Moro Ojomo sacked Baker Mayfield in order to setup a third and 23 with less than two minutes remaining. Finally on 4th and 10 — Andrew Mukuba delivered a monstrous hit on Buccaneers Tight End Cade Otton to end the contest.

    In addition to allowing Tampa Bay back in the game in — the Eagles will also have to work on the eight penalties for eighty-three yards that included a taunting penalty from Cooper DeJean in the first quarter and a second Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty by Jaylx Hunt during the game.

    Tags: Cooper DeJean Dallas Goedert Jalyx Hunt Saquon Barkley Sydney Brown Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Categorized: Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • A 3-0 Eagles Team Trying To Avoid Repeating 2023.  – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    There’s a concern that the 2025 Eagles might be approaching the same territory as the 2023 Eagles. 

    Uncertainty of CB2 play. Overcoming a lengthy list of departing free agents. And questionable offensive gameplans through three weeks do give some cause for concern.

    The Eagles have managed to start the year off 3-0 against a division opponent, a Super Bowl rematch and a most likely division winner and future playoff rematch. With a dip in their quality of opponent in the coming weeks. The Eagles will be primed to start the first half of their season with a strong lead on the NFC East before their week 9 Bye.

    Defensive Difference 

    In 2023, the Eagles defense ranked 26th with an average of 356.1 yards against per game. Ranking 31st against the pass with 252.7 passing yards against, but finished 10th against the run with only 103.4 yards against per game. Demoting Sean Desai mid season, promoting Matt Patricia (of all people), losing Slay for the end of the year and a spiralling streak they couldn’t get out of completed the recipe for disaster.

    So far through 3 weeks. The Eagles defense ranks 11th against the pass (185.7 yards/game) and 24th against the run (133.3 yards/game). Ranked as the 18th best overall defense. There’s work to be done but the Eagles aren’t in the worst position, yet. 

    Offensive Woes

    The Eagles will need to figure out how to get the run game more involved to keep opponents defenses on the field, and theirs off it.

    Averaging 179.3 rushing yards in 2024, the Eagles offense was able to kill the clock and chunk yardage as Saquon averaged 5.48 yards/carry. Through 3 weeks they average 122 rushing yards per game, while Saquon starts off with only 3.34 yards/carry.

    Will the Eagles be able to find their groove Sunday against the Buccaneers? Or will we have to wait till the following weekend to see the team firing on all cylinders?

    Tags: Darius Slay Eagles Matt Patricia NFC East Philadelphia Eagles Saquon Barkley Sean Desai Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Categorized: Eagles

    Tyler L’Heureux

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