It's time for another round of "Performance Preview," in which Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and I make our picks to click for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' next game. This is more than just a brief bit of game analysis, it's a competition. That's right: We're keeping score
The rules are simple: Bri and I each pick one Buccaneers player on Friday and explain why we think they are poised for a big game. We can't duplicate picks so order may matter; Bri picked first last week so that honor rotates to me this week. Since neither of us would be impartial enough to do the judging after the game, we've asked Team Reporter Casey Phillips to step in as the guest judge each week. (Presumably she will be impartial, though she did suggest she might be open to bribes.)
And thank goodness, our long national nightmare is over and Casey finally gave me the nod in Week Three. I had picked running back Bucky Irving, hoping for a cheap win, while Brianna went with Cade Otton. Otton may have done a lot of dirty work in that game, but his absence on the stat sheet made this one an easy choice for Judge Phillips, who wrote:
"Don't call it a comeback because I'm choosing Scott's pick this week. Bucky finished with 25 carries for 66 yards, and four catches for 33 yards, just one yard shy of a 100 yards from scrimmage game. Cade didn't have a catch and hasn't had his most productive starts to the season, largely out of necessity with injuries and how they've affected the game plan. Hopefully once Tristan Wirfs is back in the fold and the offensive line can get back to a more normal lineup, Cade can be used more as a weapon in addition to a being a blocker."
And our updated Performance Preview Scoreboard:
Brianna Dix: 2
Scott Smith: 1
Now let's make our picks for Week Four.
View pictures from Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice on 9/25/2025
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Football during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Pass Game Coordinator Coach Kefense Hynson and Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Pass Game Coordinator Coach Kefense Hynson and Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Senior Offensive Assistant Tom Moore of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Guard Dan Feeney #65 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Guard Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Line Coach Charlie Strong of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cleats during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Punter Riley Dixon #9 and Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Mohamed Kamara #59 and Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Run Game Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote and Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Pass Game Coordinator George Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Scott Smith: Antoine Winfield Jr.
I hope I'm not making this selection one week too late. Winfield might have been a winning pick last week for all the different ways he found to impact the Bucs' narrow win over the Jets. Most notably, he caused a second-quarter fumble with a sack of Tyrod Taylor, leading directly to a three points in an eventual two-point decision.
What I'm banking on by picking Winfield now is that he's about to go on a heater like he did in 2023, when he was seemingly making some game-changing play every week. The emergence of some other playmakers in the Bucs' secondary, such as Tykee Smith and Jacob Parrish, is allowing Head Coach Todd Bowles to move Winfield all over the place and give him a variety of opportunities for big plays.
I'm also thinking that with the strength of the Eagles' offensive line, particularly if Lane Johnson returns to action this week, the Buccaneers may have to blitz a bit more in order to get to Jalen Hurts enough for it to have an impact. Winfield is the Bucs' best blitzer (though Lavonte David has been giving him a run for his money lately), and he is already tied for 11th place all-time among NFL defensive backs with 18.0. Two more would move him into the top 10. I think milestones reached should be taking into account when our esteemed judge is making her picks, so if Winfield were to have a two-sack game I think this would be a slam-dunk win for me. Then both Winfield and I would be getting on a roll!
Brianna Dix: Yaya Diaby
I almost went with Haason Reddick here in going against his former team. However, he will have to face Lane Johnson, one of the best tackles in the game, on Sunday. Last week against the Jets, Yaya Diaby had a standout performance and I am hoping he does it again against the Eagles. He recorded four tackles (two for a loss), two quarterback hits and a sack against Tyrod Taylor. Per Next Gen Stats, Diaby recorded career highs in pressures (11) and pressure rate (36.7%). Both his pressure tally and pressure rate led the NFL in Week Three among players with at least 15 total rushes.
This week, the Bucs face dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts is one of the best escape artists in the NFL so getting him down will be critical. If not, he will take advantage of the open lane. Diaby will have to set a firm edge and get home once he collapses the pocket. This game will likely hinge on the play in the trenches and Diaby figured out an impactful rush plan against the Jets. He had four pressures in under 2.5 seconds – the most pressures by any player in a single game since Week 8 in 2024 per Next Gen Stats. Diaby was quick out of his stance and quickly gained separation at the point of attack. I think he is just getting started and Sunday marks another massive game for Diaby.
