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; I picked first last week so that honor rotates to her 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.
After I got my first win in the competition in Week Three by taking the low-hanging fruit that is Bucky Irving, I hitched my wagon in Week Four to safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Meanwhile, Bri also went on the defensive side and chose outside linebacker Yaya Diaby. While the Bucs' defense as a whole was quite good, particularly in the second half, and held the Philadelphia Eagles to just 200 yards, neither Winfield nor Diaby had the sort of splash plays that would catch our judge's tie. This is how Judge Casey ruled this week:
"This week's pick to click will be just as unsatisfying as the ending of the Cowboys Packers game…a tie. Should ties be a thing in sports? That's a debate for another day but the answer is no. Alas here we are because I just couldn't find a clear winner between Antoine and Yaya. Both had solid games, both were part of a defense that helped limit the Eagles to 33 yards in the second half. Neither had massive splash plays or gave up many plays. So Scott and Bri both live to fight another day, and hopefully this week there will be a clear winner."
And our updated Performance Preview Scoreboard:
Brianna Dix: 2
Scott Smith: 1
Push: 1
So, yeah, ties suck. Let's make our picks for Week Five as I try once again to even things up on the scoreboard.
View pictures from Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice on 10/2/2025
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon, Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2, Running Back Rachaad White #1, Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Linebacker Nick Jackson #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 and Linebacker Deion Jones #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 and Linebacker Deion Jones #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Mohamed Kamara #59 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson #56 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson #56 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 and Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Buccaneers flag during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 and Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Adam Gotsis #97 and Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Guard Luke Haggard #72, Center Graham Barton #62 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brianna Dix: Rachaad White
With Bucky Irving being ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks, I think Rachaad White is going to have a breakout game in Week Five. When the Bucs faced the Seahawks in Munich, Germany in 2022, White posted his first 100-yard rushing game and helped the team establish the ground attack. That game, in which he memorably stiff-armed standout safety Quandre Diggs and earned the Angry Run Scepter from Good Morning Football, is one of White's most notable performances as a Buc. Both clubs are different in 2025 and Seattle boasts the NFL's sixth-best run defense; however, there are many ways that White can make an impact at Lumen Field.
He has become a go-to target for Baker Mayfield on checkdowns and provides a security blanket if pressure collapses the pocket. White has churned out physical five and six-yard runs that have helped create physicality, wearing out defenses. Where he made his impact back in 2022 was on the perimeter off screens. White is a patient runner and he can stack cuts to maneuver around congestion. He sets up blockers and runs with good balance for between the tackles-duties. With outstanding body control and adjust capability as a pass-catcher, I believe White will have a key performance against the Seahawks for the second time.
Scott Smith: Chris Godwin Jr.
Bri and I are not purposely picking players from the same side of the line of scrimmage each week; it's just working out that way. For us both to choose offensive players against one of the NFL's best defenses may not seem like a great strategy, but I trust in Baker Mayfield and company to find a way to keep chugging along.
Chris Godwin Jr. return to game action last Sunday for the first time in 11 months, which is how long it took him to recover from a serious injury that included, among other things, a dislocated ankle, plus the surgery that followed. He was not put on a pitch count, playing 81% of the Bucs' offensive snaps. And he was immediately back in Mayfield's crosshairs, getting 10 targets to tie Emeka Egbuka for the team lead. Those 10 targets producing just three catches and 26 yards was concerning – Godwin has always played a highly efficient role in the Bucs' passing game – but I think it's fair to attribute some of that to the proverbial "knocking off of rust." In other words, we shouldn't be surprised that a guy playing for the first time in 11 months and coming back from a serious injury would have a less productive outing than usual.
My prediction here is that the rust has sufficiently been shaken and that Mayfield and Godwin will find that connection again that they had last year, which had Godwin as the NFL's leading pass-catcher at the time he got hurt. Godwin is too proud and too hard of a worker not to push himself to higher production. It doesn't hurt that the Seahawks will be without one of their top cornerbacks, Devon Witherspoon. Godwin is going to go off and I'm going to even this competition up. Book it
