Receiver Versatility
On Wednesday at Gesling Stadium, rookie Emeka Egbuka and second-year receiver Jalen McMillan showcased their physicality over the middle of the field, as well as their blocking ability. The duo had a limited pitch count in last Saturday's preseason opener against Tennessee but made the most of their snaps on the grass, as well as in Wednesday's practice. In drills, the pair showed off their quickness in and out of breaks and acceleration capability. Both provide flexibility lining up along the line of scrimmage, opening up the playbook for Josh Grizzard. McMillan pairs long-striding speed with the ability to con coverage with subtleties mid-route and possesses the ability to adjust tempo, throttling up and down throughout routes. Egbuka, an Ohio State prodigy, is a route-running technician with a large catch radius and outstanding ball-tracking skills. Both stood out on Wednesday and elevated Tampa Bay's offense during the club's closed workout.
"They came out strong," said Bowles of Egbuka and McMillan. "They did some good blocking. They only had a few chances to catch [in the preseason opener]; they both caught their balls. They were only in there for maybe 10 plays, I want to say, but they'll play more this week. But they did a good job last week."
Bucky Irving Shines
Running back Bucky Irving produced a stellar outing on Wednesday against the Buccaneers' defense during the team period. He made a lethal cut to the outside and accelerated through the hole for what would have been a probable 40-yard gain during a live game. Then for good measure, Irving tacked on shifty maneuvering in the open field off a screen for chunk yardage a couple plays later. In 2024, Irving took the NFL by storm one forced missed tackle at a time.
Tampa Bay's 5.3 rushing yards per attempt last season set a new franchise record as did its 2,536 total rushing yards. The Bucs rushed for 100-plus yards in 14 of 17 (82.4%) games in 2024 after doing so in just nine of 34 (26.5%) games over the previous two seasons. Irving's 37.1% missed tackle percentage led the NFL and his 76 missed tackles forced ranked first among rookies. The 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team Selection led the rookie class in scrimmage yards (1,514), rushing yards (1,122) and rushing touchdowns (eight). Irving's franchise record 5.4 yards per rush attempt average is the third-highest mark in NFL history among rookies with 200-plus rush attempts in a season, trailing only Adrian Peterson (5.6 in 2007) and Clinton Portis (5.5 in 2002). His 1,514 yards from scrimmage is the second-most by a rookie in team history, trailing only Doug Martin (1,926 in 2012). Irving has continued his dominance throughout training camp and is poised for another breakout campaign in 2025.
WR-DB Battles Garners Growth
Each year during training camp, one-on-one battles always spark excitement, notably the clashes between receivers and defensive backs. The competitive environment fosters development, providing valuable game-like reps that are mutually beneficial. During the exercise, receivers can hone their route running, release package and contested-catch fundamentals, while defensive backs can refine coverage techniques and footwork while working through press and off-man drills. The showdowns provide players with the opportunity to ask questions and strengthen their individual craft. For McMillan, the battles have created another teaching tool in creating separation. The result has paid dividends for the second-year star on the gridiron.
"[It's] a lot of just getting better, a lot of asking questions – 'What we're y'all doing on this? What leverage were you here?,'" said McMillan. "Just building off things with each other and learning about movements and how we can get better getting open."
