The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a golden opportunity to tighten their grip on the NFC South. Instead, they let it slip through their fingers-literally and figuratively-in a frustrating 24-20 home loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
This one stings more than most. The Saints came in at 2-10, sitting near the bottom of the NFC standings, and yet they walked into Raymond James Stadium and walked out with a win. For Tampa Bay, a team that had the chance to control its own destiny with matchups against the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers to close the season, this loss throws the division race wide open.
Now, with two games still to come against Carolina, the NFC South could very well be decided in those head-to-head matchups. But if Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Bucs have some serious issues to clean up-and fast.
Let’s break down three key players whose performances played a major role in the loss.
Emeka Egbuka, WR: Rookie Wall or Something More?
There’s no sugarcoating it-Emeka Egbuka is in a slump. After flashing early in the season and looking every bit the first-round talent, the rookie wideout has hit a rough patch. Drops have become a recurring issue, and Sunday’s miss was the most painful yet.
With just under five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay was trailing 24-17 and knocking on the door. Baker Mayfield delivered a high but catchable ball to Egbuka, who had created separation with a beautiful route.
It should’ve been six. Instead, it was a drop-and a momentum killer.
Tampa Bay had to settle for a field goal, cutting the deficit to four instead of tying the game. That drop loomed large as the final minutes ticked away.
Egbuka finished with just 2 catches for 15 yards on 8 targets. When you’re a first-round pick and expected to be a go-to weapon down the stretch, those numbers just don’t cut it.
The Bucs need him to bounce back, and quickly. The talent is there.
The question now is whether he can mentally reset and find his rhythm again before it’s too late.
Lavonte David, LB: A Step Too Slow?
Lavonte David has been the heart and soul of this Bucs defense for over a decade. But on Sunday, the veteran linebacker looked a step behind-and the Saints took advantage.
The most glaring moment came late in the fourth quarter. On a crucial 3rd-and-8, David had Saints running back Devin Neal lined up for what should’ve been a drive-ending tackle.
Instead, he missed. Neal picked up the first down, and New Orleans punched it in for the go-ahead touchdown.
It’s the kind of play David used to make in his sleep. But at 35 years old, the wear and tear is starting to show.
That doesn’t take away from what he’s meant to this franchise, but it does highlight a growing concern: the Bucs didn’t do enough to prepare for a drop-off at inside linebacker. Now, that oversight is showing up in the worst way-at the most important time of the season.
David still brings leadership and experience, but Tampa Bay can’t afford to lean on him like it’s 2015. The defense needs more from the second level, and right now, they’re not getting it.
Kam Johnson, WR: A Costly Mental Lapse
Coming out of halftime, the Bucs had a chance to reset and make a statement. Instead, they handed the Saints a golden opportunity-and they cashed it in.
On the opening drive of the third quarter, Baker Mayfield threw an anticipation ball to Kam Johnson, trusting his receiver to finish the route. Johnson didn’t.
He pulled up, and the result was an interception that set New Orleans up deep in Tampa Bay territory. A few plays later, the Saints scored.
That sequence flipped the game. Instead of the Bucs potentially taking control, they were playing catch-up the rest of the way.
It’s the kind of mental mistake that coaches harp on all week in film sessions. Johnson has shown flashes this season, but consistency-and effort-matter just as much as talent.
If he wants to stay in the rotation, he’s going to have to prove he can be trusted in high-leverage moments. Because right now, the margin for error in the NFC South is razor-thin.
Final Word
The Bucs had a chance to put the division on ice. Instead, they’re staring down a three-week sprint to the finish with no room for slip-ups. Sunday’s loss wasn’t just about one play or one player-it was a collective letdown, but these three missteps stood out in a game Tampa Bay couldn’t afford to lose.
With two matchups against Carolina still on the board, the Bucs can still write their own ending to this season. But if they want to make that happen, they’ll need cleaner execution, sharper focus, and their playmakers-especially the young ones-to step up when it matters most.