The Seahawks host the Buccaneers Sunday in an NFC showdown between teams with matching 3-1 record. The Seahawks are looking to build off a three-game winning streak, while the Bucs are trying to get back on track after a close loss to the Eagles in Week 4. To help you get ready for this week's game, we asked Buccaneers.com writer/reporter Brianna Dix six questions about this week's opponent.
The Bucs have had some pretty significant players miss games due to injury this year but are still 3-1 with the only defeat coming by a one-score margin to the defending champs. What has been the key to keeping things rolling despite some key absences, and who needs to step up this week on that front?
Dix: The key has been various players stepping up to carry the load, notably Baker Mayfield to close out games and Todd Bowles' defense putting the clamps on opposing offenses after slow starts and forcing them to become one-dimensional, primarily passing the football. With Bucky Irving out for weekend's game, along with corners Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, the Bucs will rely heavily on running back Rachaad White, corners Zyon McCollum and third-round pick Jacob Parrish, along with Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard and Chris Godwin Jr. Godwin Jr. is still working his way back into the mix, but when he finds synergy with Mayfield, that pairing is one of the most frightening for defenses around the NFL.
Three wins inside the final minute in three weeks? What has allowed the Bucs to thrive in late-game situations this season?
Dix: Baker Mayfield has rallied the team to victory with his late-game heroics. During Tampa Bay's last possession against the Jets in Week Three, Mayfield completed two passes for 47 yards and generated a 93.8 passer rating while leading Tampa Bay into scoring position. Since Mayfield joined the Buccaneers, he leads the NFL in passer rating (101.6) and passing yards (571) and is tied for the league lead in passing touchdowns (five) with under two minutes remaining in regulation (min. 50 pass attempts). The signal-caller has spearheaded the offense with his improvisational skills and key scrambles on third down to continue drives. He has a great understanding of pressure and when to break contain when he finds a lane. Mayfield has been the engine driving the Bucs to victory in the final minute.
This will be a homecoming for first-round pick Emeka Egbuka. What has the rookie receiver meant for Tampa Bay's offense this season?
Dix: When the Buccaneers drafted Emeka Egbuka in the first round, most pundits were shocked, expecting the club to go the defensive route. Instead, they took the next prodigy from the Ohio State fraternity and the move has paid dividends. With the gradual return of Chris Godwin Jr. and injuries to both Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, Egbuka leads the Bucs in both receiving yards (282) and receiving touchdowns (four) through the first four weeks of the season. He is one of only four players since 2000 with 15-plus receptions, 250-plus receiving yards and four-plus receiving touchdowns through the first four games. He has a rare football IQ for a rookie and coaches have raved about his understanding of concepts at the X, Y and Z spots. Baker Mayfield mentioned Egbuka correcting him in the huddle and he was correct. Egbuka is a perfectionist and it shows in his savvy route running and understanding of how to manipulate coverage. He commands the catch point and has been the Bucs offensive catalyst.
Other than the obvious big names, what player or players could you see being an X-factor in this game?
Dix: I am going to go with running back Rachaad White. Bowles ruled out Irvin on Friday due to foot and shoulder injuries, so White will have a larger role in Week Five. When the Bucs faced the Seahawks in Munich in 2022, White posted his first 100-yard rushing game and helped the team establish the tone on offense. That performance, in which he memorably stiff-armed standout safety Quandre Diggs, became his breakout debut. Obviously, both teams are much different three years later; however, White has run hard in 2025 and has been a safety blanket for Mayfield on checkdowns. He is natural in the open field and I think he could be an impact playmaker come Sunday.
What matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to watching play out on Sunday?
Dix: The matchup that I am most looking forward to seeing is the battle between Bucs corner Zyon McCollum and Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba produced a stellar 2024 campaign with 100 catches for 1,130 yards and he has played an integral role in Seattle's offense in 2025, nabbing 26 catches for 402 yards and a touchdown through the first four weeks. He has been Sam Darnold's go-to target and is a zone-beater. Smith-Njigba has outstanding ball-tracking skills and is lethal at the break point. Last season, McCollum led the Bucs' defense with 17 passes defensed and with the injuries to both Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, he will play a critical role on Sunday in limiting Seattle's weapons. McCollum matches releases and is smooth out of his backpedal. He possesses elite speed to stay with vertical threats and I will be keeping an eye on this WR-CB clash.
Bonus question: how freakin' great is this uniform matchup?
Dix: I absolutely love our creamsicle jerseys and the Bucs finally got over the hump and defeated the curse, beating the Jets in the throwback '76 creamsicles in Week Three. I am looking forward to the nostalgia of Sunday and the retro ambiance at Lumen Field.
Seahawks players practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center as they get ready for the upcoming matchup vs. Buccaneers.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) and tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde with defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) with defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29), safety Coby Bryant (8) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) and cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safeties coach Jeff Howard with safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Shane Lemieux (66) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Logan Brown (73) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26), running back George Holani (36) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
