When Cade Otton, tight end of Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauled in four catches for 81 yards on Sunday, the stadium in Seattle seemed to hold its breath.
Just a few plays later, rookie wideout Tez Johnson, also of the Buccaneers, spun through a screen and hurdled into the end zone for a 22‑yard touchdown. The final score? 38‑35, and Tampa Bay moved to 4‑1 on the season.
Game Overview
The clash took place at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on October 5, 2025. It was the Buccaneers’ first road test of the year, and the Seahawks entered with a 3‑1 record, hoping to snap a late‑season slump.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, the 29‑year‑old signal‑caller for Tampa Bay, threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, earning what many analysts called his best performance of the campaign.
Offensive Game Plan
Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard, who took over the role after Liam Coen’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers, crafted a midfield‑centric attack. He repeatedly sent intermediate routes right into the heart of Seattle’s secondary.
The blueprint was simple: thread the ball to Otton in the soft‑spot between the linebackers and safeties, then swing the ball to Johnson on quick screens. The strategy paid off, as Seattle’s defensive backs, still adjusting to the new scheme, repeatedly over‑committed to the deep ball.
Key Performances
Otton’s four receptions stretched the defense, but his biggest contribution came on a third‑down conversion that kept a drive alive in the second quarter.
Johnson’s 59‑yard day included that memorable hurdling touchdown, a play replayed on NFL.com’s highlight reel the following day. He also displayed poise on three other catches, demonstrating that his rookie status isn’t a liability.
Running back Rashaad White, wearing number 28, piled up 71 yards from scrimmage and delivered a crucial first‑down rush on the game‑winning drive.
On the line, right tackle Tristan Wirfs kept Mayfield upright, allowing the quarterback to step into the pocket and release the ball before the pass rush could get to him.
Defensive Highlights
Linebacker Lavonte David, a 12‑year veteran, anchored the defense with 12 tackles, two of them for loss, and a key pass deflection on the Seahawks’ final drive.
The Buccaneers logged 71 total tackles (42 solo), a solitary sack, and two quarterback hits. Though Seattle’s offense managed 35 points, those defensive numbers kept the game within reach.
Implications and Next Steps
The win snapped a two‑game losing streak against Seattle that dated back to the December 15, 2019 matchup. More importantly, it gave Tampa Bay its first road victory and solidified Grizzard’s play‑calling philosophy.
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers host the New Orleans Saints on October 12 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. If Mayfield continues to connect with Otton and Johnson, the Bucs could be eyeing a top‑four finish in the NFC South.
Historical Context
The Buccaneers, owned by the Glazer family (with co‑chairpersons Bryan Glazer and Edward Glazer), have been rebuilding since the 2021 season. Their 4‑1 record this year is their best start since 2018, when they won the Super Bowl.
Seattle, meanwhile, still feels the ripple from the estate‑led ownership transition after Paul Allen’s death. Chairman Jody Allen has promised a “new era” that has yet to translate into consistent wins.
Expert Analysis
Retired Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, speaking during a CBS Sports halftime segment, noted, “You throw the ball early, so you can run the ball late.” That sentiment perfectly encapsulated Grizzard’s game plan: strike with the pass, then let the ground game close the door.
Analysts at the Pewter Report praised the Buccaneers for “taking what the defense gave us,” highlighting their flexibility in a league that often over‑commits to one‑dimensional attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cade Otton’s performance affect the Buccaneers’ offense?
Otton’s four catches for 81 yards provided a reliable safety valve for Baker Mayfield, especially on third‑down situations. His ability to find soft spots between the Seahawks’ linebackers and safeties forced Seattle to allocate extra coverage, opening up the screen routes that Johnson later exploited.
What was the significance of Tez Johnson’s touchdown?
The 22‑yard screen‑pass touchdown was the game‑changing play that gave Tampa Bay a 35‑30 lead in the fourth quarter. It showcased Johnson’s nimbleness and the coaching staff’s confidence in a rookie to execute a high‑pressure play.
Why did the Buccaneers favor a passing attack over the run?
Seattle’s front seven was stacked to stop the run early in the game, as noted by the Pewter Report. Grizzard’s game plan capitalized on that by using quick, intermediate routes that neutralized the pass rush, while still mixing in occasional runs to keep the defense honest.
How might this win influence Tampa Bay’s upcoming matchup with the Saints?
The confidence boost from beating a strong Seattle defense could carry over to the Saints game. If the Buccaneers continue to exploit intermediate routes and keep Mayfield protected, they’ll force New Orleans to play from behind, which historically works in Tampa’s favor.
What does this victory mean for the Buccaneers’ season outlook?
A 4‑1 record positions Tampa Bay among the early NFC frontrunners. The road win demonstrates they can thrive outside their home venue, an essential factor for a playoff run. If injuries stay limited and the offensive scheme continues to evolve, they could contend for a division title.
