Well, Bucs fans, you can cancel your Monday morning EKGs that you have been routinely needing through the first five weeks of the season.
For the first time all season, the Bucs did not have a game come down to a score in the final minute of the game as they won by a score of 30-19. Baker Mayfield solidified himself as the front-runner as the league MVP after his performance against the 49ers, and he was able to do what he did with the players he had at his disposal. The defense also had one of its better performances as it got after quarterback Mac Jones, forced him to throw two interceptions, and kept its talented offense in check. They gave up several big plays, but the defense bent but never broke as a result.
With that in mind, here is our report card grades from the game.
Quarterback
Grade: A+
Baker Mayfield is the MVP of the NFL through six weeks. He was the MVP through five weeks, but what he did against the 49ers, with the players he had missing, cemented it. He lost his last WR1-worthy player, Emeka Egbuka, to a hamstring injury, and it meant the top three receivers on the depth chart were the WR, WR5, and WR6 entering the game. On top of being consistent, after the first quarter, Mayfield was making plays with his legs, including converting a long third-down play that led to a 45-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson.
Running Back
Grade: B
The running game was used more so in the first half when Baker Mayfield was not yet in a rhythm. White and Tucker both found the endzone, which kept the offense in the game in the first half. White proved some solid blocking and some work in the air as well, putting in a complete afternoon. No crazy performances stat-wise, but a well-rounded effort from the position group.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Grade: A+
While he was in the game, Emeka Egbuka looked dominant for the Bucs’ offense. When he went down, Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson were able to step up and become dominant targets in the passing attack. They finished with a combined 109 yards and two scores on five catches. Not to be forgotten, Cade Otton contributed some big catches and run after the catch moments to extend drives. He is still being used a lot for blocking, but he is finally making an impact in the passing attack.
Offensive Line
Grade: B-
Baker Mayfield had to do some heroics at times for the Bucs, but the offensive line was serviceable for most of Week 6. The veteran quarterback would have been sacked a handful of times if not for his being able to escape pressure. In the running game, they did just enough to give their guys tunning lanes for 2-3 yards before contact at times, which was usually plenty.
Defensive Line
Grade: B+
The Bucs’ defensive line held the 49ers’ rushing attack, that was led by Christian McCaffrey, to under 100 yards as a team. They did surrender the 49ers’ first rushing touchdown of the year to their All-Pro running back, but he was held in check otherwise. Also, Vita Vea and Elijah Roberts got after Mac Jones for a sack, which helped matters.
Linebacker
Grade: C
The middle of the field is the Achilles heel of the Bucs’ defense in 2025. Lavonte David made some plays in the run game and blitzing, but he and SirVocea Dennis in pass coverage is like having teeth pulled with no novacaine. Dennis, especially, looks to be out of position constantly with poor effort, compared to David, who is just showing that at age 36, the game is going too fast at times for him. At one point, Dennis was on the sideline
Secondary
Grade: B+
The secondary had some moments where they gave up big plays, but they showed they would bend but never break. Jamel Dean had a big game with a sack and an interception, Kindle Vildor had his first interception as a Buccaneer, and Tykee Smith had a big-time pass breakup on a critical third down late in the game. Mac Jones turned it over twice and was not able to make plays because this group locked in when they needed to down the stretch.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Report Card grades from the Bucs Week 6 win over the 49ers
