Was Mike Hughes really to blame on Emeka Egbuka's touchdowns?
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga – The Atlanta Falcons had just taken a lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after another heroic moment from quarterback Michael Penix Jr , but their elation quickly turned to defeat after rookie Emeka Egbuka slipped behind the secondary for a go-ahead touchdown.
The touchdown marked the second score of the day for the rookie wide receiver, with cornerback Mike Hughes hot on his tail on both. Social media quickly turned on the third-year Falcon.
Is the cornerback to blame for the pair of touchdowns? Not so fast says, Raheem Morris.
“That last one, the critical one, we should have had a post player,” Morris said Monday. “It was Jessie [Bates III]. I don't want to act like I'm trying to sugarcoat those things. Jessie [Bates III] should’ve stayed in the post, and those things are critical.”
Content creator Dirty Bird Central was able to identify how and why the pair of touchdowns were not on Hughes, and largely had to do with some shortcomings from his teammates in the secondary.
Atlanta was running what looked to be a standard cover-3 in the secondary. With that, Hughes is responsible for the outside third and playing with outside leverage on the play, while Bates is responsible for the middle third.
Instead, you can see in the replay how Bates got sucked too far up the field looking to cover veteran wide receiver Mike Evans across the middle of the field on an in-breaking route. It looked like the Falcons’ captain was anticipating Baker Mayfield to play the ball to his trusty target, but it was bait.
This creates a gap in the middle of the field.
Mayfield saw Bates play up and Egbuka with inside leverage on his deep post. Hughes had no chance to make up the ground, but still nearly closed out on the ball. The Buccaneers quarterback put a perfect ball in, and the Falcons gave up the score.
“That eats at Jessie [Bates III],” Morris said. “He'll be upset at you guys. Don't ask him about that this week. And Mike can squeeze that thing, make a play better there, too. But they make plays, too.”
On the earlier touchdown to Egbuka, Hughes again appeared to be in coverage on the play. Again, it may not be as clear as it first appeared on television.
From how it appears here, the Falcons were in an inverted cover-2 look with Hughes and A.J. Terrell Jr dropping to split the back half of the field while Bates and rookie Xavier Watts patrolling the second level as a ‘robber.’
Egbuka is running a deep over route, instantly putting Hughes at a disadvantage since he, again, has outside leverage here.
However, Watts was able to identify the route, but broke on it just a step late. He broke across the field to make a play, but Egbuka got good enough depth on his route, and Mayfield was able to slip the ball just over his outstretched hands for the touchdown.
To Raheem’s point, some of these are just the Buccaneers making a great play. These are bang-bang plays, but those are the difference between winning and losing.
So while Hughes was in the picture on both scores, the tape shows it wasn’t that simple. Sometimes, it just comes down to the opponent making the perfect play.
BREAKING: KAREN RETURNS TO RHOP?! Fans React to Shocking Sit-Down Plans!
Could Karen Huger be coming back to The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP)? A recent interview has stirred the rumor mill into overdrive after a mysterious exchange between an interviewer and an unnamed person — and fans can't stop talking about it! The shocking clip, which has gone viral, features a bold statement hinting that a sit-down with Karen could be on the horizon. The real question is: Will this lead to a grand return to RHOP?
The Unbelievable Interview
The clip, which was picked up by TMZ, shows the interviewee — casually dressed and sporting sunglasses — confidently replying when asked about speaking with Karen Huger: “We have texted and I will be speaking with her imminently.” The words "imminently" sparked immediate interest among fans, prompting speculation that a much-anticipated sit-down or even a possible return to RHOP is in the works. Could this be the explosive comeback that fans have been hoping for?
The timing couldn’t be better. With RHOP fans still reeling from the drama-filled seasons, many are calling for the return of Karen — or at least some explosive revelations that could shake things up.
The Karen Huger Effect
Karen Huger, known for her sharp tongue and unapologetic behavior, has been a fan-favorite on RHOP since day one. After several seasons of commanding the screen with her powerful presence, fans have been eagerly awaiting her return after her sudden absence. Could this cryptic message mean a reunion or sit-down is in the works to address the many questions left unanswered?
The statement "We have texted" adds a tantalizing twist — it’s clear that communication has been ongoing, leaving fans wondering just what Karen has been up to behind the scenes. With the rumors already swirling about her return to the show, this latest development only adds fuel to the fire.
Fans React: #KurnBack?!
The clip has exploded across social media, with fans using the hashtag #KurnBack in full force. Could this be the moment when Karen finally addresses the unresolved tension between her and the other housewives? Fans are eagerly speculating that the “imminent” conversation could pave the way for one of the most anticipated confrontations in RHOP history.
Some viewers are thrilled by the idea, tweeting their excitement: "YES, we need Karen back, RHOP has been missing its queen!" Others are ready for the drama to unfold: “Karen coming back is the best thing to happen to RHOP in YEARS.”
What’s Next for Karen Huger?
The real question that remains is: What happens next? If this sit-down is truly in the works, could it signal a return to the spotlight for Karen Huger? Or will it simply be another tease? Only time will tell, but fans are ready for whatever drama Karen brings with her. One thing is for sure — the RHOP world will never be the same again!
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the latest developments in this shocking RHOP storyline. Could Karen Huger be stepping back into the spotlight where she belongs? Fans can only hope!
