Bucs Nation
Fittingly donning the creamsicle throwbacks, the Bucs almost harkened back to the “Yuccs” but managed yet another last-minute victory, 29-27, over the New York Jets Sunday.
A dominant three quarters gave way to a perilous final frame during the team’s home-opener and 50th anniversary celebration, as the Buccaneers took their foot off the gas way too early and gave up their three-score lead on two straight Tyrod Taylor-led drives and a blocked field goal return for a touchdown. But Baker Mayfield, who played very well once more, led his third-straight 2-minute scoring drive to rise above the various obstacles that plagued the day.
Despite highly questionable officiating, poor play from the makeshift offensive line, and even more injuries, Tampa rallied to record its first 3-o start in 20 years.
While the resilience has been special for this group so far, harder challenges are coming soon and hopefully they’ll continue to tighten the screws. Let’s do some shoutouts.
Mayfield obviously gets his deserved flowers for his continued clutch play, but the game would’ve been made so much harder for him if Emeka Egbuka wasn’t already a bonafide stud.
A fractured front five and Mike Evans getting his annual hamstring injury could’ve put this offense in completely dire straits, but Egbuka served as a focal point for the third consecutive game and made multiple critical plays en route to leading the team — and the entire game — in receiving (6 catches for 85 yards).
Beyond his insane one-handed grab over one of the league’s best in Sauce Gardner, Egbuka moved the chains several times as he played through a hip/groin injury on a short week (it could be strongly argued he had another great catch during the 2-minute drill that went inexplicably unreviewed). If Evans misses multiple weeks, as is likely the case now, Egbuka becomes the de facto No. 1 even if Godwin comes back soon since the latter will need time to ramp up. He’s showing he’s ready for the challenge early on.
Of course, Mayfield played mistake-free football and marched the team downfield in crunchtime once again. Now getting the moniker “Two Minute” Mayfield, that probably has off-field implications he would dispute, but on the field I’m sure he’ll happily accept it. Mayfield finished 19-of-29 for 233 yards, a touchdown, and more clutch scrambles that totaled 44 yards on 4 carries.
Sterling Shepard also needs praise. The veteran has been reliable all season, and he stepped up after Evans got hurt, including the final 24-yard reception that set the Bucs up for the win. He finished with 4 catches for 80 yards, and the 32-year-old will keep getting his number called in the weeks ahead.
The Bucs’ defense played very well for three quarters before completely emptying the tank in the fourth quarter, which obviously cannot happen, but it wouldn’t be right to ignore what they did well.
First and foremost, they forced turnovers!...
