Bucs Nation
Sunday featured a nightmarish start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans. The Falcons walked down the field effortlessly on their first drive scoring on a short throw to Bijan Robinson that featured a substantial amount of open field running after the catch and unfortunate memories of Tampa Bay’s 2024 defense. In life sometimes you get punched in the mouth. The good news? Tampa Bay’s offense had an opportunity to respond. The bad news? Their response— Three plays and a punt. 7-0, Falcons.
The Buccaneers’ offense began quarter number two with the ball, following a rare moment of coaching aggression from Todd Bowles. Backed up in their own end Todd Bowles decided to leave his offense on the field for a fourth down and one. Bowles’ trust in Baker Mayfield and his offense was rewarded as Mayfield found Mike Evans for their first connection of the season. That connection led the Buccaneers’ offense down the field for their first score of the season, a Chase McLaughlin field goal. 7-3, Falcons.
Atlanta, in an effort to match Tampa Bay’s aggressiveness decided their next drive would hinge on a fourth down conversion. Unfortunately, for Atlanta, they made the decision to run at Vita Vea. Atlanta’s turnover on downs set the Buccaneers up with good field position and their offense took full advantage— Touchdown pass number one for number six on the season, touchdown catch number one for number two in his career. Mayfield to Egbuka, a combination Buccaneers’ fans hope to see forge much more of the same as the season continues. 10-7, Buccaneers.
A dropped interception by Zyon McCollum on the Falcons’ ensuing drive would leave the ball in Atlanta’s possession and give them a shot at three points. Younghoe Koo delivered and the Falcons tied the game— 10-10.
The Buccaneers started the second half with the ball and disorganization. Sloppy play is always a large portion of the discussion when the topic is week one football and the Buccaneers will surely have a place in that discussion. Following a completed catch that was actually incomplete, the Buccaneers attempted to get on the ball quickly to prevent an Atlanta challenge. Tampa’s offense was unable to get a play called at the line of scrimmage, forcing them to use a timeout. Tampa Bay’s timeout was self-sabotaging because it gave Raheem Morris enough to time to toss his challenge flag. Following a very quick review, the pass was ruled incomplete. Allowing the Falcons to use Tampa Bay’s timeout to negate their gained yardage is poor, however, letting mistake pile up is worse. Third down and three became third down and eight, the Buccaneers failed to convert, which led to Chase McLaughlin jogging on the field. McLaughlin, as reliable a player as the Buccaneers have had over the past few seasons, fell victim to the week one sloppiness as well, missing a field goal.
Atlanta’s next drive ended in fireworks— For Tampa Bay. Kam...
