Bucs Nation
Receiving the ball first, the Buccaneers’ offense pieced together a very promising opening drive. A week ago, against New England Tampa’s debut possession was one of the only positives from the game’s early stages— The Bucs’ scripted plays took them to them to end zone for an Emeka Egbuka touchdown, before a flounder offense began looking lost. This week, Tampa once again came out guns blazing. A strong run game escorted Tampa into striking distance, though a failed third down, combined with game-altering weather conditions led them to a punt. Punts aren’t known for leading to points, however, pinning Buffalo inside their own 10-yard line gave Todd Bowles’ defense a chance to harass Josh Allen in the end zone. Rather than submit to taking a safety, Allen two-hand shovel passed the ball forward for a Jacob Parrish interception. Short-field goals can be game-losing plays, but for now, exist as the only points in the game. 3-0, Bucs
Kick coverage was optional for Tampa’s ensuing kickoff and Buffalo would start the drive across midfield and finish with the game’s first touchdown. Good field position, followed up by a dropped interception, and a fourth down conversion, all worked in tandem to lead to a touchdown-scoring Josh Allen quarterback sneak. 7-3, Bills.
The Buccaneers’ third drive, which really felt more like a second drive after drive one and two were only slightly separated by by Buffalo politely giving the ball back to Tampa Bay, was more positive production. Highlighted by the team’s running game, Baker Mayfield taking part in it for the first time in a month, the Buccaneers nabbed their first touchdown and snatched back the lead. Mayfield’s scamper and flip into the end zone moves the score to 10-7, Buccaneers.
Leads are born everyday— Born shortly after Tampa’s lead would be a Buffalo Bill lead. Josh Allen launching a vintage heave-ho to Tyrell Shavers wowed fans in attendance and will likely do the same for NFL fans watching highlights tonight— Another score in a blossoming shootout. 14-10, Bills.
More bullets would fly on the Buccaneers’ next drive. Sean tucker, who has had a consistent bid placed for best third string running back in the league, reminded fans that— off the bench— he has break away ability. Tucker bouncing off-tackle right sprinted down the sideline for another Tampa Bay score. 17-14, Baker’s Bunch.
Attempting to mount another consecutive response, the Bills’ offense put the ball in the hands of their star. Josh Allen, on a fourth down, maneuvering the pocket— A Bills’ fan’s dream, however, not so much on this occasion. A late pass popped up over the middle for a SirVocea Dennis interception, the first of his career.
In a second quarter full of eye-catching plays, Josh Allen’s next bite at the apple would feature another. Bucs’ fans know as well as anyone— Third down + Todd Bowles = Blitz. Unfortunately the Bills were aware as well, calling a screen pass to beat the pressure...
