In Week 1, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense didn’t do rather a lot, however Baker Mayfield got here up large when it mattered for a win.
After two weeks, it’s a pattern.
The Buccaneers hadn’t scored within the second half when the Houston Texans scored simply earlier than the two-minute warning to take a 19-14 lead. Tampa Bay was with out each tackles and safety was an enormous concern. And despite the fact that the offense was dangerous for 28 minutes of the second half, it did sufficient within the remaining two minutes to win.
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Mayfield, who took massive hits and was sluggish to stand up on a pair events, stored the sport alive with an enormous scramble on fourth-and-10 within the remaining two minutes. Then he marched Tampa Bay into place for Rachaad White to run for a 2-yard landing with six seconds left to give the Buccaneers a dramatic 20-19 win over the Houston Texans.
Last week, Mayfield threw a game-winning landing within the remaining minute to beat the Atlanta Falcons. That’s a dramatic means to go 2-0.
Mayfield has been good for the Buccaneers ever since they signed him to a discount contract in 2023. So far this season Mayfield has been nice when the Buccaneers wanted it most.
Texans rating first however Bucs take lead
The Buccaneers led 14-10 at halftime, but it surely was a troublesome half for them.
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Offensive sort out Luke Goedeke left with a decrease leg damage, leaving the Buccaneers with out each of their stellar tackles. Tristan Wirfs hasn’t performed but this season due to a knee damage. Defensive sort out Calijah Kancey suffered a pectoral damage and his evening was accomplished.
The excellent news is the Buccaneers stored making performs regardless of accidents within the first half. They obtained off to a sluggish begin when Nico Collins made an incredible catch for a landing and a 7-0 Houston lead, however Mayfield was sharp. He had touchdowns to Ryan Miller and spectacular rookie Emeka Egbuka. The Buccaneers’ protection performed properly, with the Texans struggling to set up any run sport, and Collins’ landing was Houston’s final one of many first half.
The Buccaneers nonetheless had loads to fear about, notably in defending Mayfield in opposition to an excellent go rush, however not less than they’d the lead.
Bucs D retains them in it
The Buccaneers had a troublesome time on offense to begin the second half. Eventually, their accidents on the offensive line turned a significant downside. The Bucs’ protection did its finest to keep the lead.
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The Bucs had an enormous goal-line stand early within the fourth quarter. Stroud accomplished a couple of passes downfield and obtained Houston to the 1-yard line. But Chubb was stopped quick on second down, Collins had a go go off his arms on third down after which Stroud overthrew Collins as he rolled out to his left on fourth down.
Houston’s protection additionally stored the Texans within the sport. Then Houston’s particular groups made two large performs. Bucs punter Riley Dixon took too lengthy in opposition to the Texans’ rush and had a punt blocked. Houston took over at Tampa Bay’s 35-yard line with just a little greater than six minutes left, trailing 14-10. But the Texans had an errant go from Stroud, a run for nothing after which on third down Stroud threw a go that ought to have been picked off by linebacker Lavonte David, hitting him proper within the arms earlier than he dropped it. The Texans settled for a 53-yard discipline aim. Then Jaylin Noel’s lengthy punt return, during which officers picked up a flag for a block within the again or holding, arrange Chubb’s landing and the lead with simply over two minutes remaining.
The Texans had to get another cease, and the Buccaneers’ offense was restricted due to safety points. But the Bucs obtained a drive going. Mayfield had Egbuka deep downfield however Egbuka dropped a go that hit his arms. That appeared to finish Tampa’s hopes however Mayfield saved the drive by scrambling for a primary down on fourth-and-10. Bucky Irving had a 22-yard acquire on a dumpoff go, making a number of tacklers miss. A pair passes later and the Buccaneers handed to White, who scored up the center to take the lead with 9 seconds left.
Tampa Bay has been on the sting of a pair losses thus far this season. Mayfield has proven his worth to the Buccaneers in these tense spots.