After a transitional offseason and a national conversation about the fate of a top-five pick in the 2024 draft, the Bucks started the season by silencing some doubters. Tampa Bay made the trip to Minnesota and defeated the Vikings 20-17, emerging from one of the toughest environments in the league.
The game started off with a great showing from the Bucs defense against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense. The Vikings went three-and-out on their first drive and then put together a solid second possession. However, a snap exchange outside the red zone ended in a fumble that was recovered by Joe Tryon-Soyinka to keep the game scoreless.
Bucs S. Antwon Winfield Jr. and OLB Joe Tryon Soyinka – Photo courtesy of USA Today
On the Vikings’ next drive, Antwon Winfield Jr. blitzed and forced a sack fumble on Cousins, which the fourth-year safety recovered himself. This led to the first score of the game, a four-play, zero-yard drive that ended with a 36-yard Chase McLaughlin field goal. Still, Tampa Bay led 3-0 late in the first quarter.
Even after Minnesota went three-and-out again, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense continued to struggle. They got a three-and-out of their own, and that’s when the Vikings finally put something together offensively. In a game that became something of a theme throughout the first half, Justin Jefferson exposed Tampa Bay’s zone defense and started the drive with a huge 25-yard gain. But the bigger play came with a touchdown, as Cousins found rookie Jordan Addison for a 39-yard touchdown.
Tampa Bay’s offense did little for the first 30 minutes of the game. But the Bucs were revitalized after Greg Joseph’s field goal and two drives made it 10-3.
They converted on third down for the first time on the afternoon, which sparked momentum. Mike Evans then made his first catch of the day for 9 yards and caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to cap off the drive. McLaughlin’s extra point tied the Bucks with 10-10 with 1:09 left in the first half.
Bucks NCB Christian Isien – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Minnesota quickly threatened to regain the lead as Jefferson again penetrated the Bucs’ zone defense and picked up 42 yards. But just as the home team seemed to be regaining momentum, rookie Christian Idzien intercepted the game at its own 2-yard line.he was in the right position for the situation steals the ball from KJ Osborne right near the goal lineheaded to the locker room keeping the game tied.
After halftime, the Buccaneer offense started to feel more confident. Mayfield completed a 3rd-and-6 conversion with an 11-yard pass to Evans, then made a nice play throwing out to Rashard White for an 8-yard gain. A 13-yard pass to Cade Otton and another third-down conversion (this one to Deven Tompkins) got the Bucs just outside the red zone at their 21-yard line. The drive eventually stalled there after a bad drop by Evans. At least, that’s what it looked like until an offsides penalty against Minnesota gave Tampa Bay a first down at the 8-yard line.
Three plays later, and on third down, the Bucs took advantage of their newfound vigor.Mayfield investigated the scene and eventually discovered Newcomer Trey Palmer He scored a 7-yard touchdown to give the Bucs a 17-10 lead. The drive lasted 16 plays, 75 yards and took 8 minutes, 59 seconds.
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins – Photo courtesy of USA Today
But as impressive as that drive was, Minnesota quickly came back with a 16-play drive of its own. They took it with 6:01 left in the third quarter, but appeared to fall short with a third-and-goal early in the fourth. Still, the home side benefited from a tough tackle on Christian Idzien for defensive pass interference, which meant another down. A few plays later, Cousins found Alexander Mattison for a 4-yard touchdown. After a 16-play, 75-yard drive that took 7 minutes and 24 seconds, the Vikings tied the game evenly with the Bucs at 17-17.
From there, both teams fought back with a three-and-out. With 9 minutes and 56 seconds remaining, the stage was set for a potentially dramatic ending.
Todd Bowles made a great decision on the offense’s ensuing possession, choosing to go for it on 4th-and-1 with his team’s own 32 points. It worked, and Mayfield slipped through for a first down. After receiving another first down, Tampa Bay was again unable to move the chains. Bowles then made yet another surprising call, sending his field goal unit down the field on 4th-and-3 to attempt a 57-yard field goal. That decision paid off, McLaughlin has had enough. He connected to give the Bucks a 20-17 lead with 5:10 left.
Bowles’ defense had a good chance on the next possession, with a tackle by Lavonte David for loss and a diving pass broken up by Carlton Davis on third down forcing a three-and-out. With less than four minutes remaining, Tampa Bay’s offense got the ball back.
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of USA Today
From there, Mayfield and the offense never returned the ball. The journeyman quarterback scrambled to move the chains to get a first down on a 3rd-and-2, and after a two-minute warning, stopped the game on a 3rd-and-10 and found Chris his Godwin. Got another first down. After several kneelings, the celebration for the visitors began.
Mayfield completed 21 of 34 for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while Evans, the leading receiver, had six catches for 66 yards and one touchdown. Devin White recorded 12 tackles all over the field, and Antoine Winfield Jr. and Anthony Nelson recorded sacks.
Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 138 yards in the first half before being held in check over the final two quarters. He was held to two catches for 12 yards in the final 30 minutes.
Tampa Bay lost the game 369-242, but came back to win 3-0. That was the difference when Todd Bowles’ team started the season 1-0.
Now, the Bucs return to Tampa for next week’s home opener, hosting the Bears for a chance to start 2-0 for the third consecutive year.Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
