Buccaneers Secure 20-17 Win with Baker Mayfield: Despite Tampa Bay’s tough start, Mayfield’s determination led the team to win. The Bucs’ defense aided their victory.
Mayfield had a rough start for Tampa Bay, but he recovered nicely. After the Vikings’ 3 turnovers, Mayfield threw two touchdowns without any turnovers. The Buccaneers won 20-17 in the opener.
Mayfield said, “Not our best effort, but finished well.”
Chase McLaughlin was a pivotal addition to the Buccaneers. With 5:10 left, he made a 57-yard field goal, giving Tampa Bay the lead. The Bucs’ defense stopped the Vikings’ last two drives quickly.
Coach Bowles praised Mayfield’s grit. The team supported him.
Mayfield was the 2018 draft’s top pick. He joined his fourth team in three years after Brady left. Despite a rough start, It finished strong, completing 21 of his last 34 passes after only 3 of his first 11. Just before halftime, he passed to Mike Evans for a touchdown, tying the game at 10-10.
Bucs defender Barrett praised Mayfield’s determination, saying, “I knew they’d get it.”
Mayfield’s late-game effort, converting a key third-and-2, showed his determination. On 3rd & 10, after a 2-minute warning, Godwin made a fantastic catch. It secured their win.
Mayfield credited his success to his quarterback experience. He said, “It comes with playing QB for a while. The next play is critical.
Kirk Cousins had a great game. He completed 33 of 44 passes for 344 yards and 2 TDs. Justin Jefferson made a significant impact with nine catches for 150 yards. The Vikings couldn’t repeat their 11-0 record in close games from last season.
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Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is upset over the team’s errors.
Rookie Jay Ward was penalized for the middle zone lineup. It resulted in a touchdown pass from rookie Trey Palmer, giving Tampa Bay a 17-10 lead.
The Bucs surprised the Vikings with blitzes, stopping the run. They had seven players from the 2020 Super Bowl-winning team and four first-round draft picks on defense.
In the game, notable events included a strip sack by Antoine Winfield Jr. and a fumble recovery. Izien intercepted Cousins’ pass near the goal line in the first half.
Teams will aim to improve results as the season progresses. Mayfield’s toughness and determination lead to victories.
Bucs LB Lavont David checked for concussion after colliding with Vita Vea, while DL Calijah Kancey worsened calf injury. Bradbury injured his back in the Vikings game, and Darrisaw hurt his hip. Linebacker Marcus Davenport was sidelined due to an ankle injury in practice.
Our Reader’s Queries
What are the odds for the Buccaneers to win the Super Bowl in 2023?
The Buccaneers’ Super Bowl odds have come a long way since the preseason, going from +10000 to +5500. This marks the 13th-smallest change in the league. As it stands, the Buccaneers have a 1.8% chance of winning the Super Bowl based on their current odds.
How much did the Buccaneers pay Baker Mayfield?
Mayfield inked a one-year contract with the Buccaneers in March, guaranteeing him $4 million and potential earnings of up to $8.5 million with incentives. His lackluster performance in the 2022 season played a role in the Panthers firing head coach Matt Rhule after a disappointing 1-4 start.
Has Baker Mayfield ever won a playoff game?
Baker Mayfield secured his first playoff victory, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
When did Baker Mayfield go to the Buccaneers?
Mayfield, 28, played in five games last season for the Los Angeles Rams, and then he joined the Buccaneers on March 15.