And just like that, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-0 for the first time since 2005.
It is hard to believe, but the Bucs overcame two curses in their 29-27 win over the New York Jets this past Sunday.
They first overcame the 3-0 hex, starting with three consecutive wins for the first time in two decades.
They also overcame the “Creamsicle Curse”, winning in their incredible throwback uniforms for the first time since 2009.
Never easy
As usual, it was not easy for the “Liverpool of the NFL”. And once again, Tampa Bay won the game on a last-minute drive.
Tampa Bay were up 20-6 at halftime, after an impressive Pick-Six by Jamel Dean at the end of the first half.
The first half was solid and, after a Mike Evans touchdown and an incredible one-handed catch from Emeka Egbuka, Tampa were cruising.
There was some issues with the makeshift offensive line, however. The Bucs were penalised six times for offensive holding in the first half. Five of those came on their opening drive.
After the Bucs added some field goals and the Jets got a touchdown, the score was 26-13 Tampa Bay, with four minutes left in the game.
The highs and lows of a kicker
Tampa then relinquished yet another Jets touchdown, before heading down the field to set up a field goal with just under two minutes left.
Then, disaster struck.
Just like all over the league this weekend, Chase McLaughlin’s kick was blocked, and the Jets returned it for a go-ahead touchdown.
McLaughlin has now missed three field goal attempts this season – one in each game – which is a very worrying stat.
Baker cooks again
Despite this setback, Baker Mayfield got the ball back… need I say any more?
In a perfect drive, he set up the winning field goal for McLaughlin, which he drilled down the middle to secure another close win.
Mayfield was great in this game. He threw for 233 yards, averaging almost a first down per pass at 8 yards, bagged a touchdown and took only one sack behind a makeshift offensive line facing a solid defense.
Looking ahead to Week 4
There was some more injury issues however, as Mike Evans limped off the field. He will be out with a hamstring injury for a few weeks.
The good news is that both Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin have a very good chance of playing against the Eagles this weekend, according to most sources.
Interestingly, the Bucs also re-signed 400+ pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson, having previously released him.
The Bucs will be happy to have these guys back to face the reigning Super Bowl champions this weekend in what promises to be a great game.
