I do like Mondays.
After a close win against the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took on the Houston Texans in Week 2.
This task was no easier, but the Bucs came away with a last-gasp 20-19 win fuelled by Mayfield magic.
This is only the second time the Buccaneers have ever beaten the Texans. This was also their first regular season Prime Time win since beating the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Day in 2022.
These Prime Time failures have hurt the Bucs recently but on Monday night, Tampa came out on top – just!
The tale of the game
Monday night’s game started out as expected. Both teams scored touchdowns on their opening drives.
The Bucs’ running game was amazing, with Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Baker Mayfield going for a combined 170 yards. They were also good in the passing game with Baker throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
Tampa scored a touchdown to go up 14-10 and soon after, Houston responded with one of their own along with a field goal, going up 19-14. After this, Tampa had one minute to go down the field and score, just like against Atlanta.
Mayfield showed just how incredible he is, leading yet another one-minute drive to put the Bucs up 20-19 with six seconds left on the clock. His cause was helped by penalties but also an incredible 4th-down scramble to keep the drive alive.
At this point, it is becoming his thing. I must say it is very exciting, but the Bucs cannot sustain this week after week.
Special teams concerns
Tampa Bay’s performance was riddled with mistakes, including another missed field goal by Chase McLaughlin.
McLaughlin has missed six field goals in his Bucs career. A third of these have come in the first two games of this season.
Punter Riley Dixon also seemed off his game, taking too long to unload his punts and inevitably getting one blocked.
Defensively strong
Luckily, the defense was solid.
As usual under Todd Bowles, the defense starts out very poor but once they adjust, they play extremely well.
The Bucs’ defense made some great plays, including an amazing stand on their 1-yard line to deny the Texans.
They also did well to get to C.J. Stroud, sacking the quarterback on three occasions, including on a crucial two-point attempt.
What next?
After another last-minute win led by Baker, I am hoping for an easier game next week.
The Bucs will be taking on the New York Jets. Gang Green will be without Justin Fields after his concussion this past week.
In what will be their home opener, I am hoping for an easy win for Tampa Bay.
If all goes to plan, they will move to 3-0 before facing the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
