A win is a win.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started their season against their NFC South rival, the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz stadium.
This was never going to be an easy game for the Bucs, but they escaped with a 23-20 win.
The offense, which had been hyped up by the media – and myself – all offseason, struggled to start.
However, it finally came to life with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to rookie Emeka Egbuka to put the Bucs in front.
Having elected to defer in the first half, the Bucs started off with the ball in the second half.
This opportunity was wasted, as usually automatic Chase McLaughlin missed a 44-yard field goal. This would not be McLaughlin’s only miss of the game, to the detriment of my blood pressure.
The Falcons also did well to bottle up the Bucs’ usually impressive run game in this match-up. Bucky Irving rushed for just 37 yards, with Rachaad White going for just 14.
The Bucs relied on the passing game, with Mayfield throwing for 167 yards and three touchdowns.
Not a day to be a kicker
The fourth quarter produced one of the most gruelling stretches of an NFL game I have ever watched. The Falcons scored a go-ahead touchdown on a nine-minute, penalty-ridden drive peppered with booth reviews and challenges.
Responding to this, Mayfield fired the team 63 yards downfield, ending with an incredible 25-yard touchdown toss to Egbuka, putting the Bucs ahead.
Then McLaughlin, who I have been endlessly praising since joining HuddleUK, missed the extra point, leaving the door open for the Falcons to tie the game up with a field goal.
Michael Penix Jr, who had a great game at times, made some clutch plays and dragged his team down to the Bucs’ 26-yard line to attempt a 44-yard field goal to tie it up.
In a game where kickers were poor, the Falcons’ Younghoe Koo missed the kick, allowing the Bucs to see the final seconds out by taking a knee.
Sneaking away with a W
The Bucs escaped The Big Peach with a win after what was a slugfest full of penalties and missed kicks.
I was not impressed by the performance. However, road division games are always tough, and I am glad to enjoy a win to start the season.
The offense needs to shake off the rust of the offseason. If they get firing on all cylinders, it could be one of the best units in the league.
The defense also needs some tweaks, and Tampa is still waiting for some important players to return from injury.
The Bucs will need to improve as they take on the Houston Texans in the Lone Star State next week.
