Buccaneers vs Vikings: Key Plays from 2017 Week 3

The Buccaneers lost to the Vikings this past Sunday, what key plays allowed Minnesota to achieve victory?

The Buccaneers were riding high following last week’s beat-down of the Bears, but were quickly brought back down to earth. The Bucs came into the game missing a key player on each level of the defense, which did not bode well. The pass rush never got to Keenum and made Tampa pay, hitting several big plays.

In addition to Brent Grimes, Kwon Alexander and Chris Baker being out, a few more Bucs players got dinged up during the game. Tampa Bay lost for a reason and the key plays that will be mentioned are why.

Dalvin Cook, 1-yard TD Run: 10:58  left in Q1

The Vikings got off to a flying start scoring a TD in less than five minutes. Keenum hit Adam Thielen on a big play to get to the red-zone before Cook punched it in. However, it did seem that the ball came out before Cook crossed the goal-line, but there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the call.

This was a key play for Minnesota because it capped off an impressive drive and put pressure on the Bucs early-on.

Keenum to Jarius Wright 2-yard TD: 10:25 left in Q2

Minnesota continued to move the ball with ease, marching down the field and scoring. Tampa Bay had stopped the Vikings on 3rd-and-3, but a defensive holding on T.J. Ward gave them another chance. Following the penalty, Keenum hit Wright for a touchdown.

This touchdown had to start making the Buccaneers wonder if they were capable of stopping Minnesota. This was a key play for the Vikings because they scored again, and showed they wouldn’t be stopped easily.

Jameis Winston intercepted by Trae Waynes: 4:02 left in Q2

Following a pair of punts on their last two drives, the Bucs looked poised to score this drive. Jameis led the Bucs into Vikings territory before being intercepted.

It looked like a miscommunication between Winston and DeSean Jackson, but Jackson was also held up. However, there was no excuse for the interception as it killed off a promising drive.

This was a key play for the Vikings because it ended a drive which looked like it was going to end in much needed points for the Buccaneers.

Case Keenum 17 yd TD Pass to Stefon Diggs: 0:47 left in Q2

Keenum continued his cooking of the Bucs defense with a 92-yard touchdown drive. The quarterback hit Diggs for a 47-yard pass to the Tampa Bay 30-yard line. A few plays later, Keenum again found Diggs, this time in the end zone in what was an incredible catch for Diggs.

This was a critical play for the Vikings because they took a three possession lead and forced their will on Tampa Bay. There was nothing Hargreaves could do as Diggs just out-jumped him.

Case Keenum to Stefon Diggs 59-Yard TD: 12:25 left in Q3

Diggs continued his big day against the Bucs with a 59-yard touchdown. Following a short drive by the Bucs, Keenum went to Diggs who shed a tackle and took it all the way. This touchdown pretty much put the game out of reach.

This was a key play because the Vikings almost put the game to bed with that touchdown.

Jameis Winston to Brate 15-yd TD: 8:47 left in Q3

Following the long touchdown by Diggs, the Buccaneers quickly responded. Bernard Reedy took the kickoff all the way out to the Minnesota 46-yard line to give the Bucs favorable field position. Tampa Bay faced a 3rd-and-long early but converted with a throw to Brate. After a few more plays, Winston found his tight end again, this time in the end zone.

This was a key play because it gave the Bucs offense some confidence.

Winston to Jackson 25 yd TD: 0:00 left in Q3

The Bucs defense prevented a score and gave Jameis a chance to cut it down to two possessions. Winston looked good this drive and helped Jackson draw a big DPI penalty. A few plays later Winston would hit Jackson this time for his first touchdown as a Buccaneer.

This score started to apply some pressure to the Vikings. This was a key play because it put the Bucs in striking distance.

Winston INT to Sendejo: 12:37 left in Q4

Following a three-and-out by the Vikings offense, the Bucs had a legitimate chance to get back into the game. Jameis led his offense into Vikings territory before being intercepted for the second time. This interception was no doubt a killer and one that was all on Jameis.

This was a key play for Minnesota because it effectively killed any comeback hopes for the Bucs. The Vikings also benefitted from a good return.

Ultimately, Winston’s turnovers loomed largely, but the story was the day was the defense’s inability to get a stop. The injuries no doubt hurt, but the Bucs need more from the pass rush. The pass rush left the secondary out to dry with all the time they gave Keenum.

Tampa Bay will look to bounce back next week against the winless Giants if the pass rush shows up, the Bucs have a good chance. If not we could be in for another long day.