The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to get their first win of the season on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Week 1 was a disaster, and several key players let the team down in a 33-27 loss to the Bengals.
If the Buccaneers are going to bounce back and get in the win column, they’ll need their best players to thrive and set the tone for the rest of the team against Cleveland.
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who need to thrive vs. Cleveland Browns in Week 2
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield was very efficient as a passer in Week 1, finishing 23-of-28 (82%) with 216 yards along with 30 yards and a rushing touchdown.
His downfall came in the form of turnovers, as Mayfield fumbled the ball three times and the Bengals scored 17 points off those turnovers in a game that was decided by just six points.
If Mayfield can carry over all of the positives he flashed in the season opener while protecting the football this time around, the Buccaneers should cruise to victory in the home opener.
Bucky Irving
The forecast is calling for heavy rain on Sunday, which could lead to a run-heavy gameplan against the Browns.
Irving was productive in Week 1, rushing for 45 years on eight carries at 5.6 yards a clip and a touchdown. He also had seven receptions for 48 yards, proving to be the team’s biggest contributor in both the running and passing game.
The Bucs will need that kind of performance again on Sunday. The offense is likely to run through Irving for the second game in a row, and if he can run the ball efficiently, Tampa Bay can control the clock and dictate the game on their own terms.
Tristan Wirfs
Wirfs uncharacteristically struggled in Week 1, finishing with a 46.6 PFF grade that ranked second-worst for Tampa Bay’s offense. His 33.4 run blocking grade was second-worst among all offensive tackles across the entire NFL.
Wirfs allowed a sack and was called for two penalties in what might have been his worst game as a Buccaneer.
Things aren’t getting any easier, as he’ll primarily line up against Browns defensive end Jared Verse, who poses a real challenge as one of the NFL’s premier players at his position.
If he struggles for the second consecutive week, the offense will suffer as a result. A bounce-back game from Wirfs will keep Mayfield’s blindside protected and also help the run game be more efficient. The team is really counting on their best player to come through.
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