5 winners (and 4 losers) from Buccaneers’ nightmare loss to the Browns

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a humiliating 23-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 as they fell to 0-2.

Things are dire for this Buccaneers team with a difficult schedule ahead, and this season could quickly go off the rails. It sure feels as if the Bucs just hit rock bottom after another humbling loss. 

Which Buccaneers stepped up to the plate, and who let the team down against Cleveland?

Winners and Losers after the Tampa Buccaneers’ 23-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns

Loser: Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield’s revenge game against the Browns was the storyline entering today’s game, and it was far from the fairytale ending he was hoping for. 

Mayfield turned the ball over for the second week in a row, and continuously missed throws down the field. His offensive line did him no favors, but Mayfield is the heart and soul of the team, and he’s been awful to start the year. 

Winner: Bucky Irving

For the second week in a row, Bucky Irving was the best player on offense. He rushed for 89 yards on 17 carries, averaging over five yards per carry for the second week in a row.

The offense has run through Irving in both games this season, and he’s been one of the lone bright spots through an otherwise disappointing start to the season.

Loser: Alex Anzalone

Alex Anzalone continues to be a disaster. Not only did he have several missed tackles, but he was also called for a boneheaded 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.

Anzalone is a team captain and in his 10th NFL season, and there’s no excuse for the veteran to be such a major liability. He’s dragging the entire defense down, and the Bucs don’t have any other options to turn to.

Winner: Josiah Trotter

Josiah Trotter finished with 13 tackles, leading the team for the second week in a row. The rookie has been the team’s best player defensively, and is far more deserving of the green dot and a “C” on his chest than Anzalone.

Loser: Bucs Offensive Line

Entering the season, the Bucs offensive line was heralded as one of the premier groups in the NFL, and the best unit on Tampa Bay’s roster. Through two games, they’ve been a major weakness.

Mayfield was sacked three times, a week removed from being sacked four times in the season opener. Not to mention, Browns defenders got into the backfield several more times, but Mayfield was able to evade pressure – or this game would have looked even worse on the stat sheet for the Bucs’ pass protection.

Winner: Chase McLaughlin

Chase McLaughlin is the best player on the team through two games. He nailed all four field goal attempts, including one from 59 yards out as he continues to establish himself as one of the NFL’s best kickers.

Winner: Tykee Smith

Tykee Smith had a solid showing with five tackles, including three tackles for loss. The Bucs would like to see him make some splash plays in coverage, but his ability to make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage is an asset for the team.

Loser: Bucs Red Zone Offense

The Buccaneers scored just one touchdown in four red zone attempts, which proved to be the difference in the game. Tampa Bay needs to make plays when they get in the red area and stop settling for field goals, or they’ll continue to lose close games just like this.

Winner: David Walker

David Walker was one of the most hyped players of the Bucs’ offseason as he made his presence felt throughout training camp. He didn’t get many reps in the season opener, but today, he got home for a sack when given the opportunity.

Walker has potential to emerge as a dominant pass rusher for this team – and they could sure use it as the rest of the pass rush remains largely invisible.

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