The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the Minnesota Vikings 23-16 on Sunday, falling to 0-3 to open the season.
It was another disappointing loss — the third straight game decided by just one possession where the Bucs just couldn’t get out of their own way.
Despite a frustrating result, there were some real positives to take away from Week 3, but there were also some indefensible negatives. Which Buccaneers were the most impressive against the Vikings, and who were the most disappointing players?
Winners and Losers after Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings
Winner: Alex Anzalone
After two weeks headlining the loser’s column, Anzalone finally looked like the linebacker the Buccaneers thought they were getting in free agency.
His five total tackles tied for the team lead, and he also added a sack. There weren’t any egregious missed tackles or blown coverages like he had in recent weeks.
If Anzalone can play at this level consistently, Tampa Bay suddenly has a formidable linebacker duo with him and Josiah Trotter.
Loser: Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield didn’t receive much help from his supporting cast, but his performance on Sunday lands him in the loser’s column for the third consecutive week.
Mayfield finished 17-of-34 for 217 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Through three games, he’s been one of the NFL’s worst starting quarterbacks due to inaccuracy and turnovers.
To make matters worse, he suffered a hand injury that appeared to be serious, and could miss some time.
Winner: David Walker
David Walker’s breakout was the story of Buccaneers training camp, and he’s living up to the hype.
Walker recorded a sack for the second consecutive week, and like a headache for the Vikings’ offensive line to deal with thanks to his deep bag of pass rush moves.
Walker finished with three total tackles, including two for loss, and he’s earring more playing time by making a splash every time he’s on the field.
Loser: Bucs Offensive Line
I wrote earlier that Mayfield didn’t have much help from his supporting cast. That starts with his protection up front.
Mayfield was sacked six times, and is the NFL’s most sacked quarterback through three weeks. Some of that is on him for holding the ball too long, but Tampa Bay’s pass protection has been downright bad.
This unit was consistently ranked as one of the top offensive lines in football before the season, but they’re playing like one of the worst — and something needs to change for this offense to have any success. The current brand of football that relies on Mayfield to break free of sacks and make magic happen outside the pocket just isn’t sustainable.
Winner: Vita Vea
Much has been made about Vita Vea’s quiet start to the season, especially after he held in all offseason until the team folded and gave him a hefty pay raise.
Vea finally made a splash on Sunday, recording four tackles and two passes defended. One of the passes he tipped at the line of scrimmage was deflected and caught for an interception by A’Shawn Robinson.
Vea looked like the impact nose tackle that the Buccaneers have become accustomed to, and they’ll need this version of him going forward if they’re going to turn this season around.
Loser: Bucs Punt Coverage
Tampa Bay’s special teams unit looked much improved through the first two weeks, particularly in punt coverage. The Bucs struggled mightily in that department last year, made it a priority this offseason to improve on special teams.
This week was a disaster, as the Buccaneers allowed an 86-yard punt return touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game.
It’s unacceptable to give up such game-changing plays on special teams, and Danny Smith needs to have his unit ready to bounce back next week.
Winner: Chase McLaughlin
Chase McLaughlin has been the team MVP through three weeks, to nobody’s surprise.
He nailed all three field goal attempts on Sunday, including one from 54 yards out, and remains perfect on the season.
The Buccaneers struggled to find a reliable kicker for a long time, but now they’ve got one of the best in the entire league.
Loser: Zac Robinson
Zac Robinson’s offense is starting to become a bit of a concern. There were simply no answers for Minnesota’s pressure, and the Bucs offense was dreadful, going 2-for-17 on third down and scoring zero touchdowns in two red zone trips.
The offensive line is suddenly a weakness rather than a strength, and Baker Mayfield is having one of the worst stretches of his entire Bucs tenure.
When the entire offense is a sinking ship, observers will begin to look sideways at the coordinator.
Winner: Buccaneers Defense
A few defensive players got individual nods, but Todd Bowles’ entire unit deserves a tip of the cap.
They sacked Kyler Murray three times, and held him to 15-of-29 for 168 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Minnesota went just 2-of-15 on third down. Their 21.7% offensive success rate was the worst offensive game across the NFL this season, and the lowest of Kevin O’Connell’s 71-game tenure as head coach.
Tampa Bay’s defense quite literally did everything they could to keep the Bucs in the game, but their effort wasn’t enough to overcome the lousy offensive performance.
Winner: Ted Hurst
Ted Hurst drew the ire of some fans after dropping a potential game-winning touchdown in Week 2 that went right through his hands.
This week, Hurst bounced back with a 40-yard catch-and-run score for the first touchdown of his NFL career.
He hasn’t been very involved in the offense, but he’s making the most of his opportunities. The arrow is pointing up for Hurst.
Add us as a preferred source on Google