The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just suffered one of their humiliating defeats in years with a 23-19 loss against the Cleveland Browns.
The game was ugly from start to finish, including a lengthy weather delay in the fourth quarter. It was far from the get-right game the Bucs had envisioned hosting one of the NFL's worst teams in the home opener.
Tampa Bay is in serious trouble now, as they fall to 0-2, and it feels like this team just can't do anything right. It might be time to sound the alarm on this Buccaneers team.
8 instant takeaways from Tampa Bay Buccaneers' inexcusable 23-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns
1. Baker Mayfield didn’t have the revenge game he was hoping for, coming up just short in a 23-19 loss. He finished 21-of-34 with 182 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Dating back to last season, the Buccaneers are 1-9 when Mayfield throws an interception, simply can't overcome turnovers from their quarterback. He needs to protect the football, or this season could get ugly.
2. The Buccaneers' pass defense struggled badly in the second half. After a solid first half where they allowed just six points, Tampa Bay allowed 17 second-half points and allowed Cleveland to take control of the ballgame. Deshaun Watson outplayed Baker Mayfield, finishing 24-of-30 with 238 yards and two touchdowns along with 22 rushing yards.
3. Tampa Bay’s run defense was elite, as has been the case throughout the majority of Todd Bowles’ tenure coaching the defense. The Buccaneers held the Browns to just 44 yards on 23 carries. Quinshon Judkins rushed for just 1.8 yards per carry. Deshaun Watson was Cleveland’s leading rusher.
4. Alex Anzalone continues to be the worst player on defense. He had several missed tackles including one that led to a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown for rookie Denzel Boston. He was also called for a boneheaded unnecessary toughness penalty. Anzalone was brought in to be a veteran presence on the defense, but he’s been nothing but a liability thus far.
5. Bucky Irving was the Bucs’ best offensive player for the second week in a row. He rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries.
6. Chase “Money” McLaughlin lived up to his nickname, going four-for-four on field goals including a 59-yarder.
7. Penalties were a problem. Tampa Bay committed six for 62 yards, with several in crucial situations including a back-breaking holding penalty on Graham Barton on the potential game-winning drive. The Bucs need to be more disciplined going forward.
8. Cade Otton finally put the gloves on, and it paid off. He led the Bucs in receptions with five for 38 yards, including an impressive one-handed catch.
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