The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to 0-3 with a 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and the season is quickly slipping away from them.
It's the first 0-3 start for the Buccaneers since 2014 -- Jason Licht's first season as general manager in a year the Bucs finished 2-14. Tampa Bay needs to quickly turn things around and build some positive momentum, or they're heading toward a similarly disastrous season spent in the cellar of the NFL standings.
It's a frustrating loss all around with too many missed opportunities to count -- which is unfortunately becoming a theme this season -- but there were still some positives to take away.
9 instant reactions after Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 23-16 loss to Minnesota Vikings
1. The Bucs’ offensive line was downright bullied by the Vikings’ pass rush. Mayfield was sacked six times and was under constant pressure throughout the game. They couldn't run the ball either, as Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell combined for just 42 yards on 18 carries -- a dismal 2.3 yard average. The offensive line entered the year regarded as one of the NFL's best units, but they haven't lived up to that status so far this season.
2. Todd Bowles’ defense came to play, but their heroic effort was wasted by the offense. The unit sacked Kyler Murray three times and came away with an interception. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the dormant offense.
3. Baker Mayfield did just about all he could, though it won't reflect in the stat sheet. He finished 17-of-34 with 217 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Mayfield was under constant duress throughout the game due to poor pass protection, and receivers struggled to get open. Mayfield left in the fourth quarter with a hand injury, which will be something to monitor as the team waits to see if he'll miss time.
4. David Walker is Jason Licht’s latest NFL Draft gem. With Rueben Bain Jr. out with an injury, Walker had his moment in the limelight, and he rose to the occasion with three total tackles and a sack, making it his second week in a row taking down the opposing quarterback.
5. Alex Anzalone had his best game as a Buccaneer, making up for a brutal first two games. He led the team with 7 total tackles and also had a sack. The Bucs need more performances like this from the veteran linebacker going forward.
6. Chase McLaughlin continues to be excellent, going 3-for-3 on field goals with a long of 54 yards. He’s now made 14 of his last 15 kicks from 50-plus yards, and is cementing himself as one of the NFL’s elite kickers.
7. Outside of McLaughlin, Tampa Bay’s special teams unit took a huge step back. Not only did they surrender an 86-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter, but both Miles Killebrew and Kevin Knowles were called for special teams penalties. The group needs to get back on track going forward.
8. Speaking of flags, the Buccaneers continue to commit backbreaking penalties that cost them big plays. Tampa Bay was called for eight penalties for 81 yards, and had several huge plays offensively called back due to holding. The worst of all was an 85-yard touchdown for Chris Godwin nullified by a Luke Goedeke holding penalty.
9. Vita Vea finally made an appearance after a quiet first two weeks. He had five total tackles and two passes batted down. One of his deflections resulted in an interception by A’Shawn Robinson. He also drew a crucial holding penalty late in the fourth quarter. On Sunday, Vea looked like the elite nose tackle the Bucs have been expecting.
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