Buccaneers Blow 14-Point Lead, But All Eyes Now on Final Stretch With Offense Finally Healthy
For the first time all season, Baker Mayfield had the full offensive arsenal at his disposal. Mike Evans was back.
Jalen McMillan made his long-awaited debut. Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Rachaad White, Bucky Irving-everyone was suited up.
And yet, even with all that firepower, the Buccaneers couldn’t hold off the Falcons on Thursday night, falling 29-28 in a game that felt like it slipped through their fingers.
Let’s start with the obvious: Tampa Bay had a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. That’s the kind of cushion you expect a playoff-caliber team to protect, especially with your top weapons finally healthy.
But instead of closing, the Bucs collapsed-again-and it wasn’t just the 37-year-old Kirk Cousins carving them up. It was a defense that looked completely out of sync, giving up 476 total yards to a Falcons offense that was missing its top receiver.
Yes, the Falcons were flagged 19 times for 125 yards. Yes, the Bucs had all their playmakers back. But none of that mattered when it came down to execution, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Evans Returns, Offense Flashes Its Potential
Let’s not overlook what Mike Evans brought to the table in his return. The 32-year-old wideout reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dangerous downfield threats in the league, hauling in six catches for 132 yards.
He looked like his old self-physical, explosive, and clutch. And when Chris Godwin is your fourth option, that’s a good problem to have.
Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka showed why the Bucs were excited to get him involved, finishing as the team’s second-leading receiver with four catches for 64 yards. Jalen McMillan, in his first game back from a neck injury suffered during the summer, made an immediate impact as well.
His 20-yard catch nearly resulted in a touchdown before he was ruled just short of the goal line. That play set up a one-yard score from third-string running back Sean Tucker.
The Bucs’ first touchdown drive was a showcase of what this offense can be when everyone’s healthy. Evans, McMillan, Irving, and White all chipped in with plays of five yards or more.
That kind of balance and versatility is what Tampa Bay envisioned back in training camp. But as we’ve seen all year, injuries and inconsistency have kept this group from finding any real rhythm.
Defense Continues to Be the Achilles' Heel
While the offense showed signs of life, the defense continues to raise serious red flags. Tampa Bay gave up nearly 500 yards to a Falcons team that was missing Drake London and leaned heavily on David Sills V. That’s not exactly a murderers’ row of offensive talent, and yet the Bucs made them look like world-beaters.
The pass rush was virtually nonexistent, managing just one sack-courtesy of Haason Reddick, who’s been underwhelming since arriving as a high-profile free agent. The secondary struggled to contain anything over the middle.
The run defense couldn’t slow down Bijan Robinson. And Kyle Pitts Sr. found soft spots all night.
After the game, head coach Todd Bowles didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Coaches have done all they can do,” Bowles said. “They [players] have to hold themselves accountable.”
That’s a strong statement from a head coach who’s watched his defense underperform week after week. And he’s not wrong.
This isn’t a scheme issue-it’s an execution issue. And at this point in the season, that’s a hard thing to fix on the fly.
Playoff Hopes Still Alive in Wide-Open NFC South
Here’s the silver lining: the Buccaneers are still very much alive in the NFC South. At 7-7, they’re just behind the surprising Panthers (7-6), who could create some separation if they beat New Orleans on Sunday.
But Tampa Bay and Carolina still play each other twice in the final three weeks. That’s where this division will be decided.
If Evans can stay on the field-and that’s a big if after he appeared to tweak his back in the first half-this offense has the potential to carry the Bucs across the finish line. But that margin for error is razor thin.
The defense can’t afford another outing like Thursday night. Not if this team wants to return to the postseason.
Tampa Bay’s season hasn’t gone as planned. Injuries, missed opportunities, and defensive breakdowns have kept them from living up to expectations.
But with the offense finally healthy, there’s still a path forward. It won’t be easy.
It won’t be pretty. But in the NFC South, sometimes “good enough” is all you need.
Now it’s on Mayfield and this offense to prove they can be more than that. Because if Thursday night’s defensive performance is any indication, they won’t be able to count on the other side of the ball to get them there.