The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can be forgiven for being aghast at what transpired Thursday night. They fought tooth and nail against the Atlanta Falcons, but the loss shocked both players and coaches to their core. Head Coach Todd Bowles was just as incensed, referring to the loss as “inexcusable.” He said the onus was on the players to make the big-time plays at the big-time moments.
This week was a major one for quarterback Baker Mayfield. It was the first time this season that he’d had all of his top wideouts at his disposal. The return of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from injured reserve gave a huge shot in the arm to the Buccaneers’ offense. The team was unable to pull off the win.
In an electric, nail-biting last drive, Atlanta showed that heart. One of the key plays for the Vikings was a desperate 14-yard completion from quarterback Kirk Cousins to Kyle Pitts Sr. on an equally desperate third-and-28. This ridiculous throw nevertheless sparked a touchdown. Running back Bijan Robinson then found the end zone on a six-yard run, pulling the Longhorns within 28-20. Although Atlanta missed a two-point conversion attempt, they managed to drive 67 yards for the score, putting pressure on Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers faltered as Mayfield threw an interception into the waiting arms of Dee Alford. This came immediately following Robinson’s touchdown providing Atlanta an opportunity to snatch the momentum. Even with the loss, Tampa Bay was still on the edge of making it. David Sills V’s 20-yard catch on a pivotal fourth-and-14. This reception would later set up Zane Gonzalez’s game-winning 43-yard field goal.
In his post-game comments, Bowles didn’t mince words on his disappointment. What Coach Moss said sat with me: “You don’t make excuses. By this point, you’ve seen it all in the season. His remarks made it clear just how upset the organization was. Yet, they showed an increasing urgency to get better as the season wears on.
Baker Mayfield further affirmed his coach’s points, saying he personally felt responsible for the loss. This is going to be the one that haunts me. It’s on me,” he said. He pointed out that he personally as well as the team needs to learn from it.
As the Buccaneers regroup following this loss, Todd Bowles’s pointed criticism serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on the players. The team’s ability to bounce back and execute better in future games will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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