Baker Mayfield orchestrated a dramatic comeback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to a thrilling 20-19 victory over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. Despite appearing to play with a leg injury, Mayfield showcased his resilience and skill, guiding the Bucs to their second consecutive win and a 2-0 start to the season, extending their streak of 2-0 starts to five consecutive years. The Texans, on the other hand, fell to 0-2.
The Buccaneers started strong, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. Mayfield connected with Ryan Miller for a 20-yard touchdown and later found Emeka Egubka for a 15-yard score. However, the scoring drought that followed made the final moments of the game even more tense.
With only 59 seconds remaining and facing a crucial third-and-10, Mayfield showcased his mobility, scrambling for 15 yards to extend the drive. He then masterfully executed a game-winning 80-yard drive, completing 7 of 9 passes for 63 yards over 11 plays spanning 2 minutes and 4 seconds. Rachaad White capped off the drive with a decisive 2-yard touchdown run.
Mayfield's overall performance was impressive, with 25 of 38 completions for 215 yards and two touchdowns, along with 33 rushing yards on three carries. The Buccaneers' ground game also contributed significantly, with Bucky Irving rushing for 71 yards on 17 carries and White adding 65 yards on 10 carries, resulting in a combined 169 rushing yards and an impressive 5.6 yards-per-carry average. Mike Evans, in his return home, added five catches for 56 yards.
The game was far from a smooth victory for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers' special teams struggled, missing a 38-yard field goal, having a punt blocked, and allowing a 53-yard punt return that set up Houston's go-ahead touchdown. The Texans' special teams unit almost single-handedly changed the momentum of the game.
Houston's Nick Chubb, initially limited to 18 yards on his first 11 carries, broke loose for a 25-yard touchdown with 2:10 left, giving the Texans their first lead since the opening drive. The Texans also blocked a punt with 6:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, which resulted in a field goal, narrowing the Bucs' lead to 14-13. This block marked the first allowed by the Buccaneers since 2018.
Despite the Texans' efforts, their offense ultimately failed to match the Buccaneers’ output. They were outgained 360 to 266 yards. Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 13 of 24 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown, adding 27 rushing yards. Nico Collins stood out for the Texans with three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.
In the end, Mayfield's determination and the Buccaneers' late-game execution proved too much for the Texans to overcome, resulting in a hard-fought victory for Tampa Bay.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/monday-night-football-baker-mayfield-leads-bucs-to-20-19-comeback
