The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their best defensive game of the season on Sunday afternoon, creating four turnovers in the 24-3 win against the Saints. It was good to see the defense have a strong game as the offense hasn’t performed well over the last two weeks against Detroit and New Orleans.
Against the Saints, linebacker Anthony Nelson picked off a Spencer Rattler pass and returned it three yards for a touchdown. It was Nelson’s first career interception. He also added two sacks and two tackles for a loss. Nelson, who had played just 30 percent of the snaps all season, made the most of his playing time on Sunday.
Todd Bowles talked about the play of Anthony Nelson. “He’s a good ballplayer. We always talk about Nellie all the time. He’s always at the right place at the right time. He’s a very aggressive player. He’s a very smart player. He had a heck of a ballgame, and once he catches the ball, there’s nobody who is going to catch him when he sprints 1 yard.”
Anthony Nelson said the interception was just a blur. “I don’t really remember what happened. I just remember catching the ball near the goal line and being in the end zone.”
Antoine Winfield Jr. also had his first interception of the season. Winfield also had a fumble recovery, as did Lavonte David. David led the Bucs with 10 tackles, while Tykee Smith added eight.
Offensively, the Bucs offense has struggled to get into any rhythm the last two weeks. The offense has averaged just 231 yards per game over the last two weeks. The injuries along the offensive line and at the receiver position are starting to have an impact.
Baker Mayfield is banged up, and it shows in his performance. He has been under duress the last two weeks and has taken a lot of hits. Along the offensive line, Cody Mach and Luke Goedeke have been out the last two weeks; Mauch is done for the season. All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs has had a subpar season so far. He has been getting beaten and manhandled all season, which is unlike Wirfs.
Injuries have also decimated the wide receiver position. Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone and concussion in the game against Detroit. He will not be back until late December. Also, Chris Godwin is out after suffering a fibula injury in week five and Jalen McMillian is still working his way back from a neck injury suffered in the preseason. Running back Bucky Irving has missed the last two games with a foot and shoulder injury. When he comes back is anyone’s guess.
So, when you consider the lack of production from the offense over the last two games, injuries have played a significant role.
Mayfield has passed for just 380 yards over the last two games with one touchdown, one interception, and has been sacked seven times for 46 yards lost. Mayfield passed for 379 yards in the win against Seattle just three weeks ago. To illustrate the offensive line’s regression, Mayfield was sacked just nine times in the first five games of the season.
It is a testament to the coaching staff and the “next man up mentality” that the Buccaneers have compiled a 6-2 record at the bye and are one of the top teams in the NFC.
Bowles talked about his team in his “State of the Buccaneers” press conference earlier this week: “I feel good. We played tough. We’re 6-2. We can do a lot of things better, obviously. We have to work on fundamentals, and they have to make sure they continue to take care of their bodies. Our confidence is tough, and our confidence is strong, but we have a long way to go. We understand that it is going to be a big second half when we come back, so we have to be ready.”
With the Buccaneers already thin at receiver and offensive line, could the Bucs be buyers at the trade deadline?
“That will be the discussion more or less going forward,” Bowles said. “We feel like hopefully guys can come back, but at the same time, if there is something out there that is available, depending on whether you have to rob Peter to pay Paul, we have to weigh those options.”
After the bye week, the Buccaneers will host the 6-2 New England Patriots, led by rising star and former UNC quarterback Drake Maye.