The Buccaneers have won three straight after beating the Raiders 28-13 in a game that was probably a bit closer than the final score would indicate. Tampa Bay had many opportunities to blow this game wide open, but instead turnovers and costly mistakes kept Vegas in it until a few clutch plays towards the end of the game by the Bucs offense.
Let’s take a look at what some of the reactions were on social media during this one.
Roller Coaster Baker
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield started off the game hot and immediately drove the offense down the field for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. The drive was capped off with a nice ball to Jalen McMillan for the score and it looked like the Bucs were getting ready to roll.
The defense forced a three and out and then the Bucs drove down yet again and scored a touchdown. It was 14-0 in favor or Tampa Bay quickly… and then the down side of Baker Mayfield reared its ugly head.
In the second quarter, the Bucs had three turnovers, all of which were by Mayfield. The worst one though may have been right before the end of the half when it looked like the Bucs would at least be able to put three points on the board. Instead, it was an inexcusable interception.
This ball is completely forced and there was no reason to throw it. Mayfield took three points off the board for Tampa right before the half. That is now five turnovers in the last 2 games for Mayfield. It is something the Bucs and Baker will have to clean up moving forward.
Rachaad White: Angry Runner
With Bucky Irving a bit banged up, the Bucs leaned on Rachaad White on Sunday and he delivered, scoring both a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game for the first time in his career. He also had a nice run that featured a nasty stiff arm. Hope Kyle Brandt was paying attention.
It was nice to see White be involved early and often in this game and it just goes to show the depth that Tampa Bay has in the running back room.
Welcome back, Rook
Rookie defensive back Tykee Smith missed the last few games with injury and was able to return for this one. It was a welcomed addition as he made a critical play, getting the Bucs first interception since week six.
Coincidentally, the last Buccaneer to intercept a pass was Tykee Smith way back in October against New Orleans. It’s nice to see the rookie come up big in a critical spot.
The highest-graded Buccaneers in Week 14 vs the Raiders:
Tykee Smith - 90.9
Cody Mauch - 84.0
Cade Otton - 81.9
Luke Goedeke - 80.2
Sterling Shepard - 78.9
(min. 25 snaps) pic.twitter.com/54qYYtkij3
— PFF TB Buccaneers (@PFF_Buccaneers) December 9, 2024
So far, it’s looking like a hit for Jason Licht and the front office.
The Bucs are now 7-6 and once again lead the NFC South. They now control their own destiny with four games remaining in the regular season. We’ll see if they can finish the job and secure a fourth straight NFC South crown.