I’ve done Top Performers recaps for quite a while — since 2020 in fact. Good year to start!
Since then, we’ve seen the longest stretch of sustained success this millennium for the Buccaneers, and as such a lot more good than bad to write about. We got a Super Bowl, multiple playoff wins, 5 straight playoff appearances, 4 NFC South titles. Plenty of debates can be had about the value of the latter accomplishment given the state of every team residing within the division, but wins are still wins, and we all
would’ve happily taken such results through the dearth of the 2010s.
It was a dark time, and when such a time must be alluded to in the year of our lord 2026, there’s plenty of reason for concern.
On Sunday, the Buccaneers floundered to their first 0-3 start since 2014, as they saw themselves overwhelmed by a relentless Minnesota Vikings defense in a 23-16 defeat. The score remained within reach all game, but it never really felt obtainable — one of the more agonizing types of defeat.
The offense remained completely inoperable, setting an all-time franchise worst in third-down offense by converting only twice on 17 attempts. It was a bottom-5 performance by any team thus far in offensive EPA, as Baker Mayfield and Co. could muster only 243 total yards while permitting 6 sacks.
The defense actually played very well, arguably shutting down the Vikings even more thoroughly. However, it was all for naught as they could only do so much against short fields generated by the offense’s mistakes.
Special teams allowed the deciding score in the form of an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown — Minnesota’s first in 10 years. Given how solid the unit has been on kickoff returns and coverage, it was a frustrating gaffe during a stretch of games where nothing is going Tampa’s way.
Needless to say, we’re on the precipice of massive change. Most fans know that’s been brewing for awhile, but there’s only been three teams in the last 30 years to make the playoffs after starting 0-3. You don’t need a calculator to figure out the length of those odds.
In his post-game presser, Todd Bowles remarked that the “funny thing” is that the team is only 1 game out of first place — y’know on account of the other 3 teams sucking butt at 1-2. I can’t really find the funniness in being the worst team in the worst division in football, but maybe Todd just has a different sense of humor than I.
Maybe he knows his ill-fated time as head coach of this franchise is almost up, at long last. However, we’ve reached the point where I personally will need to see it to believe it.
Nevertheless, let’s highlight some top performers quickly and move onto the next one. Green Bay awaits.
Offensive Top Performer: No One
Yup, the first “no one” of the season goes to the offense, and it feels quite earned.
I’m not sure what’s broken in Baker Mayfield — other than his thumb now of course — but since November of last year, he has been one of the worst quarterbacks in football after being one of the best through all of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.
This year, his current EPA is -33.62, which is bottom 3 in the NFL with Cooper Rush and Aaron Rodgers (who the Bucs get to play in 3 weeks…yay?). He’s not connecting on deep balls, he’s turning the ball over, and he is taking way too many sacks. He’s currently the most sacked quarterback in the league, and while the offensive line has underperformed, it has not been that bad. For reference, the Vikings actually generated their lowest pressure rate of the year on Sunday yet recorded a season high in sacks.
Mayfield is now likely out for a month with his thumb injury and leaves the reins to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. It’s really tragic to say that Daniels can’t be much worse than Mayfield has been, but I guess we’ll see soon enough.
It’s not all on Mayfield though, as new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is quickly showing why Falcons fans cheered his departure. The offense completely lacks an identity, is undisciplined, can’t draw up easy answers for the quarterback, puts way too much focus on tight end Cade Otton when receivers are open, and refuses to rely on the run game despite it being the clear strength of the team.
Robinson needs to overhaul this quick or he’ll be back to being Sean McVay’s coffee assistant for a long time.
Shout out to rookie Ted Hurst for his first career touchdown. It was a completely busted coverage that any college player could’ve taken advantage of, but he’s still shown some good things and will hopefully continue that upward trend.
Defensive Top Performer: EDGE David Walker
It’s malpractice that David Walker played basically no snaps the first two games.
With Rueben Bain Jr. out with a groin injury and Yaya Diaby banged up in game, it forced the team to play Walker a season-high 19 snaps. The result? A sack, a tackle for loss, and multiple pressures to jolt the pass rush to its best game of the year. If Bain continues to be out healing, there’s no reason Walker shouldn’t be playing more.
The entire defensive line played well, specifically A’Shawn Robinson (who actually got an interception) and Vita Vea (4 total tackles, 2 passes defensed). Given the slow start in the first two contests, hopefully this is kickstart the front 7 needs.
The secondary also played well outside of one long touchdown allowed by Jacob Parrish, who slipped trying to adjust to an underthrown ball. Antoine Winfield Jr. and rookie Keionte Scott both recorded top-5 Pro Football Focus grades for the team as they were part of an effort that allowed Kyler Murray to complete just 15 of 29 passes for a paltry 168 yards.
If team has any hope of turning this season around, it begins with the defense carrying the load.
Special Teams Top Performer: K Chase McLaughlin
The special teams top performer in perpetuity, there’s not much to be said here. McLaughlin went out, did his job in stellar fashion (3 for 3 with a long of 54 yards), and watched as his offense did nothing else. McLaughlin remains the NFL’s all-time accuracy leader on kicks from 50+ yards, an impressive feat.
