First Quarter:
Receiving the ball first, the Buccaneers’ offense pieced together a very promising opening drive. A week ago, against New England Tampa’s debut possession was one of the only positives from the game’s
early stages— The Bucs’ scripted plays took them to them to end zone for an Emeka Egbuka touchdown, before a flounder offense began looking lost. This week, Tampa once again came out guns blazing. A strong run game escorted Tampa into striking distance, though a failed third down, combined with game-altering weather conditions led them to a punt. Punts aren’t known for leading to points, however, pinning Buffalo inside their own 10-yard line gave Todd Bowles’ defense a chance to harass Josh Allen in the end zone. Rather than submit to taking a safety, Allen two-hand shovel passed the ball forward for a Jacob Parrish interception. Short-field goals can be game-losing plays, but for now, exist as the only points in the game. 3-0, Bucs
Kick coverage was optional for Tampa’s ensuing kickoff and Buffalo would start the drive across midfield and finish with the game’s first touchdown. Good field position, followed up by a dropped interception, and a fourth down conversion, all worked in tandem to lead to a touchdown-scoring Josh Allen quarterback sneak. 7-3, Bills.
Second Quarter:
The Buccaneers’ third drive, which really felt more like a second drive after drive one and two were only slightly separated by by Buffalo politely giving the ball back to Tampa Bay, was more positive production. Highlighted by the team’s running game, Baker Mayfield taking part in it for the first time in a month, the Buccaneers nabbed their first touchdown and snatched back the lead. Mayfield’s scamper and flip into the end zone moves the score to 10-7, Buccaneers.
Leads are born everyday— Born shortly after Tampa’s lead would be a Buffalo Bill lead. Josh Allen launching a vintage heave-ho to Tyrell Shavers wowed fans in attendance and will likely do the same for NFL fans watching highlights tonight— Another score in a blossoming shootout. 14-10, Bills.
More bullets would fly on the Buccaneers’ next drive. Sean tucker, who has had a consistent bid placed for best third string running back in the league, reminded fans that— off the bench— he has break away ability. Tucker bouncing off-tackle right sprinted down the sideline for another Tampa Bay score. 17-14, Baker’s Bunch.
Attempting to mount another consecutive response, the Bills’ offense put the ball in the hands of their star. Josh Allen, on a fourth down, maneuvering the pocket— A Bills’ fan’s dream, however, not so much on this occasion. A late pass popped up over the middle for a SirVocea Dennis interception, the first of his career.
In a second quarter full of eye-catching plays, Josh Allen’s next bite at the apple would feature another. Bucs’ fans know as well as anyone— Third down + Todd Bowles = Blitz. Unfortunately the Bills were aware as well, calling a screen pass to beat the pressure which sprung Ty Johnson for a 52-yard touchdown. 21-17, Buffalo.
Against the clock, Tampa’s offense found a two-minute drill and three points— softening the blow of Buffalo’s score. 21-20, Bills.
Third Quarter:
The game’s third quarter would pass the 12-minute mark before its first jolt. Following a failed possession for both teams, Tampa Bay would punt to the Bills’ newly acquired special teamer Mecole Hardman. Hardman would put the ball on the ground for perennial blocker/special teamer Ryan Miller to fall on. Remaining in possession, Tampa Bay used their new found 50+ yards of field position to add more points. Sean Tucker, campaigning for an increased role, hopped on Tristan Wirfs’ hip for his second touchdown of the game. Two-point conversion, no good. 26-21, Buccaaneers.
Buffalo’s offense, hit or miss to this point in the game, continued to reap the blessing of outstanding field position. The Buccaneers’ kickoff coverage unit, set up to have a long week, continued its ineptitude on the following kickoff. More elite starting field position Josh Allen— Another Matt Prater kick. 26-24, Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers’ next drive would feature Baker Mayfield’s first grave mistake— An interception, giving Buffalo more of the fantastic starting field position it had made customary. One Anthony Nelson play in coverage later, and the Bills recaptured the lead. The game’s seventh lead change left the score at 31-26, Allen’s Bills.
Fourth Quarter:
The Buccaneers cannot, will not, and shall not convert on two-point conversions in 2025. The Buccaneers would miss their second attempt near the 12-minute mark of the fourth quarter. The good news for Bucs’ fans? In order to fail at a two- point attempt, you need to score a touchdown first and for the third time in the game Sean Tucker did— A pass from Baker Mayfield, giving the Buccaneers another small lead. 32-31, Tampa Bay.
The small lead would not stand long. Back on offense and back into the end zone went Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ offense on the ensuing drive. Josh Allen’s second touchdown run of the contest gave the home team a five point lead. 37-32, Buffalo.
The sequence that would follow will be good conversational fodder for fans and pundits alike over the next several days. An incomplete pass on third and short gave Todd Bowles an opportunity to make a decision. The options— Do I trust my offense that has 32 points scored in the game, to pick up a short fourth down? Or do I punt the ball away and trust my defense that has conceded 37 points to get the ball back for my team?
Todd Bowles chose his defense.
Hindsight may be 20/20 but even the foresight of a nearsighted individual could’ve seen the obvious the scenario that was moments away from playing out. Josh Allen got ball, laughed at Todd Bowles for giving it back to him, and emphatically marched down the field, stamping the Buccaneers’ defense into the ground along the way. Touchdown, game, 6-4, questions.
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