The weather did no team any favors in Week 2, but the Vikings seemed to be led by their ground game and Aaron Jones Sr on their way to another win. He converted big plays when they needed him most. While they never found the endzone, without Jones and his shiftiness in space, this could have easily been a 3-0 win for the Bears.
While Jones was the star of Week 2, we have some new ideas for who could be the new star, or stars, of Week 3. Against the Bucs, the Vikings have a chance to showcase themselves, and it could all start with Kyler Murray, who is making his return.
A lot is up in the air, which is why we are going behind enemy lines and talking with Bucs Wire. We spoke to Bucs Wire lead writer Mason Riney, and he answered some questions we had
ahead of Week 3.
How much trouble are the Bucs in on offense in 2026?
A: I would say there are definitely some lights and sirens going off for this offense right now. They need a primary target, someone Baker Mayfield can trust when the game is on the line. Ted Hurst and Emeka Egbuka both had chances late against Cleveland, and one ended with a missed throw while the other was a drop. The Bucs have also talked about Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell as more of a 1A and 1B situation, but it really hasn’t played out that way. Irving has looked like the hot hand and has been running angry, while Gainwell hasn’t made much of an impact. Tampa Bay may want to manage Irving over a long season, but if they keep playing like this, it might not be a very long season.
What has the early returns on Baker Mayfield been coming off his extension?
A: I would say you’re getting a very inconsistent and incomplete version of Baker Mayfield right now. He’ll make a great throw and then follow it up with an overthrow or an underthrow. He has to cut down on the turnovers, get comfortable in this offense post-Mike Evans and get back to being the guy who brings that swagger to the entire offense. When Baker is at his best, that confidence is infectious and everybody seems to feed off it. We really haven’t seen much of that yet. The offense hasn’t found a groove, and the communication doesn’t always look like it’s there. Baker has made it clear that he wants to be here and wants to lead this team, and right now Tampa Bay desperately needs somebody to step up. He can be that guy, but it starts with taking care of the football.
Who has been the biggest surprise for the Bucs in 2026?
A: For the rookies, it has to be Josiah Trotter. He has stepped in immediately and looks like he belongs. From a veteran standpoint, though, I would go with Tykee Smith. He looks like he’s trying to take on more of a leadership role in this defense. He’s consistently around the football, getting guys lined up, communicating and making plays both in the box and in coverage. I’d also give a shoutout to Keionte Scott, because he has played pretty well early on for a rookie.
The Bucs win this game if...
A: The Bucs win this game if they can control the football, consistently move the chains and finally put together a complete game. They have shown flashes of being a good football team, but they haven’t been able to finish. In Week 1, they fell behind too early and spent most of the game trying to play catch-up. Against Minnesota, they can’t turn the ball over or keep giving the Vikings opportunities with three-and-outs. Brian Flores’ defense brings a ton of pressure, so if Tampa Bay can stay ahead of the sticks, sustain drives and keep that defense from dictating the game, I think they’ll be okay.
Prediction and score of the game
A: I think the Bucs finally find a way to close one out. I’m expecting a low-scoring game, but I think Tampa Bay does just enough at home. 20-17 Bucs win
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings Week 3 preview: Behind enemy lines with Bucs Wire
