Bucs Stumble in Heartbreaking Loss Yet Retain NFC South Playoff Hopes
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be their own worst enemies after suffering a gut-wrenching 20-17 defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. Despite the crushing loss, the Buccaneers still find themselves in the playoff conversation, with their fate resting on a pivotal home matchup against the Carolina Panthers next week. The division title and postseason berth hang in the balance, making this an early playoff scenario for a team struggling to find its footing.
Familiar Patterns Emerge
For the Buccaneers, the loss was emblematic of a troubling trend. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and costly turnovers contributed to their fourth consecutive defeat and seventh loss in their last eight outings. It’s astonishing that they still have a chance to claim the NFC South, especially considering the lack of urgency displayed over the past month. Had they taken care of business against the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers, the division might have already been secured.
The Bucs managed a strong start against the Dolphins, but as has been the case during their losing streak, they faltered. Penalties, turnovers, and mental mistakes overshadowed any positives from the game. Here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Buccaneers’ latest performance.
Good Performances Shine Through
WR Jalen McMillan
In what was a standout performance for the second-year wide receiver, McMillan made a significant impact after returning from a neck injury that sidelined him for much of the season. He secured a key third-down reception to keep the chains moving and finished the day with three catches for 39 yards on the Bucs’ opening scoring drive. McMillan continued to shine, making a 33-yard grab during a two-minute drill before halftime. While he made a critical error by failing to touch down an intercepted pass by Baker Mayfield, he redeemed himself with a crucial 28-yard catch in the fourth quarter. Overall, McMillan ended the game with seven receptions for 113 yards.
WR Chris Godwin
Godwin was another bright spot for the Buccaneers, scoring the team’s first touchdown on a five-yard pass from Mayfield. He was instrumental in the closing moments of the game, making crucial catches, including an 11-yard grab on fourth down. In a last-ditch effort to rally the team, Godwin caught a pass and turned it into a 59-yard gain, marking his day with seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.
OLB Yaya Diaby
Diaby’s contributions to the Bucs’ pass rush cannot be overstated. He has emerged as a consistent force, applying pressure even if his sack numbers don’t reflect it. In the first drive of the second half, he recorded a critical nine-yard loss on Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers. Diaby was instrumental throughout the game, nearly forcing a fumble and maintaining a level of pressure that the Buccaneers desperately needed.
Areas Needing Improvement
LT Ben Chukwuma
Chukwuma’s performance had its highs and lows. While he played well for the most part, two critical plays marred his outing. The first was a sack on Mayfield during the opening drive, where he allowed Bradley Chubb to slip inside for the takedown. The second came late in the fourth quarter when Chubb again got to Mayfield, forcing a strip sack that was recovered by former Buccaneer Quinton Bell, essentially sealing the Dolphins’ victory. Despite these blunders, Chukwuma showed promise for a rookie lineman.
Lackluster Run Game
After a commendable 160 rushing yards the previous week, the Buccaneers managed a meager 53 yards against a Dolphins defense that ranks 26th in the league against the run. Aiming to overcorrect their previous game plan, the Bucs attempted just eight rushing plays in the first half and finished with a total of 16. Running back Irving struggled, ending the game with only 19 yards on nine carries, averaging a dismal 2.1 yards per attempt.
CB Jamel Dean
Dean’s freelancing led to another challenging day for the Bucs’ defense. In a bid to anticipate a throw underneath, he lost track of his man, allowing a 63-yard touchdown pass to Theo Wease. Furthermore, he gave up a 13-yard completion to Greg Dulich before leaving the game with a shoulder injury.
Struggles on Offense
QB Baker Mayfield
Mayfield began the game with a strong opening drive, but as the contest progressed, he faltered. The quarterback recorded three turnovers, nearly adding a fourth to the list. His first interception came on a deep attempt to McMillan, which was underthrown. Late in the third quarter, he fumbled a pump fake in the red zone, a mistake that nearly cost the Bucs further points. Mayfield also struggled with his accuracy, missing open targets, including Mike Evans, which could have shifted momentum. He threw another interception late in the game while trying to mount a comeback and fumbled again due to blindside pressure. Overall, he finished with 346 yards, two touchdowns, but his turnovers proved damaging.
Defensive Woes
The Buccaneers’ defense is difficult to evaluate, given the multitude of issues across the board. They allowed the Dolphins to rush for 145 yards, with Devon Achane averaging 4.6 yards per carry. In the passing game, rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers carved up the Bucs’ secondary for 172 yards and two touchdowns. The pass rush was inconsistent, managing only two sacks, and the coverage in the middle of the field was particularly porous, allowing tight end Greg Dulich to enjoy his best game of the season with five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. As the Bucs prepare for their crucial matchup against the Panthers, significant improvements will be essential if they hope to turn their season around.
