Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-11): 28-13
Duel between two teams with opposing dynamics this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Coming off a cruel defeat against the Chiefs, the Raiders surely had a vengeful heart. But to the disadvantage of a run-down attack, and facing a sharp home side from the start, it's another defeat for Antonio Pierce's men. All is not rosy for the Buccaneers, very irregular in their offensive production today.
Tampa starts at 100 miles an hour
No observation round for the Buccaneers who scored from their first offensive. A clever mix of passes and races concluded by rookie Jalen McMillan (4 receptions, 59 yards, 2 touchdowns). Bis repeated on the second drive, with Rachaad White (17 races, 90 yards, 1 touchdown on the ground, 2 receptions, 19 yards, 1 touchdown in the air) at the spearhead.
The first quarter is not over and the match already seems to be over.
Air hole for Mayfield, no one to rush in
And yet, after these ten minutes of perfection, Tampa collapses offensively. Baker Mayfield (18/29, 295 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) is the symbol. The quarterback loses the ball 3 times (2 interceptions, 1 fumble) over the next 4 Buccs possessions in the first period.
Yes, but if the Raiders' defense fights back, the attack is completely anemic. Aidan O'Connell (11/19, 104 yards, 1 interception) was bad, before getting injured and being replaced by a hardly sharper Desmond Ridder (12/18, 101 yards). The only satisfaction of this attack will perhaps be Brock Bowers, who surpasses Sam Laporta's record of 86 receptions (record for the number of receptions for a rookie tight end). A small consolation.
Raiders production? 13 small points in the middle of 4 punts, 1 fumble and 1 interception.
If the visitors come back to four points (14-10), the Buccaneers wake up at the end of the match to drive home the point and seal the fate of the Raiders.
An important victory for Tampa Bay which takes the lead in its division. The Raiders are aiming for the first pick in the draft.
