The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the Kansas City Chiefs to task in their Week 9 matchup on Monday Night Football, even going into overtime, but couldn’t get the job done against Patrick Mahomes and the undefeated team. Third-down struggles on both sides of the ball proved to be an obstacle the Bucs couldn’t overcome. Mahomes was 11-12 passing and two touchdowns on pivotal downs and the Chiefs were 12-18 on the night, while the Bucs went a paltry 5-of-11. The defense had no answers for the All-Pro quarterback, who shredded the Buccaneers’ defense time and time again, finishing with 291 yards and three scores.
The offense on their top three wide receivers managed to put 24 points on the board including a game down drive with just 27 seconds left. The Chiefs entered the day allowing just 82.3 yards on the ground, the Bucs ran for 95. Three touchdowns by the offense to a scrappy group of wide receivers led by tight end Cade Otton proved to be enough to keep pace with the reigning Super Bowl Champs, but in the end it was the fate of a coin toss that got them in. the second time it has happened to the Buccaneers this season.
See where everyone has them after an overtime loss to the Chiefs in Week 9.
“If the Falcons start running away with the division, the Bucs will have to rely on a wild-card berth to reach the playoffs, as they did in 2020 — which is where a 4-4 Niners team comes in. Given the Bucs don’t have beat the Niners since 2018, that would be huge momentum going into their Week 11. Then Mike Evans (hamstring) returns and their only remaining opponent with a winning record would be the Chargers in. Week 15.”
Last week: No. 13
“What Baker Mayfield did Monday night in Kansas City is unforgettable. Down with his top three receivers in the rain, facing one of the NFL’s very best defenses — especially in the closing moments — Mayfield led the Buccaneers in a thrilling game-tying drive late in regulation .He completed six of eight passes on the march, with some spectacular catches from Sterling Shepard. But why Tampa Bay didn’t go for two that way, significant underdogs, and you have a chance to win the game and then hold the reigning Super Bowl. -the champions for 27 seconds. Thirty three! But apparently Todd Bowles was OK playing a little more defense against Patrick Mahomes, and his tired, shorthanded unit went out there for 10 more plays in the rain and couldn’t stop him. Tampa’s defense played admirably through the first three quarters, but just ran out of gas. It’s a third straight loss – and an absolutely gut-wrenching one, considering how it went.”
Last week: No. 16
“Head coach Todd Bowles’ decision to kick the extra point at the end of regulation will stick with him for a while. If you have a play from the 2-yard line to knock off the Chiefs in Kansas City, you don’t pass it and ask to beat Patrick Mahomes in overtime. The Buccaneers played for overtime, and it ended like everyone but Bowles knew it would.
Last week: No. 15
“Was Cade Otton the best tight end on a field he shared with Travis Kelce on Monday night? Maybe. Bigger picture, the Bucs just need to hang on for their Week 11 bye. But Otton and a cavalry led by injured WR Mike Evans can resurrect this team at other side of the break, given Tampa Bay faces six (significantly) sub-.500 teams in the final seven games.”
Last week: No. 13
“Todd Bowles gets toasted for not going for two because the analysis ignores the fact that Kansas City’s situational defense is excellent. They excel at defending mid-range plays, especially ones that will challenge a defense from sideline to sideline. Plus, two -point conversion success rate is way down this year, as we get into a few teams from now on. That must be taken into account. “
Last week: No. 14
“When they get Mike Evans back, things will be different.”
Last week: No. 15
“No moral victories in the NFL, but I have to admit the Buccaneers have handled the loss of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin impressively. They’ve gone toe-to-toe with some of the NFL’s best the last two weeks, but they need to find a way to end some of these close games.”
Last week: No. 17
“They showed well in an overtime loss to the Chiefs Monday night. They’re undermanned, but battled all night — which is good to see.”
Last week: No. 18
READ MORE: Former Buccaneers Super Bowl champion Mike Edwards could return to Tampa Bay
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