Tampa, FL — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sporting their iconic creamsicle uniforms, came up short in a high-stakes showdown at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, falling to the Atlanta Falcons 30-26. With this loss, Tampa (4-4) cedes the NFC South lead to Atlanta (5-3) and must regroup after dropping their second straight matchup to the division rival.
The Bucs entered the game without their two top wideouts, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both sidelined by injury. Despite the absences, the offense, led by tight end Cade Otton on National Tight End Day, fought to keep pace. Otton, coming off a career performance against Baltimore, hauled in nine catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns, providing a spark for Tampa in a game that turned into an offensive shootout.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 330 yards, showcasing resilience despite the missing firepower. However, his two interceptions near Atlanta’s goal line proved costly, and an early fumble from Rachaad White put the Bucs in an early hole they struggled to climb out of. Despite racking up 432 yards of offense, the costly turnovers tipped the scales in Atlanta’s favor.
“I thought they fought, they did some good things,” said Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles after the game. “We had time of possession, and we made some plays. Twenty-six points should be enough, but we can’t give away points like that.”
On the ground, the Bucs’ rushing attack showed promise. Running backs White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker combined for 166 total yards and a score, with Irving leading the pack with 84 yards. A second-quarter pass from Mayfield to White put Tampa ahead 14-7, but it was short-lived as the Falcons responded with consistent offensive drives of their own.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins had an efficient night, tossing four touchdowns and avoiding any turnovers, guiding Atlanta to 394 total yards. A crucial mishap—a botched snap that resulted in a fourth-quarter safety—gave the Bucs hope and cut the deficit to five points with seven minutes left, but Tampa’s defense couldn’t force the stops needed to regain control.
“This one slipped away,” Bowles said, addressing his defense’s inability to contain Atlanta’s late-game drives. “Our defense needs to make those key stops and alleviate pressure off our offense.”
With three losses in their last four games, the Bucs are bracing for a tough stretch against the defending AFC and NFC champions, Kansas City and San Francisco. Bowles is focused on tightening up fundamentals, something he sees as essential if they’re to avoid a midseason slide similar to last year.
“It’s frustrating,” Bowles admitted. “We’re making mistakes and beating ourselves. We’ve got to clean that up. We can’t play ourselves and the opponent.”
Looking ahead, the Bucs travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face Patrick Mahomes and the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Bowles is ready to meet the challenge head-on, emphasizing accountability. “It starts with coaching, and it starts with me,” Bowles said. “We’ve got to be better, and that starts now.”
