Buccaneers Fall Short to Patriots 28–23 at Raymond James Stadium
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–3) came up just short against the New England Patriots (8–2) on Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium, falling 28–23 in a game defined by explosive plays and missed opportunities.
Tampa Bay jumped out to an early lead on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Emeka Egbuka and a 36-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin, putting the Bucs up 10–7 midway through the second quarter. But New England answered with a 1-yard touchdown pass from rookie Drake Maye to Stefon Diggs just before halftime to take a 14–10 lead.
The Patriots extended their lead early in the third quarter when running back TreVeyon Henderson broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run. Mayfield responded with a 10-yard scoring strike to Tez Johnson late in the third to make it 21–16, but Tampa Bay’s two-point conversion attempt — a trick play version of the “Philly Special” — came up short.
After the Bucs defense forced an interception in the end zone by Tykee Smith, Tampa Bay had a chance to retake the lead in the fourth quarter. But on fourth down, Mayfield was pressured and flipped a short pass to Rachaad White that fell just shy of the first down. On the next drive, Henderson sealed the win for New England with a 69-yard touchdown run, finishing the day with 147 yards rushing on 14 carries.
Mayfield finished 22-of-34 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson caught two touchdown passes, while Egbuka led all receivers with 78 yards. The Bucs were without several key starters, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Haason Reddick, and Bucky Irving.
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Buccaneers (6–3) at Bills (6-3)
🕐 Sunday, November 16 — Kickoff at 1:00 PM ET
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COVER PHOTO COURTESY: Getty Images