The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) beat the Baltimore Ravens (1-2) 26-20 Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.
The Buccaneers offense was unable to pick up a first down on their opening drive. The Ravens took advantage of good field position on their first offensive possession of the game; QB Josh Johnson led the way, connecting with Laquon Treadwell on a 24-yard TD pass, giving the Ravens an early 7-0 lead. The Buccaneers offense marched down the field, a 59-yard, six-play drive capped off with an 11-yard TD pass from Baker Mayfield to Chris Godwin, tying the game at seven with 8:19 left in the opening quarter. The Buccaneers replaced Baker Mayfield with Kyle Trask with 5:42 left in the first quarter. Kyle Trask orchestrated a scoring drive connecting with David Wells on a six-yard TD pass with :01 left in the first quarter; the Bucs led 14-7.
The Ravens were able to narrow the deficit following Justin Tucker's 39-yard FG with 3:51 left in the second quarter. The Bucs held onto a 14-10 lead. The Bucs added another three points as Chase McLaughlin made a 47-yard field goal at the end of the opening half, giving the Bucs a 17-10 lead. The Buccaneers marched down the field, going 41 yards on nine plays; Chase McClaughlin knocked down his 27-yard FG try, extending Tampa Bay's lead 20-10 with 8:44 left in the third quarter. Baltimore responded with a Justin Tucker 44-yard FG with 5:10 left in the third quarter, and Tampa held onto a 20-13 lead, heading into the final quarter.
The Buccaneers got back on the scoreboard as Chase McLaughlin knocked down his 38-yard FG try, giving the Bucs a 23-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. Baltimore responded with six as Owen Wright punched it in from two yards out with 9:17 left. The Ravens narrowed the Bucs lead, 23-20. Chase McLaughlin tacked on another FG, this one from 48 yards out, giving the Bucs a 26-20 lead over the Ravens with two minutes left. The Buccaneers went on to win the game 26-20.
The Buccaneers now prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 10th, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kickoff time is 1 PM ET- you can hear the game on 97.9 WXTB-FM - The Mighty 98 Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES