Coming off an exhilarating 23-20 win over the Falcons in Week One, the Buccaneers will hit the road again to take on the Texans in Week Two at NRG Stadium. In the season opener, in his first game with new Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard, Baker Mayfield led a go-ahead five-play, 63-yard drive in 1:18 to secure Tampa Bay's first win of the season. Over the final two-minute stretch, Mayfield recorded a 141.7 passer rating – the best mark in the NFL in Week One during that span. In contrast, the Texans are entering Week Two after a 14-9 loss to the Rams and will strive for a tally in the win column against Tampa Bay. Here are five Buccaneers to observe on Monday Night Football in primetime:
Haason Reddick
Against the Falcons in Week One, Haason Reddick had a team-leading seven pressures per Next Gen Stats and a 22.6% pressure rate. His seven pressures were tied for the fifth-most in the NFL and the second-most in the NFC. Reddick's 22.6% pressure rate was the second-highest mark by any defender with at least 30 pass rushes. He tallied his first sack as a Buccaneer on Sunday, taking down Michael Penix Jr. off a lethal get-off. Reddick helped rally the defense, spurring the unit with his production in the trenches. He will look to make his mark against the Texans' offensive line on the national stage.
Tykee Smith
Tykee Smith matched his career high with 11 tackles to lead the defense (also, 10/3/24 at Atlanta) against the Falcons in Week One and he snagged a pass defensed. Last season, Smith primarily lined up at nickel and accumulated two interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in six game starts (13 games played). In 2025, Smith has taken ownership of his new role at strong safety opposite Antoine Winfield Jr. Smith plays with a physical prowess near the line of scrimmage and possesses short-range burst. Against the AFC South foe on Monday, Smith will vie to bolster his tackle total.
Lavonte David
At the age of 34, Lavonte David was the lone player last season with 100-plus tackles, 5.0-plus sacks and three-or-more forced fumbles. Over the previous 10 seasons, only four players have recorded these numbers in a single season: David (2024), Winfield Jr. (2023), Shaquille Leonard (2018) and Thomas Davis Sr. (2015). Monday night's primetime clash against the Texans will signify David's 200th career regular season game, becoming the third player in team history to play 200-plus career games with the Buccaneers. The ageless wonder in Tampa Bay has rare instincts, play recognition and leadership skills that fuel his consistent play. He will play a key role in limiting the Texans' weapons via Monday Night Football.
Ben Bredeson
Prior to the Week One season opener, the Bucs orchestrated a shuffle along the offensive line. Second-year player Graham Barton moved to left tackle from his post at center in the absence of All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. In an ensuing move, Ben Bredeson slid from left guard to center. Michael Jordan, a late-summer addition to the club who was elevated from the practice squad for the Week One contest against the Falcons, filled in at left guard. Bredeson made his first start at center for the Bucs and finished the game as the highest-graded offensive player for the team per Pro Football Focus with a 71.6 grade. He did not allow a single sack or hit during the showdown and gave up a single pressure on 38 pass-blocking snaps during his debut at center. Considering the favorable results of the change-up, this may continue to be the starting five lineup until the return of Wirfs. Bredeson was effective in the interior and adept at working combo blocks. With powerful hands, he punished defenders.
Cade Otton
Baker Mayfield and his favorite tight end target Cade Otton were not able to sync up against the Falcons in Week One. The duo did not link up on a downfield opportunity in an uncharacteristic result for the pair but as history will attest, Week One is typically the game that offenses work off the rust and get into a rhythm. In Week Two against the Texans, Otton will likely see more opportunities alongside Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka. Last season, Otton showed off his route-running capability, spearheading the offense following Chris Godwin's season-ending ankle injury. Through Week Eight in 2024, Otton ranked third in the NFL in receptions among tight ends (36), sixth in receiving yards (344), and tied for fourth in touchdown catches (3). He ran a variety of routes that typically fell under Godwin's responsibility and displayed his precision. Otton is a rancorous blocker and serves as a critical bridge between the run and pass, allowing flexibility for Josh Grizzard in personnel groupings. On Monday, expect a bounceback performance from Otton.
