After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints, 23-3, on Sunday in the Caesars Superdome, Head Coach Todd Bowles capped his postgame locker room speech with the one thing his players most wanted to hear: "I will see you next Monday."
As he had promised, Bowles rewarded the team for the victory that pushed its record to 6-2 heading into a much-anticipated bye week by giving the players the whole week off. The Buccaneers are banged up and possibly even a bit emotionally drained after a series of close games in September and October, and a relatively long period to rest and recuperate should help before the second half playoff chase.
For us, it's a chance to look back at how the Buccaneers got to the bye. Their 6-2 record equals the best eight-game start in franchise history and has them tied with Philadelphia for the most wins in the NFC. Green Bay actually owns the top spot in the conference standings because its 5-1-1 record produces a .788 winning percentage compared to .750 for the Bucs and Eagles. If the playoffs started today, Philadelphia would get the second seed thanks to its head-to-head win over the Buccaneers in Week Four.
The Buccaneers found some new weapons on offense in the first half of the 2025 season in rookie receivers Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, with the former in the running for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch have created some obstacles to keeping that offense in gear on a week-to-week basis. Baker Mayfield received some early MVP buzz and could get back in the thick of that conversation with better post-bye health for himself and his cast of weapons.
Mayfield was also the author of some eye-popping single moments for the Bucs' offense, and that's what we're here to discuss in one of our annual bye week Roundtables. In this case, Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix, Buccaneers.com Contributor Gabriel Kahaian and I are going to debate what the top moment of the first half of the season was for Tampa Bay. We'll each choose one, and since we won't be duplicating picks, order matters. For this one, our randomly-drawn order is Gabe, me and finally Bri.
So, take it away, Gabe. Please describe for us the Bucs' top offensive moment from the first half of the 2025 season.
View the top images of Tampa Bay's game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 26th, 2025 at Caesars Superdome.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98, Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95, and Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 and Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Punter Riley Dixon #9 and Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks a pass during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26, Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recovers a fumble during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gabriel Kahaian: Baker Mayfield Keeps Game Alive on MNF vs. Houston
Oh boy, this was tough— which is a great problem to have! The offense has put on a show for the Krewe halfway through the schedule. Entering the season, there were questions on how the team would handle another change at offensive coordinator. Josh Grizzard would become Baker Mayfield's eighth offensive coordinator during his NFL tenure. That being said, the early returns have been everything you could have hoped for.
Despite injury woes, the Buccaneers enter the Bye at 6-2, which as noted above is tied for their best start in franchise history. Mayfield & Co. have powered a top-ten passing attack and scoring offense through eight weeks of football. It is borderline impossible to just select one offensive moment above the rest. Nevertheless, I am up for the task and decided to go with a play that encapsulates the very makeup of this team.
It was Monday Night Football in Houston and Tampa Bay looked to move to 2-0 for the fifth-consecutive season. After a defensive battle, the Texans took the upper hand when Nick Chubb scored a touchdown with just over two minutes remaining, giving the home team the lead, 19-14. The game was on the line. It's a situation the Krewe has found itself in before and Mayfield was ready to answer the call.
The drive opened with Bucky Irving picking up a first down on a screen pass but was shortly followed with three consecutive plays with no gain. The ball was on the Bucs' 32-yard line, fourth-and-10 with one minute and 24 seconds left in the game. It was do-or-die. The ball was snapped and in came a heavy blitz. Mayfield canvassed upfield, no target in sight. The Texans' defense collapsed the pocket and the Bucs looked dead to rights. For almost any other player, this would be ball game.
Good news: We are not talking about any other player here. Somehow, someway, Mayfield was able to dip his shoulder to shrug off a certain sack, then escaped forward with only green grass ahead. He gained 15 yards on the scramble, keeping the game alive. Six plays later, Rachaad White found the promised land with just nine seconds remaining. The Bucs walked out of NGR Stadium victorious 20-19.
That win really established the tone for the season. Mayfield has excelled in two-minute situations his whole career and that trend has continued in 2025. He produced another insanely difficult first-down conversion against the 49ers in Week Six. Most often than not, NFL teams take on the identity of their quarterback. These types of plays show everyone in the organization that Mayfield is willing to do anything and everything to win. Without that early season momentum, who knows what record we would have now? The Buccaneers couldn't ask for a steadier hand at the helm.
Scott Smith: Mayfield Incites MVP Chant with Never-Say-Die Run vs. 49ers
That other scramble that Gabe mentions towards the end of his argument? Yeah, that is the Bucs' offensive moment of the year so far. Since I was picking second I had been contemplating what to take after Gabe took Mayfield's run against the 49ers, but since he's going to leave it for me, I'll take it! Emeka Egbuka will have to wait 'til another day (or maybe until Bri makes her pick below).
I'll concede one thing: Baker's scramble in Houston was probably more important. If he doesn't get that first down, the Bucs almost certainly lose that game. In the case of the play I'll be describing – as if you, the reader, can't picture every step of it in your head right now – the Bucs were winning by a point, it was only the third quarter and it was third down, not fourth down. Still.
Was this the point when Mayfield's MVP candidacy went to another level? I think so. It was after this game that he rose to third in the betting odds for the award. Let's relive the moment.
First of all, while the Bucs were winning the game, it wasn't a comfortable lead. Emeka Egbuka had just been ruled out of the game and the Bucs' offense looked like it might have a tough time moving the ball the rest of the way. The 49ers had taken their previous drive 65 yards before settling for a field goal, and if the Bucs had to punt here, the visitors would be in a good position to regain the lead. Facing third-and-14 at the Bucs' 41, Mayfield took a shotgun snap and barely had time to scan the field before the pocket collapsed on him and he disappeared in a swarm of bodies. Even play-by-play man Jim Nantz assumed the play was dead.
Then, somehow, Mayfield emerged from the scrum, still on his feet. He had ducked enough to be able to pull free from a near-sack by Bryce Huff and he started running up and to his left, still looking for an open man. Now, if you go back and review the tape of his fourth-down run in Houston, while it's undeniably a great play, once he got out of the backfield he had open grass all the way to and a bit past the sticks. That was definitely not the case here. By the time that Mayfield gets back to the line of scrimmage and has thus committed to run, there are three 49ers defenders at or near the line to gain and four more chasing him from behind. With Huff in hot pursuit, Mayfield encounters CB Upton Stout with about eight more yards still needed for the first down. He gets around Stout to his left, giving him a push on the helmet as he starts falling to the ground, then cuts upfield and gets a helpful block from Cade Otton, but he is still three yards short when he makes contact with both linebacker Tatum Bethune and cornerback Renardo Green. Mayfield then shoulder his way between the two, dived the for the line and, at the last second, extended the football past the marker for the first down. The Raymond James Stadium crowd immediately launched into an "MVP! MVP!" chant and the Bucs' offense was visibly energized. Just two plays later, well I'll stop there because Bri could possibly be picking up where I'm leaving off…*
Brianna Dix: Sensational 11-Yard TD Pass to Sterling Shepard vs. Seattle
Since both of you went the scramble route, I am going to go with arm talent. There has been endless chatter on Mayfield's escape-artist heroics and rightfully so, but I think his ability to layer the football gets overlooked. Against the Seattle Seahawks in Week Five – which cemented the Bucs' case as an NFC contender – Mayfield put on a clinic. He produced a prolific outing at Lumen Field and it is one that I cannot pass.
He completed 29-of-33 passes (87.9%) for 379 yards and two touchdowns, with zero interceptions, earning a 134.7 passer rating. His 87.9 completion percentage was the highest by any quarterback in a game in 2025 at the time, and the second highest of his career behind only his 90.5 completion percentage (19-of-21) on 9/19/21. Per CBS, Mayfield became the first quarterback in NFL history with 375-plus passing yards and fewer than five incompletions in a regular season game. Anytime a performance sets a record in league lore, it is worth evaluating for the X's and O's junkies out there that appreciate the unadulterated art of football being played at an elite level.
In this specific matchup, I could have gone with Mayfield's 57-yard bomb to Emeka Egbuka in the third quarter. Mayfield manipulated the safety by moving his eyes to the right and once the safety took the bait with Egbuka isolated, he delivered a rocket downfield to give Tampa Bay a 28-21 advantage. While that play certainly showcased Mayfield's arm strength, this play encapsulates the mastery of mechanics. Down, 35-28 with 1:15 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Mayfield accomplished the improbable and made one of the best throws I have ever seen a quarterback make.
Egbuka was doubled on the initial read, so Mayfield backed up and rolled to the left to create additional time to get the ball off. Sterling Shepard had the fade route and continued working back inside to free himself for Mayfield. A he broke back inside, the ball was already at his chest in the second before the defensive backs closed the window. That pass is near impossible for a right-handed quarterback to make, throwing across the chest. Mayfield was on the move as he made it working to the left, so he did not have a base and threw off-platform, separating his upper and lower body in order to achieve the right level of velocity on the ball while his feet were airborne. That moment, against an up-and-coming Seattle team, began the MVP narrative for Mayfield and showed what the QB1 in Tampa Bay is made of.
* Brianna did not take the bait, so to be clear I was referencing the 45-yard touchdown bomb two plays after Mayfield's scramble that Tez Johnson caught with his fingertips, leading to some kind of roundoff flip in celebration. One other honorable mention: Had the 15-yard Mayfield scramble not been available to me, I would have taken the game-winning touchdown catch by Egbuka in the season-opening win in Atlanta. One of the most important plays of the whole season so far for the Buccaneers, and one that delivered what looks like it will be an extremely important victory in the long run. - Scott
