Another tough loss for Tampa Bay
The Bucs had many opportunities to hand the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season but just came up short. They dropped the game in overtime by a score of 30-24. This is the second overtime game the Bucs have lost this season and the offense didn’t touch the ball in either of them.
They are now 4-5 and social media sure has a lot to say on the matter.
What a drive
Tampa Bay’s offense was very shorthanded coming into this game with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan all out but that didn’t stop them from finding ways to move the ball and get into the endzone against a tough Kansas City defense.
Towards the end of the game, the Bucs had a 10 play, 71 yard drive that took 1:49 and ended in the game tying touchdown. On the road, late without all of your weapons? That is very impressive by this offense and something they can build on as they move forward.
ALL TIED UP ‼️
: #TBvsKC on ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/Tf4oiXFW3v
— Tampa Bay Bucs (@Bucs) November 5, 2024
What happens after the touchdown was scored? Well, we’ll talk about that a little later.
Otton continues his dominance
Bucs tight end Cade Otton was one of the players tasked with stepping up to fill the hole that Mike Evans and Chris Godwin left. So far he’s been able to do that and has become one of Mayfield’s favorite targets. He had another strong game in Kansas City and continues to step up when called upon.
The @CadeOtton Show continues
: #TBvsKC on ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/rC4EYLvN58
— Tampa Bay Bucs (@Bucs) November 5, 2024
Hopefully Otton can keep up this production for the rest of the season because even though Evans is returning soon, Tampa Bay will still need all hands on deck to try and make the playoffs.
Middle of the field: Still Open
The Bucs defense has been gashed this season time and time again and the middle of the field has been a lot of their issues. Tight ends are having their way with them and that did not change Monday night as Travis Kelce had a big game.
Per Next Gen Stats, Travis Kelce recorded 10 of 14 receptions and 87 of his 100 receiving yards in the seams of the Bucs defense. 13 of his 14 receptions came against zone coverage.
This problem isn’t going to go away.
— Evan Winter (@evan_AtoZ) November 5, 2024
Correct, the problem isn’t going away. Tampa Bay even tried different rotations of the linebackers in this game and it didn’t matter. This defense will likely continue to cover the middle of the field so if you have an tight end in your fantasy lineup who is playing against the Bucs, you’re in luck.
Should the Bucs have gone for 2?
Remember earlier when we mentioned the Bucs having that great drive to tie the game? Well there was quite the conversation about potentially going for two after scoring the touchdown to take the one point lead. Decide the game then and there, instead Todd Bowles elected to tie the game and send it to overtime. Safe to say there were some opinions on the matter.
Todd Bowles really thought going to overtime against the best quarterback in the world was a better idea than attempting a 2 point conversion.
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) November 5, 2024
The reasoning Bowles gave after the game for not going for two is puzzling as well, citing the field and weather conditions as a reason he didn’t want to do it. Then why was he fine with going to overtime in those same field conditions? Decide the game on one play rather than basically another quarter. It was a costly decision as the Bucs offense never touched the ball in overtime, the second time that’s happened this season. Todd Bowles was playing with fire and he got burned.
It’s gut check time for this team. They have a tough matchup against San Francisco and then their bye week. After the bye though, there’s a real opportunity to go on a run but the people who are confident in this team’s ability to do that is dwindling after each loss.