C.J. Stroud

Buccaneers Stun Texans with Late Drive, Remain Undefeated

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers maintained their undefeated record with a dramatic 20-19 victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night, capped by a late 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive orchestrated by quarterback baker Mayfield.

The Texans struck frist with a touchdown pass to Nico Collins,establishing a 7-0 lead. However,Mayfield responded with touchdown passes to Ryan Miller and rookie Emeka Egbuka,giving the Buccaneers a 14-10 advantage at halftime. The first half wasn’t without its challenges for Tampa Bay, as offensive tackle Luke Goedeke exited with a lower leg injury, adding to concerns with Tristan wirfs already sidelined due to a knee injury.The Buccaneers also lost defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to a pectoral injury during the half.

The second half saw the Buccaneers’ offense struggle, exacerbated by continued issues on the offensive line. The defense stepped up, highlighted by a crucial goal-line stand early in the fourth quarter. The Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud,reached the 1-yard line,but were denied on four consecutive downs – Nick Chubb stopped short on second down,a dropped pass by Collins on third,and an overthrown pass to Collins on fourth.

Houston’s special teams then provided a spark, blocking a punt by Riley Dixon, giving the Texans possession at the Buccaneers’ 35-yard line with a little over six minutes remaining, trailing 14-10. A subsequent 53-yard field goal narrowed the gap, but the Texans regained excellent field position after a long punt return by Jaylin Noel, despite an initial flag for a block in the back or holding that was not enforced. This set up Chubb for a go-ahead touchdown with just over two minutes left, putting Houston ahead 19-14 after a failed 2-point conversion attempt.

Facing a potential loss, Mayfield engineered a remarkable drive.Egbuka initially dropped a deep pass that hit his hands, seemingly ending the Buccaneers’ hopes. However, Mayfield extended the drive with a scramble for a first down on fourth-and-10. A 22-yard reception by Bucky Irving on a dump-off pass, during which he evaded multiple tacklers, further fueled the drive. Ultimately, a handoff to White resulted in a touchdown run up the middle with just six seconds remaining, securing the 20-19 victory for Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers have narrowly avoided defeat in previous games this season, and Mayfield’s performance in critical moments continues to prove his value to the team.

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)