Baker Mayfield and Rachaad White Spark Thrilling 20-19 Comeback Win for the Bucs Against the Texans!

HOUSTON (AP) — Just two years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a last-second loss to the Houston Texans. This time, they turned the tables. On Monday night, Baker Mayfield led a thrilling drive that clinched the game with just six seconds to go, giving the Bucs a 20-19 victory.

Mayfield’s performance was impressive. He completed an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Rachaad White’s 2-yard touchdown run. Reflecting on the game, Mayfield said, “We expected a hard-fought battle, but it’s nice to be on this side of it this time.”

Receiver Mike Evans, who hails from nearby Galveston, Texas, mentioned the loss from two years ago as a painful memory. “We got the much-needed win in a hostile environment,” he noted, highlighting the calmness of the team. Their practice for tight situations clearly paid off.

In the game, Mayfield threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns. His key fourth-and-10 scramble was crucial for keeping the winning drive alive. Coach Todd Bowles praised the team’s situational awareness, emphasizing how Mayfield’s leadership kept them focused.

The Bucs are now 2-0, thanks to Mayfield’s clutch plays. In their season opener against Atlanta, he also delivered a game-winning drive in the final minute. This feat makes him the second Bucs quarterback, after Doug Williams in 1980, to start a season with two game-winning drives.

The Texans, however, fell to 0-2. They initially took a 19-14 lead with a 25-yard touchdown run from Nick Chubb, who marked his first score as a Texan after a successful tenure with the Browns. Despite this, the Texans struggled to maintain momentum and weren’t able to capitalize on their opportunities.

C.J. Stroud managed to throw for 207 yards and one touchdown, but pointed out that the team needed to do better: “You can make a bunch of excuses, but we’re just not getting it done, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”

Both teams faced challenges in the second half, with missed opportunities on both sides. Tampa Bay almost extended their lead with a field-goal attempt that hit the upright. Meanwhile, Houston seemed poised to score but came up short on several attempts.

Defensive standout Danielle Hunter for Houston had two sacks and forced a fumble, showcasing his skill on the field. However, the lack of offensive consistency was a setback for the Texans, prompting coach DeMeco Ryans to acknowledge missed chances: “We had multiple opportunities to win that game, and we didn’t make the plays we needed to make.”

On the ground, the Buccaneers dominated with 169 rushing yards compared to Houston’s 84. Bucky Irving led with 71 yards, while White added 65. Mayfield contributed a surprising 33 yards, mostly in the fourth quarter, proving his versatility.

Injury updates include Tampa Bay’s OT Luke Goedeke, who left the game with a foot issue, and DE Calijah Kancey, who suffered a pectoral muscle injury. Looking ahead, the Buccaneers will host the New York Jets, while the Texans will travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

For the latest NFL updates and stats, check out AP NFL.

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