The New York Jets dropped to 0-3 after falling to Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium, but the real story emerged from the Buccaneers‘ mounting injury concerns. Despite improving to 3-0, Tampa Bay suffered multiple key players getting banged up during the victory. The Jets managed to keep things competitive late, but couldn’t complete the comeback against a Bucs team now facing serious depth issues that could derail their hot start and put additional pressure on Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield’s early-season success is about to face its biggest test yet. The Buccaneers may be 3-0, but their offensive line is falling apart faster than a house of cards. Losing Cody Mauch for the season with a knee injury and Luke Goedeke to a foot problem creates a protection nightmare that could derail Tampa Bay’s hot start. The warning signs flashed bright during their narrow win over the Jets. Without Mauch and Goedeke anchoring the line, Tampa Bay’s makeshift offensive front committed five holding penalties in the first half alone. The team finished with 14 penalties for 124 yards, a ghastly performance that highlighted just how much they miss their veteran presence.

Mayfield did his best damage control, throwing for 233 yards and scrambling for 44 more despite constant pressure. But even elite quarterbacks can’t overcome systematic protection breakdowns all the time. The offense leaned heavily on Bucky Irving’s 25 carries, though he managed just 66 yards and a paltry 2.6 yards per attempt behind the struggling line. “It’s still a little early with some of the things that have happened to try to hash that out at this point,” offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard admitted. His uncertainty speaks volumes about Tampa Bay’s current predicament. The Bucs are essentially playing offensive line Jenga, moving pieces around and hoping everything doesn’t collapse.

Mauch’s season-ending injury particularly stings. The 26-year-old second-round pick had started Tampa Bay’s last 39 games, providing stability and experience. Now they’re turning to Charlie Heck at right tackle and shuffling Ben Bredeson from guard to center while Graham Barton moves to left tackle. All-Pro Tristan Wirfs remains sidelined following summer knee surgery, forcing Tampa Bay into even more musical chairs. Veterans Dan Feeney and Luke Haggard got promoted to fill gaps, but experience can’t replace chemistry and timing.

The defense kept them afloat against New York with four sacks and a Jamel Dean pick-six, but relying on defensive scores isn’t sustainable. Next week brings the undefeated Super Bowl champions, who will absolutely exploit these protection issues. Mayfield’s mobility helps, but no quarterback can consistently succeed while running for his life behind a patchwork offensive line.

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs survive a wild fourth quarter to remain undefeated

Chase McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal as time expired saved Tampa Bay from complete disaster, giving the Buccaneers a 29-27 victory that felt more like surviving than winning. What looked like a comfortable blowout turned into a nightmare fourth quarter that exposed serious flaws in an otherwise perfect record. The Bucs dominated early behind Baker Mayfield’s efficient 19-of-29 passing for 233 yards. Mike Evans capped a beautiful seven-play drive with a five-yard touchdown, using a lethal inside release to beat his defender one-on-one, before getting injured in the fourth quarter. Jamel Dean’s pick-six before halftime provided Tampa Bay’s first defensive touchdown since 2022, giving them what seemed like a commanding 20-6 lead.

The defense looked dominant through three quarters. Antoine Winfield Jr. recorded a strip sack that Vita Vea recovered, while rookie Jacob Parrish blitzed effectively to pressure Tyrod Taylor. Haason Reddick stuffed Braelon Allen on fourth down for a crucial turnover on downs. But the fourth quarter exposed Tampa Bay’s vulnerability. The Jets mounted a furious comeback with touchdown passes to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, cutting the deficit piece by piece. The most crushing blow came when Will McDonald blocked McLaughlin’s 43-yard field goal attempt and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, giving New York a stunning 27-26 lead.

Mayfield’s mobility proved crucial down the stretch. His 33-yard scramble—his longest since his rookie season—set up the game-winning field goal attempt. McLaughlin redeemed himself by drilling the 36-yarder as time expired. Tampa Bay’s 3-0 record looks impressive on paper, but three straight nail-biters reveal concerning patterns.