Photo: 6381380 / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
Tampa, FL - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made another late push on Sunday but were unable to close out a comeback, falling 28–23 to the New England Patriots despite multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter.
Tampa Bay, known for winning its first four games of the season on final-minute scoring drives, again found itself in position for drama but could not convert when it mattered.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield led the offense with two touchdown passes, opening the game with a 21-yard strike to Emeka Egbuka and later connecting with Tez Johnson in the final minute.
Ryan Gorman and Dana McKay cover this story and more on The Ryan Gorman Show:
The Buccaneers also held a 10–7 lead early in the first half after Chase McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal.
Their defense produced a key moment late when Tykee Smith intercepted a pass in the end zone with just over five minutes remaining, keeping Tampa Bay within striking distance.
On the ensuing possession, the Buccaneers moved the ball to the edge of the red zone, but a fourth-and-3 attempt came up short when Mayfield’s quick flip to Rachaad White was stopped before the first-down marker.
New England capitalized immediately with a long touchdown run to extend the lead.
Tampa Bay continued battling, but the Patriots recovered the onside kick after Johnson’s late touchdown, ending Tampa Bay’s hopes of another last-minute finish.
The Buccaneers struggled to contain rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, who rushed for 147 yards and two long touchdowns.
Injuries also affected Tampa Bay, with Ben Bredeson leaving early due to a hamstring issue and several key players already sidelined, including Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Haason Reddick.
Tampa Bay falls to 6–3 and now prepares for a road matchup against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.