The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need Baker Mayfield to find answers before Minnesota’s defense forces them upon him.
Tampa Bay enters Sunday’s matchup at 0-2 after losing 23-19 to Cleveland. Now, Mayfield faces a Minnesota Vikings defense built around aggressive blitz pressure.
That matchup creates an obvious challenge for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers cannot afford another game where pressure and negative plays repeatedly disrupt their offense.
Tampa Bay Needs To Get Mayfield Comfortable
Locked On Bucs host James Yarcho has a straightforward solution for Tampa Bay.
Instead of relying heavily on deep throws, Yarcho believes Mayfield should get the ball out quickly. Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka could then create additional yardage after the catch.
That approach could give Tampa Bay something it desperately needs: an offensive identity.
The Buccaneers have struggled with turnovers, stalled red-zone possessions, and untimely negative plays. Getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers quickly could help eliminate some of those problems.
Mayfield’s Early Mistakes Have Been Costly
Mayfield’s Week 1 mistakes helped swing Tampa Bay’s opener against Cincinnati.
The Buccaneers lost four fumbles during the 33-27 defeat. Those turnovers put unnecessary pressure on an offense that was already trying to find its footing.
Mayfield then completed 21 of 34 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown against Cleveland. Tampa Bay scored only one touchdown and failed to convert a late opportunity near the goal line.
There was also a lengthy weather delay during the Cleveland matchup. Still, the Buccaneers need considerably more consistency from their offense.
Minnesota’s Blitz Creates A Different Challenge
Yarcho also believes Tampa Bay’s offense has lacked an important intermediate element.
The Buccaneers have too often operated near the line of scrimmage or attacked deep downfield. That creates an especially difficult matchup against Brian Flores and Minnesota’s aggressive defense.
According to Locked On Vikings host Luke Braun, the Vikings have blitzed at an extraordinary rate through two games.
Braun believes every Tampa Bay concept needs a built-in answer for pressure. He also cautioned that Flores wants offenses to settle for short hot reads.
That approach can create another challenge for Tampa Bay’s receivers. Minnesota’s defensive backs can attack downhill against short completions and force receivers to make plays after the catch.
Godwin And Egbuka Can Help
The Buccaneers have already shown that they can move the football when Mayfield stays in rhythm.
Godwin Jr. produced a 24-yard reception during Tampa Bay’s lone touchdown drive against Cleveland. Egbuka then finished the possession with a five-yard touchdown reception.
The bigger issue has been maintaining that efficiency.
Penalties, pressure, and long-yardage situations have repeatedly disrupted Tampa Bay’s offensive rhythm. Against Minnesota, the Buccaneers need to avoid putting Mayfield in those difficult situations whenever possible.
Mayfield Doesn’t Need To Win A Shootout
Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to return after clearing concussion protocol.
That increases the importance of Tampa Bay avoiding another slow start. The Buccaneers cannot afford to repeatedly give Minnesota favorable situations.
Mayfield does not need to chase a shootout to give Tampa Bay a chance.
He needs to protect the football, recognize pressure before the snap, and get the ball quickly to his best playmakers. Godwin Jr. and Egbuka then need opportunities to turn short completions into meaningful gains.
Buccaneers Need A Complete Offensive Performance
A victory would not erase Tampa Bay’s problems through two weeks.
It would, however, keep the Buccaneers within reach of a .500 record early in the season. Another turnover-heavy performance would only increase the pressure surrounding an offense that has yet to play a complete game.
The formula against Minnesota should be simple.
Protect the football, handle the blitz, and let Tampa Bay’s playmakers make plays in space.
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