TAMPA, Fla. – What a difference a week makes. After getting embarrassed by the Denver Broncos last week, quarterback Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans wanted to make sure it didn’t happen again. Mayfield and Evans led the way as the Bucs beat the Eagles 33-16.
“Obviously, just wanted to get the taste out of our mouth for sure,” Mayfield said. “We came out with a hair-on-fire mentality.”
Tampa Bay came fast, scoring on their opening possession, ending up with a two-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to Evans. Evans said it set the tone.
Read: Buccaneers Triumph Over Eagles In Dominant 33-16 Victory
“We emphasized starting fast, helping our defense out,’ Evans said. “We had a great week of preparation and a lot of guys stepped up and made plays.”
Mayfield was 30-of-47 for 347 yards and two touchdowns. The Bucs defense came up big, sacking Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts six times.
“It’s better than the last two weeks,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. “I thought we were getting back there. Getting some pressure. It was good to finally get some.” Other than Philly’s Saquon Barkley’s 59 yard run the Bucs defense contained the Eagles star rusher.
Related: Tampa Bay Bucs Walking Wounded Into The Eagles Game
Both squads had a number of players out for this game. Tampa Bay had 20 players on the injury report. Mayfield said it was a testament to their resiliency. He saw some of that last year when they had their losing streak. So, the one-game loss last week to Denver wasn’t going to deter them.
“We’ve taken ownership of what we put on tape last week,” Mayfield said. That wasn’t the Buc brand of football. Everybody owned it, and that’s an accountable team, and I’m proud of them.
Evan’s two-year touchdown catch moved him into 12th place all-time in NFL history. It also made Evans the Bucs’ all-time leading scorer.
“I should have kept the ball, ” Evans said. “Dang, I did not keep the ball. I gave it away.”
Evans will take the win over keeping the historic football.
The Bucs are back Thursday night with an NFC showdown with the Atlanta Falcons.
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