Baker Mayfield’s Struggles

While Josh Allen shone brightly, the spotlight also fell on Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Bills’ defensive strategy for the game involved primarily sitting back in zone defense and forcing Mayfield to make quick decisions. For the most part, this strategy worked, as Mayfield appeared hesitant and indecisive at times.

Mayfield’s struggles were evident in his double-clutching on several throws and his inability to find open receivers. He arguably had two dropped interceptions and narrowly avoided taking more sacks, including some in the end zone. However, to his credit, Mayfield fought throughout the game and managed to keep his team alive until the last second.

One of the standout moments of Mayfield’s performance was his orchestration of the Bucs’ longest drive of the year, a remarkable 92-yard journey. He capped it with a beautiful throw to Mike Evans, showcasing his determination. Mayfield’s ensuing two-point pass added a touch of improvisation to the game, and the final Hail Mary attempt showcased his never-say-die attitude. However, overall, it was a challenging night for Mayfield, who missed open receivers, threw short of the sticks on third downs, and struggled to involve key players like Evans and Chris Godwin early in the game.

Strategic Shift in Targeting

One of the notable changes in the Bills’ approach on Thursday night was their concerted effort to involve players beyond their star receiver, Stefon Diggs. While Diggs remains a critical asset for the Bills, the team has sometimes struggled to strike the right balance between forcing the ball to him and spreading it out.

In this game, the Bills succeeded in diversifying their offensive targets. Gabe Davis, who had been in a minor slump, had a standout performance. He caught a career-high nine passes for 87 yards and scored his fifth touchdown of the season. Khalil Shakir also notched a career-high in receiving yards, accumulating 92 on six catches. Rookie Dalton Kincaid, the only active tight end for the Bills, had a significant role to play. Following a strong performance in the previous game against the New England Patriots, Kincaid scored his first NFL touchdown. His chemistry with Josh Allen on a scramble drill and a 15-yard reception against Lavonte David showcased his potential.

The Bills’ ability to move the ball without relying solely on Stefon Diggs is an encouraging sign for the team. A balanced offensive approach can make them a more formidable force in the coming weeks.

Field-Position Battle and Costly Mistakes

The game between the Bills and the Buccaneers was marked by a field-position battle that had a significant impact on the outcome. Despite the Bills controlling the game in the early second half, the Buccaneers had a surprising chance to win on the game’s final play. Several plays prior to that moment highlighted the costly mistakes made by the Buccaneers.

Penalties proved to be a significant issue for the Buccaneers, with four false starts, a holding penalty that wiped out a 26-yard gain, and another hold that erased a 42-yard completion to Mike Evans. The blocked field goal in the first half added to their struggles. Additionally, poor tackling on punt coverage and the loss of hidden yardage resulted in the Buccaneers starting four drives inside their own 8-yard line, with three of those situations occurring in the second half.

Baker Mayfield was challenged to navigate out of his own end zone on multiple occasions. While he managed to avoid a disastrous mistake, he had some close calls with potential interceptions. The Bucs showed resilience in enduring long fields, but it ultimately proved too much to overcome.

Strong Defensive Coverage

The Bills’ defensive backs delivered a strong performance for most of the game, particularly in their coverage of the Buccaneers’ receivers. Buffalo primarily played zone defense, and cornerbacks Christian Benford and Dane Jackson did an excellent job sticking closely to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

While Evans did manage to beat Benford late for a touchdown, the pass glanced off Benford’s helmet. However, for most of the evening, the Bills’ coverage was on point, making it difficult for Mayfield to find open options. Taron Johnson, who had a challenging game against the Patriots the previous Sunday, was responsible for covering Godwin for a touchdown. Nevertheless, the coverage was solid, and Johnson had an overall good performance.

Jordan Poyer, despite dropping two interceptions, and Micah Hyde, who broke up a crucial play to Payne Durham late in the game, were significant contributors to the Bills’ victory. The Bills’ defensive coverage played a pivotal role in their success, frustrating the Buccaneers’ offense.

Next Gen Stat of the Game

In this game, we witnessed a remarkable Next Gen stat related to Josh Allen’s performance. Allen connected with Dalton Kincaid for a 12-yard touchdown pass, marking his 18th passing touchdown on scrambles outside the tackle box to the right side of the formation since 2020. This stat places him at the top of the NFL for such passes during this time span. Allen’s ability to make plays on the move and create opportunities outside the pocket has been a defining feature of his quarterbacking style.

The 2023 NFL season has been a rollercoaster ride for many teams, including the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thursday night’s game in Week 8 provided a compelling narrative of resilience, struggles, strategic shifts, and the significance of field position.

Josh Allen’s determination and leadership were on full display as he played through pain to secure a critical victory for the Bills. Baker Mayfield, on the other hand, faced challenges in navigating the Bills’ defensive strategy.

The Bills’ shift in targeting other players, aside from Stefon Diggs, provided a more balanced offensive approach. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were plagued by costly mistakes and struggled with field position throughout the game.

The Bills’ defensive coverage was a key factor in their victory, frustrating the Buccaneers’ receivers. As the 2023 NFL season continues, these lessons from Week 8 will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both teams.

With Next Gen stats revealing Josh Allen’s passing prowess, the season promises more exciting moments and remarkable performances as it unfolds. As fans eagerly await the next games, one thing is certain: the 2023 NFL season is full of surprises and stories yet to be told.