TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield delivered a standout performance, throwing for 295 yards and three touchdown passes, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers triumphed over the Las Vegas Raiders with a score of 28-13. This victory on Sunday propelled the Buccaneers to the top of the NFC South standings with a 7-6 record, marking their third consecutive win against teams at the bottom of the league. The result has reignited their aspirations to capture the division title for the fourth consecutive year.
Mayfield’s impressive showing included touchdown throws to rookie Jalen McMillan from distances of 15 and 29 yards. Additionally, Rachaad White contributed significantly to the win with a 5-yard receiving touchdown and a 3-yard rushing score. Meanwhile, the Raiders fell to 2-11, suffering not only their ninth consecutive loss but also the loss of starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell due to a knee injury.
O’Connell was carted off the field after being tackled by Buccaneers’ defensive lineman Calijah Kancey in a play that occurred late in the third quarter following a pass completion. O’Connell, who was making his return to the field after nearly six weeks out with a broken thumb, appeared to lose his balance after the throw and was subsequently pushed down by Kancey, who chased him out of the pocket. Notably, Kancey was not penalized for the hit.
In terms of rushing, White was effective with 90 yards on 17 carries, with his 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter giving Tampa Bay a 21-10 advantage. McMillan’s second touchdown capped off an 80-yard drive and effectively sealed the win after the Raiders, under Desmond Ridder, managed to close the gap with a field goal, bringing the score to 21-13 with just three minutes left.
Despite the victory, Mayfield struggled early on, committing three turnovers in the first half that allowed the Raiders to stay competitive. A fumble by O’Connell came just after Mayfield’s first interception, but four plays later, Raiders linebacker Amari Burney tackled Mayfield, forcing another fumble that set up O’Connell’s 1-yard scoring run, reducing the Buccaneers’ lead to 14-7.
The fumble recovery by Tre’von Moehrig marked the first takeaway for the Raiders’ defense this season. Just before halftime, Jack Jones intercepted Mayfield in the end zone, denying him the chance to extend Tampa Bay’s 14-10 lead.
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who entered the game leading the NFL with 84 receptions, recorded three catches for 49 yards, breaking Sam LaPorta’s previous record for receptions in a season by a rookie tight end, which stood at 86 from LaPorta’s 2023 performance with the Detroit Lions.
Injuries were a concern for both teams. O’Connell exited the game with 1:23 left in the third quarter and was replaced by Ridder. He finished with 11 completions on 19 attempts, totaling 104 yards with an interception and being sacked once. The Buccaneers were without linebacker K.J. Britt (ankle), safety Mike Edwards (hamstring), cornerback Josh Hayes (hamstring), and outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle). Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) and running back Bucky Irving (back) both left the field in the second quarter and did not return, while wide receiver Ryan Miller departed in the fourth quarter due to a concussion.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will host the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, December 16, while the Buccaneers are set to face off against the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.
