TAMPA, Fla. – The Chiefs are undefeated, and the Bucs are on a two-game losing streak. It doesn’t make for an intriguing Monday Night Football matchup at one of the toughest places to play, Arrowhead Stadium, but don’t tell that to Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“Guys have to be dialed into the plan,” Mayfield said. “Because in the huddle you might not hear everything. That’s just the environment we’re going into. Just focus on one play at a time. For me, it’s reading my keys, going through it one step at a time.”
LISTEN: Rock Riley: Tampa Bay Lightning Radio Voice Dave Mishkin & Rock’s Stories
Mayfield will once again be without his two stud wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Godwin is most likely out for the year, but the Bucs hope Evans can return after their bye week. Believe it or not the Bucs offense hasn’t been their problem, it’s their defense. The Bucs are averaging 29.4 points per game, that’s the fourth-most in the NFL. The Bucs defense is ranked 30th. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles admits his defensive players are making too many mistakes, and that includes some veteran players.
“It’s frustrating at times,” Bowles said. “It’s human error and we’ve got to settle down. They understand their mistakes. As soon as we correct beating ourselves, we’ll beat other teams.”
READ: Bucs Lose Again To The Falcons In Creamsicle
Tampa Bay did have success against Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LV in a 31-9 win. The Bucs held the Chiefs to just three field goals but Bowles doesn’t want to talk about that now. Bruce Arians was the head coach then and Bowles was the defensive coordinator only.
“Honestly, that was so long ago,” Bowles said. “When I retire I’ll get a chance to look back. right now I’m trying to win a ballgame.”
The Chiefs are the last undefeated team in the NFL this season. This will be Kansas City’s first home game since Oct 7. That was also a Monday Night Football game, with the Chiefs beating the Saints 26-13.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.