Friday, September 15, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 24

Best debut performance: K Chase McLaughlin
Week 1 stats: 2-for-2 FGs, 2-for-2 PAT

With the game tied 17-17 with 5:15 to go in the fourth quarter, McLaughlin nailed a personal-best 57-yard field goal to give the Bucs a 20-17 lead that would hold. The Bucs' kicking woes are well-documented historically. They released kicker Ryan Succop and signed McLaughlin this offseason because of his accuracy from 50-plus yards, and he delivered in one of the most difficult places to play for a road team. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 24

Tampa Bay was lucky to not be behind at halftime of Sunday's win over Minnesota, thanks to three Kirk Cousins turnovers. Those takeaways only led to 3 points for the Bucs, but they did keep the Vikings off the scoreboard at least twice. Tampa's wide receivers stepped up in a big way, and offensive coordinator Dave Canales seemed dialed in late in his first game calling plays. But the offensive line and Baker Mayfield must improve going forward. Luke Goedeke and Robert Hainsey were flagged for holding, and Tristan Wirfs had a so-so day in his debut at left tackle. Mayfield got better as the game went on, and he avoided some would-be sacks, but his overall execution's lacking. His receivers bailed him out a few times.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 17

Winning on the road against the Vikings is a good way to start the season. Baker Mayfield did some good things.

USA Today -- Rank: 22

Three takeaways from a defense that will have to reassert itself. QB Baker Mayfield protecting the ball and capitalizing on opportunities. Might have been premature to write them off out of the chute.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

Baker Mayfield has finally found a home. The former No. 1 pick, who is on his fourth NFL team in 14 months, just needed the pressure of replacing Tom Brady to find his stride. Mayfield didn't throw an interception and completed passes to seven receivers.

FOX -- Rank: 26

The box score suggests the Bucs had no business beating the Vikings, but the scoreboard reminds you that they 100% did. Two of Minnesota's turnovers happened deep in Tampa territory, and the third one led to a Buccaneers field goal. That's how an underdog springs an upset.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 25

The Buccaneers had just 242 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per play. They had 2.2 yards per rushing attempt. They made some big plays on both sides, and won mostly because of a plus-three advantage in turnovers, but they'll need to play better to keep winning. But it was a win, which is enormous for Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles as they begin huge seasons for their careers.

PFT -- Rank: 19

Baker Mayfield might be back to what he was becoming before a shoulder injury derailed his career in 2021.

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