Well, now that I’ve had a chance to decompress, I will attempt to write how I feel about the last 20 minutes or so of that game.

The Buccaneers probably had no business winning this game.  But win they did, 26-23, against the Panthers in overtime.  Tampa Bay is now tied for first place in the NFC South, though the Falcons own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Let’s start late in the 4^th quarter.  Bucky Irvin was rolling.  On 3^rd and goal, they give the ball to Rachaad White, who loses yardage and forces a field goal attempt.  I don’t think Irving saw any action the rest of the way?  Was he hurt?  The FOX broadcast made no mention of it.  Anyway, the field goal put the Bucs up by 4, 20-16, with about three minutes to go.

But this is Todd Bowles’ defense, so you know what comes next.  Carolina marches down the field, and Bryce Young throws a touchdown pass with 30 seconds left to put the Panthers ahead with :30 left.

While I (and many others) went into our latest “fire Bowles” rant, Baker Mayfield said, ‘not so fast.’  He got the Bucs into field goal range, and Chase McLaughlin kicked a 51-yarder to send the game into overtime.

The Bucs won the coin toss for OT.  Who knew?  They got into field goal range, but McLaughlin missed a 55-yarder.  Carolina took over with great field position.  You know the rest of the script, right?  Young led the Panthers into field goal range, but low and behold, Anthony Nelson forces a fumble, and Tampa Bay recovers.  So, on we go.  Baker led the Bucs down the field, down to the 10.  McLaughlin came back out, and this time he was good, and that was that.

Baker did not have his best game.  He got knocked out for a couple of plays on a sack, but came back in.  But with the game on the line, he made the plays.  And Bucky Irving?  I don’t know if he’s ‘officially’ the #1 running back, but he should be.

I will be in Tampa for the game against the Raiders next Sunday.  Let’s go.

Photo courtesy: Tampa Bay Buccaneers