The New York Jets will go on the road for the first time this season Sunday when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Week 3.
The Bucs (2-0) are coming off thrilling last-second victory over the Houston Texans, 20-19, in Week 2 on Monday night and will look to extend their perfect start when they take on the Green & White.
Let's take a deeper look at What To Expect from the Jets' Week 3 opponent, the reigning NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa's Fearless Signal-Caller
The Buccaneers have gotten off to an undefeated start because of several factors, but none as impactful as the play of QB Baker Mayfield.
Tampa's veteran signal-caller has completed 65% of his passes this season for 382 yards, 5 TDs and zero interceptions. And for as good as Mayfield has been with his arm, it has been his moxie and confidence that has propelled the Pewter and Red.
In Week 1 against the Falcons, Mayfield conducted a 5-play, 63-yard TD drive, a 25-yard pass to Emeka Egbuka, in the final minute to defeat Atlanta, 23-20. Monday night, he led a second consecutive game-winning drive, which included a 15-yard scramble on fourth-and-10 to set up the eventual go-ahead TD, a 3-yard rush by Rachaad White.
Mayfield's passer rating in the final two minutes of the Bucs' two games so far this season has been 122.6.
"Baker on the fourth down using his legs on that last drive and really his play and emotion throughout the game really catapulted everything for us," Bucs HC Todd Bowles said.
Prolific Playmakers
Pair Baker Mayfield with Tampa's elite group of playmakers and the Bucs offense can be as dangerous as any across the league.
Emeka Egbuka, the 19th overall pick in April's draft, leads the team with 8 receptions for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has helped fill the void left behind by WR Chris Godwin, who has yet to return from an ankle injury, alongside the steady future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans.
On the ground, second-year back Bucky Irving leads the team with 166 yards from scrimmage, while tailback Rachaad White is tied for the team lead with 3 total TDs.
Offensive Line Injuries
Tampa's offense averaged 29.5 points per game last season, good for 4th most in the NFL. This season, Todd Bowles' offense has averaged 21 PPG despite a strong group of skill players, due in part to their banged-up offensive line.
The Bucs have played their first two games without All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs, due to a knee injury, and finished Monday night's game without RT Luke Goedeke who was attempting to play through a foot injury he sustained in Week 1.
After Goedeke left the game at the end of the first quarter, Mayfield was pressured on 53.2% of his dropbacks, according to PFF. The Bucs hope to get Wirfs and Goedeke back on a short week but could potentially be without both.
The Bucs are working with their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons after the last two, Dave Canales and Liam Coen, were hired away to be head coaches. OC Josh Grizzard (34) has been finding his footing as a play caller in his first season.
"We are showing a lot of grit and resilience on offense right now, but we are still working towards that killer instinct," Bowles said.
Defense Quieting Critics
As for the Bucs defense, HC/defensive coordinator Todd Bowles' unit has been dominant at times while allowing 18 PPG. Tampa's success has stemmed from its stout run defense.
Pro Bowlers LB Lavonte David, NT Vita Vea and Co. are allowing 76.5 yards per game on the ground this season and sacked Texans' QB C.J. Stroud 3 times Monday. The Bucs, however, lost DL Calijah Kancey, the team's sack lead in 2024 with 11.5, to a torn pectoral in Week 2.
In the secondary, S Antoine Winfield Jr., a 2023 first-team All-Pro, and second-year S Tykee Smith, the team's leading tackler, have been an elite safety tandem.
"That crew is playing some of their best football right now," Bowles said.
The Jets will have their hands full as they try to capture their first win down south.
