Buccaneers defense no match for quarterback Josh Allen, Bills

Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times on Nov 16, 2025

Published in Football

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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — For all the concerns about injuries taking a bite out of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, it’s been the defense that has let them down the past two weeks.

Coach Todd Bowles’ unit hasn’t stopped giving up chunk plays. After yielding four plays of 50 yards or more in last week’s loss to the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills took full advantage of the porous defense Sunday. Josh Allen connected on touchdown passes of 43 yards to Tyrell Shavers, 52 yards to Ty Johnson and 25 yards to James Cook III. He also ran for three scores.

That was more than enough to spoil a good offensive effort and a career-best three touchdowns by Sean Tucker in the Bucs’ 44-32 loss.

Tampa Bay (6-4) also couldn’t cover kickoffs. Six kickoff returns by the Bills averaged 39 yards.

Play of the day

Any of Tucker’s three TDs would do. But let’s acknowledge that quarterback Baker Mayfield founds his legs Sunday. Trailing 7-3 in the second quarter, the Bucs faced fourth-and-1 at the Bills’ 4-yard line. Mayfield hadn’t had a rushing attempt in the past three games, in part because of knee and oblique injuries. But he sold out on a 4-yard touchdown run, taking a hit on his way into the end zone. He then tossed the football into the end-zone seats at Highmark Stadium.

Game ball

Tucker deserves one. Maybe three, one football for each touchdown. He has always come through when called upon but the Bucs rarely give him the ball. In New York, Tucker’s three touchdowns showed his incredible skillset. He ran with power. He ran with speed. And he caught a touchdown pass. Too bad he can’t play defense.

Keep an eye on

The Bucs’ suddenly beat-up secondary. Cornerback Jamel Dean left the game early in the first quarter with a hip injury. Safety Tykee Smith, whose deflection caused an interception by SirVocea Dennis, left in the second quarter with a concussion (but later returned). The strength of the defense has been the secondary. Rookie Benjamin Morrison has played a lot and is a capable replacement.

Up next

There is something nostalgic about Mayfield returning to SoFi Stadium to play the Rams. After he was released by the Panthers in 2022 he was by signed by Los Angeles. Two days later, he was entering a game against the Raiders. Mayfield led a stunning comeback in his debut, throwing a game-winning TD pass to Van Jefferson with 10 seconds to play. Mayfield said his time with the Rams, and his future offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, helped him rediscover his passion for the game.

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