Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making late-game drama a weekly tradition — and rewriting history along the way. Chase McLaughlin kicked a 36-yard field goal as time expired Sunday, lifting the undefeated Buccaneers to a 29-27 victory over the New York Jets in Week 3. The win pushed Tampa Bay to 3-0 for the first time since 2005 and gave Todd Bowles his first career victory over the franchise he once coached.
Mayfield, who has rejuvenated his career in Tampa Bay since signing on to compete for Tom Brady’s old job two years ago, once again delivered in crunch time. He has now guided the four-time defending NFC South champions to decisive points in the final minute of all three victories this season — a feat no NFL team had ever accomplished to begin a season in the Super Bowl era.
“This group never quits,” Bowles said. “We make it hard on ourselves, but Baker and our guys keep finding a way.”
Tampa Bay appeared in control after Jamel Dean returned a Tyrod Taylor interception 55 yards for a first-half touchdown and McLaughlin nailed four field goals to build a 26-9 lead entering the fourth quarter.
But the Jets (0-3), playing without injured starter Justin Fields, mounted a furious comeback. Taylor, steady in his first start for New York, threw touchdown passes of 11 yards to Garrett Wilson and 4 to Allen Lazard. Then came the play that nearly flipped the outcome: rookie pass rusher Will McDonald leaped over the middle of Tampa’s line to block McLaughlin’s 43-yard attempt, scooped up the loose ball, and sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown that gave the Jets a 27-26 lead with just 1:49 remaining.
“I thought that was the game-changer,” Jets coach Shane Glenn said. “We had momentum, we had the lead. We just couldn’t close it.”
Unfazed, Mayfield responded immediately. He connected with rookie Emeka Egbuka for 28 yards and veteran Sterling Shepard for 20 more to put the Bucs in range. McLaughlin, who had already hit from 54, 33, 28, and 55 yards, drilled his fifth of the afternoon to seal Tampa Bay’s dramatic win.
Mayfield finished 19 of 29 for 233 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also added 44 rushing yards on four scrambles. Mike Evans hauled in a 5-yard touchdown before leaving with a hamstring injury.
Taylor, meanwhile, went 26 of 36 for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Wilson caught 10 passes for 84 yards, continuing to serve as the Jets’ offensive engine.
The Buccaneers are only the fifth team in franchise history to open a season 3-0. They also became just the third team since the NFL merger in 1970 to record game-winning scores in the final minute of regulation in three straight games, joining the 2017 Steelers and 1994 Giants.
The moment wasn’t lost on Tampa Bay fans, who filled Raymond James Stadium for the home opener, where the Bucs donned their white “creamsicle” throwback uniforms and welcomed more than 100 franchise alumni — including Steve Spurrier and Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, and Ronde Barber.
“It felt like a family reunion,” Bowles said. “We wanted to make sure we gave them a show.”
The Jets, off to their third 0-3 start in six years, face another test next Monday night when they travel back to Florida to take on the also winless Miami Dolphins.
The Buccaneers, now riding high with their best start in 20 years, will look to stay perfect at home when they host the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
