Vikings Stay Undefeated as Buccaneers Fall to 0-3; Baker Mayfield Suffers Thumb Injury

Minnesota’s Defense and Special Teams Lead the Way

The Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated Sunday, using a stifling defensive performance, a huge special-teams touchdown and a big connection between Kyler Murray and Jordan Addison to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-16.

The Vikings improved to 3-0 for the second time in three years, while Tampa Bay fell to 0-3 for the first time since 2014, when the Buccaneers finished 2-14 and ultimately selected Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Minnesota’s victory, however, came with a significant injury of its own as two-time All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson left in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return.

Baker Mayfield Injures Right Thumb

The Buccaneers also lost their starting quarterback late in the fourth quarter when Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb while attempting a desperation pass. Mayfield was left screaming in pain on the ground before walking off the field. Rookie Jalon Daniels replaced him in the final minute.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said initial X-rays were negative, but Mayfield is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury. Mayfield finished 17-of-34 passing for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception while being sacked six times. The performance continued a difficult start to the season for a quarterback who signed a $165 million extension with Tampa Bay before the season.

Myles Price Provides the Spark

The Vikings took control early thanks to an explosive play from rookie Myles Price. After Tampa Bay went three-and-out on its opening possession, Price fielded the punt, darted up the middle, cut to the right and raced down the sideline for an 86-yard touchdown return.

It was the first touchdown of Price’s career, and he said afterward that he had dreamed about scoring on a punt return earlier in the week. He said he had the same dream again during a pregame nap.

Minnesota led 10-0 before Tampa Bay finally answered. Mayfield connected with rookie Ted Hurst III on a 40-yard touchdown pass down the seam, cutting the deficit to 10-7. The Buccaneers later reached Minnesota’s 7-yard line after Mayfield connected with Cade Otton for a 37-yard gain, but consecutive holding penalties on Cody Mauch and Graham Barton derailed the drive. Chase McLaughlin’s 28-yard field goal tied the game.

Murray Finds Addison for a Big Touchdown

Murray, making his first full game start for Minnesota, delivered one of the biggest throws of the afternoon in the second quarter. Facing third-and-8, Murray launched a deep pass to Addison, who beat Jacob Parrish in one-on-one coverage and made a smooth adjustment to the football for a 41-yard touchdown.

The touchdown gave Minnesota a 17-10 advantage. Murray finished 15-of-29 for 168 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He sustained a concussion in Minnesota’s season opener, allowing Carson Wentz to lead the Vikings to consecutive victories before Murray returned to the starting lineup Sunday.

Vikings Defense Keeps Tampa Bay in Check

Minnesota’s defense, coordinated by Brian Flores, consistently made life difficult for Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense. Tampa Bay briefly appeared to have a major momentum-changing play when Mayfield connected with Chris Godwin on an 85-yard touchdown pass on third-and-30 in the third quarter. The play was erased by a holding penalty on Luke Goedeke.

Later, Mayfield scrambled for 14 yards on second-and-9, only for another holding penalty, this time on Payne Durham, to wipe out the gain. The Buccaneers did manage to convert a third-and-29 when Joshua Metellus was flagged for a helmet to helmet hit on Emeka Egbuka, but Tampa Bay again had to settle for a field goal.

After A’Shawn Robinson intercepted Murray and gave the Buccaneers possession at the Minnesota 22-yard line in the third quarter, Tampa Bay couldn’t capitalize. Bucky Irving gained three yards and dropped a pass before Mayfield was sacked on third down. McLaughlin’s 38-yard field goal cut Minnesota’s lead to 17-13.

Reichard Comes Through in the Fourth Quarter

Tampa Bay eventually made it a one-point game when McLaughlin drilled a 54-yard field goal to make it 17-16. Minnesota answered with a crucial kick of its own. Will Reichard connected from 56 yards with 3:10 remaining to extend the Vikings’ lead to 20-16.

He later added a 43-yard field goal to cap the scoring. Reinhard has now made 26 consecutive field goals dating to last season. The Vikings’ defense held Tampa Bay scoreless after the Buccaneers’ final field goal, allowing Minnesota to close out the victory.

Jefferson Leaves With Ankle Injury

Minnesota also left the game concerned about Jefferson, who injured his right ankle during the first quarter. O’Connell said Jefferson was close to returning but ultimately couldn’t generate the push off he needed to get back on the field. The Vikings will have to monitor Jefferson’s status ahead of next Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins.

Brotherly Love in Tampa Bay

Sunday’s game also featured a unique family connection. Buccaneers left guard Ben Bredeson played against his younger brother, Vikings rookie fullback Max Bredeson. Their older brother, Jack Bredeson, is the director of player information for the New York Mets. All three brothers attended the University of Michigan.

Next Sunday Football Game

The Vikings will return home next Sunday to host the Miami Dolphins as they attempt to remain undefeated. The Buccaneers will look to earn their first victory of the season when they host the Green Bay Packers.

For Minnesota, Sunday was another complete team performance built on defense, special teams and timely offensive plays. For Tampa Bay, the loss dropped the Buccaneers to 0-3 while leaving the team awaiting further tests on its starting quarterback.