Bucs Gameday

WATCH: Mike Evans Makes Massive 70-Yard Catch Setting up Buccaneers Touchdown

It didn't take long for Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans to connect on an explosive play in the Buccaneers' home opener.

Collin Haalboom

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The first quarter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' week 2 matchup with the Chicago Bears saw the Bucs' offense dominate the time of possession battle. 

Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, they didn't have much to show for it. Despite the fact that his offense was moving the ball on the Bears' defense, Bucs' head coach Todd Bowles opted to settle for a field goal attempt after each of the Buccaneers' offensive possessions. 

Only one of those field goals was successful, as the second attempt by kicker, Chase McLaughlin was blocked.

READ MORE: How to Watch Bears vs. Buccaneers: Kickoff Time, TV Channel and Odds

It didn't take long for that to be forgotten though. After an impressive defensive stand for the Bucs early in the second quarter -- which saw both starting edge rushers, Shaq Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, register sacks -- Tampa Bay gave the ball back to Baker Mayfield and their offense in quick order.

From there, it didn't take long to hear the cannons fire in Raymond James Stadium.

Despite one of Chicago's defensive backs charging at Mayfield in the pocket, Baker remained calm and delivered a laser to Mike Evans. 

From there, Evans did the rest. 

After making the reception, Evans rumbled down the field, evading Bears' defenders, and putting the Buccaneers deep into Chicago territory.

Shortly thereafter, Buccaneers' running back, Rachaad White scampered for 4-yards to punch the ball into the end zone for the Bucs, giving them a 10-7 lead over the Bears. 

READ MORE: Tom Brady Linked to New York Jets Following Aaron Rodgers' Season-Ending Injury

It was Rachaad White's first TD of the 2023 season.

Even though there's an entire second half yet to be played, it looks like Tampa Bay Buccaneers' superstar wide receiver, Mike Evans, is already on his way to another productive game to start the season.

You can follow Collin Haalboom on X. 

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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