Bucs Gameday

Bucs Strike First With Impressive Opening TD Drive vs. Giants

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense wasted no time getting started vs. the New York Giants.

Collin Haalboom

Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Sean Tucker (44) against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Sean Tucker (44) against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Coming off an extended break, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew they needed to come out of the bye week on a mission. That's exactly what happened when Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers' offense took the ball for their first drive of the game vs. the New York Giants on Sunday.

With Mike Evans back in the lineup, Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen was surely looking forward to having a legitimate receiving weapon back in the fold to keep the defense honest.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Make Roster Moves Ahead of Week 12 Giants Matchup

The opening drive though didn't involve force-feeding Evans targets. Instead, Baker Mayfield involved a variety of receivers as he worked his way down the field in methodical fashion, while mixing the run with the pass very efficiently.

Jalen McMillan, Sterling Sheppard, Mike Evans and Bucky Irving all made positive plays on the 14-play drive which drained almost 8 and a half minutes off the clock. The drive ended with Sean Tucker punching it in behind Vita Vea (yes that Vita Vea) for a 1-yard score.

The opening drive touchdown was the fourth of the season for the Bucs, which is a massive improvement from last season, where the team struggled mightily when it came to scoring touchdowns early in the game.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Defense Still Among League's Worst After Bye Week

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

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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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