The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-17 in a thrilling Week 1 matchup on Sunday. The game was close throughout, with the lead changing hands several times.

The Buccaneers got off to a fast start, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. Tom Brady threw a 3-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski to give the Bucs a 7-0 lead.

The Vikings responded with a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3. But the Buccaneers extended their lead to 14-3 on a 4-yard touchdown run by Leonard Fournette.


The Vikings got back into the game with a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson to cut the lead to 14-10. But the Buccaneers answered with a field goal to take a 17-10 lead into halftime.

The Vikings tied the game early in the third quarter on a field goal. But the Buccaneers responded with a touchdown pass from Brady to Mike Evans to take a 20-13 lead.

The Vikings had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but they turned the ball over on downs. The Buccaneers then ran out the clock to secure the victory.

Key Plays

  • Tom Brady's 3-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski gave the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
  • Leonard Fournette's 4-yard touchdown run extended the Buccaneers' lead to 14-3 in the second quarter.
  • Justin Jefferson's touchdown catch cut the Vikings' deficit to 14-10 in the second quarter.
  • Ryan Succop's 25-yard field goal gave the Buccaneers a 17-10 lead at halftime.
  • Mike Evans' touchdown catch gave the Buccaneers a 20-13 lead in the third quarter.
  • The Buccaneers' defense forced a turnover on downs to seal the victory.

Takeaways

  • The Buccaneers' offense looked sharp in their season opener. Brady was efficient, throwing for 276 yards and two touchdowns. Evans and Gronkowski were both productive, combining for 15 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
  • The Buccaneers' defense also played well, forcing two turnovers and holding the Vikings to 310 total yards.
  • The Vikings' offense struggled to get going. Cousins was inconsistent, throwing for 234 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Jefferson was the Vikings' only bright spot, catching 10 passes for 107 yards.
  • The Buccaneers' win was a statement victory. They showed that they are still a contender in the NFC. The Vikings have some work to do if they want to be a playoff team this season.

The Buccaneers will next face the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The Vikings will face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.