RECAP: Buccaneers End Four Game Losing Streak, Beat Titans 20-6

The autumn months haven't been too kind to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Then again, it's more like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't been too kind to themselves.

Beyond their 3-1 start to the season, many of the issues that plagued the Bucs during their four game losing skid were self inflicted. Cowardly coaching decisions. A lack of discipline, poor tackling, and questionable strategy on defense. A complete inability to execute on offense.

The list goes on and on.

But in week 10, the Buccaneers — coming off their most demoralizing loss of the season to the Houston Texans — would have another opportunity to right the ship.

Despite excitement surrounding their newly inserted starting quarterback, rookie Will Levis, the Tennessee Titans are a team with significantly less talent than the Buccaneers.

Coming into this game, it felt like this was do or die for the Bucs.

Win, and at least some hope and optimism could be restored. Lose? It would be five in a row, and ultimately time for Bucs' GM, Jason Licht, to start making some tough decisions geared for the future instead of the present.

Here's what happened.

The Titans opening drive began with back-to-back 15 yard plays to start the game, and in a matter of seconds, they managed to march the ball into Buccaneer territory. But an impressive pursuit-and-tackle by Lavonte David on Derrick Henry, and then a huge third down sack by Vita Vea (the team leader in sacks) forced the Titans to settle for a short field goal.

Titans 3, Buccaneers 0.

After a couple completions to Godwin, and then Evans, the Buccaneers appeared to be in good shape on their opening drive. But on 3rd-and-15, Mayfield inexplicably threw a ball into triple coverage at the goal line that was intended for Deven Thompkins, but instead was picked off by Titans’ cornerback, Roger McCreary.

The next five possessions of the game returned the same results for each team: punts.

Amidst the punt party, the Bucs' offense had gained a total of just 3 yards on 10 consecutive plays. That was until the Buccaneers got the ball back, and finally decided to make something happen. Mayfield hit Mike Evans on a post in the middle of the field for a gain of 16-yards, and then again for a 15-yard reception on 3rd down to bring the Bucs to the Titans 43-yard line. On the very next play, Rachaad White took a short screen pass, worked his way to the sideline, and took the ball 43 yards to the endzone for the Bucs first score of the game.

Buccaneers 7, Titans 3.

VIDEO: Buccaneers' Running Back Rachaad White Scores Longest Touchdown of Season

The Titans ensuing drive resulted in yet another punt allowing the Bucs to quickly regain possession. After moving the ball into plus territory, Baker Mayfield, seeing nothing available downfield, decided to tuck the ball in and run for it to extend the play, and fumbled when he ran into a defender. Thankfully for the Buccaneers, Tristan Wirfs alertly scooped the football and rumbled for a few extra yards allowing the team to maintain possession.

Shortly thereafter, head coach, Todd Bowles opted to punt instead of attempting a 59-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining in the first half. Camarda did his job, and helped pin the Titans inside their own 10 yard line, and the TItans ran one play before the first half expired.

The third quarter got off to a good start for the Buccaneers, who received the opening kickoff to start the second half. After Baker Mayfield and the offense moved the ball deep into Tennessee territory, Mayfield found a wide open Mike Evans in the middle of the end zone, who he hit with a quick strike for what should have been a touchdown in Pop Warner.

Evans, likely envisioning what his touchdown celebration was going to be, bobbled the ball, and watched it fall to the ground in what felt like slow motion. It would have been arguably the easiest touchdown reception of his entire career.

After an incompletion to Rachaad White in the endzone on the following play, the Buccaneers were forced to settle for a Chase McLaughlin field goal.

Buccaneers 10, Titans 3.

The Buccaneers' defense continued to do what was needed in order to keep the Titans' offense at bay, and their next possession resulted in yet another punt from Ryan Stonehouse.

When Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers got the ball back, they looked hungry to avenge the disappointment of the previous possession.

Mayfield hit Chris Godwin for his fourth catch of the day for 18 yards. Mike Evans didn't spend too long sulking about his dropped touchdown, as he also made numerous big plays on the drive to quickly take the Bucs into plus territory.

On the following play, Mayfield hit Evans again, this time around the 5-yard line, where Mike refused to be denied as he dragged Titans defenders with him across the goal line for the Bucs' second touchdown of the game.

VIDEO: Mike Evans Makes Strong Move to Score Receiving Touchdown

The play resulted in what was undoubtedly the loudest cheer of the day from the crowd at Raymond James, as everyone in attendance — at least those cheering for the Bucs — was elated to see Mike Evans redeem himself so quickly from the dropped TD on the previous drive.

Not only did the reception add to Mike Evans' impressive totals on the day (6-143-1) but It was the 87th touchdown reception of his career, tying him with Andre Reed for 15th on the all time list.

Buccaneers 17, Titans 3.

The Titans finally found some success on offense as they methodically marched the ball down the field towards the Bucs' redzone as the game transitioned into the fourth and final frame.

Then, from the Bucs' 7 yard line, a Will Levis pass attempt into the endzone was tipped into the air where it appeared as though Jamel Dean had a firm grasp for the interception, but the ball trickled out of his hands as he fell to the ground.

Despite the letdown, the Bucs' defense managed to hold strong and the Titans opted to settle for a field goal on fourth down with 12 minutes and change remaining in the game.

Buccaneers 17, Titans 6.

When the Buccaneers got the ball back — assisted by numerous penalties committed by the Titans' defense — they managed to drain several minutes off the clock while move the ball down the field at a steady pace. They were forced to settle for a field goal, and McLaughlin calmy knocked in the 35 yard field goal to extend Tampa Bay's lead.

Buccaneers 20, Titans 6.

As the Titans moved the ball near midfield on the ensuing possession, the Buccaneers' defense was finally able to make a splash play. It happened on a stunt that saw Markees Watts come flying into the face of Levis where he managed to dislodge the throwing motion by the TItans quarterback, which resulted in the ball sailing high into the air, and eventually falling into the hands of Antoine Winfield Jr. for the interception.

The Bucs weren't able to take advantage though, as a blown assignment by Luke Goedeke resulted in a sack on third down. Second year punter, Jake Camarda — who's having an outstanding season — shanked his punt, which travelled just 18 yards down the field before landing out of bounds.

When the Titans regained possession, just like the majority of the game, they were unable to muster up any sort of real productivity on the ground or through the air. That said, even if they had been able to, it would have been too little, too late.

Although it wasn't a masterpiece, the Buccaneers showed that they were the superior team to the Tennessee Titans today. And even though it may have taken a while for the Bucs to get going, once they did, they proved to be too much for the Titans to handle. The final result saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take care of business at home, and handle the Titans by a score of 20-6.

The win signals the end of a four-game losing streak for the Buccaneers while improving their overall record to 4-5 on the season.

Things won't get any easier for the Bucs next week as the team will travel across the country to take on the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.

You can follow Collin Haalboom on X.

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