The Buccaneers have a tough opponent coming to town in Week 3. Here are my five keys that can lead to a victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their work cut out for them if they want to beat the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.
The Bucs have already dug themselves a hole by starting the season 0-2. If they fall to 0-3, panic may be quick to set in.
Since 1980, only seven teams have reached the playoffs after starting 0-3.
The Vikings come into Raymond James Stadium 2-0, coming off a win over the Chicago Bears, where their defense held Chicago to three points a week after dropping 59 on the Carolina Panthers.
For a Tampa team with a struggling quarterback in Baker Mayfield and an offensive line that hasn’t played up to its capabilities, Minnesota’s defense presents a huge problem.
The Bucs need a win in the worst way, and must play much better against the Vikings than they have over their first two games to get one.
Here are my five keys for a Tampa victory over the Vikings:
1. Handle Brian Flores’ Blitzes
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is the best in the business. He is known for his aggressive style and exotic, frequent blitzes. Tampa must be able to handle the blitz on Sunday to have a chance.
The Bucs’ offensive line was supposed to be the team’s biggest strength. So far, it hasn’t been. Mayfield has been sacked seven times in two games.
The line has to hold up and give Mayfield time on Sunday. If it does, the Bucs offense has a chance to put points on the board and get their first win of the season. If the line falters again, Tampa will likely earn the dreaded 0-3 start.
2. Mayfield Must Take Care Of The Ball
In Tampa’s two losses, Baker Mayfield has turned the ball over four times, including three fumbles lost in the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
To beat the Vikings, Mayfield must take care of the ball as if the season depends on it.
Because it does.
There are already questions about whether Tampa’s franchise QB deserves the three-year, $165 million extension he signed right before Week 1. If Mayfield wants to silence his doubters, he must come through against a terrific defense. That is what he is paid for.
3. Feed Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving has gotten off to a terrific start this season. He looks like the explosive running back he was as a rookie in 2024.
To beat Minnesota, Irving needs a heavy workload. He has 134 rushing yards and a score through two games on 25 carries. Irving has been the offense’s best player by a mile so far. Tampa should feed him as much as he can eat on Sunday.
20+ touches should be on the menu against the Vikings.
4. Get The Pass Rush Going
Tampa made major additions to its defensive front seven this offseason through free agency and the draft. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and outside linebacker David Walker are also back after missing most (Kancey), or all (Walker), of the 2025 season.
Despite the efforts to improve the team’s middling pass rush from a season ago, the Bucs haven’t been getting to the quarterback. They only have three sacks in the first two games.
That must change against the Vikings and quarterback Kyler Murray.
5. Young Corners Must Step Up
The Vikings have Justin Jefferson, who is on the short list of the best WRs in the NFL. Tampa’s cornerbacks are talented, but they are mostly young and inexperienced.
The CBs must hold up against Jefferson and Jordan Addison if the Bucs are to have a chance.
The pressure on Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, Benjamin Morrison, and rookie Keionte Scott to win their matchups on Sunday will be intense. If they do, the Bucs defense in general should have a solid afternoon.
