It was an eventful Monday Night Football contest between the Bucs and Ravens at Raymond James Stadium. In a primetime battle between the two 4-2 teams with strong offenses, it was Baltimore who caused a stir on the way to a 41:31 victory. Although it was a tough loss for Tampa Bay, there are still some impressive performances to highlight.

OC Liam Coen

Another week, another impressive game for the Bucs offensive lineman. After Tampa Bay put up 594 yards of total offense against the Saints, Liam Coen had no problem putting together another solid offensive game plan against the Ravens.

Although the playing staff didn’t fully implement it (see “Most Disappointing”), Coen kept Baltimore’s defense unprepared and on its toes. They won the battle of possession 18:24 to 11:36 in the first half, and it could easily have been 21-7 rather than the 17-10 deficit the team had heading into the locker room.

The Bucs offensive line

Even though the offense didn’t put any points on the scoreboard Monday night, that shouldn’t discount the impressive performance of the bigs up front. The offensive line more than held its own against the Ravens’ physical and talented front seven.

Together, they opened up rushing lanes for every running back on the team, while also giving Baker Mayfield more than enough time to go through his reads and keep him upright. While it may not have propelled the offense as much as it should have, each offensive lineman should be given credit for their efforts.

Bucs’ three-man rushing attack

Bucs RB Bucky Irving and Ravens ILB Roquan Smith – Photo by: USA Today

Going into the game, the plan was for each running back to receive an offensive series before offensive coordinator Liam Coen decided which hot hand he should run that night. Luckily for the offense, each defender brought a different element to the table when they got touches on the ball, and each continued to perform throughout the contest.

Rachaad White had 111 total yards and two receiving touchdowns. Bucky Irving was a threat in his own right with three catches for 54 yards and a rushing touchdown. Sean Tucker had 5.8 yards per carry on his five carries.

Overall, the rushing attack has been successful and the three-man rotation could be the future of the backfield.

WR Mike Evans

Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Sterling Shepard – Photo by: USA Today

Going into Monday night, there was some uncertainty about what impact Mike Evans would have on the game as the veteran wide receiver was dealing with a hamstring injury. He allayed those concerns about the Bucs’ opening offense. slide to score a 25-yard touchdown from quarterback Baker Mayfield. It marks the 100th touchdown catch of his NFL career.

Although Evans made an impact on the field, he wouldn’t stay there long. He got tangled up after running a go route and fell hard on his hamstring in the second quarter. After lying on the ground for a moment, he walked off the field wearing sneakers and noticeably limping. It will be something to keep an eye on in the future.

TE Cade Otton

Cade Otton became a bigger target in the passing game after Mike Evans left due to injury, and he responded with a career game. Otton had seven catches for a career-high 91 receiving yards, and he showed his toughness after taking a few tough hits from the Ravens’ defenders.

FS Antoine Winfield Jr.

Despite all the struggles of the Bucs’ defense, Antoine Winfield Jr. was one of the few bright spots. In the first half, Winfield led the team by far with 10 total tackles, including a key 9-yard sack on the Ravens’ first drive that pushed them further back before they had to fend it off. He had a lot of cleaning up to do in the back end of the secondary, and without his presence things could have been a lot worse.

OLB Yaya Diaby

Yaya Diaby had the biggest impact of any Bucs pass rusher, recording two tackles for loss and his second sack of the season. Diaby put the most consistent pressure on Lamar Jackson and it was an encouraging game for the second-year outside linebacker.