The Bucs returned to Raymond James Stadium on a quest: to finally get a win. It has felt like forever since Tampa Bay played an inspired four quarters of football, and they failed to change much on Sunday evening, losing 23-16 to the Vikings to drop to 0-3. Here is what was most impressive from the team’s Week 3 effort in a game where the defense was the more enjoyable watch.

WR Ted Hurst III

The Bucs’ offense has been looking for explosives in the passing game, and they got one thanks to Ted Hurst III. Hurst, Tampa Bay’s third-round pick, got wide open on a post route across the middle of the field. Baker Mayfield found him in stride as he caught it and took it to the house for his first career touchdown. After dubbing him “Touchdown Ted” in training camp, he lived up to that moniker on Sunday.

OLB David Walker

I said it all summer long.

David Walker is for real.

I even mentioned how he has a real chance of coming for Yaya Diaby’s job. Sunday is the latest example of why. Walker started off the game with a tackle for loss in the first quarter, but his biggest moment came in the second quarter with a sack of Kyler Murray.

Playing only nine defensive snaps last week, Walker recorded his first NFL sack. Following that up with another sack in as many games, and he has quickly shown why his pass-rushing abilities are for real. It is one thing to display them and get after the quarterback, but another to finish the play and wrap him up.

Bucs OLB David Walker – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

At this point, he is the only outside pass rusher who has consistently done that. He needs to continue getting snaps.

DT A’Shawn Robinson

It is always a fun moment when a big guy gets an interception. A’Shawn Robinson came away with a takeaway in the third quarter after Vita Vea tipped a Kyler Murray pass. Robinson was instinctive in reacting and getting a turnover. That put the offense in prime position to capitalize, but that is another story. The veteran defensive tackle has been as advertised and proven to be an impressive addition.

K Chase McLaughlin

Chase McLaughlin doesn’t miss.

He makes this list like he always does. You know why? McLaughlin is the Bucs’ most consistent player. Heck, he is the team’s MVP right now and can be counted on to score from anywhere. He connected from 28, 38, and 54 yards out.

ILB Alex Anzalone

Alex Anzalone has arguably been the Bucs’ most disappointing player so far, but he had a solid performance and looked more like the guy Tampa Bay thought it was getting. Anzalone was sharper attacking the ball carrier with proper pursuit angles, chasing Kyle Murray down and even recording a sack. It was his time to step up in a major way with rookie Josiah Trotter out of action.

Bucs ILB Alex Anzalone – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

I had no complaints with how Anzalone played, which was a stark contrast to the beginning of this year. Perhaps he will start to turn the corner and help provide a competent linebacker duo.

Third-Down Defense

The Bucs’ defense was not why they lost Sunday’s game. It was one of the biggest reasons they stayed in it, as they forced plenty of defensive stops. The Vikings’ offense was just 2-of-14 on third-down chances. Tampa Bay forced timely incompletions by Kyler Murray, as he was just 15-of-29 passing for 168 yards with a touchdown and interception.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

P Riley Dixon

Riley Dixon’s leg didn’t fall off. It has to hurt after how much work he had in this one. Dixon had nine punts, averaging 47.3 yards per punt with his longest boot going for 59 yards. I don’t pin the punt return touchdown on him and actually thought he played admirably.

DTs Elijah Simmons And Elijah Roberts

The backup defensive tackles played admirably. Elijah Simmons saw a lot of action as the backup nose tackle, and he had a tackle for loss on his first play of the game. Elijah Roberts made his presence felt, as he played with a noticeable sense of urgency shedding blocks and getting into the backfield quickly. He also recorded a tackle for loss in the third quarter. Unfortunately, including them here acknowledges how they had more positive moments than Calijah Kancey, who continues to underwhelm.