In the Bucs’ season-opening 20-17 win over the Vikings, they showed why they can overcome the doubters and compete – and win – some ball games. It was a combination of both rookies and veterans making key plays to keep them in the game and ultimately come out victorious. Here are the players who impressed the most now that the games count:

Devin White

Playing with an added chip on his shoulder this season after not getting a new contract from the Bucs, inside linebacker Devin White let his horses out of the stable. He finished the game with 12 total tackles, with nine in the first half alone. He was wrapping up ball carriers with force and playing with an added tenacity.

This kind of performance is highly encouraging, as White was showing off his closing speed to make key tackles throughout. If he can finally reach the sustained ceiling the Bucs saw to make him the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, it would be a boon for Tampa Bay’s defense and keep him in the contract pecking order.

Chase McLaughlin

The Bucs decided to move on from Ryan Succop this season, looking to make longer field goals. That decision paid off in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s season opener. With the game tied at 17-17, Chase McLaughlin came out for a 57-yard field goal attempt and drilled it, giving the Bucs a 20-17 fourth-quarter lead.

He made both field goals and extra point attempts, providing eight of the team’s 20 points. McLaughlin’s leg ended up being the difference-maker in this one.

Antoine Winfield Jr.

Bucs S Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson – Photo by: USA Today

In the first quarter, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. made his presence felt in a big way. Coming off the edge on a blitz, he recorded a strip-sack of quarterback Kirk Cousins, Cousins’ second fumble in the game. While the Bucs only came away with a field goal after getting great field possession, it gave them the lead and some early momentum.

He finished the game with eight total tackles, including his sack, forced fumble and two quarterback hits.

Winfield is a versatile weapon known for making plays and applying pressure when lined up in the box, and back in the state where he played his college ball and facing his dad’s former NFL team, he showed why he is considered one of the top safeties in the NFL.

Christian Izien

Bucs NCB Christian Izien – Photo by: USA Today

Late in the first half, defensive back Christian Izien recorded his first interception as the Vikings were beginning to move down the field and in the red zone. His pick off Kirk Cousins and kept Minnesota off the board and prevented the home team from taking the lead entering halftime.

He even took a mean hit from Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson to hold onto it.

For a defense needing to create more turnovers, the team had three in the first half alone. Seeing an interception and someone not named Carlton Davis III, Jamel Dean or Antoine Winfield Jr. make it was encouraging.

There were some down moments for the rookie, including a questionable defensive pass interference call in the fourth quarter and missing a tackle as Vikings running back caught a 4-yard touchdown.

Still, Izien’s big play is worth putting him on the list and the Bucs hope it is one of many from him.

Trey Palmer

Another rookie who impressed in Week 1 was wide receiver Trey Palmer. After quite the training camp and preseason to secure the lion’s share of No. 3 WR snaps, Palmer capitalized to give the Bucs a third-quarter lead.

On third-and-goal, Palmer’s 7-yard touchdown grab helped the Bucs capitalize on a 16-play, 75-yard drive that lasted just under nine minutes. It was a stark contrast from the offense’s play for most of the first half, and Palmer being able to make the catch bodes well for him gaining more trust – and targets – in the future. Who knows, this could be the beginning of Palmer becoming a steal as a sixth-round pick.

Bucs’ Run Defense

Taking over the running back duties from Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison is expected to have a big season. Before Sunday’s game, in the five games he toted the rock over 20 times, Mattison recorded 112, 95, 112, 113, and 90 yards.

Not only did Mattison not get 90 yards in the game, but he failed to get in enough of a rhythm to notch 20 carries. In total, he had 11 carries for 34 yards, rushing for just a 3.1 yards per carry average. Credit should be given to the Bucs’ run defense up front for shutting him down and taking advantage of their matchup against a weaker Vikings’ interior offensive line.

Bucs’ Outside Linebackers

While no one stood out over the other, it was a solid showing by the outside linebacking corps. Shaq Barrett made his return after a torn Achilles injury last season, and he applied pressure with two quarterback hits and looked sharp in holding contain. Anthony Nelson chipped in a sack, while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka recovered a fumble.

While there have been questions leading up to the game in how Tampa Bay would generate pressure, especially with the Vikings boasting an elite tackle duo of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, they did enough collectively as a group to get the job done.