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 high-powered offenses, it was Baltimore who lit up the scoreboard en route to a 41-31 win. 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 play-caller. After Tampa Bay put up 594 total yards of offense against the Saints, Liam Coen had no problem putting together another solid offensive game plan against the Ravens.

Although the player personnel did not fully execute it (see Most Disappointing), Coen kept Baltimore’s defense off guard and on its toes. In the first half, they won the time-of-possession battle 18:24 to 11:36, and it could have very much been 21-7 and not the 17-10 deficit the team had going into the locker room. The offensive coordinator could not overcome the defense’s poor play, Baker Mayfield’s two interceptions, or an early injury to Mike Evans.

But he did put them in a position to be successful. It just did not go the team’s way.

Bucs’ Offensive Line

Despite a lack of points on the scoreboard for the offense on Monday night, it should not discount the impressive performance of the big guys upfront. The offensive line more than held their own against a physical and talented Ravens’ front seven.

Collectively, they opened up rushing lanes for each of the team’s running backs and also gave Baker Mayfield more than enough time in the pocket to go through his reads and keep him upright. While it may not have propelled the offense like it should have, credit should be given to each offensive lineman for their efforts.

Bucs’ Three-Headed 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 get an offensive series before offensive coordinator Liam Coen decided which hot hand to ride for the night. Thankfully for the offense, each back brought a different element when they got touches and each continued to be utilized throughout the contest.

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

Altogether, the rushing attack was 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

Coming into Monday night, there was some level of uncertainty on just how much of an impact Mike Evans would have in the game as the veteran wide receiver has been dealing with a hamstring injury. He quelled those concerns on the Bucs’ opening offensive drive, sliding to haul in a 25-yard touchdown from quarterback Baker Mayfield. It marked the 100th touchdown catch of his NFL career.

While Evans made an impact on the field, he would not be on it for long. He got tangled up after running a go route and fell hard on his hamstring in the second quarter. After being down for a moment, he walked off the field with trainers and had a noticeable limp. It will be something to monitor going forward.

TE Cade Otton

Cade Otton became a bigger target in the passing game after Mike Evans left with an injury, and he responded with a career game. Otton had eight catches for a career-high 100 receiving yards, and he showed his toughness after taking a few big hits by Ravens’ defenders.

FS Antoine Winfield Jr.

For all of the struggles by the Bucs’ defense, Antoine Winfield Jr. was one of the only bright spots. In the first half, Winfield far and away led the team with ten total tackles, including a key 9-yard sack on the Ravens’ opening drive that pushed them back further before they had to punt it away. He had to do a lot of cleanup on the backend of the secondary, and things could have been much worse without his presence.

OLB Yaya Diaby

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