The first half in Buffalo has provided plenty of struggles for Tampa Bay on both sides of the ball with the team taking on a playoff contender on a short week. It looked like this game was going to be over quickly after the Bills went up 10-0 early in the second quarter but the Buccaneers continued to fight back in the face of adversity.
Following a 57-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay's defense created an opportunity to provide the team with a major shot of momentum. On the first play from scrimmage, All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield came in on a blitz and forced Bills quarterback Josh Allen to get the ball out of his hands quickly.
Winfield ended up tipping the ball into the air and up for grabs. That led to a wild interception by veteran defensive lineman William Gholston, who went vertical to make the play while being surrounded by the entirety of Buffalo's offensive line.
It was the second massive effort from Winfield in as many weeks following his forced fumble that prevented a touchdown by Atlanta's Desmond Ridder last Sunday.
After struggling with most of their opportunities, Tampa Bay's offense didn't waste any time converting on the big play from the defense. Running back Rachaad White took a screen pass to bring the Buccaneers inside the five. With the Bills thinking run, quarterback Baker Mayfield instead put the ball in the air off of play-action on the ensuing play.
Mayfield delivered a shot into the end zone and wide receiver Chris Godwin made a contested catch to come down with it. The connection provided Tampa Bay's first touchdown of the game and tied the contest at 10-10.
Mayfield is 12/20 for 118 yards and a touchdown in the opening half while Godwin leads the team with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. He's pulled down all four of his targets.
Buffalo has since responded with a touchdown drive of its own. The Bills lead 17-10 at the half but the Buccaneers have given themselves a fighting chance.
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