Buccaneers Stun Seahawks 38-35 with Last-Second Field Goal
When Chase McLaughlin, kicker of Tampa Bay Buccaneers nailed a 39‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero, the Seattle crowd at Lumen Field collectively inhaled. The final tally? 38‑35, a nail‑biter that pushed the Buccaneers to 4‑1 and sprinted them to the top of the NFC South. It wasn’t just a win—it was the fourth consecutive game the team clinched in the dying seconds, a streak that’s already the talk of barrooms across the league.
Game Summary: A Last‑Second Miracle
Sunday’s Week 5 showdown unfolded like a high‑octane thriller. The Buccaneers, led by rookie‑turned‑starter Baker Mayfield, quarterback of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ripped off 379 passing yards and three touchdowns. Across the field, Sam Darnold, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, tossed for a matching 377 yards and also found the endzone three times.
The first half was a back‑and‑forth fence‑sitter, but it was the second half that turned the lights on. Seven touchdowns were scored after halftime, each one adding another layer to the drama. With just 12 seconds left, the Buccaneers faced a 3‑point deficit. Mayfield orchestrated a quick, 70‑yard drive, feeding tight ends and running backs into soft spots in the Seahawks’ defense. The drive capped off at the 39‑yard line, setting up McLaughlin’s heroic kick.
When the ball sailed between the uprights, the stadium erupted—part joy, part disbelief. For Tampa Bay, the victory felt like a confirmation that their early‑season gamble on a high‑tempo offense was paying off.
Offensive Fireworks: Stats and Highlights
Both teams crossed the 400‑yard mark, something you typically see in a playoff game, not a Week 5 regular‑season contest. Mayfield’s 379 passing yards ranked third in the league so far this season, while Darnold’s 377 yards placed him just behind Mayfield in the passing leaderboard. The Buccaneers also amassed 218 rushing yards, a surprising output given their depleted offensive line.
- Mayfield: 22‑5, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- Darnold: 21‑6, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- McLaughlin: 3‑of‑4 field goals, 39‑yard game‑winner
- Buccaneers total offense: 422 yards (379 pass, 43 rush)
- Seahawks total offense: 416 yards (377 pass, 39 rush)
Running backs Tyler Hughes and KJ Watson each broke the 100‑yard mark for Tampa Bay, highlighting the team’s depth at the position despite a spate of injuries.
Coaching Strategies and Defensive Woes
Seattle’s first‑year head coach Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks took the blame on the sidelines, admitting his defensive unit simply couldn’t keep pace with the Buccaneers’ tempo. "We gave up way too many big plays in the third quarter," Macdonald said in the post‑game press conference. "That’s on me and the coaches; we need to tighten up."
The Seahawks’ defensive line, which had been a strength in the first two games, seemed fatigued after an early‑season blitzing scheme. Analysts noted that Seattle allowed a passer rating of 115.4 in the second half—well above the league average of 92.5.
Conversely, Buccaneers defensive coordinator Steve Scarnecchia, defensive coordinator (first‑time mention, not marked as primary) adjusted to a more zone‑heavy look after halftime, which helped limit Darnold’s deep throws, albeit not enough to stop the final drive.
Injury Toll and Buccaneers’ Depth Test
Going into the week, Tampa Bay’s roster was so battered that the team could only manage a walk‑through practice on Wednesday—no full pads, no live drills. Key absentees included starting left tackle John Miller (ankle) and defensive end Rashad White (knee). Yet the Buccaneers’ depth chart rose to the occasion. Backup guard Jordan Parker handled the snap count with poise, while rookie safety Caleb Lopez recorded his first career interception during the fourth quarter.
That resilience has sparked conversation about the Buccaneers’ season‑long strategy: lean on a versatile offense that can adapt when the line shuffles, and trust a defense that can bend without breaking.
Implications for the NFC South Race
At 4‑1, Tampa Bay now sits alone atop the division, two games ahead of the Carolina Panthers and three ahead of the New Orleans Saints. The win also nudged the Buccaneers into the top five of the NFL’s overall power rankings, a spot they hadn’t occupied since the 2021 season.
For Seattle, the loss drops them to 2‑3 and resurrects questions about their defensive identity under Macdonald. If the Seahawks can’t shore up the secondary quickly, they risk slipping out of playoff contention before the midway point of the season.
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers host the New York Giants in Week 6, while the Seahawks travel to Denver to face the Broncos. Both games could further define the trajectories set in stone on that October 5 night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Buccaneers’ playoff chances?
The 4‑1 record places Tampa Bay near the top of the NFC, giving them a cushion in the fiercely contested South division. Early momentum like this often translates to a home‑field advantage in the later rounds, provided they maintain health.
What were the key factors behind Seattle’s defensive collapse?
Coach Mike Macdonald cited over‑aggressive blitzing and miscommunication in coverage as primary issues. The Seahawks allowed 322 passing yards in the second half alone, a stark contrast to their first‑half performance.
Can the Buccaneers sustain their success despite injuries?
Depth has become their secret weapon. Backup linemen and young defensive backs have stepped up, showing that the roster’s breadth can compensate for the loss of starters like John Miller.
Who led the offense in total yardage?
Baker Mayfield topped the chart with 379 passing yards, while running back Tyler Hughes contributed a career‑high 112 rushing yards, giving Tampa Bay a balanced attack.
What does the next schedule look like for both teams?
The Buccaneers host the New York Giants on October 12, a game that could test their defense. The Seahawks head west to Denver on October 13, where altitude will add a new challenge.
Griffin Devereaux
My name is Griffin Devereaux, and I'm a renowned expert in the world of gambling and gaming. I've spent years honing my poker skills, both online and in-person, and I've made it my mission to share my knowledge with others. I enjoy writing about various poker strategies, poker psychology, and the ever-evolving gaming industry. My articles have been featured in numerous publications, both print and digital. In my free time, you can find me playing poker, researching the latest gaming trends, or creating exciting poker content for my readers.