Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White warms up prior to the start of the NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons (Image Source – Getty Images) On September 15, 2025, during a thrilling Monday Night Football clash at NRG Stadium in Houston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to beat the Houston Texans 20-19, marking their fifth consecutive 2-0 start to an NFL season. This game was part of a doubleheader shown on ABC and ESPN, showcasing the grit of both teams, but it was the Buccaneers’ late-game strategy that secured the win, putting the Texans at 0-2.
How the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the win
The Buccaneers’ win came down to an exciting final drive and some crucial defensive efforts that stopped Houston from taking control. With only 2:10 left and trailing 19-14, Mayfield directed an 11-play, 80-yard drive, converting important downs and sealing the deal with Rachaad White’s 2-yard touchdown run with just six seconds remaining.The two-point conversion that was missed kept the score at 20-19, but Houston had no time to answer back. Earlier, Tampa Bay’s defense made a significant goal-line stand at the start of the fourth quarter, preventing the Texans from scoring on downs at the 1-yard line after they had a first-and-goal from the 8. This stop maintained a narrow 14-10 lead at that moment and shifted the momentum, even as Houston later rallied with special teams plays.The game played out like a story of two halves. Tampa Bay was ahead 14-10 at halftime thanks to Mayfield’s touchdown throws, but the second half was tough for both teams offensively, featuring punts and a missed field goal from Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin. Houston shifted the momentum with a blocked punt by Jakob Johnson, which set up Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 53-yard field goal, bringing the score to 14-13 with 5:22 remaining.After that, Jaylin Noel’s impressive 53-yard punt return paved the way for Chubb’s 25-yard touchdown run, putting the Texans ahead 19-14 following a two-point conversion attempt that failed when Stroud got sacked.Tampa Bay’s last effort, featuring Mayfield’s 15-yard scramble on fourth-and-10 from his own 20, kept the momentum going and set the stage for White’s big moment.
Rachaad White powers Tampa Bay Buccaneers to game winning touchdown
Running back Rachaad White played a key role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rushing game and the game-winning score. His 2-yard touchdown dive with just six seconds left not only secured the victory but also showcased his knack for coming through in clutch situations.White was a vital part of Tampa Bay’s well-rounded offense, working alongside rookie Bucky Irving, who topped the team with 17 carries for 71 yards, including a crucial 22-yard catch on the last drive. White’s tough running style really took a toll on the Houston Texans’ defense, especially in short-yardage scenarios, and his touchdown came right after Irving’s play set up a first-and-goal situation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers show clutch performance with Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles
Baker Mayfield was the backbone of the offense, completing 25 of 38 passes for 215 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His first-half touchdowns—a 20-yard completion to Ryan Miller that leveled the score at 7-7 and a 15-yard throw to Egbuka for a 14-10 lead—established the game’s rhythm.Egbuka’s touchdown marked him as the sixth player since the NFL merger to score three receiving touchdowns in his first two games. Mike Evans contributed with five catches for 56 yards, proving to be a dependable target.Even with pressure from Houston’s Danielle Hunter, who had two sacks and five tackles, Mayfield’s agility stood out during the game-winning drive.Also Read: Justin Herbert shocks NFL as he flips the middle finger on arrival at Allegiant Stadium before Raiders clashIt was indeed a gritty win that shows how tough the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can be when guided by Baker Mayfield and coach Todd Bowles, and being prepared to host the New York Jets next. On the other side, the loss of the Houston Texans shows certain problems, such as red-zone efficiency, which they should address prior to the match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.