Bad penalty turns Buccaneers-Vikings game around
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense got off to a pretty awful start, but started to warm up as the game went on against the Minnesota Vikings and eventually built a 17-10 lead midway through the third quarter. The lead didn't last long, however, as the Vikings put together a 16-play, 75-yard scoring drive that eventually […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense got off to a pretty awful start, but started to warm up as the game went on against the Minnesota Vikings and eventually built a 17-10 lead midway through the third quarter.
The lead didn't last long, however, as the Vikings put together a 16-play, 75-yard scoring drive that eventually tied the game at 17.
The touchdown was made possible by a really bad defensive pass interference call on rookie cornerback Chris Izien. The Bucs' nickelback played really good coverage on Vikings WR K.J. Osborn, but was instead flagged.
The key with this play was the fact that it came on 3rd and goal from the Tampa Bay 5. With 14:27 left in the game and having just one shot at a touchdown, it's very likely the Vikings kicked a field goal in that situation.
Instead, they didn't have to worry about making the decision. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins hit Alexander Mattison in the flat two players and he dodged an attempted Izien tackle and fell into the end zone for six points.
Izien came up with a very clutch interception at the goal line earlier in the game, but these two plays -even if the DPI was a soft call- will certainly stand out in his mind if the Bucs can't find a way to win.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
