Patrick Mahomes is no rookie to game-day heat, but the Bucs think they’ve found a soft spot—and they’re primed to pounce. What’s the play? 

Just ahead of their matchup, Bucs CB Zyon McCollum dropped an interesting hint about Kansas City’s weaponry. McCollum revealed their focus is on WR Xavier Worthy—who’s pretty fast but struggles with physicality. 

The CB’s direct approach makes their intentions clear: “We’re going to try and get physical with #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy,” he stated, adding, “He’s very fast but struggles sometimes with the physicality of the game.” Worthy’s blazing speed’s made him a go-to target—and Tampa’s set to slow him down by playing tough and tight.

This ain’t the only storm QB Mahomes and his offense are weathering. Kansas City’s offense has been plagued with miscues! While the three-time Super Bowl champ himself admitted he needs “sharper execution” to stay on top, analysts like former Cowboys DE Marcus Spears aren’t convinced the issues stop there. 

Spears, on ESPN’s NFL Live, pointed out that “Kansas City’s offense is out of whack.” Per the former DE, while Mahomes and Travis Kelce are still pulling off those backyard-style plays fans love, their chemistry seems shakier. “They look out of sync,” Spears alluded. 

The offensive woes are nothing new, either. Even last season, frustrations were visible on-field, most notably when Kelce vented his irritation by tossing his helmet after a tough loss to the Raiders. 

Kelce spoke candidly about the team’s struggles on his New Heights podcast, saying, “It’s not just one guy. … Everybody’s in this together.” He acknowledged that everyone—from himself to the O-line—is to blame at some point. “Whether it’s prep, confidence, … or running routes versus certain coverages, all of the above,” the 35-year-old added.

As Tampa Bay preps for Kansas City, last week’s loss to the Falcons might’ve been just the practice they needed to expose the Chiefs’ latest vulnerabilities.

Bucs fall short in Atlanta, face Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs next 

The Buccaneers faced Atlanta in Week 8 hoping to hit reset. But boy did they fall short in a gritty 31-26 showdown! 

Without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay leaned heavily on Baker Mayfield—clocking in 330 yards on 37-of-50 passing with three TDs and two picks. 

Tampa’s troubles started early, though. Rachaad White fumbled on the opening drive, setting a tone they’d battle all day. The second half was rough. Mayfield threw a red-zone interception and Tampa’s next two drives ended in an interception and turnover on downs. 

Six penalties added to the mix, costing the Bucs 45 critical yards. Defensively, they couldn’t contain Atlanta—allowing 432 yards and giving Kirk Cousins (with eight TDs against Tampa in two games) another solid day against their secondary.

The Bucs must regroup quickly. They’ll host the reigning Super Bowl champs—Mahomes and the Chiefs, in Week 9.