The Houston Texans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium for Monday Night Football on Sept. 15.  Tampa looks to advance to 2-0 after a 23-20 win at Atlanta, where quarterback Baker Mayfield threw three touchdown passes, including the game-winner in the final minute.

Wide receiver Chris Godwin is still out with an ankle injury that he suffered in week seven of last season. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and veteran receiver Mike Evans have been Mayfield’s top targets. Egbuka’s debut included two touchdown catches and 76 yards. 

Houston dropped its opener 14-9 to the Los Angeles Rams, failing to reach the end zone. Quarterback C.J. Stroud passed for 188 yards, threw an interception and was sacked three times.  Buccaneers’ defense wants to make a repeat performance for their opponent.  

“If you leave too many rush lanes open, if you don’t have good rush integrity, uh, he he will take off. Whether that be to throw the ball or sometimes go ahead and get a first down. I think the big challenge is on the D line this week and making sure that we can contain him and keep him in the pocket,” Lineback Haason Reddick said. 

The matchup serves as an early test for Tampa Bay’s balance between a new-look receiving corps and a defense forcing pressure on the pocket. For Houston, the challenge is avoiding an 0-2 start while re-establishing rhythm on offense.