On a Saturday with a triple-header NFL matchup, which included a certain “Miami Miracle“, the Buccaneers (9-5) came into a game against the Detroit Lions (5-9). The Bucs had a chance to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in over a decade.
Tampa Bay not only clinched a spot in the playoffs, but also further destroyed the lifeless Lions. The Lions were without multiple key players for the game.
Buccaneers/Lions Injury Report
Both teams came into the game Saturday missing a few key ingredients to their recipes to success.
Tampa Bay missed starting cornerback Carlton Davis with a groin injury. This came along with running back Ronald Jones II who was ruled out for a second consecutive game.
Detroit meanwhile, was missing their interim head coach Darrell Bevell due to COVID-19 protocols. This came with several key players such as wideout Kenny Golladay and linebacker Jamie Collins.
Recap
The Bucs dominated the Lions from start to finish, leading 13-0 before the second quarter, thanks to two Tom Brady touchdowns.
During the first quarter, Mike Evans tied his own team single season touchdown record at 12. Tom Brady also set a new franchise record in passing touchdowns, with 34 on the season.
A further development came when Detroit QB Matthew Stafford left the game with an ankle injury. Backup Chase Daniel came in and shortly thereafter, was sacked by former Lions and current Buccaneers defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter, forcing another punt.
Later in the second quarter, running back Leonard Fournette scored a 4-yard touchdown to push the lead forward to 20-0. This was followed later on by Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown each scoring. This blew the doors off the game as the lead swelled to 35-0 by the half.
On the very first play of the third quarter, Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David recovered a fumble, which gave the Bucs the ball back on the Detroit 25 yard-line.
With the game well in hand, the Bucs went to their backup quarterback in Blaine Gabbert. He quickly found gold on a 25-yard touchdown to tight end Rob Gronkowski, his second on the day, and following a missed PAT, the lead stood at 40-0.
However, a persistent problem during the game for the Buccaneers was the play of kicker Ryan Succop who missed a field goal and multiple PATs. However, this and a Lions returned punt for a touchdown couldn’t stop the Bucs, who ran away with the game, 47-7.
Stats From the Game
The Lions, who played with three QBs, combined for a dismal 152 yards passing. This, with a touchdown and an interception to go along. Nothing could get going on the ground either for the Lions who only had 73 yards rushing.
On the inverse, the Buccaneers had a day to remember on the offensive side of the ball. Tom Brady, who only played for the first half, had 348 passing yards with four touchdowns. After seceding to backup Blaine Gabbert, Gabbert also played admirably with 143 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Mike Evans had his best game of the year with a whopping 181 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown had over 100 yards receiving, along with a touchdown for each. Rob Gronkowski also had a break out game with two touchdowns and 58 yards.
On the ground, Leonard Fournette and Ke’Shawn Vaughn had just under 100 yards rushing combined, along with Fournette’s early touchdown.
All and all, a successful day for the Buccaneers on both sides of the ball, who clinch their first playoff spot since 2007.
Next For The Buccaneers
Next week for the last game of the regular seasons, the now 10-5 Bucs take on the 4-11 Atlanta Falcons at home. Previously, the Bucs squeaked out a win over the Falcons, by a final of 32-27 in Week 15.
If the Bucs win next week, it will be their first 11-win season since 2005 and the Jon Gruden era. If not, however, they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.