Teams without a definitive identity typically don’t make the playoffs. If they do, they are eliminated in the earliest rounds. On the flip side of Tom Brady’s heralded offensive prowess, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are defined by a high-octane defense that seemingly flies around at the speed of light. Unfortunately, this season, the Bucs have rarely had their defensive dynamos on the field at the same time.
Timing plays a key part in who ends up victorious at the end of the season. With the return of Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul and Lavonte David, the Bucs are becoming whole at the most opportune time.
On Wild Card Sunday, the Bucs had put together two long, impressive touchdown drives in the first half. Just a few minutes later, they added a field goal. Philadelphia drove down the field as the first half drew to its end, on the brink of closing the gap, when the ball-hawking Buccaneer secondary stifled any hopes of a close game.
The Pewter Pirates Pillage the Visiting Eagles
Tampa Bay was doing just enough as the game remained well in reach for the visiting Eagles until the defense took over, running under and impeding passes that were designed to score touchdowns. Mike Edwards undercut an endzone pass before the first half ended. His lightning-quick play dashed the hopes the Eagles had pinned on an impressive drive that would have tightened the score to start the second half.
In addition to his interception, Edwards amassed nine tackles, including one for a loss of yards. Even with starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting sitting, the defense acted as an adrenaline-induced catalyst that smoldered any potential hopes of a comeback. This Sunday, the energy level was palpable and led to this quote:
“The level of intensity that the defense came out with… it was just exceptional,” tight end Rob Gronkowski said.
Though the Eagles’ two late touchdowns made the final score more palatable to their fans, the conclusion had been secured when the score ballooned to a one-sided 31-0. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Tampa Bay cornerback Ross Cockrell recovered the fumble off a muffed punt by Philadelphia returner Jalen Reagor.
Fast-Hitting, Pounding Intensity Brings Eagles Down to Earth
Both of Tom Brady’s touchdown passes came off of turnovers by his defense. He completed a two-yard pass to his favorite target, tight end Rob Gronkowski. Mike Evans, whom coach Bruce Arians called the best wide receiver he has ever coached, hauled in a 36-yard catch of his own.
The Buccaneers boosted their record to 14-4 overall this season. Their opponents were placed on notice Wild Card Sunday. They found out that the fast-hitting Todd Bowles-led Tampa defense is once again in their championship form of a year ago. The first of these adversaries are the Los Angeles Rams (the No. 4 seed); the Rams will need to win on the home field of the No. 2 seeded Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers defense will swarm around the field, doing their best to stymie a west coast offense that is used to burning up chunks of yards and posting high scores.
(Featured image by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)