The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered loss number one of the year on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers and company was able to come in and take care of business in a 14-12 victory. The defense once again looked spectacular. The offense, on the other hand, began to show the holes that the injuries are leaving.
Buccaneers’ Defense Starts Slow, But Picks Up the Pace in Second Half
The Buccaneers’ defense has not allowed more than 14 points all season. On Sunday, they allowed that, and it was the most they have allowed all year. Despite two first-half touchdowns by Romeo Doubs and Allen Lazard, they contained the Packers’ offense to a little over 300 yards total.
They looked really good in the run game, holding Green Bay running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon to 36 and 32 yards, respectively.
Head coach Todd Bowles on the defense’s performance: “This is the third game in row we have started off slow and gave up 14 points, in the second half they played a lot better and gave us a chance to win.”
Mike Edwards had a very active game with 13 tackles. He led the team in that category.
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers’ Offense Struggles Without Primary Weapons
The Bucs were without Mike Evans (suspension), Julio Jones (knee injury), and Chris Godwin (hamstring injury) for the game leaving Tom Brady limited with his targets. Despite this, he was still able to put together a respectable performance with 271 yards and a touchdown late in the game to Russell Gage.
Gage finished with a team-high 87 yards. He also had a touchdown late in the game to bring it within two points. However, after a delay of game, the ball was pushed back on the two-point conversion. Brady threw it towards the end zone in Cameron Brate’s direction. Packers’ linebacker De’Vondre Campbell batted it away giving Green Bay the victory. Campbell also had 14 tackles on the day which led Green Bay’s defense.
Cole Beasley made his debut with the team and was able to get three receptions for 12 yards. Brate also had a very active day with 52 yards receiving. Breshad Perriman and Leonard Fournette also contributed with 44 and 35 yards respectively through the air.
However, Brady ultimately could not consistently get the ball down the field like he wanted to and it cost his team. He seemed optimistic about going forward in the postgame interview:
“We’re 2-1, there is a lot of football left. We’ll keep working at it… no one feels sorry for us nor should we. We just gotta get back to work.”
Up Next
In week four, the Buccaneers look to avenge the loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in a super bowl 55 rematch. Kickoff will be at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, in Raymond James Stadium.