Arrr! Ye scurvy Bucs be the mightiest sea dogs in the NFC South after trouncin' them Packers!
2023-12-17
Arrr, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers be stayin' atop o' the NFC South, havin' pillaged the Green Bay Packers, with Baker Mayfield slingin' four touchdowndary shots on Sunday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged victorious in a thrilling showdown against the Green Bay Packers, securing a 34-20 win and maintaining their position as the top team in the NFC South. Led by Baker Mayfield's impressive performance, which included four touchdown passes and 381 yards, the Buccaneers improved their record to 7-7, while the Packers dropped to 6-8.This game held significant playoff implications as both teams were vying for playoff spots. Despite their 6-7 record, the Buccaneers held the NFC South's top spot, while the Packers occupied the final wild-card position due to the Detroit Lions' dominance in the NFC North with a 10-4 record.
Although Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a solid game, completing 29 of 39 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns, Mayfield's delivery to seven different receivers proved superior. Mayfield orchestrated a seven-play drive, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans, responding to the Packers' early score.
The second half saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Buccaneers extending their lead through a 26-yard touchdown run by Rachaad White. The Packers swiftly retaliated with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Love to rookie Jayden Reed.
However, the Buccaneers continued to respond throughout the game, with Mayfield leading the charge. Tight end Ko Kieft scored a touchdown after Mayfield found him on a play in the flat. The Packers managed to narrow the deficit with a field goal, but Mayfield connected with David Moore for a 52-yard touchdown to seal the game.
Chris Godwin was the standout performer for the Buccaneers, amassing 155 yards on 10 catches. White also had a strong game, accumulating over 100 scrimmage yards with 89 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards. Dontayvion Wicks led the Packers with six catches for 97 yards, while Aaron Jones returned to the backfield, recording 53 rushing yards on 13 carries.