Bucs vs Broncos, let’s talk about it.
Football is a game of inches, but it’s also a game of quarters. Let’s dive into a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of some Tampa Bay Bucs’ football. Today, the Bucs hosted some familiar green birds from the northeast.
First Quarter:
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Tampa Bay started with the ball and the momentum. The Bucs spread the ball around amongst their litany of playmakers on Sunday’s opening drive— Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Rachaad White, and Bucky Irving all seeing the ball and contributing to moving the offense down the field. Tampa scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time since January 8th, 2023. The Bucs’ first drive success was sustained in drive number two. After Tampa Bay’s defense forced a three-and-out, Baker Mayfield took Tampa back down the field for another six points— Finding Trey Palmer over the middle for his first touchdown reception of the season. At the end of Sunday’s opening quarter, The Tampa Bay Bucs had recorded 186 total yards— The Eagles, zero. 14-0, Bucs.
Second Quarter:
The second quarter began with more of the same, starting with another Tampa Bay touchdown— This one, a read option run in by Baker Mayfield. The score was followed up by another three plays and a punt for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. As the second quarter ticked beneath 10 minutes, the effects of the heat became apparent. Fatigue began to take for a Philadelphia defense that had been on the field for over 18 minutes, with just nine plays of rest. The Bucs drove their way back down the field for more points. Even driving the length of the field, Tampa’s fourth scoring drive was technically least successful, ending in a Chase McLaughlin field goal attempt. McLaughlin delivered on his opportunity and gave the Bucs a 24-0 lead. The final exclamation point of the first half was added by the Eagles who inhaled their first breath of life. Jalen Hurts (with a fourth down conversion) gave Eagles’ fans something to applaud for, scoring the team’s first touchdown of the day. Hurts finding Parris Campbell, before the quarter’s conclusion, cut Tampa’s lead to 17.
Third Quarter:
Philadelphia took another chunk out of Tampa’s lead on the third quarter’s opening drive. Saquon Barkley put on his cape for 59 yards, getting Philadelphia deep into Bucs’ territory. Jalen Hurts capped the drive off with his vintage ‘Tush Push.’ Jalen Hurts’ touchdown run was matched immediately by Bucky Irving on the ensuing drive with his first career rushing touchdown. Irving’s heroics were dampened quickly when the touchdown’s extra point was blocked for the rare block-two. 30-16, Bucs.
Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images
Despite a dominant Sunday and a 14-point lead, the Bucs weren’t in control of the rapidly swinging momentum— And then Lavonte David showed why he is and has been one of the greatest Bucs of all-time. Facing a driving Eagles’ offense, Lavonte David was sent on a blitz and for the second time in as many weeks a timely punch out of the football gave Tampa Bay possession. This week, that possession change was accompanied by a lead and gave the Bucs all they needed to take control of the game and never look back.
Fourth Quarter:
After some third quarter slippage, the Bucs regained their form in Sunday’s final quarter. Early in the fourth, the Bucs added another field goal. With 4:10 left in the game, Philadelphia had one chance— Fourth down, needing 11 yards to maintain any hope. Anthony Nelson closed the door on Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense. A sack, a turnover on downs, and a chance for the Bucs to close the game out with a victory formation.
Noteworthy performers:
Baker Mayfield: 30/47, 347 yards, 3 TDs (one rushing)
Mike Evans: 8 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD
Bucs’ pass rush: 6 sacks
Lavonte David: 4 tackles, 2 sacks, FF
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