The Goat was spectacular as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to squeak by the Washington Football team 31-23. This was there first playoff win in 19 years, but it was not pretty. Despite getting out to an early lead, the offensive struggled in the redzone and the defense had issues covering the middle of the field. Although there was some rough spots, Tampa Bay is moving on in the postseason for the first time since 2002.
Good start helps set franchise records
The bucs continued their string of good starts. Despite being held to a field goal on their 1st possession, Tampa Bay was able to take advantage of the only turnover of the game. After a Sean Murphy-Bunting interception, Brady drove the Bucs 58 yards on 6 plays that ended with and Antonio Brown touchdown. Chris Godwin catch his only touchdown to cap off a 61-yard drive. Washington’s defense did not have an answer for the offense early on. They were not able to establish any pressure on Brady and despite Godwin struggling, were not able to contain Tampa’s other weapons.
Despite his questions about his availability due to last week’s injury, Mike Evans had a huge game. Despite only having 3 receptions in the 1st half, he added 3 more in the second and finished with 119 yards. He broke the franchise record for receiving yards in a postseason game. Cameron Brate and Leonard Fournette also had big days. Brate had 4 recptions for 80 yards and Fournette rushed for 93 yards on 19 attempts averaging 4.9 yards-per-carry. The 31 points scored were second all-time in franchise postseason history. They also broke a franchise record for the most net yards in a postseason game with 509 yards.
A tradition continues.
The Bucs’ tradition of making no-name/back-up quarterbacks look like superstars continued. Taylor Heinicke went 26/44 306 yards and a TD. The Bucs played off ball and left huge windows for Heinicke to throw into. They also let numerous interceptions pass through there fingers. The front four also failed to put consistent pressure on Heinicke and when they did he seemed to slip away. There has to credit given to Heinicke. He made all the right reads, was accurate with his throws and showed great poise and determination after hurting his shoulder. The Bucs were missing a key player in Devin White so look for them to get a boost as he will be eligible to come of the covid-19 list tomorrow.
The Goat leads the way
Tom Brady was the reason Tampa Bay won this game. He was accurate, made great reads and took care of the football. Brady became the oldest player in league history to throw a touchdown pass in a postseason game. He also broke a franchise record for most net passing yards with 365. Throwing for 3 TDs the goat was in every way the difference in this game.
Looking forward.
Who the Bucs play in the divisional round depends on the outcome of tomorrow’s game between the Saints and the Bears. A bears win would mean that Tampa Bay would host the Los Angeles Rams, while a Saints victory would send Tampa Bay to New Orleans. The Bucs have lost all 3 contests to both teams. They lost to division rival New Orleans twice. Once on opening day and were blown out in primetime 38-3. They also lost 27-24 to the Rams and never lead in the contest. Whoever the next opponent, the Bucs will have their hands full.
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