We are approaching the final stretch of the NFL season, with each team having about six games remaining. This season has been quite chaotic, making it fascinating to see how the playoff race will unfold, especially with so many uncertainties. One of these uncertainties is the NFC playoff picture, which features our Team of the Week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Is Baker Mayfield a True Italian?
One standout player for the Buccaneers the past two seasons has been Baker Mayfield. In this particular game, Baker completed 24 of 30 passes for a total of 294 yards. He also contributed to the run game, rushing four times for 29 yards and scoring one touchdown. With just 12 seconds left in the first half, Baker rushed for a 10-yard score. His celebration, which featured enthusiastic Italian hand gestures, has been making waves on social media. This is particularly ironic considering that the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, Tommy DeVito, is also of Italian descent.
Not the double cutlets 😳🤌🏼🤌🏼
Baker Mayfield mocking Tommy DeVito after running in a TD late in the first halfpic.twitter.com/WHqCPJoknp
— Jennifer X. Williams (@JenXperience) November 24, 2024
The Running Backs
In this game, four of Tampa Bay’s five scores came from runs into the end zone by four different players. This is the first time this season that this has happened.
As previously mentioned, Mayfield had a touchdown.
Standout rookie running back, Bucky Irving, also recorded a rushing touchdown, his fifth of the season. He was the team’s leading rusher with 12 carries for 87 yards.
Another one of Tampa Bay’s running backs, Sean Tucker, scored a one-yard touchdown to open the game.
Additionally, Rachaad White found the end zone with a rushing touchdown of his own. White matched Irving in carries, finishing with 37 yards.
The Defense was Feasting
A major reason for the Buccaneers’ success in this game was their defense, particularly the pressure they applied to DeVito. They managed to sack him four times, with each sack coming from a different defender. This strong defensive performance effectively shut down the Giants’ offense, allowing them to score only one touchdown throughout the contest.
The defenders who successfully sacked DeVito were Antoine Winfield Jr., Anthony Nelson, Vita Vea, and Calijah Kancey.
Kancey hammers DeVito for the sack #Bucs pic.twitter.com/nUjzqPykdH
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) November 24, 2024
Playoffs?
As mentioned earlier, we have entered the part of the season where playoff discussions become prominent. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the playoff race, whether it’s for a Wild Card spot or the NFC South title. They still have a chance to secure a playoff berth.
The Bucs’ next opponent is the Carolina Panthers, who should not be underestimated, as they nearly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.
Thanksgiving is this Thursday, which means we get to enjoy three NFL games. It’s a time to be grateful for the incredibly entertaining NFL season that has been unfolding before us. So, happy Thanksgiving and happy NFL game day!
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