A game that was highlighted as a marquee matchup between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks turned into a blowout pretty quickly. Without Tom Brady creating any offense at all, Tampa Bay was able to create a lead that would last the entire second half.
A Quarter and Then Nothing
The Green Bay Packers got out to a quick start with a 10-0 lead in a dominant first quarter that was filled with Aaron Rodgers’s premature touchdown dances and Aaron Jones’s fashion statements on the sideline.
Unfortunately, the celebrations would end once the second quarter started, and the Tampa Bay defense came to life. Rodgers threw just his third career pick-six to Jamel Dean with 12:42 left in the second quarter, and the Buccaneers would not look back.
On the next possession, Rodgers threw another interception to Mike Edwards. Rodgers tried to connect with Davante Adams on a quick slant, but he was off with all of his receivers all afternoon. Rodgers never looked right, and the Packers’ lack of offensive rhythm led to a 38-10 blowout loss.
Tampa Bay would add their second touchdown in two minutes on a two-yard rush by Ronald Jones. After having a five-year drought of 100-yard rushers, Jones rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games, which has not happened for the Buccaneers since Doug Martin in 2015.
Post-Game Remarks
Rodgers was pressured by the Buccaneers defense more than he had been all season, something he blames himself and the offense for. He said after the game, “Just like not getting sacked is a group effort, I can take some blame for that as well. We need to get the ball out faster and be more fluid.”
The highlight of the day for Tampa Bay fans was the renewed connection between Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The duo connected for a touchdown pass late in the third quarter. That was the 91st time the two have connected for a touchdown in their careers, which is good for 3rd best all-time.
When asked about the future Hall of Fame tight end, safety Adrian Amos said, “That’s Gronk. He was able to find the holes and use his great ball skills to make plays. We need to collectively do a better job all around on him and everyone else.”
Highlights
TD 2️⃣ on the season for @rojo 🔥🔥
📺: #GBvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/7P9yAAmKSp
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 18, 2020
Jones gave Tampa Bay a 14-10 lead they would never relinquish.
🔨 @Showtyme_33 for the TD 🔨#GBvsTB | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX
📱 https://t.co/2UxGSiVlvn https://t.co/reaeuXmPCx— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 18, 2020
Jones punched in the one-yard score after Aaron Rodgers’ diving effort was called back.
Things you like to see.
📺: #GBvsTB on FOX https://t.co/8GAz70cdGK
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 18, 2020
Rodgers was pressured all night by Lavonte David and the Bucs defense all evening.
This loss is similar to the 38-9 thrashing the Packers received from San Francisco last year. That loss to San Francisco, like this loss to Tampa Bay, came off of the bye week for Green Bay.
Tampa Bay moves into sole possession of 1st place in the NFC South with New Orleans on their bye week. Brady was efficient with 166 yards passing and two touchdown passes. The veteran quarterback relied more on his defense and running game to carry the load. Brady and the Bucs will face another challenging team in the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday.
Green Bay will face the 1-5 Houston Texans next weekend in an effort to return to the win column with the Chicago Bears on a tear in the NFC North. Aaron Rodgers will face off against a struggling Texans defense and Deshaun Watson in a game that is a must-win for the Packers’ momentum moving forward.
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Embed from Getty Images
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