The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in dominant fashion, cruising to a 32-9 victory on Monday Night Football. The Bucs advance in the playoffs and will face the Detroit Lions next weekend for the NFC Divisional Round matchup. Tampa Bay controlled the tempo of the game, as the team’s offense posted over 400 yards and the defense did not allow a single third-down conversion to Philadelphia.
The Buccaneers constructed a successful opening 65-yard drive, featuring a third-down conversion on a shifty Rachaad White run post-screen, a 15-yard gain by Cade Otton on a crosser and a 21-yard gain by Mike Evans exploiting off coverage. However, two back-to-back incompletions in the red zone forced a Chase McLaughlin 28-yard field goal. On the Eagles first possession, the Bucs’ defense got a stop on third down. Linebacker K.J. Britt brought pressure on Jalen Hurts on a blitz and got his hands on the football. Antoine Winfield Jr. than batted down the pass as it floated to intended target Dallas Goedert, forcing a punt.
The Bucs answered with a score. Following a 22-yard gain for David Moore to move the chains for the home team, it was only fitting that he be the one to score first. Moore took a 44-yard catch and run to the house, weaving through defenders. He made a lethal cutback inside to cross the goal line. With just under six minutes to go in the first quarter, the Bucs took a 10-0 lead, capping off a four-play, 79-yard drive. The Bucs’ defense then forced a quick three-and-out, putting Mayfield right back on the field. A second-down sack on Mayfield by Josh Sweat and ensuing incompletion on the Bucs’ following drive forced a McLaughlin 54-yard field goal to start the second quarter.
The Eagles responded with a kick of their own, failing to score. Jake Elliott drilled a 47-yarder following a third down incompletion to DeVonta Smith. On the Bucs’ following drive, the club went for it on fourth down, converting with an inventive pitch to Rachaad White when the Eagles’ defense expected a quarterback sneak. Following an incompletion to Mike Evans, Tampa Bay had to settle for three. McLaughlin made a 48-yarder, extending the Bucs’ lead 16-3.
The Eagles offense came to life on the next drive, as Jalen Hurts lobbed a 55-yard pass to DeVonta Smith. Smith split two defenders, bringing Philadelphia to the Tampa Bay five-yard line. Dallas Goedert then cashed in with a touchdown, making it a 16-9 ballgame. The Eagles…
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