Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) – Green Bay Packers (2-1): 12-14
In front of the whole game, the Packers almost let Tom Brady lead his team to the equalizer at the very end of the game. But like an evening where they were applied and dominant, the defense of the greens and gold was able to do what was necessary on the last game of the match to hold the score on a 2-point conversion missed by Tampa.
Tea @Packers prevent the 2-pt conversion! #GBvsTB pic.twitter.com/0qyneZbAix
— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2022
In this duel between two future Hall of Famers, it was the defenses that stood out. Deprived of several targets, the two quarterbacks had all the trouble in the world to pack the game. For the second consecutive week Tom Brady (31/42, 271 yards, 1 touchdown) was largely contained and had great difficulty deploying his game. But this week, despite the final drive, there is no victory at the end. Harassed by the opposing line, Brady suffered literally and figuratively. Despite inflated statistics late in the game, the quarterback was undermined throughout the game.
On the Green Bay side, if the start of the match was very interesting offensively, the last two thirds of the match were a long way of the cross. Satisfaction is on the other side of the ball. A capital performance despite the rapid loss of Jaire Alexander.
Aaron Rodgers starts well
For the first time in a long time, the Packers’ offense entered the game flat out. Alternating passing and running, well thought out games, and a rookie who stands out. Three receptions for Romeo Doubs (8 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD) including that of the touchdown. Their second possession is almost a copy of the first but with different protagonists. This time it’s Allen Lazard who is at the conclusion. Ball control, precise and above all effective play, a perfect recipe. On the other side of the ball too, Green Bay is applied. Despite a field goal conceded to enter, they then muzzled Brady, forcing Tampa Bay to two 3 & out. A plan almost without a hitch.
Almost, because the Packers could have driven the point home before the break. Once again perfectly led in the red zone, Aaron Jones (12 carries, 36 yards, a fumble lost) released the leather one yard from the end zone, returning possession to the locals. Without consequence for the men of Matt LaFleur who return the courtesy to the Buccs thanks to the ball snatched by the rookie Quay Walker.
Defenses dominate the debates
From then on, the attacks skated. Blame it on inspired and dominant defenses. A new turnover on each side, forced punts. Both quarterbacks are under pressure, and the runners are muzzled. The 3rd quarter is not for lovers of offensive orgies. Seven possessions without points for Green Bay, a field goal in 8 series for Tampa, the duel between the two legends does not take place. Rodgers does not find his targets perfectly covered, Brady concedes sacks, the clock ticks slowly, and the score does not change.
But obviously even when Tom Brady is mistreated for a whole match, he should not be given the opportunity to come back at the end of the match. With just over two minutes on the clock and eight points behind, it’s time for the Buccaneers attack to finally put the gear forward. As usual, the man with seven titles finds his targets, moves the chains and leads his people to the mad hope of a late return. Russell Gage is the receiver to give the ball the equalizer on a two-point conversion. But like his very big night, the Packers’ defense held firm, rewarding all the work of the night with a victory.
