Arizona Cardinals (4-11) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8): 16-19
Once again, Tom Brady (32/48, 281 yards, 1 TD, 2 int) was able to respond at the right time. While his team was trailing by 10 points in the last quarter and he wasn’t really having a great game, the seven-time champion went for a touchdown and a field goal to clinch overtime. A comeback well helped, it is true, by a fumble from rookie Keaontay Ingram between the two possessions.
In the extra period, after seeing his defense stop the Cardinals, he delivered his best score, completing six straight passes to place Ryan Succop 40 yards from the posts. The kicker did not shake, and transformed the field goal of victory.
A difficult but essential success, which allows Tampa to remain at the top of the NFC South division despite a negative balance sheet.
Tom Brady still clumsy
After an aggressive match attack and a field goal (3-0), the Buccaneers quickly lost momentum. Sometimes imprecise in depth, Tom Brady especially launched two new interceptions. The first when his team led 6-3 in the second quarter and he was on opposing ground to widen the gap. The second, still on the opposing side, still in the hands of Marco Wilson, took place in the third period. It’s been three straight games that Brady has thrown at least two interceptions.
Fortunately for Tampa, Trace McSorley (24/45, 217 yards, 1 int) did not lead a much faster attack, and it was not until a 22-yard run from James Conner (15 runs, 79 yards, 1 TD ) to see the game’s first touchdown, early in the fourth quarter. Arizona then leads 16-6 and appears to be heading for a win. Except that it was then that, stung, Brady and his family launched their comeback, with a touchdown from Leonard Fournette (20 runs, 72 yards – 9 rec, 90 yards) then the two kicks from Succop , for the equalizer, then wins.
Still without shining, the Buccaneers cling to their place in the playoffs.
