As the final week of the NFL season comes to a close, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to secure the number five seed. The Atlanta Falcons currently stand in their way, but the Buccaneers and Tom Brady led an incredible comeback two weeks ago to win 31-27. Here is the full week 17 recap…
Quarter One
The Buccaneers opt to receive the kickoff, and the first pass goes to Mike Evans for 12 yards. He only needs 28 more to break Randy Moss’s record of seven straight 1,000 yard seasons.
Capping off a surgical drive, Tom Brady exploits a mismatch on Chris Godwin for a 29-yard touchdown. Tampa Bay leads 7-0 with a fast start.
On Atlanta’s first drive, Matt Ryan is able to move the ball efficiently but is unable to punch it in from the four-yard line. Younghoe Koo’s kick is good, but the Buccaneers still lead 7-3.
Another Mike Evans catch! He only needs 14 more yards…
After a deep ball to Antonio Brown, Evans goes for 20 yards to officially break the record, but the moment is bittersweet as Evans goes down in the end zone on the next play. It looks like an apparent knee injury, we’ll keep you updated…
The Buccaneers opt for a field goal and extend the lead to 10-3.
Score: 10-3 Bucs
Quarter Two
After a quick three and out, Tom Brady tosses a gem to Antonio Brown for six. Tampa Bay leads Atlanta 17-3 with 12:30 remaining.
In another shaky quarterback to running back exchange, the Falcons fumble, and Antoine Winfield Jr. recovers.
The Buccaneers aren’t able to convert the turnover into six, but Ryan Succop converts a 38-yard attempt to give Tampa Bay a 20-3 lead.
On fourth and four in the red zone, the Falcons elect to go for it and score, but after further review, the ball is spotted at the one-yard line. First down coming…
On 2nd and goal, Matt Ryan sneaks in for a score, Tampa Bay still leads 20-10 with less than two minutes remaining.
Inside the 10 yard line, the Buccaneers run short on time and kick a field goal to extend the lead to 23-10. Atlanta will receive the kickoff to start the second half.
Score: 23-10 Bucs
Quarter Three
Matt Ryan and company have the chance to make the contest a one-score game, and they do as Russell Gage Jr. converts a 3rd and 17 for a touchdown. Tampa Bay will get the ball back still up 23-17.
After a big gain by Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller loses the football causing an interception. Matt Ryan will take over on the 29-yard line.
Atlanta is able to convert on two 4th downplays, but elect to kick a field goal on the four-yard line. The Buccaneers still lead 23-20, but the gap is closing quickly.
Score: 23-20
Quarter Four
Tom Brady and Byron Leftwich found an exploit and abused it on this drive, as multiple bubble screens to Antonio Brown go for over 10 yards. Ronald Jones caps off the drive with a touchdown, giving the Buccaneers a 10 point lead once again.
Bryan Hill almost finds pay dirt on a 62-yard run, but Winfield saved the touchdown. On fourth and goal from the one-yard line, Ryan finds a wide-open Hurst for six. The Buccaneers offense will have to answer again, only up 30-27 with 8:19 remaining.
It seems to come easy the past two weeks, as a bomb to Godwin converts a third and long. A drag route inside the five to Godwin once again finds the end zone. The Buccaneers lead 37-27 with 3:54 remaining.
Sean Murphy-Bunting anyone? He has been the whipping boy in the secondary but forces a fumble on a critical drive for the Falcons. Tampa Bay takes over on Atlanta’s 38-yard line.
Tom Brady completes his 40th touchdown pass of the year to Antonio Brown, the Buccaneers lead 44-27 in what is a Falcons sweep in 2020.
Final Score: 44-27, Buccaneers Win!
The Buccaneers have now secured the fifth seed in the playoffs and will have to wait to see if they play the New York Giants or the Washington Football Team. Tampa Bay will get some much needed defensive help back before they travel for their first playoff game since 2007.
