The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff exit in the wildcard round was largely self-inflicted. Despite Baker Mayfield’s exceptional performance, completing all but three pass attempts, the team struggled to maintain possession, ultimately costing them the game.
When the Buccaneers finally gained possession with sufficient time to clinch the victory in the fourth quarter, they astonishingly botched not one, but two critical opportunities to seal the win.
Tristan Wirfs, the Buccaneers’ offensive tackle, cited the team’s inability to capitalize on crucial scoring opportunities as a key factor in their heartbreaking loss, which was sealed by a late field goal.
—
The Commanders dictated the pace of the game from start to finish, and when they regained possession with under five minutes remaining, they effectively closed out the game by maintaining control of the ball.
Chad Ochocinco, a former NFL wide receiver, believed that Dan Quinn’s aggressive fourth-down calls almost proved costly for the Commanders. However, Quinn’s bold strategy ultimately paid off, as the Commanders secured a thrilling win and advanced to the divisional round to face the Detroit Lions.
The Buccaneers’ initial costly blunder occurred when Baker Mayfield and rookie Jalen McMillan botched a handoff on their own 12-yard line, resulting in a fumble.
The fumble paved the way for Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels to capitalize on the mistake, scoring a touchdown just a few plays later. However, the Buccaneers’ woes continued to mount. In a post-game analysis, former Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden, who led the team to a Super Bowl victory, expressed his dismay and frustration with the team’s costly errors.
“I am just disgusted. As you said, failing to hand the ball off on your own 12-yard line, you deserve to lose,” he said.
Gruden wasn’t done as he turned his attention to another blunder by the Pewter Pirates.
“Then it’s 3rd and 1, you try to get tricky with some kind of hard count, you lose four yards, it costs you another four points. Horrible.”
Chucky is right, the Bucs beat the Bucs in this game. Who is to blame will be the subject of numerous debates. But, the reality is, the team failed and is now sitting at home reflecting on that. Tough way to start the offseason.
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com