The final meeting? Tom Brady’s magic runs out as Buccaneers’ comeback falls short against the Packers, while Aaron Rodgers helps Green Bay revive its season in, perhaps, the FINAL game between the legendary quarterbacks
The highly anticipated battle of future Hall-of-Fame quarterbacks came down to the wire on Sunday as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers were able to out-last Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 14-12 victory.
The possibly final meeting between two of the best quarterbacks to ever grace an NFL field nearly went to overtime, until the Bucs’ late comeback was undone by a penalty on a failed two-point conversion. The attempt looked like it was assured to be converted as running back Leonard Fournette was in the process of walking into the end zone, but the play was called back for a delay of game.
Following the penalty, Brady would attempt a pass into the end zone that was deflected and fell to the ground, sealing his team’s fate.
This was the first time the Packers have beaten Brady since he joined the Bucs. For Rodgers, Sunday marked his second career victory over the seven-time Super Bowl champion, including their one postseason meeting in the 2020 NFC Championship Game, which Tampa Bay won. Brady still owns the lifetime series against Rodgers, 3-2.
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady hug following the potential last time they will ever play against each other
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium
Russell Gage Jr. catches touchdown from Brady on the final drive of Packers vs Buccaneers
The stats between the two quarterbacks were similarly modest, yet respectable, considering that both teams were missing key players at wide receiver. Rodgers, the reigning MVP, completed 27 of 35 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception as Green Bay moved to 2-1, while Brady had 31 completions on 42 attempts for 271 yards and a touchdown.
The Packers were without rookie second-round pick Christian Watkins, and well-traveled veteran Sammy Watkins, who was placed on injured reserve this week. Both players have been suffering from hamstring injuries.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were missing receivers Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Evans was suspended after a late hit in last weeks game against the Saints started a bench clearing brawl, Godwin tweaked his hamstring in weak one while attempting to return to the field following a torn ACL, and Jones is currently dealing with a partial tear to his ACL.
Allen Lazard celebrates after catching one of Rodger’s two touchdown passes during the game
Rodgers gets a pass away at the last second as he takes a hit from Buc’s defender William Gholston
Along with coming away with the win, Rodgers proved to be the more efficient quarterback in today’s battle. Both qb’s completed over 70% of their passes however Rodgers finished with a qb rating of 103.9 compared to Brady’s 98.4.
Rodgers completed 27-35 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Brady on the other hand completed 31-42 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown.
Brady calls out pre snap instructions before a play during game against the Green Bay Packers
A colony of bees is seen on the goal post in the third quarter of the Packers and Buccaneers game
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