Buccaneers @ Packers
Final Score: Buccaneers 34, Packers 20
Writer: Brennan Rampe (@phdinnfl on Twitter)
Both of these teams entered the game with a 6-7 record, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a massive win on the road to improve to 7-7. Baker Mayfield was fantastic as he had over 300 passing yards and four touchdowns. He may have a future with the franchise, especially if he can lead Tampa Bay to a winning record and a NFC South title. The Green Bay Packers fell to 6-8, and their playoff hopes are hanging on by a thread. They still have a chance at a wild card spot, but will have to win out if they hope to get in.
Two Up
- Baker Mayfield – Had his best game of the season; he overcame an early lost fumble and dominated after that.
- Chris Godwin – He couldn’t be stopped! Had over 100 receiving yards in the first half. Always got open and played a big role in the victory.
Two Down
- Aaron Jones – Impressed early but couldn’t get anything going in the second half. He might be a cap casualty next year.
- Joe Barry – Packers fans have been fed up with their defensive coordinator for a while now, and I’ll assume they’re furious with him. Green Bay’s defense couldn’t register a single sack of Tommy DeVito last week and just got torched by Baker Mayfield. This unit has too much talent to be playing like this. The Packers should think about moving on.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: 22/28, 381 yards, 4 TD
This was easily Baker Mayfield’s best game of the year. He was accurate and he had several tight-window throws. He never looked overwhelmed, despite being sacked five times and losing a fumble on a strip-sack. The Buccaneers were able to move the ball at will against the Packers’ defense, and despite the team not having an impressive record at 7-7, Mayfield has had a solid year statistically. He has 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He became the first opposing quarterback ever to have a perfect passer rating of 158.3 at Lambeau Field. He could potentially get a contract extension if he keeps winning and playing well to finish the year.
Running Back
Rachaad White: 21 carries, 89 yards; 2 receptions, 50 yards, TD
The second-year man out of Arizona State continues to shine. He had over 100 total yards and almost reached 100 rushing yards despite Tampa Bay’s offensive line being mostly ineffective at run-blocking recently. His lone score was a receiving touchdown. He has emerged as a great weapon for this team and is a must-start in lineups.
1️⃣ can really do it all ‼️
?: #TBvsGB on CBS pic.twitter.com/qR7MjpIYex
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 17, 2023
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Chase Edmonds: 3 carries, 13 yards
Chase Edmonds hasn’t done anything as the backup to White. He’s been on a lot of teams and seems to just be a journeyman now.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Mike Evans: 4 receptions, 57 yards, TD
The future Hall of Famer had a solid performance but was outshined by teammate Chris Godwin today. One thing Mike Evans had going for him over Godwin was that he found the end zone. He has played games with much better stats but is still a safe start every week. There will be a bidding war for him when he enters free agency next year as he has had 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his career.
TD 9️⃣2️⃣ for @MikeEvans13_ ?
?: #TBvsGB on CBS pic.twitter.com/5EhXAKwTao
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 17, 2023
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Chris Godwin: 10 receptions, 155 yards
It hasn’t been the greatest season for Chris Godwin, but he was dominant today. He had more targets, receptions, and yards than Mike Evans. As previously mentioned, he had over 100 receiving yards in the first half. He cooled off a little bit in the second half, but he had his most impressive performance of the year.
David Moore: 2 receptions, 60 yards, TD
The seldom-used wide receiver hasn’t had many opportunities this year due to the other weapons on the roster, but he iced the game with a 52-yard catch-and-run. It was his first touchdown since 2020 when he was a member of the Seahawks.
MOORE FOR MORE ?
?: #TBvsGB on CBS pic.twitter.com/omgqoPobNK
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 17, 2023
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Trey Palmer: 1 reception, 5 yards
Cade Otton: 2 receptions, 44 yards
Cade Otton was only targeted twice and caught both of the balls thrown his way. He doesn’t catch too many touchdowns but got vultured by fellow tight end Ko Kieft at one point in the game. Kieft hadn’t caught a pass all year long until this game! Annoying moment for everyone who has White, Evans, Godwin, or Otton.
Ko Kieft: 1 reception, 2 yards, TD
I’m sure Ko Kieft will be featured on the “That Helps No One” segment on NFL Fantasy Live on NFL Network.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Jordan Love: 29/39, 284 yards, 2 TD
Despite being without A.J. Dillon and top wide receiver Christian Watson, Jordan Love had a fine performance. He was accurate, had multiple touchdown passes, and looked comfortable in the offense despite having a plethora of young and inexperienced pass-catchers. He didn’t turn it over until the very end when the game was out of reach. He didn’t receive any help from his defense, and there was a point in the first quarter where the Packers opted to go for it on fourth down instead of taking points. Matt LaFleur, as well as every other coach in the league, needs to learn to take points when they’re available. It feels like the team needs a true WR1. Christian Watson seems to be the best wide receiver that they have, but he’s too frail to be trusted. Green Bay might miss out on the playoffs, but Love has had a solid first year as a starter.
Running Back
Aaron Jones: 13 carries, 53 yards; 4 receptions, 16 yards
Aaron Jones was out for weeks but returned to action today. He was involved early as he received a ton of carries and was running well. Most of his yardage came in the first half, as Green Bay almost exclusively passed in the second half. When Jones did receive carries, they were for minimal gains. Injuries are probably why he hasn’t looked like himself all year. I don’t know if he will be on this team next year.
Patrick Taylor: 1 carry, 6 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Dontayvion Wicks: 6 receptions, 97 yards
It sure does look like Green Bay got a steal with the rookie out of Virginia. He excels at yards-after-catch, as he had several receptions where he was able to outrun Buccaneers defenders. He also happened to be the leading receiver of the day for the Packers. Along with fellow rookie Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks has flashed potential.
Jayden Reed: 6 receptions, 52 yards, TD
Just like Wicks, Jayden Reed also had six receptions. He didn’t have as many yards as Wicks but did score an impressive touchdown. It was a dime from Jordan Love. There’s just something about second-round wide receivers in Green Bay. They don’t draft them in the first round, but I guess they trust their process. It seems to work! Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed were all second-round picks. Reed can play. He’s got a big role in the offense and seems to produce every week.
.@jordan3love with a 17-yard dart to @JaydenReed5! ?
TOUCHDOWN ?#TBvsGB | #ProBowlVote | #GoPackGo
?: CBS pic.twitter.com/Rpij3k30SX
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 17, 2023
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Romeo Doubs: 3 receptions, 30 yards
Romeo Doubs had a quiet game. He’s OK, but Watson and the rookies are getting a lot more snaps than him. They’ve earned that right.
Malik Heath: 3 receptions, 29 yards
The undrafted rookie catches passes now and then, but Wicks and Reed are the rookies worth acquiring in fantasy leagues. It almost feels like the Packers have too many wide receivers for fantasy purposes.
Bo Melton: 1 reception, 7 yards
Tucker Kraft: 4 receptions, 56 yards, TD
The third-round tight end continues to impress. He never saw much playing time until fellow rookie tight end Luke Musgrave went down. He runs good routes and scored the first touchdown of the game. It’s too early in their careers to make any judgments, but having watched several Packers games, Kraft looks like a better player than Musgrave does to me.
.@TuckerKraft gets into the end zone!
TOUCHDOWN ?#TBvsGB | #ProBowlVote | #GoPackGo
?: CBS pic.twitter.com/d4pYRxWJyc
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 17, 2023