The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles was a beatdown from start to finish. The Eagles were outmatched on both sides of the ball from the opening kickoff, and the Bucs never looked back en route to their 31-15 victory. The Bucs were hit with myriad injuries to their offensive line during the game, but even without their star O-linemen, the Buccaneers never lost control of the game for a second. With the Buccaneers-Eagles game still fresh in our memories, we're going to discuss some key Buccaneers Wild Card playoff takeaways.
Despite losing Tristan Wirfs for most of the game, the Buccaneers had no issues running the football, though Brady did get sacked a handful of times. Even with veteran RB Gio Bernard taking the main share of carries the Buccaneers were successful on the ground. The defense was just as, if not more, effective as the offense. Jalen Hurts looked uncomfortable at all times while struggling to connect with his receivers. Hurts is the youngest QB to ever start a playoff game for the Eagles, and it certainly showed in his dismal performance against the Buccaneers.
With all that in mind, it's time for our Buccaneers Wild Card takeaways after their resounding beatdown of the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wild Card Takeaways
3. Tom Brady can lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl with minimal weapons
While the Buccaneers have one of the most loaded offenses in football, injuries have hit them hard. The team is operating without the likes of Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, Antonio Brown (obviously), and Ronald Jones, yet Brady is still spreading the ball out to a wide variety of receivers, and having success while doing so. Of course, Rob Gronkowski and Mike Evans will have the largest target share, but Brady and the Bucs were able to put up a dominant victory without so many key players, which bodes well for the team as they begin to get their key guys back during the playoff run.
During the win over the Eagles, Brady completed passes to nine different players, including lesser-utilized receivers such as O.J. Howard, Scotty Miller, and Breshad Perriman. Brady showcased his flexibility as a QB by getting just about everyone possible involved and also displayed just how deep the Bucs' offense is.
2. Buccaneers D makes big plays at all levels
The Buccaneers defense was impenetrable throughout the first three quarters of the game. The Bucs played a complete game on defense, stifling the usually-potent rushing attack from Philly, while simultaneously forcing Hurts to play away from his strengths and throw the ball more frequently than he's accustomed to. For all that natural athleticism Hurts possesses, his arm leaves a bit to be desired, and the Bucs took full advantage of that on Sunday.
Hurts failed to throw a single passing touchdown against the Buccaneers, and he was intercepted twice. Shaq Barrett came away with one of the interceptions, having tipped a pass up to himself, while Mike Edwards, who had a tremendous game, hauled in the other. Additionally, the Bucs forced a fumble on a muffed punt from Jalen Reagor, just adding to the headache for head coach Nick Sirianni. While the offense was having no trouble getting points on the board, Tampa's defense ensured the Eagles never had a chance to make this a close game.
1. Mike Evans is set for a huge postseason
The tandem of Mike Evans and Tom Brady figures to cause fits for opposing secondaries all throughout the playoffs. Evans is the clear-cut top target for Brady with Godwin on the sideline, and he was nothing short of fantastic against the Eagles. Evans hauled in nine receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown in the win. The Bucs are a pass-heavy offense, and with No. 13 commanding a significant share of the targets, he could be in line for multiple huge outings as the Buccaneers aim to navigate their way to the Super Bowl.
While not every matchup will be as one-sided as the one against the Eagles, Evans has the talent to build off this performance. His nine receptions were a Buccaneers' playoff record, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him best that mark again during this postseason run. Evans is one of the most consistent receivers in football, and if Brady sees any chance to get him the football, expect it to happen.
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