Philly Leader

The Eagles faced the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, marking a rematch of last year's Wild Card round. The Buccaneers secured an early lead and maintained control throughout the game, ultimately defeating the Eagles 33-16.

With key players A.J. Brown (hamstring), DeVonta Smith (concussion), and Lane Johnson (concussion) sidelined due to injuries, the Eagles had to depend on their depth but fell short. "Obviously didn't start good, I mean down 24-0 to start things off, obviously no excuse for that. We didn't coach well enough and we didn't play well enough," Head Coach Nick Sirianni commented post-game.

In the first quarter, Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers' offense efficiently. He completed 8-of-9 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown to Mike Evans. The Eagles struggled offensively, opening with a three-and-out series. Dallas Goedert expressed frustration: "Same thing as it's been, we've been shooting ourselves in the foot."

The Buccaneers continued their momentum with a quick drive resulting in a touchdown pass to Trey Palmer. Late in the quarter, an incident involving Cooper DeJean led to Tampa Bay recovering at Philadelphia's 22-yard line after Isaiah Rodgers pushed Josh Hayes into DeJean.

Entering the second quarter with favorable field position, Mayfield scored on a one-yard run on fourth-and-goal. Despite Kameron Johnson's dropped touchdown pass later in the half, Chase McLaughlin added a field goal for Tampa Bay. Jalen Hurts noted his team's need for better responses: "It's just a matter of responding... you got to go out there and play ball."

The Eagles showed signs of life late in the second quarter with Hurts finding Parris Campbell for his first touchdown as an Eagle after being elevated from the practice squad.

Saquon Barkley opened the third quarter strong for Philadelphia with a 59-yard run leading to another Hurts touchdown via tush-push formation. However, Bucky Irving responded quickly with his first NFL career touchdown for Tampa Bay despite having an earlier score overturned.

A critical moment came when Lavonte David stripped Hurts of the ball during what seemed like a promising drive for Philadelphia; Ben Stille recovered it for Tampa Bay.

Sterling Shepard made significant contributions after being promoted from practice squad status by catching a crucial 30-yard pass from Mayfield which set up another scoring opportunity.

Despite some defensive stops by Philadelphia’s defense and individual efforts such as Josh Sweat's sack on Mayfield or Kelee Ringo’s blocked extra point return attempt resulting in two points—Tampa Bay extended their lead further through another McLaughlin field goal early into fourth-quarter action while keeping consistent pressure on Hurts who was sacked multiple times late into final moments securing them victory ending match scoreline at (Buccaneers33–Eagles16).

C.J.Gardner-Johnson reflected positively about upcoming bye week emphasizing team unity moving forward:"Bye week is good...we have pin all53of each other."

Key stats from game include:

Passing Leaders:

PHI: Jalen Hurts -18/30for158yards1TD

TB:BakerMayfield -30/47for347yards2TDs

Rushing Leaders:

PHI: Saquon Barkley -84yards10carries(8.YPC)

TB:BuckyIrving,RachaadWhite -49yards10carries(4.YPC)

Receiving Leaders:

PHI:DallasGoedert -7catches62yards

TB:MikeEvans -8catches94yards1TD

Tackle Leaders:

PHI:Slay –7

TB:LavonteDavidJordanWhitehead–5