Packers hold on to beat Bucs 14-12

TAMPA, Fla. (WSAW) - In a game that was slow-moving for a good majority, the final two minutes delivered on high intensity. The Packers hung on by the skin of their teeth to beat the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay 14-12.

The Bucs got the ball first and put together a nice drive. A ten-play, 48-yard drive ended in points for the home team, but it was only a field goal as Ryan Succop put through a 45-yard field goal to start the game.

Green Bay answered right back. The Packers used a ten-play drive of their own to get on the board as Aaron Rodgers found Romeo Doubs on a five-yard touchdown to take the lead. For Doubs, it was his first career touchdown. He also had a 21-yard catch on the same drive. The Packers led after one quarter 7-3.

In the second quarter, the Packers added to their lead. Their second drive of the game ended like their first. Rodgers found Allen Lazard on a slant for a six-yard score. Green Bay leads 14-3.

It seemed like the Packers had a chance to blow the game open late in the quarter, driving inside the ten-yard line. However, on a third-and-goal pass, Aaron Jones fumbled at the goal line, giving it to Tampa, keeping the score at 14-3.

However, the Bucs would return the favor. As Tampa drove down the field, rookie Quay Walker forced a fumble from Breshad Perriman, giving Green Bay the ball back. As halftime hit, the Packers maintained their 14-3 lead.

In the third quarter, the Bucs’ fumble troubles continued. Russell Gage had the ball punched out by Packers’ corner Keisean Nixon, marking the second turnover of the game by Tampa.

After a few stagnant drives, it was Green Bay’s turn for a turnover. Aaron Rodgers was intercepted by a diving Logan Ryan at midfield. The Bucs ended up kicking a 45-yard field goal on the ensuing drive, making the game 14-6.

The fourth quarter was similarly quiet in terms of offense. The Packers’ defense continued to stop the run and get pressure on Tom Brady. The Bucs got the ball with just over three minutes to go. In the hurry-up offense, Tampa Bay marched down the field. At the one-yard line and 14 seconds left, Tom Brady found Russell Gage for a touchdown score, making it 14-12. However, on the all-important two-point conversion, De’Vondre Campbell tipped away a Brady pass to preserve the lead.

The Packers held on to win 14-12.

Aaron Rodgers finished his day 27-35 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Romeo Doubs was Rodgers’ number one target Sunday with eight catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. The running game was a struggle for the Packers and Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion combined for just 68 yards.

Tom Brady finished his day 31-42 for 271 yards and a touchdown.

One significant injury for the Packers as Jaire Alexander left the game with a groin injury in the first quarter and did not return.

The Packers move to 2-1 on the season. They’re back at home next week to face the Patriots.

Copyright 2022 WSAW. All rights reserved.