The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff run came to a disappointing end on Sunday with a 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round. The defeat marked the final game for quarterback Tom Brady, who announced his retirement earlier this month.
Back-and-Forth Battle Comes Down to Final Play
The game featured plenty of fireworks, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The Buccaneers struck first with a touchdown pass from Brady to Mike Evans in the first quarter. However, the Lions responded with 17 unanswered points to take a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter.
Tampa Bay rallied to tie the game at 17 later in the third on a rushing touchdown by Leonard Fournette. In the fourth, the Lions regained the lead on a touchdown catch by Amon-Ra St. Brown. But the Bucs responded once more, with Brady hitting Chris Godwin to knot the score at 23 with just over three minutes remaining.
That set the stage for a dramatic finish. The Lions methodically drove into Bucs territory in the final minutes. On 3rd-and-7 from the Tampa Bay 26, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff completed a pass to Brock Wright down to the 5-yard line. However, Bucs linebacker Devin White was flagged for a facemask penalty on the tackle, giving the Lions 1st-and-goal from the 2 with 24 seconds to go. Detroit handed off to D’Andre Swift on the next play for the decisive touchdown.
Mayfield’s Rally Falls Just Short
The Buccaneers had one last chance, getting the ball back with 17 seconds left. Recently acquired quarterback Baker Mayfield, making his second start for Tampa Bay, expertly directed the offense downfield. Mayfield completed three straight passes to get into Lions territory. After a spike to stop the clock with 5 seconds remaining, the Bucs appeared poised to try a desperation lateral play.
However, fate intervened when Mayfield’s pass over the middle was tipped by Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and intercepted by safety DeShon Elliott to seal the win.
Mayfield, Evans Emotional After Defeat
Mayfield was distraught after throwing the game-clinching interception. He stated poignantly in his postgame press conference, “It feels like my heart just got ripped out.” The quarterback went on to credit his Bucs teammates, saying, “I’m thankful that this team put their arms around me.”
Star wide receiver Mike Evans, who will be a free agent this offseason, got choked up when asked about Mayfield and the possibility of not returning to Tampa Bay next season. “I love Bake…I want to be here if he’s going to be the quarterback,” Evans said.
Coaches, Teammates Laud Mayfield’s Grit
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles commended Mayfield’s valiant effort coming off the bench, saying, “I’m proud of Baker for carving his own mark.” Fellow players like defensive tackle Vita Vea echoed those sentiments.
Lions coach Dan Campbell also praised Mayfield’s sportsmanship, relating that he told Campbell after the game, “Coach, congrats. You deserve it.”
Even WWE legend Ric Flair took notice, tweeting encouragement to Mayfield:
You played your heart out @bakermayfield! You’re the man! @Buccaneers Hold your head high my friend! WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/G3Eq5LrOKg
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 22, 2024
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
While this season ultimately ended short of their Super Bowl goals, the Bucs appear well-positioned for continued contention in 2024. The emergence of Mayfield gives them a potential franchise quarterback moving forward. Retaining playmakers like Evans and Godwin will be crucial for either Mayfield or any new signal-caller next season.
Defensively, cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean both had strong seasons and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. continues developing into an elite playmaker. Finding an consistent pass rush and improved run defense will likely be focal points to take the next step.
If Mayfield returns and key free agents can be retained, expect the Buccaneers to remain firmly in the mix in the NFC South next season even without the iconic Brady.
Overall, while the season ended painfully, Bucs fans have reason for optimism about the team’s future. The gutsy effort led by Mayfield and resilience after Brady’s retirement means the arrow is still pointing up for Tampa Bay.
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