Eagles vs Buccaneers score, takeaways: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay defense thwart Philadelphia for Week 4 win

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just have the Philadelphia Eagles’ number.

Baker Mayfield threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another as the Buccaneers dominated the Eagles in a 33-16 win. Tampa Bay scored on four of its first five possessions and outgained Philadelphia 255-0 at one point in the first half, with the outcome never in doubt.

The Eagles attempted a comeback in the second half, cutting the score to 30-16 late in the third quarter. They reached the red zone, but Jalen Hurts fumbled after a promising 50-yard drive, ending their chances of making it a one-score game. That was the closest the Eagles came to catching the Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay controlled the game from start to finish. Their offense capitalized on a depleted Eagles defense, which lost safety Reed Blankenship (illness) and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (cramps) during the game. Philadelphia was already missing three starters on offense (Lane Johnson, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith) and lost center Cam Jurgens to cramps in the second half.

The Buccaneers defense was as hot as the 108-degree heat index in Tampa, holding the Eagles to under 300 yards of offense and limiting them to 5.0 yards per play. “eagles vs buccaneers, philadelphia eagles vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats, eagles, eagles game today, eagles score, bucs vs eagles, ” They recorded six sacks and six quarterback hits, with Lavonte David contributing two sacks. Five different Buccaneers recorded sacks in this dominant performance.

Baker Mayfield threw for over 300 yards, while Mike Evans and Trey Palmer caught touchdown passes. Bucky Irving also scored his first career touchdown in the second half.

Why the Buccaneers won:

The Buccaneers dominated the Eagles from the start, scoring on their first five possessions. Baker Mayfield had an excellent start, completing 12 of his first 13 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns with a 150.5 passer rating after just two possessions. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s quick-pass strategy worked to Mayfield’s advantage. The defense was also relentless, with six sacks and 24 pressures, giving Jalen Hurts little time to make plays.

Why the Eagles lost:

The Eagles were outmatched in all areas. They were outgained 255-0 in the second quarter and didn’t achieve a first down until 6:26 remained in the first half. Their defense allowed 445 total yards, and their offense finished with just 227 yards. Special teams added to the struggles, as two players collided with punt returner Cooper DeJean, leading to a fumble that set up a Buccaneers touchdown. Poor fundamentals, including 12 missed tackles and a critical red zone turnover, hurt the Eagles, who must regroup during their bye week.

Turning point:

The game was essentially decided from the opening drive when the Buccaneers marched 79 yards on 10 plays, culminating in a Mike Evans touchdown for a 7-0 lead. “eagles vs buccaneers, philadelphia eagles vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats, eagles, eagles game today, eagles score, bucs vs eagles, ” The Eagles had a chance to get back into the game late in the third quarter, trailing 30-16, but Jalen Hurts was strip-sacked by Lavonte David at the Buccaneers’ 19-yard line, sealing the Eagles’ fate.

Play of the game:

Isaiah Rodgers blocked an extra point, which Kelee Ringo returned for two points. This play was the first blocked extra point returned for two points this season, briefly cutting the Buccaneers’ blowout to a two-score game.

Up next:

The Eagles (2-2) head into their bye week before hosting the Cleveland Browns on October 13. The Buccaneers (3-1) travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on “Thursday Night Football” on October 3.

Eagles vs. Buccaneers prediction:

Best bet: Saquon Barkley Over 75.5 rushing yards (-120 at BetMGM)

Analysis: The Philadelphia Eagles’ signing of former Giants RB Saquon Barkley has paid dividends early this season, with Barkley rushing for 351 yards and four touchdowns on 63 carries (5.6 yards per carry). He’s rushed for over 95 yards in all three games this season, including 147 yards in Week 3.

Tampa Bay’s run defense has been porous, allowing 137.7 rushing yards per game. Given the possibility of thunderstorms in Tampa due to Hurricane Heline, passing may be difficult, which could lead to even more carries for Barkley.

The Eagles, despite their 2-1 record, are coming off a close loss to the Falcons. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are also 2-1 but coming off a poor performance as six-point favorites against the Broncos. Expect a low-scoring, sloppy game in Tampa, and back the Eagles to cover the spread and take the Under 42.5.

Eagles vs. Buccaneers game info:

• Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
• Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
• Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX

Eagles vs. Buccaneers latest injuries:

• Luke Goedeke (T, Buccaneers): Out – Concussion
• Rachaad White (RB, Buccaneers): Questionable – Illness
• Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers): Injured – Neck