Buccaneers Dominate Eagles 33-16: What’s Next and How They Can Hold the Lead Against the Falcons
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a bold statement with a commanding 33-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week Four, improving to 3-1 on the season. The Buccaneers came to play, executing with precision on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Baker Mayfield showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Meanwhile, Todd Bowles’ defense relentlessly pressured Jalen Hurts, notching six sacks and stifling the Eagles' potent offense. This victory keeps them atop the NFC South and reinforces their status as a playoff contender. The tone was set from the first whistle, the Buccaneers took control.
On the opening drive, Mayfield went eight-for-nine, finding Rachaad White and Mike Evans for key gains before capping the drive with a two-yard touchdown pass to Evans. The Buccaneers' efficient offense, combined with creative play-calling, gave Philadelphia little chance to adjust. Following a quick three-and-out from the Eagles, Mayfield struck again, this time connecting with Trey Palmer on a 15-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-0. Tampa Bay’s offensive line provided stellar protection early, allowing Mayfield to dissect the Eagles' secondary with ease.
Defensively, Tampa Bay overwhelmed the Eagles. Vita Vea's dominance in the trenches was evident as he sacked Jalen Hurts and disrupted Philadelphia's run game. Lavonte David's leadership was on full display, as he forced a critical fumble that halted an Eagles’ comeback attempt. YaYa Diaby also contributed with a clutch sack in the fourth quarter. The Bucs' defensive front harassed Hurts all afternoon, preventing the Eagles from establishing any rhythm. Philadelphia tried to rally in the second half, with Jalen Hurts engineering a couple of scoring drives, including a 59-yard run by Saquon Barkley. However, the Buccaneers’ defense held strong, and a blocked extra point was returned for a safety by the Eagles, which remained the only blemish on an otherwise dominant performance.
Baker Mayfield continues to prove himself as a reliable leader for the Buccaneers. His calm demeanor and quick decision-making kept the offense moving, even when faced with pressure. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans consistently made big plays down the stretch, and Mayfield’s ability to extend plays with his legs added another dimension to the attack. Although Rachaad White had a quieter day on the ground, his contributions in the passing game were critical. Despite the dominant win, the Buccaneers must shore up a few areas. The offensive line, while solid for much of the game, allowed Mayfield to face unnecessary pressure in key situations. Tampa Bay’s special teams also need improvement after a blocked extra point led to a rare safety for the Eagles. These lapses could prove costly against tougher opponents in the weeks ahead. Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers will still need to focus on improving the team’s tackling in practice, ensuring that opportunities to stop opponents short of the sticks aren’t wasted.
The Buccaneers now turn their attention to a Week Five matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, who narrowly escaped with a 26-24 victory this week. To secure a 4-1 record, Tampa Bay will need to maintain its offensive balance and continue pressuring the quarterback. Falcons’ quarterback Kirk Cousins will likely face a similar fate to Jalen Hurts if the Bucs’ defense continues its relentless pursuit. Though the loss to Denver was disappointing, it served as a wake-up call for the Buccaneers and a good one if they want to avoid the Falcons capitalizing on their mishaps. The Buccaneers focused on fixing protection issues, balancing their offensive attack, improving tackling and discipline on defense. They also appeared to be continuing to focus on winning the turnover battle, the team has a clear path to recovery. With plenty of football left in the season, Tampa Bay is still very much in the hunt for success in 2024.
