Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a chance to steal their first victory of the 2026 season Sunday. Instead, the Green Bay Packers made enough plays to escape Raymond James Stadium with a 17-14 victory. Tampa Bay dropped to 0-4 with the loss, while Green Bay improved to 2-2. The Buccaneers played without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has a fractured right thumb. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels made his first NFL start in Mayfield’s place. Daniels showed plenty of promise during his debut. However, two interceptions proved costly against a Green Bay team searching for answers itself. The rookie completed 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards. He threw one touchdown and two interceptions. Meanwhile, Jordan Love completed 22 of 30 passes for 197 yards. Love added two touchdowns and one interception.
Neither offense found the end zone during the opening quarter. Tampa Bay started with Bucky Irving carrying the football effectively. However, Green Bay linebacker Edgerrin Cooper helped stop the opening possession. Daniels later connected with Cade Otton for 13 yards. He also scrambled 11 yards into Green Bay territory. However, safety Evan Williams intercepted Daniels on the next play. Williams jumped an out route intended for Emeka Egbuka. The turnover ended Tampa Bay’s promising possession. Green Bay eventually struck first during the second quarter. Love found Matthew Golden for a two-yard touchdown pass. The score came on fourth down and gave Green Bay a 7-0 advantage.
However, Tampa Bay responded. Sean Tucker powered into the end zone from two yards away. Chase McLaughlin added the extra point, tying the game at seven. The Buccaneers then appeared ready to threaten again before halftime. Instead, Daniels made another costly mistake. Cooper intercepted a pass intended for Kameron Johnson with 41 seconds remaining. He returned the interception into Tampa Bay territory. Green Bay could not reach the end zone afterward. However, kicker Trey Smack drilled a 58-yard field goal. The kick gave Green Bay a 10-7 halftime lead. More importantly, Daniels’ two interceptions produced 10 Packers points. Green Bay immediately increased its advantage after halftime.
The Packers marched 80 yards on eight plays to open the third quarter. Love finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft. That touchdown pushed Green Bay’s led to 17-7. Kraft became one of Love’s most important targets during the afternoon. Meanwhile, Green Bay finally established some production on the ground. Kaleb Johnson led the Packers with 42 rushing yards on eight attempts. His biggest run covered 31 yards and helped set up Kraft’s touchdown. However, Tampa Bay’s defense refused to let the game disappear. The Buccaneers forced two huge fourth-quarter turnovers. First, A’Shawn Robinson knocked the football loose from Johnson near Tampa Bay’s goal line. Zyon McCollum recovered at the four-yard line.
That turnover kept Green Bay from stretching its advantage. Later, rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish intercepted Love with 4:18 remaining. The turnover gave Daniels one final opportunity to complete a dramatic comeback. Tampa Bay had already cut the deficit to three points. Daniels found Kenny Gainwell for a 10-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter. The touchdown pass marked the first of Daniels’ NFL career. McLaughlin’s extra point made the score 17-14. The Buccaneers eventually reached Green Bay’s 46-yard line on their final possession. However, the Packers’ defense closed the door.
Green Bay pressured Daniels and forced Tampa Bay into a fourth-and-11 situation. Daniels could not complete the fourth-down pass, ending the comeback attempt. Green Bay escaped with the three-point victory. Statistically, the quarterbacks finished with similar completion percentages. Love went 22-of-30 for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Daniels finished 19-of-27 for 148 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Christian Watson led Green Bay with three catches for 47 yards. Johnson led the Packers with 42 rushing yards. For Tampa Bay, Irving carried 16 times for 61 yards. Otton led the Buccaneers with four receptions for 37 yards. Green Bay also rushed for 98 yards after struggling badly on the ground entering Sunday.
The Packers converted only two of 10 third downs. However, they went three-for-three on fourth down. Those conversions helped Green Bay extend several important possessions. The Buccaneers can certainly point toward several encouraging moments. Daniels showed mobility, confidence, and toughness during his first NFL start. Tampa Bay’s defense also surrendered only 17 points. However, turnovers again proved costly. Daniels’ two interceptions helped Green Bay score 10 points. Tampa Bay’s two fourth-quarter takeaways gave the offense chances, but those opportunities produced no additional points. That combination ultimately decided the afternoon.
Tampa Bay now sits at 0-4 after four frustrating losses. The Buccaneers have dropped three consecutive home games after losing their opener in Cincinnati. Next comes a quick turnaround. The Buccaneers travel to face the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. That Week 5 matchup kicks off Thursday, October 8, at 8:15 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay needs more than another competitive performance. The Buccaneers need a victory before this season slips even further away.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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