Despite several injuries, Packers win 17-14 in Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla. —
Jordan Love and the Packers built a 17-7 lead, then held on through a turnover-filled fourth quarter to beat the Buccaneers 17-14 in Tampa Bay on Sunday.
The Packers (2-2) wasted two opportunities to extend a three-point lead in the fourth quarter but the Buccaneers couldn’t capitalize.
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels threw two picks that led to 10 points in his first career start filling in for Baker Mayfield, who missed a game for the first time in his three-plus seasons in Tampa Bay because of a dislocated thumb.
Depleted Packers
Edgerrin Cooper was carted off the field in the third quarter with an Achilles tendon injury. The Packers are still missing three-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who is recovering from surgery for a torn ACL suffered last December.
Love played behind an offensive line missing three starters: Zach Bako-Bewele, Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk. Laken Tomlinson became the fourth player to start at left guard. Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signed earlier in the week was inactive.
Injuries
Packers
CB Brandon Cisse hurt his neck and was being evaluated for concussionLB Isaiah McDuffie replaced Cooper and briefly left with an eye injuryRB Chris Brooks and DT Devonte Wyatt both left in the first half with ankle injuriesBanks (toe, knee) and Monk (quadriceps) will returnBako-Bewele (knee) is out for the season
Buccaneers
Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (groin), CB Benjamin Morrison (quadriceps), TE Ko Kieft (elbow) were inactiveS Antoine Winfield Jr. hurt his abdomen and a rib late in the fourth quarterLB SirVocea Dennis injured his ankleRecap
The first half
Neither offense found much rhythm in the first quarter. The Packers broke through in the second when Evan Williams intercepted a pass, setting up Matthew Golden’s touchdown catch for a 7-0 lead.
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Tampa Bay answered before halftime, tying the score at 7-7.
The Packers regained the lead with another defensive takeaway: Edgerrin Cooper intercepted a pass with just over 30 seconds left in the half. The turnover set up Trey Smack’s field goal as time expired, giving Green Bay a 10-7 halftime lead.
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The Packers lost defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and running back Chris Brooks to ankle injuries in the first half. The broadcast also featured disagreements over several officiating decisions.
The second half
Jordan Love continued his pattern of two touchdown passes in every game so far this year, passing to Tucker Kraft in the end zone. While originally ruled out of bounds, it was then called a touchdown after a challenge. Packers continue widening the lead 17-7.
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The Packers’ defense added another major concern when Cooper was carted to the locker room in the third quarter with an Achilles injury. Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie also sustained an eye injury.
Tampa Bay cut the deficit to 17-14 early in the fourth quarter, turning the game into a one-score finish. Green Bay had a chance to respond, but fumbled near the goal line with about nine minutes left, giving the Buccaneers possession and taking points off the board.
MarShawn Lloyd helped the Packers regain momentum with a midair leap over defenders after Green Bay got the ball back.
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The Packers’ next scoring chance ended with another turnover: Tampa Bay intercepted a pass near the end zone with less than five minutes remaining.
Green Bay’s defense then protected the three-point lead, completing a win shaped by takeaways, missed scoring chances and a tight finish.
The Buccaneers are 0-4 for the first time since 2014. Only the 1992 Chargers overcame an 0-4 start to make the playoffs.
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This article contains information from The Associated Press.