The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) fell to the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) 25-11 Monday night at Raymond James Stadium.
The Buccaneers pieced together one first down on the game's opening drive before having to punt the ball away to the Eagles. Philadelphia took over with their opening possession of the game at their 25-yard line. The Bucs defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs on 4th and 1. The Eagles defense did their job and put an end to the Bucs drive quickly. The Eagles notched the first score of the ball game as Jake Elliott knocked down a 36-yard field goal, giving the Philadelphia a 3-0 lead over Tampa Bay late in the opening quarter.
In the game's second quarter, the Buccaneers moved the ball early to set up a 33-yard Chase McLaughlin field goal to tie the game up at 3 with 8:33 remaining in the half. The Eagles scored the game's first touchdown courtesy of a 34-yard completion from Jalen Hurts to Olamide Zaccheaus with 3:32 remaining in the half; the Eagles took a 10-3 lead. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs attempted to tie things up. However, Mayfield threw his first interception of the season as Reed Blankenship intercepted a pass late in the second quarter. The Bucs defense answered shortly after as Devin White picked off a Jalen Hurts pass. The Bucs coughed up the football as Rachaad White fumbled, and the Eagles recovered at Tampa Bay's 30-yard line. Philadelphia was able to add three more points courtesy of a Jake Elliott 38-yard field goal, 13-3 at the half.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles scored the first touchdown of the second half on 4th and goal, as Jalen Hurts snuck his way into the endzone for the score, giving the Eagles a 20-3 lead over the Bucs with 9:12 remaining in the third quarter of play. Late in the third quarter, Rachaad White was tackled in the endzone for a safety, extending Philadelphia's lead, 22-3 over Tampa Bay.
The Eagles tacked onto their lead with a 26-yard Jake Elliott field goal with 13:28 left in regulation; Philadelphia led 25-3. The Buccaneers did score a touchdown as Baker Mayfield connected with Mike Evans on a one-yard TD pass. The Bucs converted a 2-point try as Mayfield connected with Chris Godwin. Tampa narrowed Philadelphia's lead, 25-11, with 9:22 left in regulation.
The Buccaneers now prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 1st, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kickoff time is 1 PM ET- you can hear the game on 97.9 WXTB-FM - The Mighty 98 Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES