Bucs Defense Prevails Against Pack

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a sloppy, quasi-defensive struggle against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday at Raymond James Stadium 30-21.

Tampa's running game clicked.  Starter Earnest Graham averaged over five yards per carry on his way to 111 yards and a touchdown and backup Warrick Dunn averaged almost four yards per carry en route to a 63-yard day.

Tampa Bay placekicker Matt Bryant pushed through three field goals of 23, 36, and 24 yards.  He devoted his first kick to his recently-deceased infant son.  My condolences go out to the Bryant family for their loss.

TB field general Brian Griese came back down to earth with a performance including 15-of-30 completions for 149 yards and a touchdown in addition to three interceptions.

Packers free safety Nick Collins and cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson posted picks.  Woodson took his interception back to the house for a touchdown.    

The Bucs defense grounded Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, holding him to 14-of-27 passing for 165 yards and two touchdowns.  Rodgers also tossed three picks and the offensive line allowed him to be sacked three times.   

It also shut running back Ryan Grant down for only 1.33 yards per carry.

The lone bright spot offensively for the Packers was receiver Greg Jennings' six receptions totalling 109 yards and two touchdowns.     

Green Bay outside linebacker Brady Poppinga was the best defensive player overall, racking up twelve tackles, though four of them were assisted.

Tampa outside linebacker Derrick Brooks was the second-best, as he notched three tackles—one assisted—and forced a fumble in addition to grabbing an interception.

Bucs middle linebacker Barrett Ruud and defensive end Gaines Adams also registered interceptions. 

Both teams were sloppy and undisciplined, combining for 15 penalties amassing 144 yards.

The Bucs will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos this week.  It should be a tough game, given the Broncos' offensive firepower and the Bucs' defensive prowess.  Something's gotta give.

Green Bay will host another NFC South team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week Five.  It should be a fairly easy game for the Packers. 

The Falcons are unproven on the road, and their track record against good teams is terrible.  Plus the Falcons are coming off a road loss to the Panthers, which must have had a demoralizing effect on their confidence after a big win at home against the Chiefs.