Buccaneers fall to 0-4 despite Packers mistakes
Jordan Love delivered two touchdown passes and Green Bay’s defense came up with timely stops as the Packers edged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17‑14 on Sunday. The victory came despite two fourth‑quarter turnovers that nearly opened the door for a Buccaneers comeback.
Tampa Bay turned to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels for his first NFL start with Baker Mayfield sidelined by a dislocated thumb. Daniels showed flashes but threw two interceptions that led directly to 10 Green Bay points, a costly swing in a tight game.
The Buccaneers had a chance late after Jacob Parrish intercepted Love and set Tampa Bay up at the 15. But the drive fizzled, ending with Daniels’ short screen on third‑and‑16 and an incomplete fourth‑down attempt from the Packers 47. Todd Bowles opted not to attempt a 65‑yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin, leaving Tampa Bay empty‑handed.
Love delivers in key moments
Love’s first touchdown came on a fourth‑down throw to Matthew Golden from two yards out, capping a drive extended twice on fourth‑and‑1 conversions. Green Bay added a 58‑yard field goal before halftime after Edgerrin Cooper’s interception set up prime field position.
Love opened the second half with another scoring drive, hitting Tucker Kraft from two yards out to push the lead to 17‑7. Daniels responded with a 10‑yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell early in the fourth quarter, but Tampa Bay couldn’t find the tying score.
The Buccaneers’ lone first‑half touchdown came on a 2‑yard run by Sean Tucker, set up by Daniels’ early rhythm throws and a nine‑yard scramble.
Injuries mount for both teams
Green Bay played without three starting offensive linemen and lost Cooper to an Achilles injury in the third quarter. The Buccaneers saw Antoine Winfield Jr. leave late with abdomen and rib issues, while SirVocea Dennis exited with an ankle injury.
Tampa Bay’s 0‑4 start marks its worst opening since 2014. Only the 1992 Chargers have ever climbed out of such a hole to reach the postseason.