Brady Disappoints In Bucs Loss To Packers

By Lily Belcher

TAMPA---The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their home opener on Sunday to the Greenbay Packers as the two oldest active quarterbacks battled in the Buccaneers’ 14-12 defeat.

Brady’s hesitance on the field was obvious, especially in the first half, making short passes and getting sacked twice by the Packers. This may have been due to an injured ring finger on his throwing hand, despite his claims that it wasn’t bothering him since it was reported after the Saints game last week.

The Buccaneers scored a field goal in their first possession with a 48 yard drive down the field; however, Brady took a late sack at the 27 yard line on third down, forcing Ryan Succop to make the 45 yard field goal.

Rodgers answered with a 75 yard touchdown drive, including a 21 yard pass that was fumbled and recovered by Green Bay receiver Tyler Davis.

Green Bay scored on their next possession after a 71 yard drive by Rodgers to give the Packers a 14-3 lead over the Bucs.

Both teams’ defenses were highlighted in the second and third quarter as they held off the two star quarterbacks. Tampa Bay only managed to score one more field goal off the Packers defense until the end of the fourth quarter.

With just over a minute to go in the fourth quarter, Brady drove the ball down the field into Green Bay’s end zone, trailing by eight points. Brady moved the ball to Green Bay’s one yard line before completing a short pass to Russell Gage for only his second touchdown pass of the year, bringing the score to 14-12.

After a delay of game penalty moved the two-point conversion attempt back five yards, Brady failed to complete the pass to Gage and the Bucs lost their first game of the season.

This is the second year Rodgers has beaten Brady in their faceoffs and could be the last with both quarterbacks reaching retirement age.

The Buccaneers will host the Kansas City Chiefs on October 2 at 8:20.