Buccaneers 30, Packers 21

The Packers just ran out of time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.  The defense did everything everything they could to keep the team within striking distance, intercepting Bucs quarterback Brian Griese three times, but eventually broke in the fourth quarter when Buccaneers running back Ernest Graham broke off a 47-yard run to set up the clinching touchdown, a one-yard run, to seal the game for Tampa Bay at 30-21.  The defense did everything they could to keep the game close, including Charles Woodson‘s 62-yard interception for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to stake a 21-20 lead.  However, the Packers defense could not stay strong enough and the offense could not do anything when given the opportunity.

In his first real road test, Aaron Rodgers barely earns a passing grade.  He was nearly flawless on the Packers first touchdown drive early in the first quarter, which was capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings.  Rodgers disappeared for the rest of the game, until late in the third quarter when he threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Jennings, a few plays after spraining his shoulder.  Ryan Grant struggled mightily, gaining 20 yards on 15 carries and disappointing fantasy owners everywhere.  Jennings finally had his breakout game this year, snagging six passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.  Rodgers was efficient, but was held to 165 yards and was picked off by an aggressive Buccaneers defense three times.

On defense, Brady Poppinga led the team with 12 tackles, while Nick Collins, Tramon Williams, starting in the place of the injured Al Harris, and Woodson all intercepted Griese.  The defense was shredded by Graham, who had 111 yards on 20 carries, and Warrick Dunn who had 63 carries on 16 yards.

My condolences go out to Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant and his family on the loss of their infant child earlier in the week.  I could see the emotion nearly overwhelming Bryant at different points in the game and the fact that he came through for the Bucs is very admirable.  Some people I discussed the game with said it was hard not to root for Tampa Bay because of Bryant.  And although my team lost, I hope the win can help the healing for the Bryant family, as I continue to pray for them and hope all readers out there do too.