Green Bay Packers 2022 opponent preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The rematch the Green Bay Packers have been waiting for.
Fans are still not over the 2020 NFC Championship Game loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Matt LaFleur’s team gets a chance for revenge in Week 3.
Even early in the season, it could be an important game for the NFC playoff picture.
Last season
Tampa Bay entered the 2021 season as defending Super Bowl champions. The team met expectations in the regular season, cruising to the NFC South title with a 13-4 record.
Powered by the No. 1 passing offense and the No. 2 overall offense, the Bucs secured the second seed in the NFC behind the Packers.
Tom Brady was an MVP candidate after throwing for a league-high 5,316 yards with 43 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Buccaneers made easy work of the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round, defeating them 31-15. However, their season would come to an end at the hands of the soon-to-be Super Bowl-champion Los Angeles Rams.
Despite a great comeback from Brady, the Bucs fell short, losing 30-27.
When is the game?
The Packers play on the road against the Buccaneers in Week 3. Kickoff is 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Offseason additions/departures
The Buccaneers are still a team very much focused on the here and now.
In free agency, they signed wide receiver Russell Gage and guard Shaquille Mason, but they also lost guard Alex Cappa and safety Jordan Whitehead.
One player they made sure they wouldn’t lose was wide receiver Chris Godwin, who they placed the franchise tag on.
In the draft, Tampa Bay selected defensive tackle Logan Hall and offensive lineman Luke Goedeke with its top two picks.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski remains a free agent, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he comes back for another season with Tom Brady.
Last meeting with Packers
January 24, 2021 (NFC Championship Game): Buccaneers won 31-26 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Tom Brady: The greatest ever decided to unretire, and that could be bad news for the rest of the NFL. The Packers’ defense needs to get pressure on Brady or it will be a long afternoon.