Packers Hold Off Buccaneers 17-14 Despite Two Fourth Quarter Turnovers

Packers Build Early Lead Behind Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers overcame two costly fourth-quarter turnovers and held on for a 17-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, handing Tampa Bay its first 0-4 start since 2013. Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes, while Green Bay’s defense made several crucial stops late to preserve the victory. The Packers improved to 2-2 despite twice giving the Buccaneers opportunities to erase a three-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

For Tampa Bay, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels struggled in his first career start while filling in for Baker Mayfield, who missed the game with a dislocated thumb. Daniels threw two interceptions that led to 10 Packers points, and the Buccaneers ultimately could not take advantage of Green Bay’s late mistakes.

Love Connects With Golden and Kraft for Touchdowns

Love gave the Packers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter when he found Matthew Golden for a 2-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. Tampa Bay responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Sean Tucker. Daniels completed both of his passes for just 27 yards on the drive and added a 9-yard scramble before Tucker finished it off.

Green Bay regained the lead before halftime after Evan Williams made a sliding interception near the sideline. Williams stepped in front of a Daniels pass intended for Kameron Johnson, secured the ball as he fell and returned it 18 yards to the Buccaneers 44. The Packers converted the turnover into points, with Trey Smack drilling a 58-yard field goal to give Green Bay a 10-7 halftime advantage.

Love and the Packers extended their lead on the opening drive of the third quarter. Love connected with Tucker Kraft for a 2-yard touchdown, and Kraft also helped Green Bay convert a pair of fourth downs during the drive, including a direct-snap sneak on fourth-and-1 from the Tampa Bay 10. The touchdown put the Packers ahead 17-7.

Buccaneers Threaten Comeback in Fourth Quarter

Tampa Bay cut the deficit to 17-14 early in the fourth quarter when Daniels connected with Emeka Egbuka on a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Buccaneers then received two major opportunities to complete the comeback after Green Bay’s offense turned the ball over twice.

With just over nine minutes remaining, Tykee Smith forced Kaleb Johnson to fumble inside the 5-yard line. A’Shawn Robinson recovered at the 4, but Tampa Bay’s offense could not move the ball and the Packers escaped without surrendering points. Green Bay then had a first-and-15 at the Buccaneers 26 when Jacob Parrish intercepted Love’s pass. The turnover gave Tampa Bay the ball at its own 15 with an opportunity to take the lead.

Instead, Daniels and the Buccaneers’ offense stalled again. Facing third-and-16 from the Packers 47, Daniels threw a short screen pass to Emeka Egbuka that came up well short of the first down. Daniels then threw incomplete on fourth down, ending Tampa Bay’s final serious threat.

Coach Todd Bowles also opted against attempting a potential 65-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin. McLaughlin had successfully converted from that distance last season, but Bowles said wind was a factor in the decision not to try the kick.

Tampa Bay Faces Steep Climb After Another Loss

The loss dropped Tampa Bay to 0-4 for the first time since 2013. Historically, an 0-4 start has made the postseason an extreme long shot, with the 1992 San Diego Chargers remaining the only team to overcome such a start and reach the playoffs. The Buccaneers will have little time to regroup. Tampa Bay travels to Dallas for a Thursday night matchup with the Cowboys.

Green Bay, meanwhile, returns home next Sunday to face the Chicago Bears as the Packers look to build momentum after surviving a game in which their offense committed two costly fourth-quarter turnovers. Despite those mistakes, Green Bay’s defense delivered when it mattered most, allowing the Packers to escape Tampa Bay with a 17-14 victory.