The Bucks were soundly defeated against the Eagles in a prime-time matchup on Monday Night Football. Tampa Bay lost to Philadelphia 25-11. The only highlight that Bucks fans will be happy about is Rondo Barber getting a Hall of Fame ring.
It was a struggle on both sides of the ball for the Bucks, who were unable to match up against the defending NFC champions. Despite having numerous chances to prove wrong, the Bucs were unable to become competitive after halftime.
These were the most disappointing players and moments of the match.
Bucks WR Mike Evans – Photo courtesy of USA Today
WR Mike Evans
This was a prime-time game that Mike Evans would like to get back. Unusually, he made two costly drops in the first half. One of them got his third down on a slightly higher throw that should have been caught. The other one was even more damaging, as the second drop occurred in the end zone, and the Bucks should have taken the lead at that point. Later, when the Bucks were down 20-3 in the third quarter, Evans couldn’t make a catch near the sideline.
The 10th-year receiver had some big catches on the offense’s only touchdown drive, and ultimately A 1-yard score capped off the possession.but it was too late.
LB JJ Russell
Jake Camarda was able to do the job of punting the ball, but the coverage team didn’t hold up very well. Eagles returner Britten Covey completed a 52-yard punt, putting the Eagles in prime field position. The play was sparked by Russell missing a tackle as he ran to Covey’s side. The Eagles kicked a field goal on the drive to open the scoring, but it was all thanks to the return.
Bucks run game
We knew it was going to be a tough battle against the NFL’s best run-stopping defense, but it still didn’t work. The Bucks couldn’t push up front and couldn’t do anything in the run game. They managed 41 yards but couldn’t control the possession game. After the Eagles tackled Rashard White in the end zone, he recorded a safety due to poor run blocking.
CB Jamel Dean
The only problem with Jamel Dean as a corner is that he doesn’t touch the football. There were several chances to get the pick late in the second quarter, but Dean’s inability to get the ball ended up resulting in a touchdown to Olamide Zakaius and then a field goal for the Eagles.
Dean was inches away from getting the ball, so the Bucs could have really used that. When you play the defending NFC champions, you need the best players to play. Dean couldn’t do that in that situation. He also used an illegal hand that led to a face penalty on the penultimate drive before the half, and then had a chance to hit Jalen Hurts while covering AJ Brown with nine seconds left, but again INT It was just a PBU with a possibility of. He finished the game with two tackles.
Bucks run defense
Bucks manager Todd Bowles – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Tampa Bay was hurt up the middle against Philadelphia’s run game. D’Andre Swift gained 8.1 yards per rushing attempt and Kenneth Gainwell averaged 4 yards per carry. I felt like the Bucks were getting better as the game went on. The Eagles were able to control the clock in the second half and continued to extend their lead.
RB Rathard White
White couldn’t do much on the ground and ended up paying the price for an ill-fated fumble on a passing play. As he tried to shake off the tackle and get on the field, White was completely beaten by Jalen Carter, who knocked the ball out and James Bradberry retrieved it. This lasted until 32 seconds left in the second quarter, allowing the Eagles to get within field goal range and extend their lead to 13-3. Bad timing that couldn’t have happened in that situation.
Bucks pass rush
Eagles DT Fletcher Cox and Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of USA Today
There were times when Jalen Hurts had to pitch all day long. The Bucks did a good job of keeping Hurts in the pocket, but he also scored some easy goals as he was able to take his time. Hearts was sacked just once in the game.
bucks offense
Honestly, you can also put the entire attacking unit in the most sorry state. The offensive line struggled with blocking up front. At times, Baker Mayfield made poor throws and was too slow in his decision-making. Receivers combined for just 11 catches, and it wasn’t until late that Evans and Chris Godwin surpassed running back Rashard White in receiving yards.
