The Bucs’ resurgence to .500 was punctuated by a stellar 34-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, marking a significant turnaround in their season. Baker Mayfield etched his name in the annals of history as the first quarterback ever to achieve a flawless 158.3 passer rating at the iconic Lambeau Field.
The 28-year-old maestro orchestrated a spectacle, tallying an impressive 381 passing yards and delivering four touchdowns. His early precision manifested in a seamless connection with go-to receiver Mike Evans for a pivotal 19-yard touchdown at the onset of the second quarter.
The offensive charge was spearheaded by the indomitable Chris Godwin, who amassed a commanding 155 yards on 10 receptions, while Rachaad White continued his consistent streak, securing over 100 yards from scrimmage for the fourth consecutive game.
Mayfield’s symphony of passes extended beyond conventional targets; he found White for another pivotal score early in the second half and unexpectedly linked up with Ko Kieft and David Moore, both securing their inaugural touchdowns of the season, to cap off his quartet of strikes.
This historic outing catapulted Mayfield into an elite realm, joining an exclusive cohort as just the third quarterback in NFL history to surpass 375 passing yards, deliver four touchdown passes, and maintain a perfect 158.3 passer rating in an away fixture. Notably, this marked his inaugural feat of achieving a perfect passer rating and the fourth occasion of dispatching four touchdowns in a single game.
The Packers, led by Jordan Love, endeavored to match the Bucs’ intensity, narrowing the gap to a mere three points late in the third quarter. Yet, a promising drive fizzled in the red zone, and subsequent turnovers in the final quarter sealed their fate. Love showcased resilience, amassing 284 yards and two touchdowns on 29 of 39 passing, but the running game faltered, managing a meager 60 yards on 17 carries.
In the midst of the Packers’ struggles, glimpses of promise emerged from rookie sensation Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft. Wicks showcased his potential with six receptions for 97 yards, while Kraft’s four catches included the Packers’ inaugural touchdown.
Ultimately, the narrative of this enthralling clash boiled down to the Buccaneers’ luminaries stepping up when it mattered most, notably Godwin, whose strategic prowess not only elevated his own performance but also paved the way for a subdued Evans to clinch Tampa Bay’s definitive lead with a crucial 19-yard touchdown catch early in the second quarter.
