The Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off in a thrilling NFL Week 14 matchup on December 8, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers emerged victorious with a 28-13 scoreline, showcasing offensive firepower and defensive resilience. This article breaks down the key player performances, standout stats, and what the numbers reveal about both teams’ strategies. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or an NFL stats enthusiast, let’s dive into the details of this exciting game.
Why the Raiders vs. Buccaneers Game Mattered
This game was pivotal for both teams, but for different reasons. The Buccaneers, fighting for an NFC South title, needed a win to stay atop the division. Meanwhile, the Raiders, struggling with a 2-10 record, were looking to play spoiler and build momentum for the future. The stats from this matchup tell a story of Tampa Bay’s balanced attack and Las Vegas’ challenges in sustaining drives.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Tampa Bay’s Offense Shined: The Bucs racked up 420 total yards, including 295 passing yards from Baker Mayfield.
- Raiders’ Defense Forced Turnovers: Las Vegas notched three takeaways in the first half but couldn’t capitalize fully.
- Rachaad White’s Versatility: The Bucs’ running back scored twice, proving his dual-threat capability.
- Injuries Impacted Both Sides: The Raiders lost QB Aidan O’Connell to a leg injury, while Tampa Bay played without key defensive backs.
Team Stats Overview: Raiders vs. Buccaneers
To understand the game’s flow, let’s look at the team stats that shaped the outcome. Tampa Bay dominated in total yards and efficiency, while the Raiders struggled to convert opportunities.
| Category | Las Vegas Raiders | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 286 | 420 |
| Passing Yards | 195 | 268 |
| Rushing Yards | 91 | 152 |
| First Downs | 16 | 21 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 30:48 | 41:17 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 3/13 (23%) | 5/10 (50%) |
| Red-Zone Efficiency | 1/4 (25%) | 3/4 (75%) |
Source: ESPN Game Summary, December 8, 2024
What Do These Stats Tell Us?
The Buccaneers’ dominance in time of possession (41:17) reflects their ability to control the game’s pace. Their 50% third-down conversion rate kept drives alive, while the Raiders’ 23% success rate stalled their offense. Tampa Bay’s red-zone efficiency (75%) was a game-changer, converting three of four trips into touchdowns.
Standout Player Performances: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers’ victory was fueled by several key players who delivered clutch performances. Let’s break down the stats and impact of their top contributors.
Baker Mayfield: The Passing Maestro
- Stats: 18/29 (62.1%), 295 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 101.9 passer rating
- Highlight: Connected with rookie WR Jalen McMillan for two touchdowns, including a 15-yard strike to open the scoring.
- Impact: Mayfield’s ability to spread the ball kept the Raiders’ defense guessing. Despite two interceptions, his three touchdown passes tied his career-high for a single season (28).
Fun Fact: Mayfield’s six games with three or more TD passes in 2024 were tied for the NFL lead at the time.
Rachaad White: Dual-Threat Dynamo
- Stats: 90 rushing yards on 16 carries, 5.6 yards per carry, 1 rushing TD; 3 receptions, 19 yards, 1 receiving TD
- Highlight: A three-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the game.
- Impact: White’s versatility stretched the Raiders’ defense, contributing 109 yards from scrimmage. His fourth-down conversion in the first quarter set up a key score.
Jalen McMillan: Rookie Rising
- Stats: 4 receptions, 59 yards, 2 TDs
- Highlight: A 44-yard catch-and-run set up his second touchdown.
- Impact: The rookie wideout stepped up in the absence of Chris Godwin, proving he’s a reliable target for Mayfield.
Lavonte David: Defensive Anchor
- Stats: 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 1 fumble recovery
- Highlight: Recovered a fumble at the Tampa Bay 35-yard line, halting a Raiders drive.
- Impact: David’s veteran presence limited Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers to three catches, disrupting Las Vegas’ passing game.
Standout Player Performances: Las Vegas Raiders
Despite the loss, several Raiders players showed flashes of brilliance. Here’s a look at their key contributors.
Aidan O’Connell: Grit Before Injury
- Stats: 11/19 (57.9%), 104 yards, 1 INT, sacked once
- Highlight: Scored the Raiders’ only touchdown on a one-yard QB sneak.
- Impact: O’Connell’s day was cut short by a leg injury in the third quarter, limiting his ability to rally the team. His interception hurt, but he showed poise under pressure.
Sincere McCormick: Running with Purpose
- Stats: 78 rushing yards on 14 carries, 5.6 yards per carry
- Highlight: A 22-yard run in the second quarter set up a field goal.
- Impact: McCormick provided a spark in the ground game, keeping the Bucs’ defense honest despite limited touches.
Brock Bowers: Record-Breaking Rookie
- Stats: 3 receptions, 49 yards
- Highlight: Broke Sam LaPorta’s record for most receptions by a rookie tight end (87 in 2024).
- Impact: Bowers was contained by Tampa Bay’s defense but still made history. His limited production shows the Bucs’ focus on neutralizing him.
Tre’von Moehrig: Defensive Bright Spot
- Stats: 1 fumble recovery, 2 pass breakups, 6 yards allowed in coverage
- Highlight: Recovered a Baker Mayfield fumble, the Raiders’ first defensive fumble recovery of the season.
- Impact: Moehrig’s playmaking kept the Raiders competitive in the first half, though the offense couldn’t capitalize.
How Did the Game Unfold? A Play-by-Play Breakdown
First Quarter: Bucs Strike Early
Tampa Bay set the tone with an 85-yard opening drive, capped by Mayfield’s 15-yard TD pass to McMillan. The Raiders responded with a field goal, but White’s five-yard TD catch gave the Bucs a 14-3 lead.
Second Quarter: Raiders Fight Back
The Raiders’ defense forced three turnovers, including a Mayfield fumble recovered by Moehrig and an end-zone interception by Jack Jones. O’Connell’s one-yard TD run cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime.
Third Quarter: Injuries and Missed Chances
O’Connell’s injury shifted momentum, with Desmond Ridder taking over at QB. A 10-minute Raiders drive ended in an interception by Tykee Smith at the Bucs’ seven-yard line, preserving Tampa Bay’s lead.
Fourth Quarter: Bucs Pull Away
White’s three-yard TD run and McMillan’s second score put the game out of reach. The Raiders managed a late field goal, but Tampa Bay’s defense held firm, allowing just three points in the second half.
What Can Fans Learn from These Stats?
The numbers reveal strengths and weaknesses for both teams heading into the season’s final stretch.
For Buccaneers Fans
- Strength: The rushing attack is clicking, averaging 5.1 yards per carry (third-best in the NFL).
- Focus Area: Reducing turnovers (three in this game) will be key in playoff scenarios.
- Tip: Keep an eye on Jalen McMillan as a breakout star in the passing game.
For Raiders Fans
- Strength: The defense showed playmaking ability with three first-half takeaways.
- Focus Area: Offensive consistency is a must, especially with O’Connell’s injury uncertainty.
- Tip: Support rookies like Bowers, who are setting records despite team struggles.
Common Questions About the Matchup
Who Were the Top Performers in the Raiders vs. Buccaneers Game?
Baker Mayfield (295 yards, 3 TDs) and Rachaad White (109 yards from scrimmage, 2 TDs) led the Bucs, while Sincere McCormick (78 rushing yards) and Tre’von Moehrig (fumble recovery) stood out for the Raiders.
How Did Injuries Impact the Game?
The Raiders lost Aidan O’Connell to a leg injury, forcing Desmond Ridder into action. Tampa Bay was without safeties Jordan Whitehead and Mike Edwards, but their depth (Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather) stepped up.
Why Did the Buccaneers Win?
The Bucs won due to their balanced offense (420 yards), efficient red-zone play (75%), and a stout second-half defense that limited the Raiders to three points.
Long-Tail Keywords for Deeper Insights
- Las Vegas Raiders player stats 2024
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 14 performance
- Baker Mayfield passing stats vs. Raiders
- Rachaad White rushing yards 2024
- Brock Bowers rookie tight end record
LSI Keywords to Enhance Context
- NFL Week 14 analysis
- Raiders vs. Bucs highlights
- Player performance metrics
- Team offensive rankings
- Defensive takeaways NFL
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 28-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders was a masterclass in seizing control and overcoming adversity. Baker Mayfield’s precision, Rachaad White’s versatility, and Lavonte David’s defensive prowess powered the Bucs to first place in the NFC South. For the Raiders, flashes of brilliance from Sincere McCormick and Brock Bowers weren’t enough to offset offensive struggles and a critical injury to Aidan O’Connell. The stats paint a clear picture: Tampa Bay’s efficiency and balance outshined Las Vegas’ resilience.
As the NFL season progresses, these performances offer valuable lessons. Buccaneers fans can celebrate their team’s playoff push, while Raiders supporters can rally behind their young talent. Want to dive deeper into NFL stats or share your thoughts on this game? Drop a comment below or check out the latest player rankings on ESPN or NFL.com. Stay in the game—follow your team’s journey today!
