The Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers share a fierce rivalry, and their 2024 clash was no exception. On September 29, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium, the Buccaneers secured a commanding 33-16 win, driven by standout Philadelphia Eagles vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats This article dives into those numbers, spotlighting key performances and pivotal moments that shaped this turning point for both teams. Whether you’re a passionate fan or a fantasy football guru, let’s break down the stats and strategies behind this thrilling NFL showdown.
Why the Eagles vs. Buccaneers Game Matters
The Eagles entered Week 4 with a 2-1 record, aiming to avenge their 32-9 playoff loss to Tampa Bay in January 2024. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, also 2-1, were chasing a fourth consecutive NFC South title. This game wasn’t just about bragging rights—it was a test of resilience, strategy, and individual brilliance. With both teams boasting dynamic quarterbacks and explosive playmakers, the stats tell a compelling story of dominance and missed opportunities.
Match Overview: Setting the Stage
The Buccaneers’ offense, led by Baker Mayfield, fired on all cylinders, amassing 445 total yards compared to the Eagles’ 227. Tampa Bay’s defense sacked Jalen Hurts six times, disrupting Philadelphia’s rhythm. Turnovers, including two interceptions by Hurts, proved costly for the Eagles. Below, we’ll dive into the player stats that defined the game, but first, let’s look at the key performers.
Key Player Stats: Eagles vs. Buccaneers (September 29, 2024)
To give you a clear picture, here’s a detailed table of standout player stats from the game, focusing on quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, and defensive leaders.
| Player | Team | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker Mayfield | Buccaneers | QB | 23/35, 347 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 0 INT |
| Jalen Hurts | Eagles | QB | 23/37, 277 yards, 1 passing TD, 2 INT, 6 sacks, 1 rushing TD |
| Rachaad White | Buccaneers | RB | 10 carries, 49 yards, 4 receptions, 35 yards |
| Saquon Barkley | Eagles | RB | 10 carries, 84 yards, 1 reception, 59-yard run |
| Mike Evans | Buccaneers | WR | 8 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD |
| A.J. Brown | Eagles | WR | 6 receptions, 96 yards, 0 TD |
| Chris Godwin | Buccaneers | WR | 6 receptions, 69 yards, 0 TD |
| Lavonte David | Buccaneers | LB | 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended |
| Nakobe Dean | Eagles | LB | 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss |
| Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | Buccaneers | DE | 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss |
Data sourced from ESPN and NFL.com game summaries.
Offensive Breakdown: Who Shined Brightest?
Tampa Bay’s Explosive Attack
The Buccaneers’ offense was a well-oiled machine, with Baker Mayfield orchestrating plays with precision. Completing 65.7% of his passes for 347 yards, Mayfield connected with Mike Evans for a 2-yard touchdown early in the game, setting the tone. His mobility added another dimension, as he scrambled for a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
- Mike Evans: The veteran wideout hauled in 8 catches for 94 yards, including a touchdown that broke the franchise scoring record, surpassing kicker Martín Gramatica.
- Chris Godwin: With 6 receptions for 69 yards, Godwin crossed the 7,000-yard career mark, joining Evans as a Tampa Bay legend.
- Rachaad White & Bucky Irving: The running back duo combined for 98 yards on 20 carries, with Irving scoring his first career touchdown.
Mayfield’s ability to spread the ball and avoid turnovers kept the Eagles’ defense guessing, leading to a +218-yard differential—the largest for Tampa Bay since 2021.
Philadelphia’s Struggles
Jalen Hurts showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t find consistency. His 277 passing yards included a 6-yard touchdown to Parris Campbell, but two interceptions swung momentum to Tampa Bay. The “tush push” worked for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, but six sacks highlighted protection issues.
- Saquon Barkley: A bright spot for Philly, Barkley rushed for 84 yards, including a 59-yard burst to open the second half. His explosiveness kept drives alive.
- A.J. Brown: Despite missing earlier games, Brown caught 6 passes for 96 yards, proving he’s a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense.
- Parris Campbell: Elevated from the practice squad, Campbell’s touchdown was a feel-good moment, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
The Eagles’ offense faltered due to turnovers and an inability to sustain drives, managing just 227 total yards—their lowest since October 2021 against Tampa Bay.
Defensive Highlights: Game-Changing Plays
Buccaneers’ Relentless Pressure
Tampa Bay’s defense was the story of the game, holding the Eagles to 16 points and forcing three turnovers. Linebacker Lavonte David was a wrecking ball, recording 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. His performance pushed him past 1,500 career tackles, a franchise milestone.
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka: The defensive end added 2 sacks, disrupting Hurts’ rhythm.
- Team Effort: The Bucs’ six sacks tied their season high, with contributions from multiple linemen, showcasing Todd Bowles’ aggressive scheme.
Limiting Philadelphia to 114 passing yards (their lowest since 2021), Tampa Bay’s secondary and front seven executed a masterclass in pressure and coverage.
Eagles’ Defensive Effort
Philadelphia’s defense had moments but couldn’t contain Mayfield’s attack. Linebacker Nakobe Dean led with 7 tackles, including one for loss, showing promise as a young leader. However, injuries and missed assignments allowed Tampa Bay to exploit gaps.
- Run Defense: The Eagles held Tampa Bay to 111 rushing yards, a respectable effort against White and Irving.
- Secondary Struggles: Without key starters, Philly’s defensive backs allowed 347 passing yards, with big plays to Evans and Godwin proving costly.
The Eagles’ defense tightened in the second half, allowing just one touchdown, but early deficits were too much to overcome.
Special Teams and Turnovers: The X-Factors
Special teams played a subtle role, with Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin nailing a 21-yard field goal and all extra points. Philadelphia’s Jake Elliott was perfect on extra points, but a blocked extra point by the Eagles—returned 60 yards by Kelee Ringo for two points—was a rare highlight.
Turnovers were decisive. Hurts’ two interceptions led to 10 points for Tampa Bay, while a fumble forced by David halted a promising Eagles drive. The Buccaneers’ clean game (zero turnovers) underscored their discipline.
What Can Fans Learn from This Game?
For Eagles fans, this loss exposed areas for improvement:
- Protect Hurts: The offensive line must shore up to prevent sacks and give Hurts time to find Brown and Smith.
- Ball Security: Reducing turnovers is critical for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
- Depth Matters: Injuries to key players like Lane Johnson and DeVonta Smith highlighted the need for reliable backups.
Buccaneers fans can celebrate a balanced attack:
- Trust Mayfield: His growth as a leader is evident, making Tampa Bay a playoff contender.
- Defensive Identity: Bowles’ unit thrives on pressure, a formula that works against elite quarterbacks.
- Build Around Evans: At 31, Evans remains a top-tier receiver, deserving more targets.
Fantasy football players should note Barkley’s big-play potential and Evans’ consistency as a WR1. Hurts’ turnovers hurt his stock, but his dual-threat ability keeps him relevant.
How Did Injuries Impact the Game?
Injuries shaped both teams’ performances. The Eagles missed A.J. Brown (hamstring) for parts of practice, while DeVonta Smith and Lane Johnson were questionable with concussions. Tampa Bay was without Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot), Calijah Kancey, and Luke Goedeke, yet their depth held firm. Monitoring these players’ health will be key for future matchups.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Eagles (2-2 after this game) rebounded with a strong 2024 season, finishing 11-6 and reaching the NFC Championship. However, this loss sparked debates about Nick Sirianni’s play-calling and Hurts’ decision-making. For 2025, Philly must focus on consistency to compete with NFC elites like the Lions and 49ers.
Tampa Bay (3-1 post-game) leveraged this win to clinch the NFC South with a 9-8 record, though they fell to Washington in the Wild Card round. Mayfield’s extension and Evans’ record-breaking season signal a bright future, but adding defensive depth in the 2025 draft could elevate them further.
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Conclusion
The September 29, 2024, clash between the Eagles and Buccaneers was a masterclass in execution by Tampa Bay and a wake-up call for Philadelphia. Baker Mayfield’s precision, Mike Evans’ heroics, and a suffocating defense powered the Bucs to a 33-16 rout. For the Eagles, Saquon Barkley’s flashes and A.J. Brown’s return offered hope, but turnovers and sacks underscored areas to fix. This game reminds us why the NFL is unpredictable—stats tell the story, but heart and strategy write the ending.
