Sports
Packers force three turnovers, edge Buccaneers 17-14 in Tampa
Green Bay built a 17-7 advantage and held on after two late turnovers to earn a road win Sunday. The victory came amid a string of injuries, including a serious-looking Achilles injury to linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 on Sunday in Tampa, using three interceptions to build a lead before holding off a late comeback. Green Bay improved to 2-2, while Tampa Bay fell to 0-4 for the first time since 2014.
Jordan Love connected with Matthew Golden for a touchdown after Evan Williams intercepted a pass in the second quarter. Edgerrin Cooper picked off another pass late in the half, setting up Trey Smack’s field goal as time expired and giving the Packers a 10-7 halftime lead.
Love’s second touchdown pass came in the third quarter, when Tucker Kraft scored on a play initially ruled incomplete. Green Bay challenged the call, and officials overturned it to make the score 17-7.
Tampa Bay cut the deficit to three early in the fourth quarter, but the Packers’ offense could not add to its lead. Green Bay fumbled near the goal line with about nine minutes remaining, then threw an interception near the end zone with less than five minutes left. The Buccaneers failed to turn either opportunity into points, and the Packers’ defense preserved the win.
The game also tested Green Bay’s depth. Cooper was carted off in the third quarter with an Achilles tendon injury. Running back Chris Brooks and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt left in the first half with ankle injuries, while linebacker Isaiah McDuffie briefly left with an eye injury after taking Cooper’s place. Cornerback Brandon Cisse hurt his neck and was being evaluated for a concussion.
Green Bay was already without three-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who is recovering from surgery for a torn ACL. The offensive line was also missing three starters: Zach Bako-Bewele, Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk. Bako-Bewele is out for the season with a knee injury.
Tampa Bay started undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback in place of Baker Mayfield, who missed his first game in more than three seasons with the team because of a dislocated thumb. Daniels threw two interceptions that led to 10 Green Bay points.
The Packers are scheduled to host the Chicago Bears next Sunday at noon. Tampa Bay is set to visit Dallas on Thursday night.