Buccaneers: 3 biggest plays in playoff win versus Saints

Devin White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Devin White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Tyler Johnson third-down conversion

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The second half was beyond scary for the Buccaneers. The defense had done well to keep the Bucs in the game during the first half, but the offense had to start carrying their weight at some point.

Tom Brady and the rest of the offense struggled to establish any sort of rhythm early, so every drive felt like a coin flip offensively.

As the fourth quarter began, the Buccaneers desperately needed to move the ball down the field. Facing a third and long, Tampa Bay had to find a way to convert; otherwise, the New Orleans special teams and offense were in a prime position to take the lead.

Needing eleven yards, Tyler Johnson came up huge for the Buccaneers with what could have been the catch of the season. Johnson ran a perfect route and made an incredible play to bring in a pass that was thrown a bit too far to the outside.

This drive did not end in a touchdown for the Bucs, but points off a field goal gave the Buccaneers a lead that they never relinquished.

After being the forgotten man on the offense for most of the season, Johnson epitomized the next man up mentality that the Buccaneers needed to continue advancing in the playoffs. Johnson had made great catches earlier in the season, but they all paled in comparison to this conversion. This catch stole momentum away from the Saints, who were close to scoring given the field position.

Tyler Johnson came up huge when called upon, and this play wins the award as the best of the game for the Bucs due to the dramatic help it provided in the win.

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