The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, to drop their record to 2-1 on the season. Here are the Buccaneers players that won our gold, silver, and bronze medals in the loss.
It’s honestly surprising that not many people knew better. The game was billed as the battle of two quarterback legends in Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers engaged in a defensive slugfest. Given the nature and makeup of the Buccaneers and Packers at present, we should’ve all seen this coming.
Both teams are beyond banged up, and as far as the pass-catchers go, a shell of what they once were as soon as a year ago. Fortunately for the Bucs, their receiving core will eventually get healthy, and unsuspended, which means brighter days are ahead. For now, though, we have to dwell a bit on how the Buccaneers did without Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Julio Jones in the lineup, so let’s get to it. Here are the gold, silver, and bronze medalists in the week three loss, but first some honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions: Brandon Walton, Vita Vea, Logan Ryan
For the second straight week, the Bucs had to play with their third-string left tackle in Brandon Walton. For the second straight week, Walton answered the call and did so with great aplomb. His effort should be highlighted a bit. On the defensive side of the ball, any chance this writer has to shout out Vita Vea the chance will be jumped on. So, the fact that Tevita Tuliʻakiʻono Tuipulotu Mosese Vaʻhae Fehoko Faletau Vea forced a fumble on reception at the goal line WHILE IN ZONE COVERAGE, is getting the spotlight as an honorable mention. The man continues to defy science. Elsewhere, Logan Ryan came up with a big fumble recovery on the aforementioned Vea play, and also a clutch interception, but didn’t do much from a tackle sense. Still, he deserves some love. Now onto the medal winners.
Buccaneers Bronze Medal Winner: Logan Hall
With the unfortunate injury to Akiem Hicks, all of a sudden the first pick the Buccaneers made in this year’s draft was going to get a lot more exposure. Logan Hall made sure he made the most of the oppurtunity, and showed the Buccaneers they were right to take him with the first pick of the second round.
Hall was in Rodgers’ face all afternoon, recording a team-high three quarterback hits. He also added a sack, the first of his career, and it’s one that could not have come at a better time. His sack of Rodgers allowed the Bucs to get the ball back, and ultimately score the touchdown that gave them a chance to win. The future of this defense is as bright as its present with Hall in the fold. His stepping up when they needed him to is absolutely deserving of a medal.