Offensive Rollout
The Buccaneers' offense came out firing on all cylinders. Tampa Bay cruised to a 24-0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Bucs dominated time of possession and held a 254-0 net yard advantage with 7:15 to go before halftime. Tampa Bay's weapons forced several missed tackles as Baker Mayfield found targets underneath against the Eagles' two-high shell coverage. The quick passing attack mitigated Philadelphia's pass rush and the Bucs' playmakers were able to pick up run-after-catch on the perimeter. Tampa Bay took advantage of free releases and off coverage, scoring on its first two possessions – the first time since 2021.
Mayfield spread the ball around in Week Four, throwing for 347 yards on 30-of-47 passing attempts as the Bucs' accumulated a season-high 445 yards of total offense. For comparison to begin the game, Mayfield had thrown two touchdown passes and only three incompletions. In addition, Mayfield ran for his second touchdown of the year, scoring on a fourth-and-goal zone-read play. Mayfield completed passes to eight different players, and connected with Mike Evans and Trey Palmer for touchdowns. The Bucs' opening drive culminated in an Evans score. Chris Godwin served as the eye candy on the play, motioning to the outside as Evans ran the flat route. Mayfield found him Evans in the end zone to give the home team a quick 7-0 lead. Rookie running back Bucky Irving scored his first NFL touchdown on a sweep in the third quarter with Tristan Wirfs out in front. His previous one-yard touchdown rush was overturned, and Irving was ruled short. Mayfield pitched it to the rookie on the next play and Irving found his way into the end zone as "Bucky" chants rang in Raymond James Stadium.
Evans tallied eight receptions for 94 yards and a score against the Eagles. Whether showing twitchiness at the top of routes, working the middle of the field or using his frame on out-breakers, Evans was effective. Godwin showcased his quickness out of breaks and strength at the catch point. No. 14 was electric with the ball in his hands and Sterling Shepard, who was brought up from the practice squad, made a sensational leaping grab off a double move for a 30-yard chunk play just before the fourth quarter. The Bucs' offense imposed their will and set the tone in Week Four.
Defensive Pounding
The Bucs' defense defended their home field in every sense against Philadelphia. Todd Bowles' unit forced a three-and-out on each of the Eagles' first three possessions. Before Philadelphia managed to get on the scoreboard with a 70-yard scoring drive before halftime, the Eagles had produced zero yards and zero first downs midway through the second frame. The Eagles' first three drives resulted in negative yards (-5). The Bucs' defense kept coordinator Kellen Moore and the Eagles' offense out of sorts. Inside linebacker Lavonte David spearheaded the onslaught with a team-high eight tackles, two of which stalled drives on third downs. In addition, he amassed 2.0 sacks, a pass defensed and a game-shifting forced fumble in the third quarter. Collectively, Bowles relentlessly brought pressure, dialing up creative packages to put Hurts on the ground. Anthony Nelson, Logan Hall, Vita Vea and Yaya Diaby all recorded sacks on Hurts in addition to David, with the defense collectively hitting a season-best six knockdowns. After David recorded a strip sack, he got to Hurts again in the fourth quarter. Bowles called a twist and David looped inside and plunged through the A-gap, setting up third-and-20.
Vea became a menace in the trenches, consistently generating push in the interior. He collapsed the pocket off a club, plowing his way into the backfield, forcing a punt in the first quarter. The athletic nose tackle also became instrumental in the red area, stuffing Saquon Barkley on second-and-goal and third-and-goal, before Hurts hit Campbell on fourth down for the score. Vea became an impenetrable force in the middle of the Bucs' defensive line, generating advantageous matchups for the linebackers to get home.
