Packers 14, Buccaneers 12: Breakdown of Green Bay’s Week 3 win

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Just about everything went right early on with the offense. The Packers drove 10 plays for a touchdown late in the first quarter and then drove 12 plays for a second touchdown to open the second quarter. The offense converted five third downs, and Aaron Rodgers hit eight different receivers. It looked like a blowout was brewing for 99 percent of the third drive, but a turnover at the 1-yard line changed everything.

The defense gave up a late touchdown drive, but the group was otherwise dominant against an overmatched Bucs offense that was without a few playmakers and blockers. Tampa Bay finished 2-for-11 on third down, averaged 2.4 yards per rush and made just one trip into the red zone. The Packers also forced two turnovers.

The special teams were excellent. Pat O’Donnell placed five of his seven punts inside the 20-yard line and averaged almost 45 net yards per punt. Coverage from Rudy Ford and Keisean Nixon was excellent.

Nixon, who had to step in for Jaire Alexander after he injured his groin, forced a fumble to create a turnover and also pinned the Bucs deep by downing a punt at the 2-yard line.

Rookie receiver Romeo Doubs caught all eight of his targets and scored his first NFL touchdown.

The Packers’ pass-rush was consistently disruptive. Tom Brady took only three sacks, but he was getting the ball out of his hands quick on almost every snap.

David Bakhtiari looked solid in his long-awaited return to the field. He rotated in and out with Yosh Nijman at left tackle.

Allen Lazard caught a touchdown pass and later made two big catches from the slot against Antoine Winfield Jr. in the fourth quarter. He also secured the onside kick attempt to seal the deal.

De’Vondre Campbell produced a team-high 14 tackles and made the win-sealing play with a pass-breakup on the two-point try.

The Packers held a team to 12 points and just one touchdown on the road. It wasn’t perfect but it was certainly a winning performance.

Randall Cobb, after not practicing all week with an illness, caught a 17-yard pass on third down to extend the second drive and a 40-yarder to open the third drive.

Four players – Doubs, Cobb, Lazard and Tyler Davis – had a catch of 20 or more yards.