The Eagles struck first as Cameron Lafu blocked a Riley Dixon punt, setting up a scoop-and-score touchdown to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead. Jalen Hurts then added to it with a 2-yard underhand toss to TE Dallas Goedert, extending the Eagles’ lead to 14-0. Philadelphia pushed it to 21-3 before halftime on another short Hurts-to-Goedert touchdown pass.
The Bucs finally answered in the third quarter when Baker Mayfield connected with rookie WR Emeka Egbuka on a 77-yard strike — the longest rookie reception in franchise history — cutting the deficit to 24-13. After a Bucky Irving fumble set up the Eagles deep in Tampa territory, RB Saquon Barkley scored on a fake tush-push to make it 31-13.
Mayfield responded quickly, hitting Irving for a 72-yard touchdown, and Chase McLaughlin drilled a 58-yarder to pull the Bucs within 31-23 early in the fourth quarter. McLaughlin also made history with a 65-yard field goal just before halftime — the longest ever outdoors in NFL history.
Tampa Bay had two late chances, including a drive inside the Eagles’ red zone, but Mayfield’s interception and a fourth-down stop sealed a 31-25 defeat. The loss drops the Bucs to 3-1 after their first setback of the season.
The Buccaneers now prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET — you can hear the game on 97.9 WXTB-FM - The Mighty 98 Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES