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Tribune News Service

Sport

Rick Stroud

Bucs defense torments Aaron Rodgers, Packers in 38-10 romp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) works in the pocket on a pass play during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

TAMPA, Fla. _ Everyone was ready for the Sunday shootout between Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers quarterback had the edge entering the game. At 36, Rodgers is seven years younger than Brady, operates the No. 1 offense in the NFL, had not thrown an interception and had barely been touched during Green Bay's 4-0 start.

He had every advantage except one. Rodgers had to go against the Bucs defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the second half on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

After spotting the Packers a 10-0 lead, the Bucs tormented Rodgers into throwing two interceptions, including one returned by Jamel Dean for a touchdown, to spark 38 unanswered points in a 38-10 win over Green Bay.

Rodgers entered the game having only been sacked three times this season but was dropped four times by the Bucs defense Sunday.

The victory improved the Bucs to 4-2 overall and provided the kind of statement win that served notice they are not just a contender for the playoffs but maybe for a NFC title.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) watches for a call by referee Jerome Boger (23) during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

In fact, the mauling was so complete that the Packers took Rodgers out of the game with about seven minutes remaining.

Rodgers finished 16-of-35 for 160 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

After falling behind by two scores quickly, the Bucs scored on five of their next six possessions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) leads the offense during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

Rodgers entered the game having not thrown an interception this season, a streak that extended to 157 consecutive attempts Sunday.

Then two of his next four passes where picked off.

Dean made the play of the game in the first quarter and began a defensive domination that caught Rodgers and his vaunted offensive line off guard.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ndamukong Suh (93) rushes Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on a sack during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

Dean stepped in front a Rodgers sideline pass intended for Devante Adams and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown.

On the Packers' next try, Rodgers was intercepted again when safety Mike Edwards caught a pass deflected by cornerback Carlton Davis and returned it 37 yards to the Green Bay 2-yard line. Edwards had just entered the game when rookie Antoine Winfield left the field briefly with an injury.

Jones ran it into the end zone on the next play and the Bucs led 14-10. Jones went over the 100-yard rushing mark for the third time in as many games Sunday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (30) breaks through the Green Bay Packers defense during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

From there, the Packers and Rodgers were under siege by a swarming Tampa Bay defense.

Brady got into rhythm and capped a 65-yard drive with a 7-yard TD pass to rookie Tyler Johnson.

Then he connected with Rob Gronkowski for a 7-yard touchdown. For Gronk, who spent 2019 in retirement, it was his first touchdown in 679 days.

Tempers flare during the first quarter between the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

Brady didn't have to do much, finishing 17 of 27 passing for 166 yards with two touchdowns.

Rodgers entered the game having only been sacked three times. But the Bucs defense was relentless. Lavonte David, who made plays sideline to sideline, sacked Rodgers in the first half. Then just before the teams went to the locker room, Ndamukong Suh put Rodgers in the ground.

The Packers quarterback got up jawing with Suh, who had been penalized for unnecessary roughness after an earlier hit on Rodgers.