Missed opportunities always have consequences.
Not catching a touchdown pass in the red zone. Throwing an interception with a chance to take the lead. Missing an interception. Not covering deep with six seconds left.
The Green Bay Packers trail the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 11 points at halftime of the NFC Championship Game because of missed opportunities.
Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers couldn’t hook up on a 1st-and-goal play, eventually leading to a field goal. Four-point miss.
A drive later, Rodgers was intercepted while attempting to drive for a score late in the first half. A few plays after, safety Will Redmond had a golden opportunity for a drive-ending interception go right through his arms. It turned out to be a seven-point miss.
The Bucs took advantage a play later, converting on fourth down and setting up Tom Brady’s 39-yard touchdown pass to Scotty Miller, who somehow got behind Kevin King for the score.
These are critical mistakes. And the Buccaneers made them hurt every time.
Brady has been terrific, especially on third down. He’s completed 13 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. The Buccaneers have seven third down conversions, including the game’s first score. Mike Evans beat King, who mistimed his jump, for a 15-yard touchdown on third down.
The team stats are mostly even at halftime at Lambeau Field, but the Bucs have been situationally great and haven’t missed opportunities.
The Packers have to avoid game-changing errors and play a clean second half or the Buccaneers are headed to Super Bowl LV.
