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Miami (AFP) – With a final series masterfully directed by Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 19-16 in overtime on Sunday to move closer to the American Football League (NFL) playoffs.
Aaron Rodgers’ Green Bay Packers also revived their qualification hopes by beating the Miami Dolphins 26-20 on NFL Christmas Day, which was capped off with a 51-14 loss of the Denver Broncos by the Los Angeles Rams.
On the Cardinals field, Brady completed 32 of 48 passes for 281 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
As usual, the seven-time Super Bowl winner upped the game to lead the Bucs to a final 13 points, including the deciding offensive drive into overtime.
The 45-year-old quarterback led a nine-play 66-yard drive that culminated in Ryan Succop’s 40-yard field goal.
“It was tougher than it should have been and than we wanted,” Brady acknowledged. “They played very well defensively and we had turnovers again, but we pushed hard and found ways to win.”
The Bucs now have a record of 7 wins and 8 losses and are a game ahead of Carolina and New Orleans in the NFC South.
Brady’s team can clinch first place in the division and a playoff berth if they beat Carolina at home on Sunday.
Instead the Cardinals, already eliminated from contention for the postseason, chained up the seventh loss in eight games.
Packers beat dolphins
In Miami, veteran Aaron Rodgers threw for 238 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ win over the Dolphins.
The win improves the Packers’ record to 7-8, the same as Seattle and Detroit, and a half game behind Washington for the last playoff berth in the NFC.
Green Bay’s defense was key, grabbing three fourth-quarter interceptions from Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ young quarterback.
The Tagovailoa Dolphins, who went 16 of 25 for 310 yards and a touchdown, went scoreless throughout the second half.
Miami (8-7) suffered its fourth straight loss but will try to hold on to last place in the AFC playoffs with just a one game lead over four opponents with two games to go.
Green Bay, on the other hand, capitalized on Saturday’s losses to rivals Detroit, Seattle and Washington.
“Everything we needed to happen this weekend happened,” congratulated Aaron Rodgers. “I’m very proud of our team. We found a way to win and the way our defense has built up on the last few drives has been outstanding.”
Finally, in a duel of teams already eliminated from the playoff race, the Los Angeles Rams routed the Denver Broncos 51-14.
Cam Akers rushed for 118 yards and scored three touchdowns, while quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 24 of 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams.
“When you’re able to handle the ball like that, everything works out,” said Mayfield.
— NFL Season Week 16 Results:
– Thursday:
Jet – Jaguars 3-19
– Saturday:
Bears – Bills 13-35
Browns – Saints 10-17
Titans – Texans 14-19
Chiefs – Seahawks 24-10
Vikings – Giants 27-24
Patriots – Bengals 18-22
Panthers – Lions 37-23
Crows – Hawks 17-9
49ers – Commanders 37-20
Cowboys – Eagles 40-34
Steelers 13-10 Raiders
– Sunday:
Dolphins – Packers 20-26
Rams-Broncos 51-14
Cardinals – Buccaneers 16-19 (extra time)
– Monday:
Colts – Charger
© 2022 AFP
