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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady was at his best once again when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed him the most.
The 45-year-old seven-time Super Bowl champion finished Tampa’s second straight season with Sunday’s 30-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers in one of the best statistical games of his legendary 23-year career. Won the NFC South Title.
Another older quarterback, also wearing the No. 12, is one way away from joining Brady in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers beat Minnesota with his 41-17 win streak. The Packers will secure his spot at home against Detroit next week, a wild card that seemed unlikely when he went 4-8.
On a day when the NFC’s top teams struggled, the Buccaneers (8-8) and Packers (8-8) won must-win games, proving they could count, despite their mediocre records.
“The playoffs start as a clean slate for everyone,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. “We have a 3-game elimination tournament and it doesn’t matter where we are.”
Brady rekindled his connection with Mike Evans, hitting four-time receivers in stride three times in the Pro Bowl and scoring touchdown passes for 63, 57 and 30 yards. He finished 34 of 45 for 432 yards, tying the fifth-highest output of his career.
“Mike played great as usual,” said Brady. “I love playing with him and he’s a great player. I haven’t seen him many times this year so it was nice to connect with him. I think I will.”
Brady became the first player in league history to complete 30 or more passes in five consecutive games, and the first player to complete 30 or more passes in 10 games in a single season. His 75.6% completion percentage was the highest in his career at least in a game where he had 45 pass attempts.
Evans kicked off his career with 10 catches for 207 yards, his ninth straight season with more than 1,000 receiving yards, extending his own NFL record.
“Tom was just dropping a dime,” Evans said. “That was a really, really good ball. Tom’s one of the best games I’ve seen since he got here. They were falling in the breadbasket every time. He was incredible. played a match
Brady led the Buccaneers to three comeback victories, but trailed by double digits in the fourth quarter, including two straight wins.
With Brady and Evans back in sync and the Tampa defense playing tough, the Buccaneers are a dangerous team in the playoffs.
Same with Rogers and Packers.
A ball-hawking defense helped Green Bay dismantle NFC North champion Minnesota. In the Pro Bowl, his two-time cornerback Jaile his Alexander, and his number two star receiver Justin his Jefferson, had just one catch. Rodgers was effective, with Aaron Jones running for his 111 yards and defenseman Darnell he forced four turnovers, including a pick 6 for Savage.
The Packers need to beat the Lions (8-8) after some results in the league in recent weeks.
“There aren’t many people in the locker room and believe we’re sitting here 8-8 taking control of our own destiny heading into Week 18,” Rodgers said. It’s pretty special.”
After the Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) lost two in a row without Jalen Hurts, the Vikings (12-4) were blown away and the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) needed overtime to beat Russ. NFC suddenly appears wide open. Vegas after surrendering 500 yards to Jarrett Stidham and the Raiders’ offense.
The Eagles secure the No. 1 seed with a win over the No. 6-seeded New York Giants (9-6-1) in the playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys (12-4) need to beat Washington and Philadelphia to pass the Eagles.
Anything is possible in the NFL this season.
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