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Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took down Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in easy fashion on Sunday.
In a game that was hyped up as a shootout featuring two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, it was the Buccaneers' defense that deserves much of the credit for the win. Tampa's defense suppressed Rodgers and the Green Bay offense in a 38-10 blowout.
Here are five takeaways from the most anticipated game of Week 6.
5. The Packers' rush defense must improve
Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones II had 23 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns for the day. Despite both of his touchdowns coming on short-yardage plays at the goal line, Jones still could not be stopped by the Packers' defense.
The Packers have allowed touchdowns by running backs against every opponent so far, except for the New Orleans Saints.
4. Buccaneers QB Tom Brady still has it
Brady apparently does not age, and he showed us why he is the GOAT on Sunday.
The six-time Super Bowl champion completed 17 of 27 passes for 166 yards with two touchdowns and a QB Rating of 96.1. While his passing yards were low, we certainly saw flashes of a younger Brady that played as a New England Patriot. Having plenty of help around has certainly allowed Brady to thrive on the Buccaneers.
3. Aaron Rodgers needs more help
Let's face it, Rodgers needs a better supporting cast around him.
Coming into this week, the Packers' offensive line allowed the least number of pressures onto their quarterback. Against the Buccaneers, the Packers allowed four sacks for a total loss of 42 yards. Despite Rodgers being accurate outside of the pocket and keeping the ball safe, he still needs an offensive line to protect him.
Wide receiver Davante Adams was active for Sunday's game and caught six passes for 61 yards, but it wasn't enough. Adams was covered heavily and it showed. He was the intended target when Rodgers threw a pick-six to Buccaneers' defensive back Jamel Dean. If the Packers expect Adams to get open, they need to consider trading for a star receiver to start on the opposite side.
2. Gronk is back?
After coming out of retirement and joining Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski hasn't made a huge statement since his return to the league. But he decided to make that statement against the Packers. Gronk caught five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, which of course included his famous "Gronk-spike."
Gronk was the leading receiver for the game and showed some signs of the powerful tight end we have seen play before. But fans should not get on the hype train just yet, as this was his first decent game since the season began. However, do expect more Gronk spikes to come.
1. The Buccaneers' defense is legit
After their spectacular performance on Sunday, the Buccaneers defense now ranks No. 1 in terms of total defense. They rank No. 5 in passing defense and No. 1 in rushing defense, which showed as Packers' star running back Aaron Jones was held to just 15 yards on 10 carries.
In terms of passing defense, well, Rodgers did not throw a single touchdown and threw his first two interceptions of the season. Is it panic time for Packers' fans? Absolutely not, but teams going against the Buccaneers should worry about their defense.
