It was tough sledding for the Bucs particularly on offense in their 14-12 loss to the Packers at home. With so many receivers out, the Bucs didn’t get much production at the position with the exception of Russell Gage.

The Bucs were only able to muster up one touchdown again for the third game in a row, and didn’t reach the end zone until the last seconds in the game before failing on the 2-point conversion. Much of this was because of poor pass blocking, bad play calling and even worse penalties.

On a positive note the defense came alive in the second half to keep the Bucs in the game for a comeback. They shutout Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense in the second half with the each unit clicking.

Here were the most impressive players from the game.

S Logan Ryan

Bucs S Logan Ryan and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

For the second week in a row, Ryan was involved on a clutch turnover in the second half. Ryan intercepted a pass across the middle from Rodgers with 7:57 to go in the third quarter at the Green Bay 40-yard line. It helped set the Bucs up for their second field goal and made it a one possession game. He’s been a great addition to the Bucs’ secondary, making splash plays and also allowing the Bucs to utilize Antoine Winfield Jr. at nickel corner. Ryan finished with the interception and a pass breakup.

S Mike Edwards

Edwards led the defense with 13 tackles in the game with one tackle for loss. He was the only Bucs’ defender to reach double dight tackles. While mostly known as a ballhawking safety, Edwards showed that he could help in the run game, making an important stop on Aaron Jones on a pitch to the outside.

ILB Lavonte David

The Bucs’ starting inside linebacker and team captain was second on the defense with seven tackles. We saw some good things by David in coverage and he made a key tackle on third down on Jones and tight end Tyrel Davis in the second half to force a punt. David is healthy this year and is playing a high level caliber of football that we’ve come to expect.

NT Vita Vea

It was mostly a quiet game for Vea with just two tackles and one quarterback hit. But he makes the list for forcing a fumble on Jones in the end zone. With the Bucs defense reeling and about to go down 21-3, it was a much needed play. Vea hit the back of Jones right before he was trying to get into the end zone, which was then recovered by the Bucs. Tampa Bay doesn’t even come close to getting back in the game if that play ins’t made.

DT Logan Hall

Hall was terrific rushing the passer on Sunday afternoon. He used a great swim move to get in the face of Rodgers and force an errant throw on third down to get the ball back in the third quarter. Then with the game on the line and the Bucs needing a stop on another third down, Hall sacked Rodgers in a clutch moment. It then led to the Bucs’ touchdown scoring drive.

QB Tom Brady

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the two best drives by the Bucs were when the offense was in hurry up mode and Brady was calling plays at the line of scrimmage. Brady didn’t receive much help from his receivers or his offensive line, but he was still very accurate throughout the game when the receivers could get separation. Brady was masterful on the final drive as the Bucs looked to tie the game up.

He threw for 80 yards on that final drive, along with a touchdown pass to Gage. There was a controversial delay of game penalty that moved the Bucs five-yards back on the 2-point conversion, but Brady had lifted his leg up looking for the snap and it never went. Brady went 31 of 42 for 271 yards and a touchdown.

WR Russell Gage

After a slow first two weeks, Gage had his best game as a Buc. He was the focal point of the Bucs’ passing game with 12 receptions for 87 yards an touchdown. While Gage did have a frustrating fumble in the second half, he more than made up for it as the game went on. In the most critical moment, Gage made a great touchdown catch in traffic to cut the game to 14-12. The ball may have been purposely thrown behind Gage to avoid him getting hit, but he was able to haul it in and make the huge catch.