Everything seemed to be going the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ way in the NFC Championship game. Thanks to a defensive breakdown before halftime, a fumble after the break and an quick score, Tom Brady and the visitors were out to an 18-point lead at Lambeau Field.
But thanks to a stunning turn of events, culminating in a Davante Adams touchdown, the NFC Championship game is suddenly a one-score game.
It began with a head-scratcher of a decision by Brady himself. After the Buccaneers built the 18-point lead, the Packers were able to get back in the end zone. Aaron Rodgers led a drive that ended with the veteran quarterback hitting tight end Robert Tonyan for a touchdown pass.
Still, the Buccaneers had the lead and the ball. Facing a 2nd-and-10 near midfield, Brady retreated to throw. He tried to move safety Adrian Amos with his eyes, but he did not do enough:
Adrian Amos! The @Packers get it back on the INT.#GoPackGo #NFLPlayoffs
📺: #TBvsGB on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/cHuzDq5flQ pic.twitter.com/F0R38dYd1K— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2021
Amos was able to step in front of the throw, giving the Packers a huge turnover and a shot to cut into the lead more. Which they did. Rodgers led another scoring drive, one that included some impressive plays from rookie running back A.J. Dillon, and it ended with this textbook slant route from Davante Adams working against Carlton Davis:
Rodgers to Adams!@Packers pull within five. #GoPackGo #NFLPlayoffs
📺: #TBvsGB on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/cHuzDq5flQ pic.twitter.com/UyFHRmEHS6— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2021
With no help inside Davis needed to prevent Adams from crossing his face. But he could not, and Rodgers hit his favorite target in stride for six.
Just when it looked like the Buccaneers were going to cruise to a win, the Packers came storming back.