Bucs at Falcons: Most Impressive Players In Week 18

The Bucs didn’t get the outcome they wanted on Sunday afternoon, losing 30-17 to the Falcons. That means they will now be the only team in this year’s playoffs with a losing record. Tampa Bay held several key starters out and pulled nearly every starter as the game wore on, so the outcome was expected.

The Bucs’ offense was less than stellar with and without their starters, and it wasn’t much better on defense. But the team already has its ticket punched to the dance and will find out who its Wild Card Weekend opponent is on Sunday evening.

Here are the most impressive players from Tampa Bay’s loss to Atlanta in the regular season finale:

Tom Brady

Brady was in for less than a half, but he broke two records on Sunday. The first was his own, extending his lead for most completions in a season from 485 to 490. He now holds the record for most attempts in a season as well, with his 733 attempts surpassing Matthew Stafford’s record of 727. Brady finished his regular season early, but ended the day going 13-of-17 for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Russell Gage

Gage put the Bucs back on top late in the first half, coming down with a three-yard touchdown pass from Blaine Gabbert. Gage’s day ended early against his former team after the catch left him shaken up. He had three receptions on six targets for 15 yards and the score.

Nick Leverett

Bucs QB Tom Brady and OL Nick Leverett – Photo by: USA Today

Leverett started the game at left guard, but a hamstring injury to center Robert Hainsey saw him slide over to assume snapping duties. Leverett didn’t skip a beat, anchoring an offensive line pieced together with Shaq Mason and linemen who had little to no game experience.

Devin White

White only played a half, but came up with the heads-up play to recover a fumble and set the Bucs up with prime field position. The football slipped out of Desmond Ridder’s hands as he was attempting a pass. White was there to scoop the ball up and advance it nine yards. The play resulted in a short field, which led to a touchdown for the Bucs.

Kyle Rudolph

This is a name I didn’t think I’d write this year, but Rudolph came down with his first touchdown catch of the season on the Bucs’ opening drive. Brady found the veteran tight end in the back of the endzone for an eight-yard score. Rudolph became the 98th different player to catch a touchdown pass from Brady in the legendary quarterback’s career.

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