After rallying back to within 2 points of the undefeated Green Bay Packers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were unable to complete the comeback as some questionable coaching decisions, and a late Aaron Rodgers-Jordy Nelson long touchdown would eventually sink the Buccaneers in Lambeau Field.
Josh Freeman finished the day with 348 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions, the second of which with just over 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Many Buccaneers had arguably their best days of the season, including Freeman, LeGarrette Blount, Mike Williams, and Kellen Winslow, despite a costly pass interference penalty that negated a touchdown and a dropped 2 point conversion.
The coaching staff is a different story, as Raheem Morris and company made a handful of questionable decisions in the contest. The Bucs attempted, and failed to convert, two different on side kicks in the game, including one in the fourth quarter that Green Bay saw coming all the way and eventually led to a Rodgers-Nelson touchdown that would serve as the game-icer. Morris also earlier elected to punt on 4th-3, while trailing by 9 with 6 minutes left against the leagues best offense. Rookie Randall Cobb followed with a big kick return.
Morris and offensive coordinator Greg Olsen have been under-fire in Tampa Bay lately due to their questionable play calling and coaching, and while the Buccaneers should be proud of hanging with the defending Super Bowl champions, some of the moves in this game will leave fans scratching their heads and is not likely to quiet the critics of the coaching staff.