NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 17 Game Recap: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28, New York Jets 24

East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball as New York Jets defensive end Ronald Blair (54) pursues during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady completed a 14-point, second-half rally with a deep touchdown pass to Cyril Grayson as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staved off a late-season upset to down the lowly New York Jets, 28-24.

Brady threw for over 400 yards and three scores, but the Bucs were given all they could handle from a resilient Jets squad and trailed 24-10 midway through the third quarter. With the win, Tampa Bay stays alive for the top seed in the NFC.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback

Tom Brady prevailed despite no Antonio Brown in the second half with a masterful performance down the stretch. Brady finished the afternoon with three big-time throws, one turnover-worthy play and a pending 81.5 passing grade. 

Running Back

Ronald Jones tallied two rushing first downs but just 26 yards on 10 carries to finish with a 64.5 rushing grade, pending final review.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Despite the Antonio Brown meltdown that dominated the NFL headlines through the early slate, the Bucs' receiving core survived and thrived against the Jets' secondary.

Mike Evans caught a touchdown pass and four first-down receptions on seven targets, but a drop will bring down his overall PFF grade. Cyril Grayson tallied five first downs and two explosive plays, including the game-winning touchdown catch. Tight end Rob Gronkowski surpassed 100 receiving yards receiving on seven grabs, featuring five first downs and a pending 75.0-plus receiving grade. 

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Offensive Line

The Buccaneers' line surrendered just four pressures — three hits and a hurry. Ali Marpet is set to pace the unit with an 80.0-plus pass-blocking grade.

Defensive Line

Vita Vea registered two run stops en route to his highest run-defense grade of the year, pending final review. He also recorded three pressures as a pass-rusher.

Linebackers

Devin White tallied three pressures — all of which were hurries. He allowed three catches on four targets for just 28 yards in coverage.

Secondary

Carlton Davis forced an incompletion and dropped a pick in coverage. He also made a tackle for loss or no gain as a run-defender.

New York Jets

Quarterback

Zach Wilson finished with a 69.3 passing grade on first review. He made one big-time throw and one turnover-worthy play.

Running Back

Ty Johnson ran for three first downs on five carries and found the end zone to complete his 72.8 rushing grade, pending final review. Michael Carter was on pace for a solid game as well before injury. He finished with an explosive run and a forced missed tackle on three carries.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Braxton Berrios racked up six receiving first downs and a touchdown grab to complete his highest receiving graded performance of the season (86.5, pending review). Tight end Kenny Yeboah caught both of his targets for 36 yards.

Offensive Line

The Jets' line surrendered 12 total pressures — 10 hurries, a sack and a hit — in an underwhelming performance. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is set to earn a sub-50.0 pass-blocking grade after giving up three pressures and losing another rep on 35 passing snaps.

Defensive Line

Nathan Shepherd led the way with two pressures, both of which were hits. Otherwise, New York's defensive line did little in the passing game. Folorunso Fatukasi made four stops in the run game.

Linebackers

C.J. Mosley proved active in the run game, making six run stops. He also missed a tackle, which will contribute to another middling game grade for him this season.

Secondary

Bryce Hall allowed six first downs and a touchdown on 12 targets into his coverage. He did force two incompletions, but the bad heavily outweighed the good.

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