Packers vs. Buccaneers recap: Everything to know from NFC title game

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 14 straight points off of turnovers and then held on late in Green Bay, beating the top-seeded Packers 31-26 on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game and advancing to Super Bowl LV.

The Packers got 346 passing yards from Aaron Rodgers and three interceptions of Tom Brady, but too many mistakes and missed opportunities ended up being too much for Matt LaFleur’s team to overcome.

Here’s a full recap of the Bucs’ win over the Packers in the NFC title game:

Final score: Buccaneers 31, Packers 26

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It was over when...

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) argues a pass interference call during the 4th quarter of the Green Bay Packers 31-26 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC championship playoff game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

... Packers cornerback Kevin King was flagged for pass interference on third down with 1:39 left in the fourth quarter and Green Bay needing a stop to get the ball back. Officials caught King tugging on Tyler Johnson's jersey on a crossing route and threw the flag. The penalty gave the Buccaneers a new set of downs and allowed the visitors at Lambeau Field to kill the remaining clock.

Keys to the game

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Turnovers, and missed opportunities. The Packers had two crucial turnovers, one late in the first half and one to start the second. The Buccaneers scored 14 of their 31 points off the turnovers, with the second score giving Tampa Bay a 28-10 lead. The Packers mounted a comeback and had three chances with the ball to take the lead or tie the game in the fourth quarter but managed just a single field goal. In the first half, the Buccaneers were terrific on third down, converting their first six chances. Kicking two field goals in the red zone really ended up hurting the Packers, who finished first in the NFL in scoring touchdowns inside the 20-yard line this season.

Game balls

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WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: He caught four passes for a game-high 115 yards, including the game-tying 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also had a 24-yard catch in the second half during a touchdown drive, and his 29-yard catch on the Packers' final drive got the march going. CB Jaire Alexander: Another lockdown performance from the All-Pro. He intercepted Tom Brady twice, once on a tipped pass down the middle and another on an underthrown ball to the sideline. DL Kenny Clark: He led the Packers with eight tackles, and his third-down sack of Tom Brady in the first half was a crucial play. His presence in the middle was a big reason why the Packers only gave up 3.2 yards per carry.

Play of the game

https://twitter.com/packers/status/1353473828819783680 Two things to love here: Darnell Savage's blitz, forcing a prayer of a throw from Tom Brady, and also Jaire Alexander finding the ball, tracking the ball and making an athletic interception in a huge spot. The turnover gave the Packers the ball back down five points with nine minutes left. This could have been the moment that turned the game in the Packers' favor. Instead, the offense produced a quick three-and-out.

What it means

Another chance to get back to the Super Bowl wasted. And a special team becomes nothing more than a fart in the wind in NFL history. Without a doubt, the Packers accomplished great things during an incredible and unique season. Aaron Rodgers crafted one of his best seasons and is going to win a third MVP, and the Packers won 14 total games and the NFC North for the second straight season. But a second consecutive loss in the NFC Championship Game certainly feels like another wasted opportunity, especially this year with the game at Lambeau Field as the NFC's No. 1 seed. This was a great team that didn't get a Super Bowl. The drought is now at 10 years. And what will this team look like next season? Things change so fast in the NFL. The quarterback will turn 38. Big roster decisions are coming. All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari is recovering from an ACL injury. Uncertainty feels like the word to best describe the coming months.

Stats to know

Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first quarter of their NFC Championship game

– The Bucs sacked Aaron Rodgers five times. Shaq Barrett, facing Rick Wagner for much of the game, had three. – The Packers scored just seven points off their three takeaways. The Bucs had 14 on two. – Aaron Jones fumbled twice, losing one. He had just two fumbles all season coming into the game. – The Buccaneers were 9-for-14 on third down. They converted their first six third downs. – The Packers finished 2-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. The Bucs were 2-for-2. – Only six penalties were called in the game. Two on the Bucs, four on the Packers. Three of the Packers' penalties gave the Bucs a first down. – The Packers averaged only 5.9 net yards per passing attempt.

What's next

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A really busy offseason. The Packers have major decisions to make on pending free agents and a tough situation to deal with in terms of the salary cap. Several important players are likely to be playing elsewhere. This team could look much different to start 2021. The new league year will start in March. The start of the NFL draft is scheduled for April 29.