On December 8, 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bucs) faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders at Raymond James Stadium for Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season. The final score: Bucs 28, Raiders 13.
Basic Team Overview
The Bucs improved to 7–6 with this win. The Raiders dropped to 2–11. Sunday’s result furthered a tough stretch for Las Vegas.
Team Statistics
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Time of Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | 286 yards | 195 yards | 91 yards | 31:30 |
| Bucs | 420 yards | 268 yards | 152 yards | 28:30 |
Key takeaways from the table:
- The Bucs outgained the Raiders by a large margin (420 vs. 286 yards).
- Las Vegas actually held the ball a bit longer, but could not convert that into more yardage or points.
- Tampa’s rushing game was much more effective (152 yards) than the Raiders’ (91 yards).
Top Player Performances
Here we focus on some of the standout players who influenced the game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 18 of 29 passes for 295 yards, threw 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
- Running back Rachaad White had 17 carries for 90 yards and 1 rushing TD.
- Wide receiver Jalen McMillan recorded 4 receptions for 59 yards and 2 receiving TDs.
- Tight end Cade Otton had 3 catches for 70 yards, including a 44 yard reception that led to a McMillan touchdown.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Quarterbacks: Starter Aidan O’Connell went 11/19 for 104 yards and 1 interception before leaving the game due to injury. Backup Desmond Ridder went 12/18 for 101 yards.
- Running back Sincere McCormick carried 15 times for 78 yards.
- Defensive standout: Tre’von Moehrig logged 8 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 3 passes defended. He allowed only 2 completions on 5 targets for 21 yards, an impressive stat despite the loss.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
- The Bucs started strong, scoring 14 points in the first quarter while the Raiders were held scoreless. The Raiders had to dig out of a hole.
- Tampa’s rushing game made a big difference, as White’s 90 yards helped keep drives alive and wear down the Raiders defense.
- The Raiders offense struggled to get going, especially after their starter left with injury.
- Even though Las Vegas had more time of possession, they did not convert that into sustained yardage or many points.
- A key play: Otton’s 44 yard catch set up a McMillan touchdown, showing how explosive plays can swing momentum.
Why This Match Matters
- For the Bucs, the win placed them at the top of the NFC South at that point in the season.
- The Raiders continued their losing streak and struggled to find rhythm.
- From a stats point of view, Tampa reached over 400 yards of offense again, marking their seventh such game in 2024.
- This match gives a good picture of both teams: Tampa showing balance and power, Las Vegas struggling to turn effort into results.
What To Take Away
- Good teams not only hold the ball, but also gain yards and score while doing so. Tampa did that, Las Vegas did not.
- Explosive plays matter: long passes, big runs, and sudden TDs can change games fast.
- Injuries and change in quarterback can quickly shift a game’s direction.
- Time of possession alone doesn’t guarantee success; efficiency and execution are what really matter.
- Defensively, even strong individual efforts like Moehrig’s may not bring wins if the offense fails to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the Raiders vs Buccaneers game?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28, Las Vegas Raiders 13. - Who was the Bucs’ leading passer in the game?
Baker Mayfield completed 18 of 29 passes for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns. - How many rushing yards did the Raiders have?
Las Vegas rushed for 91 yards. - Which Raider player had the most rushing yards?
Sincere McCormick carried 15 times for 78 yards. - How many yards did the Bucs have in total offense?
The Bucs had 420 total yards of offense. - Did any Bucs receiver score more than one touchdown?
Yes, Jalen McMillan caught two receiving touchdowns. - What happened to the Raiders starting quarterback?
Aidan O’Connell started but left the game with injury and was replaced by Desmond Ridder. - Which Raider defensive player stood out despite the loss?
Tre’von Moehrig was impressive with 8 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 3 passes defended. - How did the Bucs perform in the rushing game?
They rushed for 152 yards, averaging about 5.8 yards per carry. - Did the Raiders win the time of possession battle?
Yes, the Raiders held the ball for 31 minutes and 30 seconds, but they did not turn that into more points.
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