The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Sunday's NFC wild card round playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles dealing with numerous injuries. Prior to kickoff, it was announced that Leonard Fournette was inactive. Ronald Jones II was already ruled out earlier in the week. That left Gio Bernard and Ke'Shawn Vaughn as the only healthy running backs.
After the Buccaneers big win, 31-15, quarterback Tom Brady heaped praise at his veteran tailback, Gio Bernard.
Brady says Gio Bernard had "a huge game for us" to step up into bigger role in first game back, with Fournette and Jones out.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 16, 2022
Brady talked about how important Bernard's role was, saying he (Bernard) had “a huge game for us.”
Bernard ran the ball 13 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for another 39 yards and was Brady's second leading receiver in the game.
The Bucs had placed Bernard on injured reserve the first week of December with an MCL injury. Brady and the Bucs offense needed the help with both of their top two running backs ruled out.
Tampa Bay built a 31-0 lead over the Philadelphia Eagles, mixing a good run game with Brady and the passing game. Brady finished 29 for 37 for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans led the way with nine catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. The nine catches set a playoff franchise record.
It wasn't all great news for the Buccaneers as Pro Bowl right tackle Tristan Wirfs was hurt during the game with an apparent leg injury. He tried returning but hobbled off the field again.
Tampa Bay awaits their opponent for the divisional round next weekend. They will play at home once again, either against the Dallas Cowboys or the winner of the Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams game.
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