Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates a touchdown with wide receivers Mike Evans (13) and Trey Palmer (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a NFC wild-card game at Raymond James Stadium. Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bucs add 56-yard touchdown to break open wild-card game

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 1/15/24

Just as it looked like the Eagles were about to make Monday night's game competitive, the Buccaneers broke it wide open.

Following a safety, Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer took a short six-yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield and turned it into a 56-yard touchdown to give Tampa Bay a 25-9 lead in the third quarter.

ONCE AGAIN, HOW Y'ALL FEELING BUCS FANS?!

: #PHIvsTB on ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/rFlj59UzNi pic.twitter.com/VtoFNKaLZ5
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024

The score was made possible because of Eagles cornerback James Bradberry's poor attempt at a tackle. The Philly Inquirer's Jeff McLane was critical of the veteran corner after the play.

Don't think I've ever seen a cornerback decline the way James Bradberry has this season. Was one of the best at his position a year ago. Has struggled to cover and tackle all season.

Bucs, 25-9.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 16, 2024

Per data from Pro Football Focus, quarterbacks had an excellent 108.6 passer rating this season when targeting Bradberry, including 56 receptions for 689 yards and nine touchdowns.

Safety Kevin Byard, who the Eagles acquired from the Titans for 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks in October, also looked bad on the play, taking a poor angle as he attempted to corral Palmer, exacerbating Bradberry's mistake.

Tackling has been an issue the entire game. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Tampa Bay receivers have gained 75.3% of their yards after the catch.

Baker Mayfield & Trey Palmer (56-yd TD) ️

Palmer Top Speed: 20.78 mph
Yards After Catch: 50
YAC Over Expected: +49

Palmer: Fastest speed as a ball carrier of career; Bucs receivers have gained 195 of 259 yards after the catch, +79 YACOE.#PHIvsTB | #RaiseTheFlags pic.twitter.com/5FqvOys5nj
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 16, 2024

Palmer's touchdown appears to have been the nail in the Eagles' coffin. Barring a late collapse, the Bucs will play the Lions in Detroit on Sunday.

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