NFL Week 16 Game Recap: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30, Jacksonville Jaguars 12

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, with the Jaguars' defense proving to be toothless once again. Baker Mayfield logged another exceptional outing in what has been a great month for him as he looks to sign a major contract this offseason. The other former No. 1 overall pick quarterback in this game, Trevor Lawrence, left early with a shoulder injury after throwing multiple interceptions.

Tampa Bay looked strong on the defensive side, as well, getting production at all three levels from veterans and an exciting crop of rookies. The Buccaneers maintained their hold on the NFC South and improved to 8-7 with a 30-12 victory.

Offensive spotlight: Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley came to life in the second half with four receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown in the third quarter alone, though everything Jacksonville did came in garbage time.

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans continued his remarkable 2023 campaign, hauling in six receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He made several contested grabs over the arms of outstretched defenders.

Defensive spotlight: Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun made seven solo tackles and a game-high 12 total tackles. Jacksonville’s run defense was once again stout, but they haven’t been able to cover anyone over the past month. Over their past four games, the Jaguars have surrendered 30-plus points to the Cleveland Browns led by Joe Flacco, the Cincinnati Bengals led by Jake Browning and the Buccaneers in this contest.

Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David looked more like his usual dominant self a few weeks after returning from injury, with a game-high eight solo tackles, a sack, a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.

Rookie spotlight: Jaguars rookie wide receiver Parker Washington made two receptions for 19 yards in a larger role following the loss of wide receiver Zay Jones to injury, but Jacksonville’s offense just couldn’t sustain many drives throughout the game.

Buccaneers rookie edge defender Yaya Diaby continues to break out over the second half of the season, logging 1.5 sacks, another quarterback hit and a tackle for loss against the run.

Box Score

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Receiving