Philadelphia had more wins by the end of November than Tampa Bay managed all season as the Bucs came into the play-offs with a 9-8 record – the worst out of the 14 teams that progressed to the post-season.
Led by Baker Mayfield, who replaced the retired Tom Brady as their starting quarterback this season, the Bucs won five of their last six games to win the NFC South.
And the difference in each side’s form showed on wildcard weekend, with the Bucs gaining a 16-3 lead with three field goals and a 44-yard touchdown by David Moore.
A Dallas Goedert score just before half-time made it 16-9 and gave the Eagles hope of arresting their slump.
But that evaporated late in the third quarter as Tampa Bay forced Philly to concede a safety and the Eagles’ defence was again found wanting as Trey Palmer scored a 56-yard touchdown.
A late Chris Godwin score made it three touchdown passes and 337 passing yards for Mayfield, who has re-established himself a top QB on his third team since leaving the Cleveland Browns after the 2021 season.
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