In a game that had everything — clutch quarterback play, dramatic lead changes, and a walk-off field goal — it was veteran linebacker Lavonte David who delivered the defining moment.
David’s interception with 58 seconds remaining set up a game-winning 39-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers escaped with a thrilling 38-35 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon.
🧨 Fourth-Quarter Fireworks
After trailing 35-28 with just over a minute to play, Baker Mayfield marched the Buccaneers down the field with poise and precision, capping the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard to tie the game at 35-35 with 1:08 left.
But the Bucs weren’t done.
On the ensuing drive, Sam Darnold attempted a pass under pressure that bounced off defensive end Logan Hall’s helmet and into the waiting arms of Lavonte David. The interception gave Tampa Bay the ball at Seattle’s 36-yard line.
“That’s what Lavonte’s done his whole career — make big plays when they matter most,” head coach Todd Bowles said postgame.
🎯 McLaughlin Sends Raymond James Into a Frenzy
From there, it was all business. Rachaad White carried the ball three times to bring the Buccaneers comfortably into field goal range. After Mayfield took a knee to milk the clock, McLaughlin drilled the 39-yarder as time expired.
It was his third field goal of the day and easily the most important.
🔥 Mayfield, Darnold Trade Blows in Redemption Duel
Once considered NFL castoffs, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold showed exactly why they’re getting second chances.
🔴 Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers)
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29-of-33 passing
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379 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
🔵 Sam Darnold (Seahawks)
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28-of-34 passing
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341 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT
The two former Panthers teammates combined for 720 passing yards and just 10 incompletions in what was one of the most entertaining quarterback duels of the season.
🏈 Stars Shine Bright: Egbuka and Smith-Njigba Light It Up
Ohio State fans had plenty to cheer about as two Buckeye products put on a show:
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Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers): 7 receptions, 163 yards, 1 TD
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks): 8 receptions, 132 yards, 1 TD
Both receivers were instrumental in their team’s offensive success and provided several highlight-reel plays.
📈 Game Flow Recap
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Bucs jump out 13-0 late in the 2nd quarter
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Seahawks take 14-13 lead early in the 3rd
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Tampa regains control, leading 28-21
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Darnold fires two 4th-quarter TDs, giving Seattle a 35-28 lead
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Mayfield ties it, David picks off Darnold, and McLaughlin wins it
🏥 Injury Report
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Buccaneers:
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RB Josh Williams left in the third quarter (concussion evaluation)
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Seahawks:
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LB Derick Hall (oblique)
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CB Riq Woolen (concussion evaluation) — both ruled out after leaving in the third
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🔮 What’s Next
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Buccaneers (4-1): Return home to host the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday.
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Seahawks (3-2): Travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
📌 Final Word
The Buccaneers continue to defy expectations. With Mayfield commanding the offense, Lavonte David anchoring the defense, and Chase McLaughlin coming up clutch, Tampa Bay is now 4-1 and firmly in the NFC playoff conversation.
And if Sunday’s win showed anything, it’s that this team believes in finishing — no matter the circumstance.
For more Buccaneers coverage, player interviews, and film room breakdowns, stay locked in to FanStreamSports.com.






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