NFL Notebook: Buccaneers edge Eagles

Tom Brady (12) of the Buccaneers warms up before the regular season game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)

The reigning Super Bowl champs held on in a Thursday night thriller to kick off Week 6 of the 2021 National Football League season. A recap of that contest, and a terrible gambling beat for many who had skin in the game, kicks off this week’s NFL Notebook.

Bucs Edge Eagles, 28-22

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers survived a late rally from the Philadelphia Eagles and moved to 5-1 with the six-point win. Leonard Fournette had a pair of rushing touchdowns in the win, and the Bucs outgained the Eagles 399-213 over the course of the contest.

Leonard Fournette is in the end zone again, and the rout appears to be on in Philly! 👊

Fournette to score two TDs (+650) 💵
Fournette Over 63.5 rush yds 💵#GoBucs | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/yKARlKqEph
— TwinSpires Sportsbook 💵 (@TS_Sportsbook) October 15, 2021

The Eagles, though, got two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Jalen Hurts, and Philly got within six after a surprising two-point conversion proved successful. On that note...

Ouch, TB Bettors

The point spread for much of the week was Tampa Bay giving either six and a half or seven points. When Hurts raced in for his second touchdown, many expected Philadelphia to kick the extra point and draw within seven. However, Hurts found Quez Watkins instead, and those who bet the Bucs to cover were left shredding tickets when the 28-22 score held firm for the final 5:54 of the game.

COVID Affects Arizona, Chicago

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Thursday that the Cardinals have had three positive COVID-19 tests this week.

Per source, there have been three positive COVID tests reported with the Arizona Cardinals this week, leading to increased testing for several players and personnel. The team is not yet required to move to intensive protocols, but one more positive test would put them there.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) October 14, 2021

Linebacker Chandler Jones was one of them, and he’s unlikely to suit up this weekend against the Browns. Meanwhile, Chicago Bears running back Damien Williams also tested positive, just a few days after totaling 64 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win over the Raiders. If he’s unable to go this week against the Packers, Khalil Herbert would likely shoulder most of the load in the backfield.

Taylor’s Number to be Retired by WFT

We’ll finish this week’s roundup with some good news from Washington (which has, of course, been in short supply of late due to the story we’ve all heard about by now). Late safety Sean Taylor’s number 21 will be retired by the Washington Football Team this Sunday, and a road to the team’s stadium will be renamed in his honor.

The Washington Football Team announced they will retire Sean Taylor's No. 21 during Sunday's game against the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/wg1HfWfTCs
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 14, 2021

Taylor will be only the third member of the franchise to have his number formally retired, following Sammy Baugh and Bobby Mitchell.

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