MUNICH, GERMANY (SNN-TV) – Week 10 of the NFL kicked off in a big way today at around 9:30 this morning, just not state side, but in Germany.
The NFL’s first game in Germany appeared to be a success for the league, with a large crowd of enthusiastic fans packed in Allianz Arena for the historic game and the Bucs delivered a successful performance.
The Bucs got off to a great start and then held on through a thrilling fourth quarter to beat the Seahawks 21-16. The win improves the Bucs to 5-5 and cements their status as the clear leaders in the NFC South. The Seahawks fall to 6-4, and although they remain in first place in the NFC West, this loss hurts. Tampa Bay’s Leonard Fournette exited the game in the fourth quarter. The extent of the injury is not yet known.
Both quarterbacks played well but also had some notable mistakes. Tom Brady completed 22 of 29 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns, but he also had an ugly fourth-quarter interception that let the Seahawks back into a game the Bucs had been controlling throughout. Geno Smith completed 23 of 33 passes for 275 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions, but he did take three sacks and lose a costly fumble.
Seattle and Tampa Bay may both be hosting playoff games in January, and they may even meet again in the postseason.