Tom Brady’s frustrating first half ends with interception.
Tom Brady was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct during the second quarter after complaining to the officials about what looked to be a hit to his face by Rams linebacker Von Miller.
The 15-yard penalty was the Buccaneers’ fourth penalty of the game. Brady had never been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct or taunting in his career before then, according to ESPN.
The flag came in the midst of Brady and the Buccaneers’ most productive drive of the game so far. Brady converted on second-and-17 from the Rams’ 50-yard line, finding Leonard Fournette for a 19-yard gain, but stalled out three plays later. Ryan Succop missed the 48-yard field goal attempt, leaving the score at 17-3.
The Rams milked the clock on their possession, taking 6:41 on a 21-play drive which ended in a 40-yard field goal, putting Los Angeles up, 20-3.
Aaron Donald sacked Brady on first down of the next possession, backing Tampa Bay up to the 8-yard line, and Brady’s pass to Rob Gronkowski on second down was picked off by Rams safety Nick Scott.
Brady, who led the league in passing yards during the regular season has not done much in the first half against the Rams, with no touchdown throws, an interception and a sack. He has 112 yards on 10 of 22 passing.
He didn’t complete his first pass until the Buccaneers’ third possession of the game, a likely reason for his visible frustration.