WASHINGTON (AFP) — Tom Brady threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lift Tampa Bay into the National Football League playoffs on Sunday while the New York Giants also booked a post-season berth.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady, 45, completed 34 of 45 passes for 432 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:58 remaining as the Buccaneers beat Carolina 30-24.
Mike Evans made 10 catches for 207 yards — including touchdown grabs of 30, 57 and 63 yards from Brady — and the Bucs (8-8) took the NFC South crown for Brady’s 19th career division title.
“It felt great. Happy to win the division,” Brady said. “Really proud of our guys. We battled through a lot of tough things this year.”
Bucs punter Jake Camarda grabbed a bad snap and managed a kick in the dying seconds to avoid giving Carolina the ball with great field position, saving the triumph.
“Wish they wouldn’t be as exciting as we made them but happy we got the win,” Brady said. “Nice to qualify. We’ll try to finish strong.”
The Giants reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season thanks to a 38-10 home victory over Indianapolis.
