WATCH: Mike Evans Scores Two Touchdowns, Antoine Winfield Jr. Snags Interception as Bucs Take Huge First-Half Lead

In this story:
The first 30 minutes of play went every bit of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers way on Christmas Eve. Taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buccaneers were looking to extend their winning streak to four games and maintain a lead in the NFC South as their playoff search continued.
Again, through the first half of play, the Buccaneers were cruising. By halftime, they led the Jaguars 20-0, which included Trevor Lawrence gift-wrapping two interceptions to the Buccaneers. Devin White picked off the first one as Antonine Winfield Jr. grabbed the second.
Antoine Winfield Jr. with the INTERCEPTION on Trevor Lawrence!
— BucsGameday (@BucsGameday) December 24, 2023
His second thrown INT today. #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/L2H40zt9wP
The defense did its part, obviously, in the first half as they shut out the Jaguars, who received news late in the week that Lawrence cleared concussion protocols and would be active for the matchup.
Baker Mayfield Gets Massive Pay Day if Buccaneers Win NFC South
On top of that, the offense backed up the defense, scoring 20 points in the half. While they had to settle for two field goals, Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans connected for two touchdowns to ensure the Buccaneers could extend their lead and build some comfort ahead of the second half.
Evans has six catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns at the break. His first touchdown was just after White's interception, with his second touchdown following Winfield's takeaway.
MIKE! 🔥
— BucsGameday (@BucsGameday) December 24, 2023
Baker Mayfield finds Mike Evans off the side for a TOUCHDOWN! #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/CIcpIEwpbI
MAYFIELD TO MIKE 🔥
— BucsGameday (@BucsGameday) December 24, 2023
Mayfield with a STRIKE to Evans for a 22-yard TOUCHDOWN!
Buccaneers lead the Jaguars 20-0 with 45 seconds left in the first half. #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/oZvrOVRjFO
The Buccaneers will have to continue to execute in all aspects of the game in the second half, but they set themselves up nicely to cruise through the rest of the game to advance to 8-7 on the season.
VIDEO: Buccaneers’ Devin White Makes Huge Play Intercepting Trevor Lawrence
Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season.

Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's FanNation in 2022.