Tonight, we’re doing something different for the Monday Night game. Andy is on team Tampa Bay and I’m rooting for my Texas team, the Houston Texans. But we aren’t just picking sides; we’re matching our picks with a four-beer flight from each city. We have two beers from Florida and two from Houston. Let’s see which team—and which brew—comes out on top!

The Pour: Tampa Bay’s First Half

The Bucs came out of the gate with two explosive drives, and so did our first beer selection. Finding a Tampa brewery in Dallas was a challenge, but we tracked down two champions from Cigar City Brewing. Our first was the Florida Man Double IPA. Like a daring Baker Mayfield, this beer was all grit and bold flavor. It delivered a strong first impression with a tropical, sweet profile that felt like a beautiful long-bomb pass downfield.

Next on the playbook was their classic Jai Alai American IPA. This brew had a name that was almost as tricky to say as the Buc’s rookie, Emeka Egbuka. But just like Egbuka’s perfectly executed 15-yard touchdown, this flavorful beer gave the team a strong 14-10 lead at the half. Andy and I both agreed this was a strong opening drive for the Bucs’ beer side.

The Power: The Houston Comeback

The third quarter was a defensive battle on the field, with neither team scoring. But on our end, the game was heating up! Houston’s half of the flight brought two heavy hitters from Saint Arnold Brewing Co. First up was their classic Amber Ale—a reliable, well-balanced brew with a malty body and a sweet, caramel finish. It was the perfect counterpunch to the Bucs’ big plays. Next, we had their Juicy IPA, a vibrant, medium-bodied beer loaded with tropical and citrus notes. Just as the Texans began a fiery comeback with a field goal and a touchdown, these two brews were gaining momentum in our flight. Andy thought the Juicy IPA was the game-changer, while I stood by the Amber Ale. Unfortunately for the Texans, their momentum stalled on a failed two-point conversion—a costly mistake that left the door open for a Tampa Bay victory.

The Punt: Final Verdict

In a thrilling finish, the Bucs executed a perfect game-winning drive, scoring a touchdown with just six seconds left on the clock to secure the 20-19 victory. And in our challenge, the results were no different. After a full-time review, we had to give the win to Tampa Bay. While both teams brought a strong flight, the two selections from Cigar City Brewing were simply a more complex and innovative pair. They sealed the win with their bold, memorable flavors—a true championship performance.