The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue their struggles even more without injured quarterback Jameis Winston and suspended WR Mike Evans. The offense had a hard time gaining any kind of rhythm.
A Parade of Sacks
Coming into today’s game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had eight sacks, yes you read that correct eight sacks in eight games. That’s an NFL worst statistic, but there was a bright spot today. The team was able to get to McCown six times, yes I know that’s almost as many as they had heading into the game.
Tale of two players
For the first time in two years the Bucs will be without starting quarterback Jameis Winston. And due to a suspension from an altercation last week the team will also be without WR Mike Evans. In the first quarter it was evident that neither player was in. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a good backup, but nothing more than that. In the first quarter Fitzpatrick was able to go 5-9 for 63 yards while also rushing for an impressive three yards. Yes, I said he had an impressive three yards watch the replays you’ll know why.
Welcome Back, Grimes
In his first game back, beleaguered cornerback Brent Grimes showed his impressive hand eye coordination. On a deep pass by McCown, Grimes would look back leap and intercept a pass, returning it 28 yards. Unfortunately, on the very next play in the second quarter, Fitzpatrick would target Chris Godwin near the five-yard line. Jets DB would step in front of it and intercept the pass giving the Jets the ball right back.
A Kickers Game
Patrick Murray and Chandler Catanzaro accounted for all points scored through 50 minutes of the game. The Bucs held a 3-0 lead until the end of the second quarter when Catanzaro connected on a 47-yard field goal. With almost five minutes gone in the third quarter, Murray would notch another three points for the Bucs with a 49-yard FG. Then as the final moments ticked off the clock in the third, Murray connected on another FG. This one was from 37 yards away. So far since his return to the Bucs, Murray has only missed one FG. An improvement from the prior two kickers.
Trading Touchdowns
Late in the 4th quarter it seems both quarterbacks would figure out where the endzone was. Fitzpatrick was the first to get his team six points when he found Charles Sims with a six-yard pass to take a 15-3 lead. With only 30 seconds left in the game, McCown would find Robby Anderson with a long 38-yard pass. The Bucs would lead 15-10 with 28 seconds on the game clock. While the Jets got close it was too little too late, the Bucs would go on to win 15-10.
The other Evans
So far, this season rookie Justin Evans has made a case to be in the starting lineup. He’s fifth on he team coming into the game in tackles, 33 total 24 are solo. It’s not just that though, He also has one interception on the season, which happened to come off Tom Brady. A guy who rarely makes mistakes. His heads-up play will continue to keep him in the lineup.
3rd Down Woes
While this was a close contest, neither team could really do anything on 3rd down. While I wouldn’t consider this a “Defensive Contest” it was a close game, but it wasn’t. Both quarterbacks just didn’t have good games. And lets be honest not having Mike Evans for Fitzpatrick hurt too.
