Turnovers have been a big reason for the Dolphins’ lack of success. Tampa Bay relied on them to secure their first road win since 2016.
Last week, the Buccaneers defense (two turnovers, six sacks) held the New York Jets offense without a touchdown until the later stages of the fourth quarter. The absence of Jameis Winston (shoulder), for the second-straight week, allowed Ryan Fitzpatrick to build on his chemistry with the first-team offense.
Never one to shy away from making a tough throw, Jay Cutler‘s career has been littered with interceptions. The 34-year-old signal caller has yet to post a 2:1 touchdown-to interception ratio in his career. Twice (2009 & 2014), he has led the NFL in interceptions.
“Who is: Jay Cutler?”#JeopardySports #TBvsMIA pic.twitter.com/3Su07eQLUa
— Jeopardy! Sports (@JeopardySports) November 19, 2017
You saw more of the same today – Justin Evans, Kwon Alexander, and Robert McClain added to Cutler’s turnover total in the first half. Cutler did manage to connect with wide receiver Jarvis Landry, giving him 13 passing touchdowns this season. However, his nine interceptions are preventing him from any chance at the 2:1 ratio that has eluded him for eight years.
Questionable decision here:
Kwon Alexander comes up with the huge INT! ???? #LiTiRilla #Bucs pic.twitter.com/O71LDYR0ZL
— AllThingsBucs (4-6) (@AllThingsTBbucs) November 19, 2017
Miami fans have seen enough of Cutler. For several weeks, chants of “We want Moore” could be heard at Miami home games. After a second-quarter hit to the head, Dolphins fans got their wish.
Matt Moore gets his chance
With the Buccaneers leading 20-7 at halftime, Matt Moore started the third quarter. Cutler entered concussion protocol and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The back-up made the most of his opportunity going 17-of-28 for 282 yards and a touchdown.
Birthday Juice
Celebrating his 23rd birthday, OJ Howard picked up the fourth score of his rookie campaign. He finished the game with three receptions for 52 yards.
FINAL: @TBBuccaneers win back-to-back games! #Bucs #TBvsMIA pic.twitter.com/ZZS0a7MlH5
— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2017
For the Win
Patrick Murray, in his second stint with the team, has been a pleasant addition to this team. After Moore rallied the Dolphins, tying the game with three minutes to play, the Bucs offense took the field looking for their first road victory since December 4, 2016.
“I take every kick the same, it doesn’t matter the situation of the game. Going out on that field after Fitz and the offense drove down there, they did a terrific job…I knew I was gonna make it. I knew it was going to go right down the middle,” Murray said after the game.
With :07 left on the clock, Murray’s kick lifted the Buccaneers to their fourth win of the season.
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