The Buccaneers just went to Los Angeles and beat the Rams 55-40 to start off a 5-game away game stretch. In what seemed to be one of the most offense-driven games in NFL history, it was the Buccaneers’ defense that pulled it together at the end.
After what a lot of people were expecting to be a complete blowout, the Buccaneers responded to their loss against the Giants quite nicely. Not only did the Buccaneers set a franchise record of most points in a game tonight, Quarterback Jameis Winston played extremely well (besides the pick-six on the forced throw) for the majority of the game.
Positive Points
A lot of good was to come out from tonight’s victory, the first being Jameis Winston. Winston finished tonight’s game with a QBR of 120.5, completing 28 passes on 41 attempts. Throwing 4 TDs and one INT. Overall, Buccaneers fans can allow themselves to be happy with their quarterback, if for no other reason, putting 55 points on the board against a 3-0 team.
The next positive would be the defensive line; who knew the Buccaneers would be signing an elite pass-rusher in Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett? Barrett has nine sacks and three forced fumbles going into week five of the season, and up until this point he has been unstoppable. Barrett finished tonight with four tackles and one forced fumble. That was the game-ending fumble recovery touchdown by Defensive Tackle Ndumakong Suh.
Halfback Ronald Jones was also another bright spot in tonight’s victory for the Buccaneers. Jones showed tremendous second effort time after time tonight, keeping his legs going and finishing the run. Finishing tonight’s victory with 70 yards on 19 touches and a touchdown isn’t half bad. Especially when considering he had two 30+ yard runs called back from penalties.
As stated before, there are plenty of good things to take away for Buccaneers fans after this victory. Kicker Matt Gay performed when his name was called tonight, and despite kicking for debatably the hardest city in the country to be a kicker for, Gay showed up and did his job. Gay finished the night 2/2 on attempts with his longest being a 58 yard attempt where he had plenty of leg leftover.
The Final Say
Overall it was a great game, especially for those who like offensive play. Despite some blemishes that the Buccaneers need to clean up (ie: giving up 518 yards of offense), the momentum for the time being has seemed to have shifted for Tampa Bay. Their next test: The New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.
Photo credit: buccaneers.com
