The Bucs were solid in all facets of the game during their 30-13 rout of the Cleveland Browns in Tampa last night.
The offense started out fast, as had been discussed by the coaches and players all week.
Jameis Winston, who only played the first half, finished 16-25 for 259 yards and 2 TDs, with a QBR of 125.3. He threw several darts to Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, at one point going 7-10.
Evans also looked sharp as he was targeted 5 times, catching all 5 passes for 115 yds and a TD. Jackson also had 4 catches for 76 yards.
Adam Humphries had a good night that was highlighted by a 73 yd punt return for a TD. Humphries also caught 2 passes for 39 yds to solidify his spot as #3 receiver.
Russell Hansbrough led the Bucs running attack with 9 rushes for 27 yrs.
Roberto Aguayo was also perfect, hitting all 3 FG attempts and all 3 PATs, hopefully starting to silence critics, as of late. He had FGs of 21,28 and 47 yds, respectively. Aguayo was also solid on kickoffs, not allowing a return.
The makeshift offensive line did not allow a sack while playing without JR Sweezy, Ali Marpet and Kevin Pamphile, who’s mother passed away.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bucs recorded 8 sacks, with 5 in the first half.
Jacquies Smith recorded 2 sacks while rookie Noah Spence recorded his first NFL sack. Gerald McCoy and Robert Ayers also joined the party while teaming up for another sack. The defense held the Browns to under 50 yds rushing in the first half.
Second-year LB Kwon Alexander led the defense with 7 tackles, including 5 solo, and also had a sack. Perhaps most impressively, the Bucs only had 3 penalties for 25 yds. They have gradually improved in penalties with 12 in week 1 and 8 last week, while last night’s 3 total, impressed the entire coaching staff and drew high praise from head coach Dirk Koetter. It’s all about discipline, Koetter said.
Among the many highlights was the special team’s play, which included Humphries punt return for a TD, which in Tampa, we haven’t seen many kicks or punt returns for a TD over the years (Last punt return for a Td was in 2009). Also Bernard Reedy had a 43 yd return, as he is trying to make the cut. Aguayo’s accuracy was also a key point.
The Bucs played solid in the 3 main facets of the game and highly impressed head coach Dirk Koetter. It’s definitely something to build upon, Koetter said.
